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This looks like downtown Peru. Did the Peoria paper get approval from our city council? What do you say about social media as I also saw it on one of those so called social media sites.
Free speech is the foundation of this country and let's not tamper with that right.
47 comments:
Now what is the problem that the city council meeting video is not on the city's website. If nothing else show the last four minutes.
Looks like that's in the peru fire department. I don't remember that approval coming from city hall. You're gonna talk crap about peru pd and its chief but you film your bashing in peru fire department. Doesn't seem right. The other point is its nice to know peru pd is sidestepping the law by cutting hours so they don't have to pay insurance.
Lois- There are rumors floating around that seem to be legit. I wouldn't publicly ask such a question if this information never came from a reliable source.
Supposedly the Peru Fire Dpt. and City of Peru is fighting the pension for the Gary Ecles family. Could you, or anyone else get this confirmed?
Why was this shot at the fire department?
Why does controversy always involve peru fire department some how?
Who is this guy on the video and how does he rate to get to do this on city property?
8:07 PM
I also heard that just today and cannot verify if this is true or not. Might call your alderman and see what he/she knows.
I normally say call the mayor but I don't think you will get through to him these days.
I heard that at my local "deli" today. Looks like more legal woes for Peru . WWGD?
Wait is it Peru fire or liberty or both?
If that's true, shame on you Peru fire and city of Peru. Gary earned that pension for all he did for this town. The fire department never had any of these problems when he was chief! Rest easy.Gary, I'm sure some of the fireman got your back.
WWGD?
Is the Pension scandal discussed at the council meeting? Id like to see who's behind this . Gary was a great man loved by many. I hope the lord watches over his family since the fire department can't!
Does the volunteer paid per call fireman receive a pension after so many years of service? How many years? How does this work? Maybe Mr. Perez can answer , since he's been a volunteer paid per call fireman for over 10 years I've been told. Appreciate a response. Thank You.
I have a couple complaints about the city. Can I have it filmed with a news crew in the pubic works garage?
7:45 ANON...Ask him if he gets that back pay raise he was supporting as a result of being paid firefighter.
Do any of you people on this stupid blog have anything better else to do? Seriously. If you hate Peru that much, move out. You guys make me sick. I hope next time you people need the police, fire or ems they do not show up because they have read the blog. Oh, that's right, they have to show up, because it's their job. I'm sure you will complain about the firemen, ems, or police doing something that does not reach your standards. Get a job and life.
8:01 Its probaly those pencil necks on the finance committee cutting back hours.
When a city employees who has a pension passes, does the spouse receive the pension? ? I have no idea how this works. Could somebody please explain. RIP Mr. Eccles. We have the memories of you as being a fair and honest man who gave 100% to your job with the city of Peru/FD and valued your family as you were a family man.
To:7:45
From:Rodney Perez
No, paid on call isn't eligible for a pension. Could you also let 9:25 know I made a public statement during the payroll debate to compensate All city employees what was taken from them during the 2010-2011 city wide pay freeze which Mayor Harl violated, which in my opinion...that ordinance should've been null and void since the city violated it. My public comment was; If I'm compensated I would donate that back to the city through the pool fund. Or, any other city entity which would allow my contribution:-)
Thank You!
I posted a reply to the pension questions and I don't see the post. I can tell you for a fact the Gary was given the highest pension allowed by law and the pension board has done everything they can legally, morally and ethically. Personnel who pay into the pension fund and are eligible by law do draw a pension.
It saddens me that this is being brought up in a public forum. It truly should be kept between the pension board, family and legal council.
Rick Abbott
Sometimes in order for a wrong to be made right it should go public. In many instances other things are brought to light. . It's called support. 1:02, curious as to why you are so adament on secrecy? Don't taxpayers in actuality pay people's pensions? Mr. Eccles was the best thing that ever happened to peru fire department. His many years as fire chief were spectacular. He truly gave 100%.. A wonderful family orientated man also.
Just watched the video and I agree with the young man when he ends the interview with "I will just have to work and work". jOIN THE REST OF THE WORLD WE ALL HAVE TO WORK AND WORK!
There is no secret to Gary's pension which does go to his spouse. There has been no wrong doing. I love the earlier comment "I heard". Everything was done by the law. Like I stated he was given the highest payment possible by the state law. There was no wrong doing or anything illegal. The pension board and the Eccles family both had legal council at the time of his hearing. All parties agreed to the findings. I have nothing to hide and willing to put my name on my post. I think it is disrespectful to make false accusations especially when it has to do with someone's life, death and financial matters. Feel free to look up the Illinois pension code and try to find fault in any action taken.
Rick Abbott
Rodney Perez Alderman.
The City video is up and running. Go to the 75:48 mark and you ask Mr.King if you are a hourly employee and get that back pay. He confirms YES! You state that you will give it back to the pool fund. Did you know that the residents of Peru still have to pay you for your back pay? Should residents pay a special tax, property tax hike or additional sales tax for the payment to you and the employees?
Things just seem shady thru the fire department is all.is it true one of the firefighters recently resigned from the FD over the last couple weeks? Please don't say it's due to family, or can't relocate issues because that farce was spread around already by people trying to cover up the reason the Supt. of Pub Works resigned.
This picture doesn't look good and very well could be the reason why the PFD is always on this blog is because of poor management. I'm curious to know if this blog was in place when Eccles was the chief? Was there this much controversy? Putting a fire chief in charge of so many departments is wrong. Especially when it seems the turn over rate is so high and things seem chaotic. This pension issue, if there is one should be made public. It wasn't long ago Prazen's pension issue made headlines. When you're being compensated with public funds it is the tax payers business and if there seems to be wrong doings then it should be looked at by the public to make sure there's no hidden agenda and the Eccles family is provided with what Gary Eccles left this earth expecting for his family for serving so many years. Gary Eccles shall rest in peace and I think it's admirable people are stepping up to see to it he gets what's suppose to go to him. Prior to Gary's Illness he made clear to many that certain firefighters were always out to screw him over. I've heard through close friends of his that he trusted very few at that station so great job to those who are watching out for his family.
I'm not going to beat a dead horse. There is no issue. Both parties have legal council that agreed to the pay out of pension funds. Shellie gets a survivor benefit as defined by the pension code. Since anonymous will not put their name on their post, I can not address all of your issues.
On a side note, "NO ONE HAS RESIGNED" from the fire department. You are getting false information.
Rick Abbott
Everyone seems concerned and upset about the suggestion that was made to give all employees the same pay increase that was given to 2 special individuals. Right or wrong why aren't these same people upset that the 2 individuals actually received unearned taxpayers money for 4 years to a sum of approximately $35,000. The other employees have thus far received nothing, zero, zilch. If you're upset be upset at the person or persons who caused this problem - your mayor and council (minus 1).
4:09 Are we still whining about the pay increase issue? One question - if you were assigned additional job duties and responsibilities, would you expect an increase in pay? Your damn right you would. A retired, long term, well respected judge, representatives from the states attorney's office, police departments, and the community are comfortable with the results of this investigation. Why do you keep digging it up and saying very slanderous statements and accusing people of theft? Are you begging for a civil lawsuit? You know this whole issue was nothing more than perhaps a misjudgement in process. Many people have lost total respect for those that continue to push this non issue! Do something productive and proactive vs bitch, bitch, bitch, whine, whine, and whine. You're digging your own hole fast. "Minus 1" can't happen soon enough if this is all that we have to talk about in this town. Here's a challenge. Bring something new and creative to the table vs complaining about everyone else. You're conversations are boring us.
5:00 PM
AND people like you are giving Peru a bad name.
Since when is honesty something bad.
You must live in the land of wrong is right and bad is good, that is Peru at present and it is wrong.
Its not wrong when people look out for the family of a passed on friend. Has to be some kind of truth to it cuz noone would randomly make these accusations . Do the right thing. Gary passed almost 6 months ago. I'm sure Gary had everything set for when he passed so his family was taken care of. He was a very smart guy! Think of someone besides yourselves for once!
WWGD !!
5:00 I'm 4:09 and for your information that is my first post so your reference to my conversations (plural) is unjust. Why don't you bring something new to the table? Paying someone under the table is wrong no matter what anyone says. If it was the appropriate thing to do why keep it a secret? It's over and done with so let's move on. Am I glad things like this are happening? The answer is no! However, it's done.
Rick Abbot 4:06 Did any firefighter within the last two weeks turn in all his stuff and hasn't been to a scene since? Is it true one resigned 2 months or so ago? Is it true you are the headhunter of who goes and who stays?
I won't sign my name because you know my family and don't want to start a family feud. I also was a POC on the dept. for a short period of time and saw how FFs are treated if not on the A$$ kissing list. With that said you still wouldn't have it figured out who I am because so many have come and gone over the past several years. I don't think that department ran efficient then and sure sounds to be getting worse.
5:00 I am sorry but most people I talk to did not like it, think it was white washed. You talk like the majority thinks it was nothing. I don't think thats true.
You can bash the blog all you want, but I don't think the citizens are "happy" about it. Resigned maybe. Nut hardly happy.
Why are there attorneys needed for the Eccles pension? Is that normal. Do the Eccles need to have an attorney to get what's there's? Rick Abbot please explain.
I would hope if Eccles aren't having to pay an attorney? Mr.Abbott are tax payers paying an attorney for this pension deal? If so Why?
Jared and Lynda S.
Good fireman usually only resign or take a leave for one reason, they can't put up with the bull crap any more. And when all the bullying is coming from the superiors its the only option. I think its time for the old regime to retire. Both of them.
Some people were against gary when he was alive because he wouldn't let them bully others, and I guess they're still against him because of the legacy he left us.
WWGD?
Just another embarrassing situation for city...most other cities think peru is a joke, criminal mayor, a clerk who can't deliever the correct referendum to county and now the most dysfunctional fire department.
The two oldest fire fighters need to retire they are lazy and don't do anything but sit in office
Where is leadership in our city should the alderman step in here?
To all of you who have written in with complaints of the FD, this has been going on for more years than I have been writing this blog. I'm not going to publish any further posts on this subject because it is going nowhere.
This is a definite lack of leadership in this community with regard to departments and much of this needs to be cared for at the ballot box. Elect aldermen you can trust to do the right thing and who are willing to step forward when problems that you write about are found in a department.
You need aldermen who will publicly present these issues to the mayor and department heads or nothing will ever get done. Right now there is no one who is willing to consult with you to talk over the issues and look for solutions. Sorry to say at present that is not available.
This department is one of the reasons people like myself are looking for solutions as the old way is not working. Hoping to encourage new faces with new ideas to step forward and make the step to seek political office in Peru.
If the comments written about signs being taken out of yards is true, it just shows that there are people behaving like children hoping a few missing signs will change people minds when it just shows fear of moving forward and leaving the past behind them. It is not fear of Peru falling off a cliff, it is a fear of losing whatever influence they believe they have in their own mind only. and this applies to past and present and so if the shoe fits, its you we are talking about.
to 907. Get used to a local government who can only exacerbate an already nasty situation since we have a dysfunctional electorate who continues to vote in ridiculously bad candidates. You want real change? Move away. Let the current, local system implode on itself.
A Peru dispatchers hours being cut and week channel 25 travels all the way to Peru from Peoria there's got to be more to this story it makes no sense this dispatchers hours are cut in Peru but he has multiple other jobs what's really going on here?
What's new? Hasn't there always been problems with dispatchers hours in peru? They have a tough job and all of them should be full time city employees. The city pays big bucks to people who don't deserve it and don't have the necessary qualifications for their job descriptions. It's all who's butt is being kissed. Sometimes these dispatchers dispatch in another city.
This goes to show you where media positions themselves. They come to Peru about a reduction of hours by a dispatcher? Really?? Join the club kid and ask around its happening to many people and its not just from Obama Care it's because of a poor economy and screwed up town. My whole point was to say where the hell was the media for this towns corruption.
And where is and was the local media and their obligation to investigate and report on Peru's corruption?
Investigation, you have to kidding. If you don't wear blinders when in Peru you don't get a job.
Wouldn't need to take the blinders off to read the classified section of the News Trib for City of Peru job openings, the city doesn't advertise them they are just like committee members all hand picked.
@ 5:52 PM You are saying a tremendous amount in one sentence. In city government I have been of the belief that all city job openings and committee members must be legally openly published. When all are considered you will obtain a much better representation of the population. As for employment I had heard that in the last decade that 38% of city employment was produced within three families.
I can think of several city jobs within the last 6 months that WASNT advertised. DUH! CORRUPT CITY.
Was summer help? Fire engineer? Building inspector/code enforcer? Fire Chief? Dispatcher positions? Were any of these positions advertised? These are just a few. I didn't see any in the papers I read. I'm over 55 and I read the papers thoroughly everyday, even though the local one isn't worth the paper it's printed on in my opinion.
@9:51 PM No! None of these positions advertised.
The next attempt will be a internal move up by already high ranking official/officials. This will consist of a creation of a entirely new title/titles in Peru with a significant salary increase to one or two individuals. It has not been publicaly proposed to the council as they would much rather vote upon it after March 18 than before because of the 6-2 AT LARGE Referrendum.
After March 18, they will feel much better about passing this unknown idea and believe that the public will majority wise forget about their spending this much more money needlessly before the next election 2 years away. They believe that if this idea was presented before March 18 and they would have had to vote upon it the 6-2 At Large referendum would carry a huge winning vote. Therefore there is to be no public reference to any major costs until the election is over and the voters have two more years to forget this upcoming job creations. I still can remember one former city official forewarning all to vote with their pocketbook. Every time I hear this it makes more sense to me.
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