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
Wednesday, March 05, 2014
Let Your Voices Be Heard
57 comments:
Anonymous
said...
Ms. Mayszak Thank you for your excellent informative letter. Are you stating that I will increase my opportunity of representation by one and at the same time reduce council payroll and expenses by two? Being that 2 at large aldermen will be established I think that city wise it will mean that the quality of aldermen will be raised. Truly just having one representative would have been great but 3 at less cost is unbelievable. Presently I as many others have 0 representation at way too much cost. You can count on a YES vote from me.
The $3,000,000.00 No Bid Super Majority contact with TEST was wrong, wrong, wrong. But for city officials to know it and still vote in favor of it is even worse. The present mayor stated at the library debates that the majority rules, that's the way it works. Why didn't he and his council adhere to his words. Why were they so upset that they verbally attacked a senior citizen and two representatives of a competitive firm of TEST. Why as city representation did they lie to the two representatives. Where in Peru does democracy start and stop?
3:02. I'm glad you're opening your eyes and seeing that subsidizing 51% at the expense of the 49% is wrong, and counter to the ideologies of the founding of this country.
Open your eyes people this referendum is supported by all the losers of the last election so that they can get another chance at office, plain and simple!!! I am sure this will not be posted as this is my second submission!!
Thinking back to election of last year actually makes me ill when I think and know about the "dirty" way it was handled. Pure politics and nothing more. I often wonder how some of those who won seats actually can live with the dishonest and shady way it was conducted. I hope enough people woke up when the results were known that they will want to vote in the affirmative on this At Large election March 18 to help our city move forward with people who want to help the city and not help themselves.
Lois please elaborate about what wrong doing or " dirty" politics that occurred at the last aldermanic election??? Not quite sure what you are referring to???
True Lois. It's archived in the News Tribune how Alderman Radtke publicly stated he wasn't going to run against Sherry Mayszak then Harl convinced Mike to run to try and un-seat her. Radtke is not a man of his word and played dirty. Karma is a Beotch Mr. Radtke. If the referendum passes Perez will un-seat you. Let the aldermen wars against one another begin. Another great Open Forum Wednesday night by Alderman Perez wife. If that doesn't wake voters up to vote yes I'd be surprised. If I lived in Peru I would send a letter. News Trib Open Forum deadline to support this referendum is Friday. Lois do you know who the aldermen are who ignored Aldermen Perez and a handicapped persons request that Mrs. Perez was referring to? Would be nice to see those e-mails that she mentioned.
Lois,please tell us about the "dirty" election process. I saw a bunch of candidates walking their wards talking with people. I saw the vote counts and none of the races were close. Why do you believe the decision of Peru voters was "shady?". I am a voter and that comment insults me.
You are being burnt right now and that you can't see the fire is amazing. The initiative for at large is an attempt to put out the fire before the house burns down.
I have to agree with 7:15 Justin, your comments often seem radical and out of touch with people. I am guessing that you are com paining about the government safety net programs , but it is hard to tell?
Social security would have been considered madness by our founding fathers. Universal health care, absurd. They could not have conceived of the power of the individual firearms. the list and argument goes on and on, and spirit of the constitution and ideals are left to the supreme court for interpretation.
You may want to kneel at the cure all marketplace of the free market and bash all government BUT we are trying to make an alteration to our current form of representation here? Do you have a relevant comment. To that?
My guess is if you want to run this will help you, and energize the young voters who will support you citywide. But your uncompromising ideals and desire to turn everything into a debate class make you almost unelectable.
Learn from these bozos who got elected. You have to relate, not just be smarter than everyone. I disagree with almost everything you say but I would still vote for you if I saw the slightest compromise or at least appreciation for other viewpoints.
The blogger who asked Lois to basically elaborate On dirty politics must be absolutely clueless. Evidently that blogger has just recently become involved in Perus politics or else they would not have over what they did. Suggestion to the blogger. Take about two hours and read all that has been said on this forum and watch all the videos that have been ALLOWED to be posted and that should answer all their questions about dirty politics.
Just about what we expect from the current aldermen in Peru. One stepped out from the expected we all agree theme demanded by this administration and that person or persons will get trashed. Freedom of speech not allowed in Peru .
This country has fought many wars for freedom and that includes freedom of speech, I suggest it be allowed in Peru also. Vote yes on the referendum and help us move forward honestly and with integrity.
1. What dirty politics did current aldermen engage in to get re-elected? I didn't see it so just curious.
2. How does the new election with people running a city wide campaign somehow eliminate this? It seems like the elections just become higher stakes and much more political.
I will be honest, I thought this concept had merit early on but the more I read into it the more I think this change would be a huge mistake. Please explain.
To 11:33 am - My opinion on current and former Peru aldermen is pretty consistent. Few if any have contributed much if anything towards really moving our city forward. Some, like Jack O' Beirne were in it for what they could get out of it. Others, like Tony Ferrari are in it for supplemental income. Others still like Don Piano were in it to serve their master, "The Don" and to do as told. With that said, they are certainly entitled to craft a letter to the editor of the local Fish Wrapper. I will be quite interested to see what reasons they cite for this referendum being such an awful thing. The only thing I will predict is that it they will hit us with the old standard, "if it aint broke, don't fix it" or "2 less aldermen will doom the city of Peru with a huge void in representation". It will be tough for them to sell the idea to folks that more competition for aldermen seats is a bad thing. They are entitled to say whatever they want to say. In that sense, I am more in favor of Free Speech then most of them appear to be. Maybe I'll run for aldermen.
Justin, let no one cuff your mentality and freedoms to express yourself. I do not always agree with you but I will always defend your rights as I am sure you do not always agree with me but still defend my privileges to agree and sometimes disagree. Justin, I have never met the person that I could not learn something from, but I must admit that the majority of the Peru City Council has come as close to as I'll ever get hopefully. To think that there are 2 instructors on this council one who taught children and the other who had nothing else to do in life but chase a small white ball around a over sized back yard. Now they are inadequately making adult business decisions for the city. THAT'S SCARY! Justin, always continue to stand on your own two feet, tell people what you believe and always tell the truth. I am sure that these bozos got elected cannot say they have done the same and in conclusion I'd rather lose a election than surrender my standards and pride and upon winning remember to do what you campaigned on and do it as promised.
11:33 I don't understand what you're trying to say. What do you mean "with current and former alderman signed on it together"? Please explain. Thank you.
Very interesting article in today's Chicago Tribune about the Illinois Municipal Electric Association (IMEA) which Peru is a member of. Well worth the time to read. I don't know how Peru could be attractive to incoming industry and residential home owners. Peru still has a huge debt in the hydro plant to pay besides. From the sounds of this article Peru could become a very expensive town to live in. To participate in the upcoming 6-2 election is becoming the logical must of Peru, Illinois. The word is that the foreman of Peru electrical department is going to retire shortly. What will his pension amount to per year and what is his income per year? Are there presently more advantages to selling the electrical department than there are to keeping it?
"From the sounds of this article "Peru could become a very expensive town to live in. To participate in the upcoming 6-2 election is becoming the logical must of Peru, Illinois."
Lol. How in the world does voting yes change anything about this? This election somehow is going to fix everything you don't like how? City wide politics and elections are NOT the answer.
And how is Peru a more expensive town to live in? Do you not know how to read a tax bill? Seriously.
11:18 I wasn't complaining about the safety net programs, that is a whole other topic. There was a reference of "majority rules", which equates to democracy--something we aren't, so I will disregard your second paragraph. I don't understand your third paragraph: please rephrase it.
"But your uncompromising ideals and desire to turn everything into a debate class make you almost unelectable."
They're not uncompromising. We are all fighting the same battles, yet I'm sick of the same lackluster solutions, as is a lot of people.
"Learn from these bozos who got elected"--What do they have to teach again? How a dysfunctional government operates? In any case, I already have separate teachers.
"You have to relate, not just be smarter than everyone"---I do relate, as I have expressed that previously. No where have I ever said I was smarter than anybody, I've even said that on this blog several times.
"I disagree with almost everything you say but I would still vote for you if I saw the slightest compromise or at least appreciation for other viewpoints"--I do appreciate other viewpoints, but don't expect me to lay down and give up just to reach some sort of "compromise." I don't pursue attempting to bash someone elses ideologies, but if you can't successfully defend them when I question them, then shouldn't that be a sign they may be flawed?
12:50 "I do not always agree with you but I will always defend your rights as I am sure you do not always agree with me but still defend my privileges to agree and sometimes disagree."--Couldn't agree more! There is a level of mutual respect that needs to be understood between parties, something that seems to be getting lost.
"I am sure that these bozos got elected cannot say they have done the same and in conclusion I'd rather lose a election than surrender my standards and pride and upon winning remember to do what you campaigned on and do it as promised."---Exactly. You only lose if you quit.
I am not planning to run for alderman or any other political office. Election season is the same time as tax season. I cannot go door to door and talk to people during that time because of my work schedule. I gave it a try and lost, so it's time to move on.
@3:23 a.m. I really want people to go vote and let their voices be heard. It is their right and responsibility. Whatever the outcome, at least get out and vote on both referendums. Remember you can ask for a non-partisan ballot, so no need to declare as a democrat or republican. VOTE!
Justin,...Have you ever went to a city council meeting and asked a question?
Justin, Have you ever spoke to a city council member about your opinion? Or have had a debate with a city council member about a issue? To respond that I don't bother to voice my opinion won't count.
Justin, Have you ever held a meeting with Mayor Harl about your thoughts or advice?
Justin,...What are these ideologies that you bash? The ones you point out that are flawed.
Anon 2:13 Justin did no name calling. He quoted one comment which referred to the majority of aldermen as bozos. As for the other comments which referred to the majority of the aldermen as bozos he did not mention. As for the quote I do not find fault with that person either. Remember if it walks like a bozo, talks like a bozo, acts like a bozo, and thinks like a bozo. IT's a BOZO!
Lois, you mention dirty politics in the last election. I guess, it was ok, when in 2009 the outside unions paid and delivered Peru with new leadership. And how do you define dirty politics? Negative adds or negative blogs? Didn't see that come from the winning candidates in the last election.
The head of the Springfield Illinois Public Works (which includes electric) department makes $100K per year. Peru is paying way to much for electric and public works superintendents.
At the last public works meeting I heard that two different government groups received correspondence referring to the concert and airport and they were going to investigate. Is this true? How is the Mayors "ghost payroll" progressing?
So many government groups have been notified about the concerts and airport you need a damn scorecard lol. If most people only knew, you would not believe the Mayor or sponsors would even touch these concerts..
Next up is the Airport insurance company. Rumor, and I stress that it is only rumor, is that the concerts were never adequately insured in keeping with the FAA stipulations. The airport insurance policy never had a rider for these kinds of activities. And now that they want more capacity, the lack of acceptable evacuation routes and emergency shelter are being investigated.
Looks like another twenty grand of free emergency planning for a private concert courtesy of Peru taxpayers.
I come from a totally nonunion independent minded family, most of whom ran their own small businesses and so being rather naive, I did not know about unions but I do know. The first time I voted for Scott Harl, I would call it a stretch of imagination to say I knew him and the second time in 2009, I sense something but could not put my finger on it. Within a very short time, I knew this was not going to be good and I became an interested citizen attending Finance meetings first and then on to some of the others. Mayor Harl by now had new friends and associates and I and others were no longer of any use to him and he could easily spread his influence among them. You might say his motto became Ask and you shall receive. Many of us at this point learned about union influence and how the mayor used it.
The candidates who ran last time did not have to personally indulge in nasty stuff, it was done for them and I don't know if it was ok'd or not.
I would also like to say that initially we all had a good relationship with most council members. They may not have like what was blogged or liked my opinions, but they were gentlemen. They would not have behaved in the way some of those today are doing. As I have said before freedom of speech is not accepted well in Peru at city hall. The mayor quickly tires of public comment unless it is one of his friends or contacts. And if can find a way to prevent it as the ladies from the water treatment company, he and some of the aldermen will let you know that the answer is NO or complete antagonism toward the speaker. Dirty politics does not happen only during an election as it has been ongoing for about the last 4 years.
Peru pays way to much for superintendents and chiefs in my opinion. With a city population of 10k and have a full-time fire chief making the kind of money ours does. Could someone please tell me a comparison of a city of 10k where there is full-time city fire chief? Let alone what taxpayers are paying that position. Food for thought.
2:39: I've never asked a question at a council meeting, most of my questions would be asked and answered in a committee meeting.
You asked: "Justin, Have you ever spoke to a city council member about your opinion?"---Which opinion is that?
You asked: "Or have had a debate with a city council member about a issue?"---I don't recall ever debating a council member on any issues, I'm not sure if any of them ever would. If I have some sort of concern I usually go down to Bartley's and speak to Dave. Most of todays politicians base decisions on morals, or lets face it-because they are bought and paid for by those well connected (plutocracy)----to where mine are on economics (which isn't the most fun subject to learn).
You asked: "Justin, Have you ever held a meeting with Mayor Harl about your thoughts or advice?"---The only real "sit-down" meeting him and I have ever had is when I was attempting to fill the seat by the late Ron Wren. I expressed some of my concerns in regards to attracting local businesses to the area but that's about as far as it went.
You asked: "What are these ideologies that you bash? The ones you point out that are flawed."---I believe this question is in regards to what I posted earlier. Whoever the anonymous individual is must think I go around starting wars and debates with people. I don't. If someone has a view on something, all I do is ask questions hoping they can defend that view (if it was something I didn't agree on or had a different solution to). If whoever the individual is can't defend their view, then that should be a blatant admission that it has some flaws that need to be worked out. I don't go around spewing ad hominem slurs or resort to name calling in the hopes that I somehow win that discussion, I just ask questions. Most of my perspective comes from a macro-economic view but it all starts here, locally.
In short; we are all fighting the same battles, its the solutions that are keeping people divided. By learning human nature and economics I'm hoping to bring actual and practical solutions to todays issues.
Let me know if you have any questions I'll be glad to answer them!
Wrong area to question this. When a person becomes a full-time city employee what is the policy for vacation time? I heard that the recent appointment by Harl to a person 4-5 months ago is already taking a vacation. This was the 84k a year position. Never heard of this ever happening. Was this a under the table benefit?
Usually vacation time is allocated after one year of employment. Could be possible vacation with no salary being paid for that period? This needs its own blog title Lois if information is correct regarding vacation of such person and what the policy is. This is also of interest as to how our city is being conducted.
Paid vacations were not a common benefit until after WWII. Than they were instituted as a benefit to attract employees. If hired in January of 2014 you do not have a accrued vacation time until January 2015. Therefor your vacation time drawn in 2015 is from the working year of 2014. Being that 6 months or the first year on the job is normally a probationary period you do not get any time off, paid or unpaid, except emergencies. The common payed vacation time is normally 1 week after the first year, 10 days after 5 years and after 10 years 15 days which is normally the maximum number of paid vacation days allowed. Being that the Fire Chiefs full time position has just been created how many paid vacation days is he to receive and what time frame does he have to work to receive it? For several years there has been a trend that the more physical time you are on the job the better the pay and the less time you are physically on the job the less you are going to get paid. Very similar to being in business for yourself.
12:44, so anybody who gets a job with benefits and a salary can take a vacation whenever they please? But, before this is discussed anymore we need it to be a fact that one is on a vacation and it was approved by who? Would be interesting to know. Anybody care to give taxpayers facts on this???
@3:57 No! Anybody who gets a job with benefits and a salary cannot take a vacation whenever they please. Paid vacation and unpaid vacation has been on the downtrend for years rather than the increase. Most facilities are working with a minimum number of employees and will continue to decrease as the government persists on becoming involved with company policies on insurance.
I heard yesterday at a local diner, Waldorf will have an opponent in 3rd ward no matter if referendum passes or not, I already decided I will vote for him and not Waldorf. So all the crying going on by current alderman that the referendum is to kick them all out, your wrong 4 are going anyway the following spring.
In tonight's tribune there are 2 more open forums with regards to the "at-large" referendum. One is for and one against. The one that supports the referendum gives intelligent reasons for doing so and explains how it will benefit the citizens of Peru. The forum that is against the referendum gives no explanation what-so-ever other than saying that those who have signs in their yards are people who wanted to be aldermen and couldn't get elected. I can assure the former alderman that that is indeed a false statement as I have a sign in my yard and have never (and will never) run for that position. I would hope that voters would see how this move will benefit both them and the city of Peru as a whole. VOTE YES!!
10:43 AM If so, then that proves beyond a doubt that former mayor Baker still has lots of influence on the current council. I can only think of the ones who sat on the council when he was mayor. That would be Alderman Ferrari and Alderman Waldorf and Alderman Potthoff.
And second why would the former mayor care? Is his influence still that strong on the un independent members.
What a time warp many of those whose names are supporting a no vote. And not to mention a couple of them who got the boot.and voters, ask yourselves why they got the boot? I laughed my butt off when I read that. VOTE "YES". And in my opinion some of them listed may not be in the right frame of mind to never comprehend what's really going on.
All of our current aldermen, with the exception of Rodney, have signed their name and obviously support to this "paid political ad". I, for one, feel this is inappropriate behavior on their part. They are entitled to their individual opinions but not as a "committee as a whole". My opinion.
One of today's open forums told the truth about the motives of the people who have circulated petitions for this referendum. The other was written by Mary Gum.
Had to laugh that one said basically don't believe forums that you read. Really? Oh how things have come to light because of a forum. It's called transparency. Some don't like transparency when it is the truth. Lying and being a liar is not transparency. Covering up for a person is not transparency. Regarding vacation blog above is very interesting and I don't have faith that anybody from the city will come forth to answer.
57 comments:
Ms. Mayszak Thank you for your excellent informative letter. Are you stating that I will increase my opportunity of representation by one and at the same time reduce council payroll and expenses by two?
Being that 2 at large aldermen will be established I think that city wise it will mean that the quality of aldermen will be raised.
Truly just having one representative would have been great but 3 at less cost is unbelievable. Presently I as many others have 0 representation at way too much cost.
You can count on a YES vote from me.
AMEN Sister Sherry!
The $3,000,000.00 No Bid Super Majority contact with TEST was wrong, wrong, wrong.
But for city officials to know it and still vote in favor of it is even worse.
The present mayor stated at the library debates that the majority rules, that's the way it works. Why didn't he and his council adhere to his words.
Why were they so upset that they verbally attacked a senior citizen and two representatives of a competitive firm of TEST. Why as city representation did they lie to the two representatives. Where in Peru does democracy start and stop?
3:02. I'm glad you're opening your eyes and seeing that subsidizing 51% at the expense of the 49% is wrong, and counter to the ideologies of the founding of this country.
You make no sense justin
Open your eyes people this referendum is supported by all the losers of the last election so that they can get another chance at office, plain and simple!!! I am sure this will not be posted as this is my second submission!!
Thinking back to election of last year actually makes me ill when I think and know about the "dirty" way it was handled. Pure politics and nothing more. I often wonder how some of those who won seats actually can live with the dishonest and shady way it was conducted. I hope enough people woke up when the results were known that they will want to vote in the affirmative on this At Large election March 18 to help our city move forward with people who want to help the city and not help themselves.
7:15. Thank you for that intelligent counter argument proving my original statement false. Well done.
Let your voices be heard? And if we all vote no, our voices will be wrong and we will be burnt a the stake? Right??
Lois please elaborate about what wrong doing or " dirty" politics that occurred at the last aldermanic election??? Not quite sure what you are referring to???
True Lois. It's archived in the News Tribune how Alderman Radtke publicly stated he wasn't going to run against Sherry Mayszak then Harl convinced Mike to run to try and un-seat her. Radtke is not a man of his word and played dirty. Karma is a Beotch Mr. Radtke. If the referendum passes Perez will un-seat you.
Let the aldermen wars against one another begin.
Another great Open Forum Wednesday night by Alderman Perez wife. If that doesn't wake voters up to vote yes I'd be surprised. If I lived in Peru I would send a letter. News Trib Open Forum deadline to support this referendum is Friday.
Lois do you know who the aldermen are who ignored Aldermen Perez and a handicapped persons request that Mrs. Perez was referring to? Would be nice to see those e-mails that she mentioned.
Lois,please tell us about the "dirty" election process. I saw a bunch of candidates walking their wards talking with people. I saw the vote counts and none of the races were close. Why do you believe the decision of Peru voters was "shady?". I am a voter and that comment insults me.
3:23 AM
You are being burnt right now and that you can't see the fire is amazing. The initiative for at large is an attempt to put out the fire before the house burns down.
I have to agree with 7:15 Justin, your comments often seem radical and out of touch with people. I am guessing that you are com paining about the government safety net programs , but it is hard to tell?
Social security would have been considered madness by our founding fathers. Universal health care, absurd. They could not have conceived of the power of the individual firearms. the list and argument goes on and on, and spirit of the constitution and ideals are left to the supreme court for interpretation.
You may want to kneel at the cure all marketplace of the free market and bash all government BUT we are trying to make an alteration to our current form of representation here? Do you have a relevant comment. To that?
My guess is if you want to run this will help you, and energize the young voters who will support you citywide. But your uncompromising ideals and desire to turn everything into a debate class make you almost unelectable.
Learn from these bozos who got elected. You have to relate, not just be smarter than everyone. I disagree with almost everything you say but I would still vote for you if I saw the slightest compromise or at least appreciation for other viewpoints.
Heard from an alderman today they are trash talking a letter to newstrib with current and former alderman signed on it together
The blogger who asked Lois to basically elaborate
On dirty politics must be absolutely clueless. Evidently that blogger has just recently become involved in Perus politics or else they would not have over what they did. Suggestion to the blogger. Take about two hours and read all that has been said on this forum and watch all the videos that have been ALLOWED to be posted and that should answer all their questions about dirty politics.
11:33PM
Just about what we expect from the current aldermen in Peru. One stepped out from the expected we all agree theme demanded by this administration and that person or persons will get trashed.
Freedom of speech not allowed in Peru .
This country has fought many wars for freedom and that includes freedom of speech, I suggest it be allowed in Peru also. Vote yes on the referendum and help us move forward honestly and with integrity.
Two questions:
1. What dirty politics did current aldermen engage in to get re-elected? I didn't see it so just curious.
2. How does the new election with people running a city wide campaign somehow eliminate this? It seems like the elections just become higher stakes and much more political.
I will be honest, I thought this concept had merit early on but the more I read into it the more I think this change would be a huge mistake. Please explain.
To 11:33 am - My opinion on current and former Peru aldermen is pretty consistent. Few if any have contributed much if anything towards really moving our city forward. Some, like Jack O' Beirne were in it for what they could get out of it. Others, like Tony Ferrari are in it for supplemental income. Others still like Don Piano were in it to serve their master, "The Don" and to do as told. With that said, they are certainly entitled to craft a letter to the editor of the local Fish Wrapper. I will be quite interested to see what reasons they cite for this referendum being such an awful thing.
The only thing I will predict is that it they will hit us with the old standard, "if it aint broke, don't fix it" or "2 less aldermen will doom the city of Peru with a huge void in representation". It will be tough for them to sell the idea to folks that more competition for aldermen seats is a bad thing.
They are entitled to say whatever they want to say. In that sense, I am more in favor of Free Speech then most of them appear to be. Maybe I'll run for aldermen.
JUST GOES TO SHOW THEY'RE ALL IN BED TOGETHER 11:33. THAT BACKFIRES EVENTUALLY TOO.
Justin, let no one cuff your mentality and freedoms to express yourself. I do not always agree with you but I will always defend your rights as I am sure you do not always agree with me but still defend my privileges to agree and sometimes disagree.
Justin, I have never met the person that I could not learn something from, but I must admit that the majority of the Peru City Council has come as close to as I'll ever get hopefully. To think that there are 2 instructors on this council one who taught children and the other who had nothing else to do in life but chase a small white ball around a over sized back yard. Now they are inadequately making adult business decisions for the city. THAT'S SCARY! Justin, always continue to stand on your own two feet, tell people what you believe and always tell the truth. I am sure that these bozos got elected cannot say they have done the same and in conclusion I'd rather lose a election than surrender my standards and pride and upon winning remember to do what you campaigned on and do it as promised.
11:33 I don't understand what you're trying to say. What do you mean "with current and former alderman signed on it together"? Please explain. Thank you.
Very interesting article in today's Chicago Tribune about the Illinois Municipal Electric Association (IMEA) which Peru is a member of. Well worth the time to read. I don't know how Peru could be attractive to incoming industry and residential home owners. Peru still has a huge debt in the hydro plant to pay besides.
From the sounds of this article Peru could become a very expensive town to live in. To participate in the upcoming 6-2 election is becoming the logical must of Peru, Illinois.
The word is that the foreman of Peru electrical department is going to retire shortly. What will his pension amount to per year and what is his income per year?
Are there presently more advantages to selling the electrical department than there are to keeping it?
"From the sounds of this article "Peru could become a very expensive town to live in. To participate in the upcoming 6-2 election is becoming the logical must of Peru, Illinois."
Lol. How in the world does voting yes change anything about this? This election somehow is going to fix everything you don't like how? City wide politics and elections are NOT the answer.
And how is Peru a more expensive town to live in? Do you not know how to read a tax bill? Seriously.
1:06 The foreman of the electric department is indeed retiring shortly. His current salary is in the vicinity of $90,000.
11:18 I wasn't complaining about the safety net programs, that is a whole other topic. There was a reference of "majority rules", which equates to democracy--something we aren't, so I will disregard your second paragraph. I don't understand your third paragraph: please rephrase it.
"But your uncompromising ideals and desire to turn everything into a debate class make you almost unelectable."
They're not uncompromising. We are all fighting the same battles, yet I'm sick of the same lackluster solutions, as is a lot of people.
"Learn from these bozos who got elected"--What do they have to teach again? How a dysfunctional government operates? In any case, I already have separate teachers.
"You have to relate, not just be smarter than everyone"---I do relate, as I have expressed that previously. No where have I ever said I was smarter than anybody, I've even said that on this blog several times.
"I disagree with almost everything you say but I would still vote for you if I saw the slightest compromise or at least appreciation for other viewpoints"--I do appreciate other viewpoints, but don't expect me to lay down and give up just to reach some sort of "compromise." I don't pursue attempting to bash someone elses ideologies, but if you can't successfully defend them when I question them, then shouldn't that be a sign they may be flawed?
12:50
"I do not always agree with you but I will always defend your rights as I am sure you do not always agree with me but still defend my privileges to agree and sometimes disagree."--Couldn't agree more! There is a level of mutual respect that needs to be understood between parties, something that seems to be getting lost.
"I am sure that these bozos got elected cannot say they have done the same and in conclusion I'd rather lose a election than surrender my standards and pride and upon winning remember to do what you campaigned on and do it as promised."---Exactly. You only lose if you quit.
No name calling please justin
I am not planning to run for alderman or any other political office. Election season is the same time as tax season. I cannot go door to door and talk to people during that time because of my work schedule. I gave it a try and lost, so it's time to move on.
@3:23 a.m. I really want people to go vote and let their voices be heard. It is their right and responsibility. Whatever the outcome, at least get out and vote on both referendums. Remember you can ask for a non-partisan ballot, so no need to declare as a democrat or republican. VOTE!
Justin,...Have you ever went to a city council meeting and asked a question?
Justin, Have you ever spoke to a city council member about your opinion? Or have had a debate with a city council member about a issue? To respond that I don't bother to voice my opinion won't count.
Justin, Have you ever held a meeting with Mayor Harl about your thoughts or advice?
Justin,...What are these ideologies that you bash? The ones you point out that are flawed.
3 alderman is more than 2 alderman the math is simple Mr. Maze your argument is wrong less governement more representation to everyone
Anon 2:13 Justin did no name calling. He quoted one comment which referred to the majority of aldermen as bozos.
As for the other comments which referred to the majority of the aldermen as bozos he did not mention.
As for the quote I do not find fault with that person either. Remember if it walks like a bozo, talks like a bozo, acts like a bozo, and thinks like a bozo. IT's a BOZO!
Lois, you mention dirty politics in the last election. I guess, it was ok, when in 2009 the outside unions paid and delivered Peru with new leadership. And how do you define dirty politics?
Negative adds or negative blogs?
Didn't see that come from the winning candidates in the last election.
The head of the Springfield Illinois Public Works (which includes electric) department makes $100K per year. Peru is paying way to much for electric and public works superintendents.
At the last public works meeting I heard that two different government groups received correspondence referring to the concert and airport and they were going to investigate. Is this true?
How is the Mayors "ghost payroll" progressing?
So many government groups have been notified about the concerts and airport you need a damn scorecard lol. If most people only knew, you would not believe the Mayor or sponsors would even touch these concerts..
Next up is the Airport insurance company. Rumor, and I stress that it is only rumor, is that the concerts were never adequately insured in keeping with the FAA stipulations. The airport insurance policy never had a rider for these kinds of activities. And now that they want more capacity, the lack of acceptable evacuation routes and emergency shelter are being investigated.
Looks like another twenty grand of free emergency planning for a private concert courtesy of Peru taxpayers.
4:36 Pm
I come from a totally nonunion independent minded family, most of whom ran their own small businesses and so being rather naive, I did not know about unions but I do know. The first time I voted for Scott Harl, I would call it a stretch of imagination to say I knew him and the second time in 2009, I sense something but could not put my finger on it. Within a very short time, I knew this was not going to be good and I became an interested citizen attending Finance meetings first and then on to some of the others.
Mayor Harl by now had new friends and associates and I and others were no longer of any use to him and he could easily spread his influence among them. You might say his motto became Ask and you shall receive. Many of us at this point learned about union influence and how the mayor used it.
The candidates who ran last time did not have to personally indulge in nasty stuff, it was done for them and I don't know if it was ok'd or not.
I would also like to say that initially we all had a good relationship with most council members. They may not have like what was blogged or liked my opinions, but they were gentlemen. They would not have behaved in the way some of those today are doing. As I have said before freedom of speech is not accepted well in Peru at city hall. The mayor quickly tires of public comment unless it is one of his friends or contacts. And if can find a way to prevent it as the ladies from the water treatment company, he and some of the aldermen will let you know that the answer is NO or complete antagonism toward the speaker.
Dirty politics does not happen only during an election as it has been ongoing for about the last 4 years.
Peru pays way to much for superintendents and chiefs in my opinion. With a city population of 10k and have a full-time fire chief making the kind of money ours does. Could someone please tell me a comparison of a city of 10k where there is full-time city fire chief? Let alone what taxpayers are paying that position. Food for thought.
2:39:
I've never asked a question at a council meeting, most of my questions would be asked and answered in a committee meeting.
You asked: "Justin, Have you ever spoke to a city council member about your opinion?"---Which opinion is that?
You asked: "Or have had a debate with a city council member about a issue?"---I don't recall ever debating a council member on any issues, I'm not sure if any of them ever would. If I have some sort of concern I usually go down to Bartley's and speak to Dave. Most of todays politicians base decisions on morals, or lets face it-because they are bought and paid for by those well connected (plutocracy)----to where mine are on economics (which isn't the most fun subject to learn).
You asked: "Justin, Have you ever held a meeting with Mayor Harl about your thoughts or advice?"---The only real "sit-down" meeting him and I have ever had is when I was attempting to fill the seat by the late Ron Wren. I expressed some of my concerns in regards to attracting local businesses to the area but that's about as far as it went.
You asked: "What are these ideologies that you bash? The ones you point out that are flawed."---I believe this question is in regards to what I posted earlier. Whoever the anonymous individual is must think I go around starting wars and debates with people. I don't. If someone has a view on something, all I do is ask questions hoping they can defend that view (if it was something I didn't agree on or had a different solution to). If whoever the individual is can't defend their view, then that should be a blatant admission that it has some flaws that need to be worked out. I don't go around spewing ad hominem slurs or resort to name calling in the hopes that I somehow win that discussion, I just ask questions. Most of my perspective comes from a macro-economic view but it all starts here, locally.
In short; we are all fighting the same battles, its the solutions that are keeping people divided. By learning human nature and economics I'm hoping to bring actual and practical solutions to todays issues.
Let me know if you have any questions I'll be glad to answer them!
Wrong area to question this. When a person becomes a full-time city employee what is the policy for vacation time? I heard that the recent appointment by Harl to a person 4-5 months ago is already taking a vacation. This was the 84k a year position. Never heard of this ever happening. Was this a under the table benefit?
Usually vacation time is allocated after one year of employment. Could be possible vacation with no salary being paid for that period? This needs its own blog title Lois if information is correct regarding vacation of such person and what the policy is. This is also of interest as to how our city is being conducted.
remember we are talking about the government, not the real world. I would not be suppressed if a new hires first month on the job was vacation.
I had to work a full year before two weeks of vacation was permitted. Must be one of the special people. Not even close to six months on the job.
Paid vacations were not a common benefit until after WWII. Than they were instituted as a benefit to attract employees. If hired in January of 2014 you do not have a accrued vacation time until January 2015. Therefor your vacation time drawn in 2015 is from the working year of 2014. Being that 6 months or the first year on the job is normally a probationary period you do not get any time off, paid or unpaid, except emergencies. The common payed vacation time is normally 1 week after the first year, 10 days after 5 years and after 10 years 15 days which is normally the maximum number of paid vacation days allowed.
Being that the Fire Chiefs full time position has just been created how many paid vacation days is he to receive and what time frame does he have to work to receive it?
For several years there has been a trend that the more physical time you are on the job the better the pay and the less time you are physically on the job the less you are going to get paid. Very similar to being in business for yourself.
12:44, so anybody who gets a job with benefits and a salary can take a vacation whenever they please? But, before this is discussed anymore we need it to be a fact that one is on a vacation and it was approved by who? Would be interesting to know. Anybody care to give taxpayers facts on this???
@3:57 No! Anybody who gets a job with benefits and a salary cannot take a vacation whenever they please.
Paid vacation and unpaid vacation has been on the downtrend for years rather than the increase. Most facilities are working with a minimum number of employees and will continue to decrease as the government persists on becoming involved with company policies on insurance.
I heard yesterday at a local diner, Waldorf will have an opponent in 3rd ward no matter if referendum passes or not, I already decided I will vote for him and not Waldorf.
So all the crying going on by current alderman that the referendum is to kick them all out, your wrong 4 are going anyway the following spring.
In tonight's tribune there are 2 more open forums with regards to the "at-large" referendum. One is for and one against. The one that supports the referendum gives intelligent reasons for doing so and explains how it will benefit the citizens of Peru. The forum that is against the referendum gives no explanation what-so-ever other than saying that those who have signs in their yards are people who wanted to be aldermen and couldn't get elected. I can assure the former alderman that that is indeed a false statement as I have a sign in my yard and have never (and will never) run for that position. I would hope that voters would see how this move will benefit both them and the city of Peru as a whole. VOTE YES!!
I understand that there is also another article in tonite's paper (against the referendum) written by former mayor Baker and some former aldermen.
10:43 AM
If so, then that proves beyond a doubt that former mayor Baker still has lots of influence on the current council. I can only think of the ones who sat on the council when he was mayor. That would be Alderman Ferrari and Alderman Waldorf and Alderman Potthoff.
And second why would the former mayor care? Is his influence still that strong on the un independent members.
What a time warp many of those whose names are supporting a no vote. And not to mention a couple of them who got the boot.and voters, ask yourselves why they got the boot? I laughed my butt off when I read that. VOTE "YES". And in my opinion some of them listed may not be in the right frame of mind to never comprehend what's really going on.
All of our current aldermen, with the exception of Rodney, have signed their name and obviously support to this "paid political ad". I, for one, feel this is inappropriate behavior on their part. They are entitled to their individual opinions but not as a "committee as a whole". My opinion.
One of today's open forums told the truth about the motives of the people who have circulated petitions for this referendum. The other was written by Mary Gum.
Its sad to see Mueller is in with the Baker boys . just another follower . How come slick Scotty didn't sign it ? What a pack of lies .
Had to laugh that one said basically don't believe forums that you read. Really? Oh how things have come to light because of a forum. It's called transparency. Some don't like transparency when it is the truth. Lying and being a liar is not transparency. Covering up for a person is not transparency. Regarding vacation blog above is very interesting and I don't have faith that anybody from the city will come forth to answer.
I was told that you don't have to declare youself at the polls...but you can't still vote on the on the other issues...(8 vs. 6 and pool)
Is this so?
2:55 Pm
That is true, ask for a non partisan ballet and only the referendums will be on it.
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