This blog is maintained for the sole purpose of allowing the people of Peru and those interested in the cities of the Illinois Valley to express their views.
“It doesn’t take a majority to win, just a tireless minority that will keep starting brush fires in the mind and hearts of their fellow men.” Samuel Adams
We have an outsider come to work for the city and he discovers in what, a month, fraud and corruption without even looking. This confirms the need to hire from outside the Illinois Valley. The very first thing the council needs to do is repeal the residency requirement, if it even really exists. Across the board for now, maybe bring it back in the future – five years or so – for policemen and firemen. The next thing the council needs to do is approve a resolution to put on the ballot a change in Peru’s form of government to Council – Manager. What can we do? Start writing letters and calling State’s Attorney Towne reminding him of his responsibilities as a prosecutor. No email, letters followed up by calls! Next, we need an independent investigator from outside the Illinois Valley, maybe outside the state, to investigate every facet of city finance. I guarantee, there is more to be found.
Good report. I don't see any criminal charges coming from this but the political ramifications are sure to be loud and clear in the next election, as they should be. Voters will need to decide if the Mayor was swinging his new found political clout or was too inexperience to know better. One thing is for sure, $34,728.11 in tax payer dollars was spent improperly. Aside from the drama of how the Mayor hangs on to his job after the next election and the "outrage" of some council members, how do the tax payers get back their money? A few more questions. What does Local 150 have to say about this? Was the union approached with this problem of foreman pay? I'm sure I would have talked with my union representative about the oversight. Maybe the Mayor should have directed the employee in that direction, or maybe he did.
As I told you people last month. Justice was cheated again in Peru. The judge provided an indifferent report with absolutely no authority behind it and seven of eight aldermen voted to send it off to the States Attorney in LaSalle County for a swift and painful death. It's over folks and "Evil" has prevailed in Peru again. When will Peru voters realize that the only way to reform this city is to "PURGE" every alderman from that council except Perez. Having only one alderman with integrity out of a total of eight is a sad state of affairs. If you don't replace them they will continue to rot your city from the inside out. Good Luck Peru. Your elected officials have swept another scandal under the rug.
Lois, to my understanding there are 12 pages in the full report. Why do you only have 9 pages on the blog? Is there something that you don't want people too see? I usually done waste my time reading what the 15-20 people that respond on this blog spot think. However, in the interest of fairness, don't you think your readers should get the full story and not just the part that you want them to see? If your wanting to play ball per say. Then play fair.
9:47 AM First thanks for your confidence. Second I received this from a second party and this is the information he received from our city clerk. Sorry that is all the information I have and sorry you are so suspicious. But I am being facetious because I am not sorry at all but you should be.
Just as i thought . nothing wrong in peru just harl mdoing things his way as usual . thats not5 a surprise to me i know the ------- ! 35,000.00 is just a drop in the bucket . how much more has been givein away ? welcome to the looser of the valley (PERU)!
Only receive a partial report from clerks office. Not surprising. Red flags at best. Give the whole report not a little! Harl needs to resign. Now people, makes me question the people who Harl has appointed to positions in the city. And how their salaries were determined, with what other under the table deals. Wipe the slate clean with all of them and start over. ALDERMAN/PEOPLE, wake up!!!!
8:06 What justice are you seeking? The report has been forwarded to the Office of the State's Attorney. 7/8 Alderman voted to send the report. One Alderman did not. Your opinion and the City Council's opinion is meaningless, the only opinion that counts is the Office of The State's Attorney.
Long ago it was agreed that political parties and organized movements monies intended for another purpose do not have a place in small town government such as Peru. Possibly these are not the influences at fault but whatever the influences they should be stopped. I cannot support a city representative that addresses another city representative as the Mayor addressed and treated Ald. Perez. To bully a alderman by misuse of his elected title and to point out that there was a 7 to 1 vote should be another mistake by someone in a position which rightfully demands so much more. The present investigation may only be the start if the lack of respect shown is allowed to be carried on. The potential progress of Peru is in a backwards direction and those at fault should and must be replaced no matter how high in the chain.
I read the full report and anything after what Lois has posted here is Judge Balestris input. All facts of the fraud is on Lois's report. I frankly don't care what the biased judge had to say. Are you all aware Harls Attorney Raccuglia and Balestri are friends and have been for many many years.
Should Mayor Harl take a leave of absense from office while this is in the hands of the states attorney's office? To me it seems that would be the right thing to do.
To 11:00 am, What you don't seem to understand is the fact that sending the report to the State's Attorney, Brian Towne has nothing to do with Justice being served. Brian Towne, a fellow Democrat and campaign donor to "Scott Harl for Mayor" ensures only one thing. Mr. Towne will have no intention of pursuing any form of legitimate investigation into this matter. Don't you get it. That is exactly how the aldermen knew this would play out all along. Why do you think they did not refer the matter to an actual "Law Enforcement Agency" like the State Police in the first place. The aldermen (Perez excluded) created the illusion that they were acting responsibly, but they made sure to arrange for the matter to never reach an an indeperndent authority that would actually have the power to see it clearly. Neither Balestri or any other "private citizen" should have been engaged to decide this matter. Brina Towne will do nothing and the aldermen will be happy that the matter will soon be forgotten by an elctorate that continues to vote for people of low moral and ethical character, (Perez excluded).
11:05 Watch the video and then decide who was responsible for the lack of respect. The 7-1 vote was to receive the report, place it on file for the public to review and forward to the State's Attorney's Office. Ald.Perez must of had some reason to not release the report or send it to the Office of the State's Attorney.
I totally agree with you 11:05. I too cannot support a representative who not only treats citizens, but also fellow representatives contempt and disdain.
I was interested in applying for the vacancy on the Rec Board but was told "don't bother" because the mayor has already made his decision. Applications supposedly can still be accepted until Jan. 31st and interviews haven't even been held yet. Time will tell if this is true because people know who his supposed choice is.
11:41 a person would be a fool not to know that. One was a judge in LaSalle County and one is still an attorney in LaSalle County. Remember there is the Illinois Bar Association. Check the site out, very interesting.
We should start making things inconvenient for the City and Mayor Harl. Pay your utility bill at the last possible minute, in cash. Send a post card every day asking for Harl's resignation. Send one to City Hall and one to his home. Write letters to the Open Forum. There should be 20 or 30 people making some sort of public comment at every council meeting. As long as you tie it to an agenda item, you can talk for three minutes and it does not necessarily need to make any sense.
After reading I would concur criminal prosecution would be meaningless. But that has little ro do with it really. In a vast majority of towns this would receive a council sanction and possibly a resignation.
Staying on the fringe of legality has little to do with impropriety and lack of maintaining the peoples trust. This what has come to light. How much is a culture of hiding and nepotism?
Even in apparent victory, Harl and his lackey attorney are threatening action of slander for the simple act of taking the matter to authorities. They both know the chances that would have of not being laughed out of court. There is meat to these accusations, they are not out of the blue lies.
I am most frightened by the local new coverage. The articles hav minimized the wrong doing. A previous one cast a cloud of doubt on the whistleblower. Illinois valley retribution and cover ups are alive and well.
Lois, you made mention earlier that I should be sorry. Is that because I pointed out your mistake? Once again Lois, you give your readers part of the information and not all of it. As you also mentioned earlier, you received your information from a second party. That seems to be the case with most of the comments and posts on this blog. Nothing more then second or third hand information or hearsay. I would suggest that before you and your clan make attacks on workers or politicians, make sure all your ducks are in a row. Sorry Lois but this mistake is your own. Please print the rest of the report. Let's have all the facts.
The news paper basically said it is OK for the Mayor to lie. I'm tired of this paper and their refusal to publish any in depth reports on what is wrong with this area. I will be canceling my subscription today.
Don't like slander. Remember that it's very had to convict on slander allegations. Most people wouldn't even file a case on slander, because many worms come out and more information becomes public. People sometimes use saying they are being slandered as a bullying tactic to try and get one to stop letting true information get out to the public. One time a friend of mine was told by a person that they were going to bring charges on them for slander. Guess what, no changes file because what was being said was the truth. The person was trying to scare my friend! Didn't work, because it was the truth. A honest and transparent and a person with intregity would not ever have to worry about slanderous comments.
Wasn't there many questions regarding donation money? Concert donations, Liberty Fire Company donations? Car club donation/Operation Promise donations. Should an investigation and report happen in these cases also? Transparency!!!!! There is always a tip on a iceberg.
12:26 my daddy told me a long time ago that if you don't apply you won't get picked. I applied for the job on the farm and was picked.The only guarantee you have is that if you don't apply you won't get appointed.
Mr. Harl (I'll no longer call him Mayor and definitely will not call him "Your Honor" "His Honor" or anything dealing with the word honor, anyway, they need to review the case of New York Times vs. Sullivan if they think they can consider a defamation case.
Just read tonight paper regarding investigation for payroll. Noticed Harl appointed co-superintendents a while back. Now, not too long ago Harl appointed two temporary co-superintendents of SPW saying they will receive no additional salary in pay. Just funny how six weeks approx. ago Harl made that be known. Fishy if you think about the whole thing. State Police should be involved. Maybe the Feds also.
If there is no advertisement for job opening then how is one who may be interested and has the qualification going to apply? Under the tar appointing and hiring. Seems as to how it works in peru sometimes. . Seems to be who is going to keep secrets and keep their mouth closed. My opinion! A "yes" boy.
A slander suit. Funny. Another intimidation tactic! Would be fun to see who witnesses would be and who all would be subpoenaed. Sometimes it smart not to wish for something, because it can backfire.
If you really think about it wasn't it a conflict of interest for Mr. Perez to receive donations from the city for his charity when serving as alderman. Why should his charity get special treatment?? I support the breast cancer foundation so should the city donate to that and manage the donations also??? Sounds to me he was abusing his position, maybe he should resign!!!
this ties back to a number of issues and I don't think the report was extensive enough. The finance committee attempted, but failed, to implemnt a time clock. Mr. Harl objected and refused to allow that Mr. Harl continued his cover up of the unauthorized hours for years. At the very least, it has been proven that he is a lier. Everything he says should be questioned from this point forward. We need to assume that he will continue to be a lier. But, we need to find the other lies. There are more. We just need to look. FOIA everything he does!
1:05 the rest of the report you are referring to are Judge Balestris opinions, opinions are Not facts! What part of that don't you understand?We want facts to the allegations not recommendations and opinions from the judge.
Nope. Can't call him “Mr. Harl” either. From this day forward, he will be referred to as “Boss Harl.” We also need to start calling the Peru Municipal Building what it really is, “Tammany Hall.” We don’t have a City Council anymore either. We have the “Harl Machine.”
What a disservice to the other city workers I think they should file a discrimination case against harl why did only two people get the extra money no one got a raise he should be ashamed of himself as should others that were part of that whole scheme right now this city is laughing stock of the il valley
@6:17, The Fact is that he didn't find anything that would require criminal action. What don't you understand about that? I mean is it that hard for you to figure out? Do you think that you are in some way more tied to the situation then a retired judge? Who read all of the reports and information. Have you read all the reports or are you just another one of the bloggers that is never happy with the answer that you receive?
6:29 Harl Machine. I would not like to be the MAYOR of a city council that requested a investigation and forwarded the investigation to the Office of the State's Attorney. Would you?
9:17 - The same State's Attorney that donated a considerable amount of money to the Boss's campaign fund. Forwarding the report is just a formality, they all know it will end up in file 13 with no action.
7:11, a report is a report expressing opinions. Therefore, interpretations can be mislead also. I have personally dealt with a report being done on a issue, and the report actually brings up even more questions. So, 7:11, to take a report and presume , "it is what it is," isn't necessarily true. 7:11, do a little internet research and you will educate yourself. I don't know anybody personally involved with this issue.
9:51 The same question remains. Do you think its a benefit to the Mayor that a investigation was taken and the results were sent to the Office of the State's Attorney. If you do truly believe that this is positive sign for the Mayor, please tell us how?
10:50. it is not a benefit. However, Boss Harl was able to side step the worse of the repercussions. Once this is put aside and the sheepople of Peru forget about it, he will be able to concentrate on retribution. The effort to change the format of the council just might play into his hand. Look for him to back several candidates during the next city election. He has plenty of money and is not up for reelection himself. The unions and Democrat party will use him and his patronage employees in an attempt to oust the undesirable council members. And don't give me that crap about it being a non-partisan election. It won't be and that is only a formality so they can avoid a party primary. Yes, the next election will tell who is in control of Peru for the next 40 years and my money is on "Boss Harl" - by hook and by crook the people that pull "Boss Harl's" strings will be the real leader of the valley. Yes, the Harl Machine is just getting oiled up.
As of this morning, no meeting video on the city website from Monday's meeting. Recently, the previous meetings have been posted by the next day. What's up? Technical difficulties again???? No surprise there!
10:50 AM Reducing the number of aldermen will NOT increase the mayors dominance over them. It will simply separate the weak from the strong. Consider those future candidates who are strong enough to run for an at large position who will not be pandering for ward votes to retain their seat. They will be doing things to create an entire better city because that is who elected them, the entire city. It is a win win situation.
A blogger mentioned that there was going to be problems with the video before the meeting even began. Blogger also mentioned that a person who was in attendance should video meeting with their cell video camera. HOLY TOLEDO!
i will guarantee after the meeting harl went home and told his wife these schmucks as alderman let me get away with this with the exception of perez hes laughing at the fabulous 7 alderman
The "Gang of 7". No Honesty! + No Integrity! + No Ethics! = No Hope for Peru until the Gang of 7 is run out of office along with Harl. Rise up and suppoort the AT-LARGE INITIATIVE!
Its interesting that the at-large initiative has been brought into a discussion about a invetigative report. Good Campaign strategy-- take the topic and turn it around to blame others and change the report to read WHY WE NEED TO CHANGE The Form Of government!
Whomever made the comment probably feels like I do that the 8 alderman in total don't provide enough input, discussion and thoughts on problems and issues and generally all vote in unison. Therefore we don't need all 8 of them and the costs they incur.
The point is that Boss Harl will get his people elected - unless the honest people of Peru start raising funds to outspend him and really support the aldermanic elections. Boss Harl has backing and money. It will be hard to unseat the Boss and his henchmen.
I wonder who Boss Harl is hand picking, grooming and will financially support to run against Rodney? Of course if the at-large referendum passes, all seats will be up for grabs, and he'll have to throw money behind Lukosus and Radtke too.
To 4:15 pm, The At-Large Initiative will get a boost from any and all controversial actions or inactions by the current city council, Harl included. And rightly so. Part of the appeal of the At-Large movement is the fact that if approved in March, all existing alderman seats will expire and be up for grabs in April 2015. That means that if the majority of aldermen continue to demonstrate poor judgement and incompetence as was demonstrated in the handling of the payroll scandal, the voters have the ability to "re-call" them by supporting the At-Large Initiative. Therefore, if you believe as I do that the "Gang of 7" and Rodney Perez should have to defend their alderman positions as soon as possible, that is a good thing. Make them run, and make them run against each other, as well as new challengers, for those six seats. This will increase the chance of getting rid of at least some of them, if not all of them. It will be great watching them having to really fight to get elected instead of the stale and predictable Ward races that allow aldermen to keep a strangle-hold on those seats. Peru politics needs a good shake-up. At-Large Initiative provides that shake-up.
The Boss will have a full contingent running. I would not put it past him to run two or three candidates for each position just to dilute the votes. Haven't heard from Mr. "G" lately have we? Hmmmmmmm.....
To 7:41 - Thanks for that explanation. I do think there's a % of the voting population that isn't quite comprehending the advantages of the At-large initiative. Not their fault, just not as engaged as others. So thank you for the post. Hopefully it gets read by many.
9:13 am - That is a great point. If that's how you feel then you can still vote for the one(s) you want to keep. or vote for somebody new. That is the beauty of the At-Large Initiative.
Wlpo was interesting this morning. Mr. Thorsen brought the subject up in regards to the investigation. There were two older gentleman(I believe older) who called in. Must be Harl backers. One guy said he thinks Alderman Perez is a "nut." In the convo it was mentioned that it wasn't of of money. How stupid is that? $34k isn't a lot? Bologna! Mr. Thorsen was asked by one of the callers if the two employees that were paid OT, were salary or hourly? Mr. Thorsen replyed that he thinks they were probably hourly employees, but wasn't sure. The point, this overtime was approved by Harl without the aldermanic forum being informed. That is not transparency on Harl part. What else has been done since Harls mayorship regarding transparency. TO ALDERPERSONS, YOU NEED TO WAKE UP! How would you feel if someone took a money from your child's college fund and you had to double the amount to recoup the funds? People's taxes increase when there isn't enough to pay the cities bills! Is 34k a lot of money to you? Question also is, what did these employees actually do to receive overtime????
7:41 You are kidding. The payroll report was sent to the State's Attorney Office. Not sure what else they could have done? How is that called inaction? I guess they could of held a tribunal at the meeting and had alot of drama, brought in expert witnesses, and make false accussations for the benefit of a few of those looking for entertainment. Instead they chose to send the report to the Office of the State's Attorney. Oh by the way, the State's Attorney is the office that reviews all criminal action in LaSalle County. Good Luck with the re-call, I have a funny feeling that you may have supported another election initiative about 5 years ago, Its Time for A change campaign. How do you feel about that successful campaign?
Another point that doesn't seem to be getting through is that it was not real overtime. The employees had extra hours added to their timesheet. THEY DID NOT ACTUALLY WORK THOSE HOURS! If he simply gave them something to do during those extra hours it would be an "overtime scandal." Since they did not actually work those hours, this is fraudulent. There is no difference if they did not show up to work at all and got paid for a full day - which, by the way, happens all the time if I can believe my sources inside public works.
Bingo 11:22. You hit the nail on the head when you said they got paid for hours they did not work. What else I want an answer to is WHY? What was the justification for the added unworked hours????
Stating whether $34K is a lot of money or not a lot of money when it comes down to putting your hand in someone else's cookie jar is the same as the old time saying that the neighborhood girl is a little bit pregnant. In simpler days the Judge said your not guilty or guilty no little bit about it.
Harl did not take any of the money.;The two men were given more jobs, and more responsiblity, so they were given more money. If you got a promotion, wouldn't you expect more pay? Do you think during Bakers terms he didn't give bonuses or extra pay without anyone knowing about it. Wake up, this is the way things are done. When he starts buying horses, and properties, and jewelry, then start worring and report him to the states atty.
2:13 I heard that too. This investigation into the payroll brings my attention to the recent appointed position of the temporarily co-superintendents of the SPW. Police Chief and Fire Chief in which Harl appointed them. Isn't it funny how this was specially mentioned that these two appointees will not have a salary increase. I think that if this investigation wasn't going forward and the public wasn't aware of anything, you bet your last dime HARL WOULD HAVE HAD SOME TYPE OF COMPENSATION. Called damage control by Harl. Big question still remains, silda combination of positions appointed to our fire chief with a $84,000 year salary plus benefits. What kind of magacians hat did Harl pull that from. Was the alderman a part of this decision? How many alderman had the mathmatecial skills to calculate this combinations of jobs plus salary and benefits is costing the city many thousands of dollars more a year. HARL padded his friends pocket on we taxpayers. Something smells rotten. Same person also appointed by Harl temporary co-superintendent of public works. Where there is smoke, there's fire. My opinion.
1:53 And when you get a promotion you're usually getting a position that already has a salary attached to it. You don't give a promotion by adding on unworked hours to a person time card. Many businesses are downsizing and making the remaining employees take on more responsibility without compensation.
Too bad that the old hardheaded union pusher (who claims to be republican) has to run down the best alderman that Peru has among the 8. I feel sorry that alderman Perez has fools like this talking about him this way.
Plain and simple, people who lie don't particularly like people who are honest and tell the truth.i was in a relationship once with a habitual liar, thank goodness that's over. Now , the person is habitually lying to this day in their new/old relationship. Advice: pick and choose and vote wisely for candidates who are suppose to be representing you.
This is like the golden ticket in the movie "Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory." A misuse of power at the taxpayers expense. Smart, hard working taxpayers should demand Harl to step down immediately. Plain and simple.
The sooner a bad city official is forced to step down the less one has to worry about him in the future. Presently there are people in offices who are using these offices as stepping stones. They are not to be trusted and are only interested in their own desires. Just a thought but we are only 30 years beyond Orwells' 1984.
77 comments:
Bottom Line : Who's going to pay the money back to the city ?
We have an outsider come to work for the city and he discovers in what, a month, fraud and corruption without even looking. This confirms the need to hire from outside the Illinois Valley. The very first thing the council needs to do is repeal the residency requirement, if it even really exists. Across the board for now, maybe bring it back in the future – five years or so – for policemen and firemen. The next thing the council needs to do is approve a resolution to put on the ballot a change in Peru’s form of government to Council – Manager. What can we do? Start writing letters and calling State’s Attorney Towne reminding him of his responsibilities as a prosecutor. No email, letters followed up by calls!
Next, we need an independent investigator from outside the Illinois Valley, maybe outside the state, to investigate every facet of city finance. I guarantee, there is more to be found.
Good report. I don't see any criminal charges coming from this but the political ramifications are sure to be loud and clear in the next election, as they should be. Voters will need to decide if the Mayor was swinging his new found political clout or was too inexperience to know better.
One thing is for sure, $34,728.11 in tax payer dollars was spent improperly. Aside from the drama of how the Mayor hangs on to his job after the next election and the "outrage" of some council members, how do the tax payers get back their money?
A few more questions. What does Local 150 have to say about this? Was the union approached with this problem of foreman pay? I'm sure I would have talked with my union representative about the oversight. Maybe the Mayor should have directed the employee in that direction, or maybe he did.
As I told you people last month. Justice was cheated again in Peru.
The judge provided an indifferent report with absolutely no authority behind it and seven of eight aldermen voted to send it off to the States Attorney in LaSalle County for a swift and painful death. It's over folks and "Evil" has prevailed in Peru again. When will Peru voters realize that the only way to reform this city is to "PURGE" every alderman from that council except Perez. Having only one alderman with integrity out of a total of eight is a sad state of affairs. If you don't replace them they will continue to rot your city from the inside out.
Good Luck Peru. Your elected officials have swept another scandal under the rug.
C'mon people, lighten up, you should have known that's the union way.
Lois, to my understanding there are 12 pages in the full report. Why do you only have 9 pages on the blog? Is there something that you don't want people too see? I usually done waste my time reading what the 15-20 people that respond on this blog spot think. However, in the interest of fairness, don't you think your readers should get the full story and not just the part that you want them to see? If your wanting to play ball per say. Then play fair.
9:47 AM
First thanks for your confidence.
Second I received this from a second party and this is the information he received from our city clerk.
Sorry that is all the information I have and sorry you are so suspicious.
But I am being facetious because I am not sorry at all but you should be.
Just as i thought . nothing wrong in peru just harl mdoing things his way as usual . thats not5 a surprise to me i know the ------- ! 35,000.00 is just a drop in the bucket . how much more has been givein away ? welcome to the looser of the valley (PERU)!
Only receive a partial report from clerks office. Not surprising. Red flags at best. Give the whole report not a little! Harl needs to resign. Now people, makes me question the people who Harl has appointed to positions in the city. And how their salaries were determined, with what other under the table deals. Wipe the slate clean with all of them and start over. ALDERMAN/PEOPLE, wake up!!!!
8:06 What justice are you seeking? The report has been forwarded to the Office of the State's Attorney. 7/8 Alderman voted to send the report. One Alderman did not. Your opinion and the City Council's opinion is meaningless, the only opinion that counts is the Office of The State's Attorney.
Long ago it was agreed that political parties and organized movements monies intended for another purpose do not have a place in small town government such as Peru. Possibly these are not the influences at fault but whatever the influences they should be stopped.
I cannot support a city representative that addresses another city representative as the Mayor addressed and treated Ald. Perez. To bully a alderman by misuse of his elected title and to point out that there was a 7 to 1 vote should be another mistake by someone in a position which rightfully demands so much more.
The present investigation may only be the start if the lack of respect shown is allowed to be carried on. The potential progress of Peru is in a backwards direction and those at fault should and must be replaced no matter how high in the chain.
I read the full report and anything after what Lois has posted here is Judge Balestris input. All facts of the fraud is on Lois's report. I frankly don't care what the biased judge had to say. Are you all aware Harls Attorney Raccuglia and Balestri are friends and have been for many many years.
Should Mayor Harl take a leave of absense from office while this is in the hands of the states attorney's office? To me it seems that would be the right thing to do.
To 11:00 am, What you don't seem to understand is the fact that sending the report to the State's Attorney, Brian Towne has nothing to do with Justice being served.
Brian Towne, a fellow Democrat and campaign donor to "Scott Harl for Mayor" ensures only one thing. Mr. Towne will have no intention of pursuing any form of legitimate investigation into this matter.
Don't you get it. That is exactly how the aldermen knew this would play out all along. Why do you think they did not refer the matter to an actual "Law Enforcement Agency" like the State Police in the first place. The aldermen (Perez excluded) created the illusion that they were acting responsibly, but they made sure to arrange for the matter to never reach an an indeperndent authority that would actually have the power to see it clearly. Neither Balestri or any other "private citizen" should have been engaged to decide this matter.
Brina Towne will do nothing and the aldermen will be happy that the matter will soon be forgotten by an elctorate that continues to vote for people of low moral and ethical character, (Perez excluded).
11:05 Watch the video and then decide who was responsible for the lack of respect. The 7-1 vote was to receive the report, place it on file for the public to review and forward to the State's Attorney's Office. Ald.Perez must of had some reason to not release the report or send it to the Office of the State's Attorney.
I totally agree with you 11:05. I too cannot support a representative who not only treats citizens, but also fellow representatives contempt and disdain.
I was interested in applying for the vacancy on the Rec Board but was told "don't bother" because the mayor has already made his decision. Applications supposedly can still be accepted until Jan. 31st and interviews haven't even been held yet. Time will tell if this is true because people know who his supposed choice is.
11:41 a person would be a fool not to know that. One was a judge in LaSalle County and one is still an attorney in LaSalle County. Remember there is the Illinois Bar Association. Check the site out, very interesting.
We should start making things inconvenient for the City and Mayor Harl. Pay your utility bill at the last possible minute, in cash. Send a post card every day asking for Harl's resignation. Send one to City Hall and one to his home. Write letters to the Open Forum. There should be 20 or 30 people making some sort of public comment at every council meeting. As long as you tie it to an agenda item, you can talk for three minutes and it does not necessarily need to make any sense.
After reading I would concur criminal prosecution would be meaningless. But that has little ro do with it really. In a vast majority of towns this would receive a council sanction and possibly a resignation.
Staying on the fringe of legality has little to do with impropriety and lack of maintaining the peoples trust. This what has come to light. How much is a culture of hiding and nepotism?
Even in apparent victory, Harl and his lackey attorney are threatening action of slander for the simple act of taking the matter to authorities. They both know the chances that would have of not being laughed out of court. There is meat to these accusations, they are not out of the blue lies.
I am most frightened by the local new coverage. The articles hav minimized the wrong doing. A previous one cast a cloud of doubt on the whistleblower. Illinois valley retribution and cover ups are alive and well.
A MUST FOR ALL, check out mayor Harls campaign donations. Speaks for itself.
Lois, you made mention earlier that I should be sorry. Is that because I pointed out your mistake? Once again Lois, you give your readers part of the information and not all of it. As you also mentioned earlier, you received your information from a second party. That seems to be the case with most of the comments and posts on this blog. Nothing more then second or third hand information or hearsay. I would suggest that before you and your clan make attacks on workers or politicians, make sure all your ducks are in a row. Sorry Lois but this mistake is your own. Please print the rest of the report. Let's have all the facts.
Nice victory mr mayor! You are human and still have rights! Stand up for them
The news paper basically said it is OK for the Mayor to lie. I'm tired of this paper and their refusal to publish any in depth reports on what is wrong with this area. I will be canceling my subscription today.
Don't like slander. Remember that it's very had to convict on slander allegations. Most people wouldn't even file a case on slander, because many worms come out and more information becomes public. People sometimes use saying they are being slandered as a bullying tactic to try and get one to stop letting true information get out to the public. One time a friend of mine was told by a person that they were going to bring charges on them for slander. Guess what, no changes file because what was being said was the truth. The person was trying to scare my friend! Didn't work, because it was the truth. A honest and transparent and a person with intregity would not ever have to worry about slanderous comments.
I hope Harl sues Ald Perez for slander, because that would bring Sean Mikos back to town, and the truth would come out!
We should include a note with our utility bills. "Dear City of Peru, please do not do anything illegal with this money I am giving you."
Wasn't there many questions regarding donation money? Concert donations, Liberty Fire Company donations? Car club donation/Operation Promise donations. Should an investigation and report happen in these cases also? Transparency!!!!! There is always a tip on a iceberg.
Don't people get fired for not following a SOP? Standard Operating procedures? When having a job that requires a sop?
12:26 my daddy told me a long time ago that if you don't apply you won't get picked. I applied for the job on the farm and was picked.The only guarantee you have is that if you don't apply you won't get appointed.
Mr. Harl (I'll no longer call him Mayor and definitely will not call him "Your Honor" "His Honor" or anything dealing with the word honor, anyway, they need to review the case of New York Times vs. Sullivan if they think they can consider a defamation case.
Just read tonight paper regarding investigation for payroll. Noticed Harl appointed co-superintendents a while back. Now, not too long ago Harl appointed two temporary co-superintendents of SPW saying they will receive no additional salary in pay. Just funny how six weeks approx. ago Harl made that be known. Fishy if you think about the whole thing. State Police should be involved. Maybe the Feds also.
If there is no advertisement for job opening then how is one who may be interested and has the qualification going to apply? Under the tar appointing and hiring. Seems as to how it works in peru sometimes. . Seems to be who is going to keep secrets and keep their mouth closed. My opinion! A "yes" boy.
A slander suit. Funny. Another intimidation tactic! Would be fun to see who witnesses would be and who all would be subpoenaed. Sometimes it smart not to wish for something, because it can backfire.
2:55 Your daddy was absolutely right but I can also guarantee you that if you are on the mayors dislike list you will not be picked.
If you really think about it wasn't it a conflict of interest for Mr. Perez to receive donations from the city for his charity when serving as alderman. Why should his charity get special treatment?? I support the breast cancer foundation so should the city donate to that and manage the donations also??? Sounds to me he was abusing his position, maybe he should resign!!!
this ties back to a number of issues and I don't think the report was extensive enough. The finance committee attempted, but failed, to implemnt a time clock. Mr. Harl objected and refused to allow that Mr. Harl continued his cover up of the unauthorized hours for years. At the very least, it has been proven that he is a lier. Everything he says should be questioned from this point forward. We need to assume that he will continue to be a lier. But, we need to find the other lies. There are more. We just need to look. FOIA everything he does!
1:05 the rest of the report you are referring to are Judge Balestris opinions, opinions are Not facts! What part of that don't you understand?We want facts to the allegations not recommendations and opinions from the judge.
Nope. Can't call him “Mr. Harl” either. From this day forward, he will be referred to as “Boss Harl.” We also need to start calling the Peru Municipal Building what it really is, “Tammany Hall.” We don’t have a City Council anymore either. We have the “Harl Machine.”
What a disservice to the other city workers I think they should file a discrimination case against harl why did only two people get the extra money no one got a raise he should be ashamed of himself as should others that were part of that whole scheme right now this city is laughing stock of the il valley
@6:17, The Fact is that he didn't find anything that would require criminal action. What don't you understand about that? I mean is it that hard for you to figure out? Do you think that you are in some way more tied to the situation then a retired judge? Who read all of the reports and information. Have you read all the reports or are you just another one of the bloggers that is never happy with the answer that you receive?
6:29 Harl Machine. I would not like to be the MAYOR of a city council that requested a investigation and forwarded the investigation to the Office of the State's Attorney. Would you?
9:17 - The same State's Attorney that donated a considerable amount of money to the Boss's campaign fund. Forwarding the report is just a formality, they all know it will end up in file 13 with no action.
7:11, a report is a report expressing opinions. Therefore, interpretations can be mislead also. I have personally dealt with a report being done on a issue, and the report actually brings up even more questions. So, 7:11, to take a report and presume , "it is what it is," isn't necessarily true. 7:11, do a little internet research and you will educate yourself. I don't know anybody personally involved with this issue.
9:51 The same question remains. Do you think its a benefit to the Mayor that a investigation was taken and the results were sent to the Office of the State's Attorney. If you do truly believe that this is positive sign for the Mayor, please tell us how?
10:50. it is not a benefit. However, Boss Harl was able to side step the worse of the repercussions. Once this is put aside and the sheepople of Peru forget about it, he will be able to concentrate on retribution. The effort to change the format of the council just might play into his hand. Look for him to back several candidates during the next city election. He has plenty of money and is not up for reelection himself. The unions and Democrat party will use him and his patronage employees in an attempt to oust the undesirable council members. And don't give me that crap about it being a non-partisan election. It won't be and that is only a formality so they can avoid a party primary. Yes, the next election will tell who is in control of Peru for the next 40 years and my money is on "Boss Harl" - by hook and by crook the people that pull "Boss Harl's" strings will be the real leader of the valley. Yes, the Harl Machine is just getting oiled up.
11:38 good comment and you can take that to the bank.
The new referendum will help accomplish the end to those meddling Alderman. 11:38 its working just as planned!
Dream on 11:38. Harl barely won the last election. There is no way he will win another mayoral election in Peru.
As of this morning, no meeting video on the city website from Monday's meeting. Recently, the previous meetings have been posted by the next day. What's up? Technical difficulties again???? No surprise there!
1:45 PM
Yes technical glitches once again.
10:50 AM
Reducing the number of aldermen will NOT increase the mayors dominance over them. It will simply separate the weak from the strong. Consider those future candidates who are strong enough to run for an at large position who will not be pandering for ward votes to retain their seat. They will be doing things to create an entire better city because that is who elected them, the entire city. It is a win win situation.
A blogger mentioned that there was going to be problems with the video before the meeting even began. Blogger also mentioned that a person who was in attendance should video meeting with their cell video camera. HOLY TOLEDO!
i will guarantee after the meeting harl went home and told his wife these schmucks as alderman let me get away with this with the exception of perez hes laughing at the fabulous 7 alderman
The "Gang of 7".
No Honesty!
+
No Integrity!
+
No Ethics! = No Hope for Peru until the Gang of 7 is run out of office along with Harl.
Rise up and suppoort the
AT-LARGE INITIATIVE!
Its interesting that the at-large initiative has been brought into a discussion about a invetigative report. Good Campaign strategy-- take the topic and turn it around to blame others and change the report to read WHY WE NEED TO CHANGE The Form Of government!
4:15 PM
Whomever made the comment probably feels like I do that the 8 alderman in total don't provide enough input, discussion and thoughts on problems and issues and generally all vote in unison. Therefore we don't need all 8 of them and the costs they incur.
Harl's plans are for Springfield, we don't need more problems. Illinois needs brains and business not more union!
The point is that Boss Harl will get his people elected - unless the honest people of Peru start raising funds to outspend him and really support the aldermanic elections. Boss Harl has backing and money. It will be hard to unseat the Boss and his henchmen.
I wonder who Boss Harl is hand picking, grooming and will financially support to run against Rodney? Of course if the at-large referendum passes, all seats will be up for grabs, and he'll have to throw money behind Lukosus and Radtke too.
To 4:15 pm, The At-Large Initiative will get a boost from any and all controversial actions or inactions by the current city council, Harl included. And rightly so.
Part of the appeal of the At-Large movement is the fact that if approved in March, all existing alderman seats will expire and be up for grabs in April 2015.
That means that if the majority of aldermen continue to demonstrate poor judgement and incompetence as was demonstrated in the handling of the payroll scandal, the voters have the ability to "re-call" them by supporting the At-Large Initiative.
Therefore, if you believe as I do that the "Gang of 7" and Rodney Perez should have to defend their alderman positions as soon as possible, that is a good thing.
Make them run, and make them run against each other, as well as new challengers, for those six seats. This will increase the chance of getting rid of at least some of them, if not all of them. It will be great watching them having to really fight to get elected instead of the stale and predictable Ward races that allow aldermen to keep a strangle-hold on those seats. Peru politics needs a good shake-up. At-Large Initiative provides that shake-up.
I am not sure I want all of them replaced.
The Boss will have a full contingent running. I would not put it past him to run two or three candidates for each position just to dilute the votes. Haven't heard from Mr. "G" lately have we? Hmmmmmmm.....
To 7:41 - Thanks for that explanation. I do think there's a % of the voting population that isn't quite comprehending the advantages of the At-large initiative. Not their fault, just not as engaged as others. So thank you for the post. Hopefully it gets read by many.
9:13 am - That is a great point. If that's how you feel then you can still vote for the one(s) you want to keep. or vote for somebody new. That is the beauty of the At-Large Initiative.
Wlpo was interesting this morning. Mr. Thorsen brought the subject up in regards to the investigation. There were two older gentleman(I believe older) who called in. Must be Harl backers. One guy said he thinks Alderman Perez is a "nut." In the convo it was mentioned that it wasn't of of money. How stupid is that? $34k isn't a lot? Bologna! Mr. Thorsen was asked by one of the callers if the two employees that were paid OT, were salary or hourly? Mr. Thorsen replyed that he thinks they were probably hourly employees, but wasn't sure. The point, this overtime was approved by Harl without the aldermanic forum being informed. That is not transparency on Harl part. What else has been done since Harls mayorship regarding transparency. TO ALDERPERSONS, YOU NEED TO WAKE UP! How would you feel if someone took a money from your child's college fund and you had to double the amount to recoup the funds? People's taxes increase when there isn't enough to pay the cities bills! Is 34k a lot of money to you? Question also is, what did these employees actually do to receive overtime????
7:41 You are kidding. The payroll report was sent to the State's Attorney Office. Not sure what else they could have done? How is that called inaction? I guess they could of held a tribunal at the meeting and had alot of drama, brought in expert witnesses, and make false accussations for the benefit of a few of those looking for entertainment. Instead they chose to send the report to the Office of the State's Attorney. Oh by the way, the State's Attorney is the office that reviews all criminal action in LaSalle County. Good Luck with the re-call, I have a funny feeling that you may have supported another election initiative about 5 years ago, Its Time for A change campaign. How do you feel about that successful campaign?
Another point that doesn't seem to be getting through is that it was not real overtime. The employees had extra hours added to their timesheet. THEY DID NOT ACTUALLY WORK THOSE HOURS! If he simply gave them something to do during those extra hours it would be an "overtime scandal." Since they did not actually work those hours, this is fraudulent. There is no difference if they did not show up to work at all and got paid for a full day - which, by the way, happens all the time if I can believe my sources inside public works.
Bingo 11:22. You hit the nail on the head when you said they got paid for hours they did not work. What else I want an answer to is WHY? What was the justification for the added unworked hours????
Stating whether $34K is a lot of money or not a lot of money when it comes down to putting your hand in someone else's cookie jar is the same as the old time saying that the neighborhood girl is a little bit pregnant.
In simpler days the Judge said your not guilty or guilty no little bit about it.
Harl did not take any of the money.;The two men were given more jobs, and more responsiblity, so they were given more money. If you got a promotion, wouldn't you expect more pay? Do you think during Bakers terms he didn't give bonuses or extra pay without anyone knowing about it. Wake up, this is the way things are done.
When he starts buying horses, and properties, and jewelry, then start worring and report him to the states atty.
That's terrible that someone was called a "nut" on the radio.
2:13 I heard that too. This investigation into the payroll brings my attention to the recent appointed position of the temporarily co-superintendents of the SPW. Police Chief and Fire Chief in which Harl appointed them. Isn't it funny how this was specially mentioned that these two appointees will not have a salary increase. I think that if this investigation wasn't going forward and the public wasn't aware of anything, you bet your last dime HARL WOULD HAVE HAD SOME TYPE OF COMPENSATION. Called damage control by Harl. Big question still remains, silda combination of positions appointed to our fire chief with a $84,000 year salary plus benefits. What kind of magacians hat did Harl pull that from. Was the alderman a part of this decision? How many alderman had the mathmatecial skills to calculate this combinations of jobs plus salary and benefits is costing the city many thousands of dollars more a year. HARL padded his friends pocket on we taxpayers. Something smells rotten. Same person also appointed by Harl temporary co-superintendent of public works. Where there is smoke, there's fire. My opinion.
1:53 And when you get a promotion you're usually getting a position that already has a salary attached to it. You don't give a promotion by adding on unworked hours to a person time card. Many businesses are downsizing and making the remaining employees take on more responsibility without compensation.
Too bad that the old hardheaded union pusher (who claims to be republican) has to run down the best alderman that Peru has among the 8. I feel sorry that alderman Perez has fools like this talking about him this way.
Plain and simple, people who lie don't particularly like people who are honest and tell the truth.i was in a relationship once with a habitual liar, thank goodness that's over. Now , the person is habitually lying to this day in their new/old relationship. Advice: pick and choose and vote wisely for candidates who are suppose to be representing you.
Impeach
This is like the golden ticket in the movie "Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory." A misuse of power at the taxpayers expense. Smart, hard working taxpayers should demand Harl to step down immediately. Plain and simple.
The sooner a bad city official is forced to step down the less one has to worry about him in the future. Presently there are people in offices who are using these offices as stepping stones. They are not to be trusted and are only interested in their own desires. Just a thought but we are only 30 years beyond Orwells' 1984.
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