I am very proud to be a part of a civic minded group working to make the city we live in a better place. Contrary to this paid advertisement that calls us a group of "disgruntled people", this is a group of very intelligent, well educated people.
They ad states "in government it's important to have more representation for the people".
That is what is wrong with government nationwide it is too big, too many people drawing money from the taxpayers and doing very little for it. No taxpayer dollars are being used by the volunteers, it is being funded by donations from local people period. It is not a PAC and has no registered name and they are not asking for anything but to educate yourself on the initiative being proposed by this referendum.
As has been mentioned many cities are choosing this route and are doing it successfully. If you have a computer, put it to work and study the proposition. Visit and read the website for the referendum. (link on the side)
Peru is in the midst of a payroll scandal, no superintendent of public works or city engineer and the head of the electric department is retiring and we have no replacements for any of these positions. We have the Chief of Police and Fire Chief doing double duty trying to fill those vacancies. Oh I forgot we don't have a building and zoning inspector and the Fire Chief is filling that position. What is wrong with this picture?
And yet this advertisement and the one from Saturday is telling you that we are the problem and they fail to see that they are the problem Ottawa a city bigger than Peru has 4 Commissioners and a Mayor running their city and they are doing very well. Peru does not require an 8 member council.
Give the city a change and a chance to become what they are capable of being by voting to approve the reduction to 6 aldermen with 2 being at large. We won't fall off the face of earth by changing not the type of government we have (mayor council) but just the number of people sitting on the council.
We have no agenda as we have stated many times, we have an idea and you as you vote will make your choice. Many of the best things in the world started with an idea and people willing to make it work.
59 comments:
I would recommend Mike Hart put one simple message in the paper-
At one time I did a count and found that over 95 percent of votes taken by this council are a 7 to 1 block or 5 to 2 block when Sherry was in.
Think about that. When they say more is better , the people actually are not being represented at all. It has become a rubber stamp after mock and staged debate.
They have more closed session and more block voting than any town in the area and I would suggest possibly more than any town in Illinois of similar size.
This is not representation! It is completely broken. Utterly broken.
This is the first step to fixing it.
It is funny how anybody who refuses to fall in line with the "establishment" of Peru is labeld disgruntled. There is no room for any level of dissent in Peru or you will be considered Anti-Peru. The crew of "Heavies" down at the Deli will work to never allow a progressive idea to enter the building. They post a guard at the door to prevent any enlightened thoughts from entering their stale and outdated discussions on Peru's illustriuos past and how they have to work to keep new ideas from ever making it to city hall. They are the guardians of the status quo. Charged with poisoning the well of progress with their morning coffee in hand. All they know is if it's different from anything that has occurred in the past 50 years it's bad for Peru. They help the city council by protecting the business interests of a few select companies in Peru who must feed at the taxpayer trough in order to survive. They see themselves as the protectors of prosperity when in reality they effectively strive to prevent any real progress. They do not possess the capacity to see the results of their narrow views of an ever changing world and economy. They are stuck in a time warp of 1970. Until they are gone they will defend "the way it has aleays been done".
I'm amazed at their spin on poor mathematics. If they can't fathom that 3 people to contact is greater than 2, then why the hell would we trust them with millions of our taxpayers funds?!
The PRO referendum group just provides the information and allows the voters to make up their minds.
The NO group down at the Deli, with the financial support of the former millionaire mayor, provide misleading and inaccurate information to the voters in order to confuse and create fear.
One is an honest group who just want to create an opportunity for more representation and more people to get involved in local governemnt.
The other will stoop to any level to protect themselves and their political friends and allys.
It's right vs. wrong.
It's good vs. evil.
Which one usually prevails in Peru politics. Yes, that's what I'm afraid of.
The papers spin on painting Alderman Perez as too big for his britches is humorous, as well as their including that the social media muzzling was designed by "top legal experts".
I think they need to do more than get their opinions from Lawywerdocs.com lol. My advice would be for Alderman Perez to continue to say whatever he wants, and cultivate contacts with the ACLU and several other organizations in the burbs who live for battles such as these over free speech.
They have carefully abused procedure, vacation times, timing of meetings, OMA policy violations, loss of important council session video. They even pressured the Trib to threaten Lois on copywright law.
But still, they cant quite stamp out that thing called free speech. every autocrat and Tyrant has disliked that, and as much as you can influence the Trib, dag nab social media seems to get lots of hits.
Frightened cowardly government always hides, muzzles, and says new is anti. These guys are small town but very good at using the tools of oppression.
Justin, you are a young man with extremely sound and progressive ideas. You envision the result of your actions and their effect not only on today and tomorrow but in long term results.
Most who have reached a chronological age which is many additional years longer than your own do strive to stay updated, open minded and receptive to all ages and ideas.
Our problem, yes yours and mine and all others, is that the so called "old guard" can fathom that 3 people to contact is greater than 2 but they also fathom that it is to their advantage to keep certain past improper business and political practices behind closed doors and not to allow any change. This group is in a protective mode and has leadership who are willing to prove that no matter how much drive, honesty and good intentions all of us have that "cash is king" and that they have the cash to fund the $1,000 ads and nightly publications. For Peru to progress it is up to us to see that efforts are properly presented to move forward.
In conclusion Justin stay as you are hard driving, well intended and a seeker of honest goals and you will find that your word of mouth is a much stronger political tool than the uncleaned dirty green. By now I am sure that you know that you can grant one authority but to obtain respect it must be earned by ones self actions and is not passed on from political hierarchies.
The old guard can barely use the restroom these days...how come everytime young people try to get involved they personally attack them
This fish wrapper of a newspaper allowed those personal comments about a resident of Peru, there has to be something said about that has anyone called the editor we all know she has political ties to old guard
You DO have an agenda and that's to slam everyone you don't agree with. You will never be satisfied until you are running the show.
Agree 148. And justin. Please dont say hell.
Will a prospective new employee ask to read through the employee handbook and would the section on social media have any influence on whether he wants to work for this city?
I ask because we are currently looking for professional people in the public works and electric department.
Additionally off that topic, I checked the application forms on the city web site and there is one for an electrical engineer and that is all I found.
Also in regard to summer help, there is a very outdated form to fill out for a job in the Recreation dept. I say outdated because jobs available include life guards and other personnel to staff a swimming pool.
Now they are either looking ahead or still haven't caught up to the fact we don't have a pool. It would be appropriate to redesign the job application form to meet current available jobs.
Whomever works for the city and part of their job description is to update forms etc.., and is not doing their job needs to be fired and replaced. Or is that person buddy buddy with the higher ups?? Who's job is it?
After reading to nites paper , looks like their saying alderman Perez is the problem . WRONG ! That's pretty bad when everybody see who except ( council n mayor ) who the problem is . I' m voting YES !!!
Lois I seriously doubt if anyone looking for a engineering position would be as alarmed by a social media clause as he will be hesitant by the combination of the social media clause and the city occurrence and handling of Sean Mikos during his 5 month nightmare. As companies run checks on prospective employees the type of employee that Peru needs will contact Sean on his Peru experience. Many times because of prior improper occupational relationships the employer has to lower his expectations to fill the open position. No matter what flavor of Kool Aid the Public Worst Committee try to distribute don't drink it. Speaking of the Public Worst Committee, talk of the town is that Alderman Waldorf made a motion that when asked to explain the subject of his motion he had to admit that he didn't know. I'll vouch to the fact if a experienced employee with 7 years on the job would do this in the business world today he would be looking for a job. Waldorf is the role motto of the slogan "Close enough for government work". This is the reason that A Yes vote on the 18th is essential for the future of Peru. Peru's city hall is so full of inefficiencies that a complete housecleaning MUST be started a week from today.
Does anyone remember HOW WELL THE CITY OF PERU RAN AND LED THE VALLEY before this blog and a few that supported it got involved and screwed it all up with the cover of "citizens for better Peru " actually came on the scene.
Bring back the good ole days before all of the loud good bodies stuck in their nose and messed things up. They wanted change and guess what they got it , WE ALL SUFFERED FOR IT. The only thing so far accomplished is more money out of my pocket now and maybe the future.
5:42 you must be kidding. The old guard had it buttoned ip and buried. Many bad things were happening, just not to you apparently.
The financial drain was beginning, the lack of vision was apparent, and the old guard would have to violate every OMA law on the books to keep governing in the... We know whats best for everyone... mode.
Harl just took advantage. The rot began when one band and leader were allowed to go on and on for decades! It is often the case when people know what's finally going on they are sick of it, that they bring in a slick talking loser...anyone but the old.
Ok, they are in...now let's find people who represent us better and get him and the dregs out..
Whine all you want about bringin back the Latin mass.. But it's time for Peru to wake up and start governing themselves.
To 8:08 pm - I like your style!
To 8:08 I guess you have gone to church recently and you see that the latin mass has returned. You need to open your eyes and vote for what works not just to be a band of trouble makers. You sound like the national tea party and its screwed up goals.
If instead of sitting in council meetings and saying nothing, why don't you schedule meetings with the aldermen (your representative) and discuss the options for improvement . No instead you complain within your self or group and get nothing done. Where is democracy?
5:21 Its crazy to believe that anyone would not apply for a job because Peru has a social media policy. The only problem is that if any prospective business reviews a few of the post on the web site, they will run away. Put a star on your helmet and be proud you are part of the problem.
Reading last night's Tribune and then going to Alderman Perez's facebook site, I fell off my chair. Does this City Council think its ok for employees to use city computers to post comments about their employer during work time? Last week we wanted to reimburse employees $700,000 for wages doing nothing. Vote yes for me on this one.
Now you have the "genius" Rod Thorson not only down talking, but making fun of the referendum on the "wonderful world of wilpo (WLPO). Guess the "in crowd" got to him and he sold out to them.
Does the city clerk know how to access Facebook??????
Anon 5;24 What specific years did Peru own the Westclox site? There were city trucks parked outside and city employees inside for questionable periods of time?
Management practices enlighten employees to what is acceptable and unacceptable and most often are the example which initiates poor work practices. The citizenship of Peru would be shocked to learn how pay raises were granted to certain employees who were favored for wink wink work performed at the Tick Tock years after it was closed down. Do you really want to return to the good old days when huge amounts of money were accumulated out of your pocket and are now being utilized to camouflage those days in advertisements i.e. Saturday nights $1,000 Confession of the Chief and his 16 Little Indians. For some reason this tribe is not worried about change they are scared to death of it. Tick Tock, Tick Tock
So the know-it-all big mouth at 1220 thinks he knows what's best for Peru. He may as well do his talking now because soon nobody will be tuning into that worthless noise they call music.
The conception by certain individuals (including article in tonight's paper) seems to be that those who organized this referendum are doing so because they were defeated running for office. Is that the same reason why others oppose the referendum? Some who signed the tribune paid ad were defeated (including the former mayor) and others (current aldermen) are they fearful of "being" defeated if they have to run for office again?
Peru never did own the Westclox (Talley Industries) company but after the company left Peru the building was bought by Don Baker who was mayor of Peru. He and a number of other well known individuals were a part of this ownership. It was during this time and someone else will need to supply the years because I don't know off hand, that the Peru city workers were frequently seen at this site and it was said that they were working there on private property on city time. This is informational only to those who question the blog about this minor bit of misinformation by a blogger.
8:52 Just a comment due to you showing the style of response that the old guard uses. Without getting in to religion, as arguing with the Mel Gibson ultra conservative Catholics is a productive as placing your baby in the care of rabid pit bull, I was around for the installation of Mass in the tongue of the country where it was being said.
To many other religions, they might have thought it odd to have mysterious services that people were required to attend, while 90 per cent of them had absolutely no idea what was being said up there, because they did not speak Latin. So it was mandated that the liturgy be translated to the tongue of the faithful.
Not surprisingly, the Illinois Valley was one of the strongest resistant flock in the USA. And there the analogy to Peru politics is complete.
You reference the return of the beautiful Latin service , partly it is as an accommodation and comfort to the aged here... But the reality is that masses are in English here and all over the US, with the high Latin used, sparingly, reverently and only as a sign of respect for those who grew up in it.
It is not a wholesale return to taking care of the rabble, and hoping they dont get so uppity they actually want to participate and know what's going on.
The Pope did not say...geez look at how bad everything is, we need to go back to the Latin Mass allover, because when people understand and participate they start to actually think. That's what happened with Baker, it's why he was tossed.
You say don't complain. Ok , fine. How about I help sponsor a referendum to have the most qualified leaders run and get voted in, no matter where they live in town...or what church they go to or bar they gamble at. And still you can have your one local little rep too.
You only want participation if it follows your rules. Everything else is whining and complaining to you.
Speak up at a council meeting? Are you kidding? Signing cards and talking to a brick wall is not my idea of changing things. So if you think kicking you or your buddies asses out is the action of a bunch of trouble makers, you ain't seen nothin yet.
8:52 what do you think happened with the TEST vote? People called their aldermen and were treated rudely. Why would you ever call upon an aldermen again if that's the response you get? Vote YES!
I would like to personally thank all who are participating in the current referendum pertaining to the 4 ward, 2 at large councilmen representation. I definitely believe that this will increase representation and also political interest resulting in a acceleration of quality. The idea of having the representation of 3 rather than 2 plus the decrease of 8 to 6 will narrow down and pinpoint responsibilities. A win win situation such as this is one in which I'll join and work for and most of all vote Yes, March 18.
Inquiring about the two individuals who were so rudely addressed, Steve Weberski and Travis Nelson, I have been informed that both are extremely intelligent with true leadership attributes who call a spade a spade and have a reputation of working hard for the good of Peru.
I understand that both will labor for long periods and be willing to suffer losses to gain a victory in worthwhile causes.
Sadly what started as a true effort to improve city government has resulted in a situation of personnel insults from past representation who are scared that others may succeed when and where they didn't.
The 5th rider on a original no bid contract for $3,000,000, the dilapidation of streets with improper methods and irresponsible costs of repair and outdated traditions preserved by several city councils, the failure of past and present administrations and councils to work for the people and Peru rather than themselves plus what can go on and on is why this referendum was created by this small group which is increasing rapidly in numbers.
Anon 2:00 In regards to the TEST vote I did call my alderman and in hearing the reasons he/she was defending TEST and the non competitive approach in relation to the contract my alderman fully convinced me that he/she had a confirmed AYE vote in hand and did not care what I thought. I'll never vote for this person again nor call them again and I am going to vote YES next week.
The easiest way to reduce this council in numbers would have been never to change their pay scale to a salary and than cutting the meetings to 2 a month but instead to reduce the meetings to 1 a month and pay by the meeting. To reduce their pay from $500.00/month to $100.00/ month would send all 7 loyal, patriotic, individuals who bring different goodies to the table packing.
3:09 hear we go again with no facts. Nobody makes $500.00 a month, maybe Perez if he adds his fireman check to his public service pay. Thats only if he had to go to quite a few fire calls. And he attends more than 2 meetings a month. Two meetings a month isn't even close to the number of meetings attended.
3:35 PM
Each alderman is on one committee and they as a rule but not always meet once before each council mtg. The only committee mtg of any length is public works.
Please don't make it look like the aldermen are spending hours and hours at committee meetings, not true. A finance meeting might last 30 minutes to 1 hour as a rule and the same with public works.
Public Safety and Public Property could be done away with as well as reading the reports of Public Safety at council meetings.
The mayor has consolidated enough into 2 committees Public Works and Finance to make the others almost obsolete.
Public Works is controlled by Chamlin Engineering and Test with the aldermen in attendance.
There are unpaid residents who attend as much or more than one alderman does.
9:30 please don't drink the kool-aid. I think the newspaper indicated only one alderman felt it was the right of the employee to sit on the city computer during work time and blast his fellow employees, employer and give out false information to those reading his/her posts. The other was returning wages to all the workers who didn't get their pay boost while the city had a wage freeze. The one Alderman felt that the Mayor gave a pay raise to one person all others should get the same, it would only cost the City about $500,000-$700,000 according to the estimate. Hopefully this will help assist you with your NO vote.
Anon 9:30 I too read the paper along with the Alderman Perez FB post. Maybe you either can't comprehend or you're just a closed minded Harl puppet? I comprehend it as Perez feels that the city has always provided the full time firefighters with a computer at their fire station where they live for a 24 hour shift. I take it Perez feels they should be able to continue using it if they choose to pay personal bills, google, web surfe, social media and so on since the firemen basically live there for 24 hours. I just can't believe city officials passed such a rule.
4:00 PM
I suggest you contact that one alderman because it sounds like you were not at the meeting and listening to rumor. The employee you are referring to would be a full time fire engineer who spends several days a week at the fire station, 24 hour shirts..
You are free to vote however you wish but please get your facts straight before you tell people that that is the reason they should vote as you tell them to.
Personally know that ex mayor and alderman have the funding to say all the untruths and distortions they wish but my question is why? Maintaining the status quo is no longer an option and trying to keep this city in that rut is a sure way to keep businesses out of town and to stunt job growth in this city. Is this related to TEST in some way? Think about the history of the city and the TEST corporation. And we the people had the nerve to oppose a NO BID 3 million dollar deal but the aldermen did not except Perez. Is there more to this than meets the eye and thus the intense opposition which could be affecting someones pocket?
Anon 4:00 PM I read your comment, reread it, and read it again. Since I was at the meeting I was puzzled to why it seemed that the two of us interpreted the same meeting so differently. Than I read where your information came out of newspaper flavored kool-aid which accounts for the reason but does not excuse your uneducated "No" vote.
As most others who personally attend council meetings and have witnessed for themselves the inefficiencies of the Peru Council I'll be voting Yes March 18.
The high lite of Monday nights meeting was to see a alderman with 7 years experience bring a motion to the floor and upon being questioned by the Acting Mayor for a explanation of what it was the alderman answered with I don't know myself.With this representation don't you wonder how many times city representation has bought the Brooklyn Bridge? This is the same alderman who will be deciding upon a City Engineer and a Double E for Peru.
After reading all the comments on the blog, the ads in the newspaper, and the open forum, I have come to the conclusion that I would have much more respect from the sitting aldermen had they taken the stance that whatever the voters decide they will honor the outcome. Whether it means running again, whether they win or loose act like ladies and gentlemen. When I saw the huge ad in the newspaper on Saturday and signed by all with the exception of Alderman Perez I felt they had stooped to a new low. Please aldermen let the voters decide, and either way act accordingly. You will gain the respect of the people of Peru, and that is what should be at the top of your list. Every person that runs for public office runs the risk of getting beat. If you have the best interest of the people of Peru at heart, the voters know that and will reelect you.
459 please stop drinking the kool-aid.
There are many ways to compensate a person for certain business favors. Normally the larger the favor the bigger and the longer the compensation. Compensation could be a simple night out on the town for one night a week or for 52 nights a week. It could be a wine and dine family treat or a unscheduled convention visit with moocho bucks to spend. Tickets to a ball game or a annual golf pass and if things are of justification a set of golf clubs, how about a annual fishing trip to Canada or a huge blowout Christmas party in Chicago with all the garbage that you can eat and hooch you can drink. Tickets to a concert with signed pictures of yourself and entertainers are always nice for those turned on by this sort of thing, of course care must be taken that tomato sauce from the pizza is not spilled on them. Now do you know why I am going to vote Yes next Tuesday?
6:04 PM
If you recognize the time you wrote that post, this is for you. I don't publish attacks on private citizens, who have never had any elected position or contract with the city.
5:54 PM
You are exactly right. It was curious when Alderman Potthoff, at last Monday's council meeting, said the aldermen as a group do not support an issue. LOL!! They supported a no vote to this referendum as witnessed with their big ad in the newspaper. I agree wholeheartedly that they should listen to the voters, but they showed their true colors with the TEST vote. VOTE YES
At last Mondays' City Council meeting Alderman Waldorf made a motion which is to hire a city engineer. He said that it would be preferable to accomplish this in the next 60 to 90 days. In his brief explanation of the city engineering position which was requested by Acting Mayor Potthoff, Alderman Waldorf said hopefully the hiree would be able to do the Motor Fuel Tax and smaller engineering jobs for the city. The word smaller was emphasized with the thought expressed that the city would still have to hire a outside firm to do the bigger jobs such as the sewer separation. Alderman Waldorf forgot to mention that the airport is also reserved for a outside firm which Sean Mikos when working for Peru mentioned that he did not do, saying very sofly thats' Chamlins (there was no furtheer explanation). Before opening interviews why would Waldorfs approach be accepted. To be blunt is Waldorf protecting certain jobs for a outside firm and if he is Why? The council granted permission for Alderman Waldorf to move forward in the hiring process without any questions pertaining to him already emphasizing limitations.
What requirements and qualifications are needed to compile the motor fuel tax survey? Does Peru need a engineer to perform this assignment or could it be accomplished out of the City Clerks office and if needed be backed up by the Budget Director or the City Attorney in a check and balance procedure. If Peru is to hire a city engineer why wouldn't the council let him be a engineer? The real problem here lies within the management inefficiencies of the membership of the council? What was the intended duties of a city engineer when requested by the Infrastructure Committee? Did they also want to hire someone as a city engineer and than handcuff the person? I would appreciate some open comments on this subject from members of the Infrastructure Committee and how the position has been handled since the opening of interviews just a few months short of a year. What has happened to the computer programs that were ordered for Mr. Mikos? Are they in use, and if not WHY?
In reference to asked upon comments from the Infrastructure Committee could they please be submitted before March 15. In advance thanking you for your co-operation.
9:59 PM
I certainly was not a member of the infrastructure committee but hope one or more will respond.
I believe that the 2 members of the public works department are nothing more than mouthpieces for Chamlin Engineering and TEST.They always have the written information printed out and in front of them at council meetings for them to read.
This is where a city engineer comes in to be the communicator for the city and this could easily be seen when Sean Mikos was in our employee.
Even though he was handcuffed as to what he was allowed to do, I believe he tried but it was a no win job for him.
I cana't imagine another P.E. willing to take this on unless he has already retired. Or is this an opening for one of the Chamlin crew to opt in?
5:54PM, the aldermen are free to express whatever opinion they want. At least the aldermen didn't use their titles. Perez is all over Facebook with "alderman Perez" and "city of peru" on the heading. That's wrong! The city of Peru would not have an official position on the referendum! It's typical that Perez gets away with the same things this blog decries. The article in yesterday's paper convinced me. Most people when they reach adulthood realize that when the game is over, there is a score and it's final. These people are not adults, they are children asking for a do-over! I don't want people like that making decisions for me. I vote NO!
9:59
"What was the intended duties of a city engineer when requested by the Infrastructure Committee?"
I can honestly say I do not remember the specifics of the hiring process, I believe it was Steve Weberski and Mike Hart who were more involved with that.
"Did they also want to hire someone as a city engineer and than handcuff the person?"
Definitely not. These are our tax dollars at work as well as yours. I do not believe that hiring someone then willfully holding them back is a strategy worth pursuing.
" What has happened to the computer programs that were ordered for Mr. Mikos? Are they in use, and if not WHY?"
I have no idea. It has been a few years since the Infrastructure Committee has had a meeting. Its basically safe to say it has been dissolved, although permanent dissolution would have to come from the council.
Justin, thank you for your rapid response. In reading your comment I conclude that the Infrastructure Committee developed the concept of hiring a City Engineer, not the city council. Being that it was not their own idea and never would be because Peru has had a privatre consulting engineering firm as their "one and only favorite" since the latter 1940's". If you are in doubt of this fact there was a list of aldermen in Saturdays newspaper advertisement who you could call for verification. During the conversation ask how many times in their terms did they contact a competitor to inquire about performing city work.
This infrastructure committee was quite a dilemma for the council to handle, here they had a committee gathered together by the Mayor who no one knew how to properly IGNORE and what in the world is one of their 1st thought but to hire a city engineer creating a competitor for this consulting firm which has always treated the council in such a gentlemanly manner. Come on, one city engineer may not like Fishing in Canada as well as paying for it, he may not even be able to afford it.
Wait a minute there is a simple solution lets combine positions making him SPW/city eng. that will not only slow him down but will continue the long lifetime of the consultants. From now on we will have both, one for small jobs and to manage the public works dept and the other for the big jobs (the money makers). What a fishing good idea.
This is how the City Councils of Peru have mismanaged city funds for too many years.
Vote YES, March 18, and join those who believe that it will only be the start of efficient government in Peru. If things are presently so good in Peru why are the majority of our youth continuously moving away? Is one of the reasons that the elderly will not allow anyone a opportunity for fear of competition or unfavorable disclosures. Their has to be a reason for the advertisement by former and present officials of Peru in last Saturdays newspaper. One thing that has been proven is that someone still knows how to spend a lot of money as this ad cost well over $1,000. Has anyone thought that this $1,000 was really spent for business interests which are associated with city expenditures and the continuation of 6th, 7th etc. Rider contracts. Please reply, but be nice!
More 1:03 CONSPIRACY. I don't think the city was charged for the add. I don't think all the yard signs, mailings were paid for by the City of Peru. I would imagine that both the No AND yES POLITICAL jargon was paid by those who support either cause.
Mismanaging city funds, fishing trips? Come on and get a life.
1:03 Ahhh the smoking herring. What fishing trip are you talking about and what proof do you have?
I have to laugh all ads for the no vote are paid by Joe Witczak. I wonder what the hold Mayor Baker has over him. Is it because Baker let him have a car dump right down from City Hall. Now he has to pay back with his name. If anyone believes he is writing these ads, I have a bridge I want to sell you.
They have all taken a oath to keep the society secret. All have a hidden secret tattoo, a society manuel and have secret meetings at a secret lotto shop that use to be a deli. To get into the place you need a secret handshake and play the following lotto numbers 7-45-37-29-58.
It is said that they protect a holy grail located under city hall with all the treasures of the Great City. And the great secrets of the City. If you are a true believer you will have the wealth of clean water, low electrical rates, low real estate taxes forever. The price you pay for all these riches is the price of public service. And $5.00 membership to the CSO!
@1:03 No the city was not charged for the ad RECENTLY. The independent group supporting a YES vote are paying all their expenses out of their own funds supported by hard work as should be. The No vote is being financially supported by numerous years of creative home book keeping and superior investing.
What are the recent rates charged for a business to channel billings through another business for collection purposes. Rumor of a 5%charge of the entire bill by at least 3 prominent firms to allow another prominent firm to pretend that everything was on the up and up seems to have been a way of life.
As for the CSO, how many remember the picnic that the government official shut the illegal gambling machines down and the owner of the machines had to drive up to get them off the picnic grounds? How long ago did that happen, almost 20 years.
Anon 4:56 Yes by law the city must give me clean water, sadly I do not know if Iam being charged fairly for it as Peru City Council does not follow its own ordinances and practice competitive bidding on this 3 million dollar 5 year contract. As for low electrical rates a article as recent as last week in the Chicago Tribune is in dispute to this statement and is predicting a very negative future for the IMEA. As for low real estate taxes how do you know this will be forever and the citizenship is getting very little in return from these taxes. How large the dues paying membership and the actual active membership of the Peru CSO is, it continuously is in defense of its existence and considered by many to be a major roadblock in the progress of the town.
Why are the alderman so concerned about a social media policy for employees when for years those same aldermen and those before them have been see and heard discussing "residents" while they have some time together at local social establishments.
The Mayor and aldermen would not have to concern themselves with social media policies, city council executive sessions and meetings as a whole if the ordinances they have created and the laws of the state were adhered to.
Respected political representation does not have a open door and than resort to a closed door session every week. Appearances are that the citizen is to hear what the council wants and will not hear what the council is ashamed of. When a child rolls a snowball downhill does it go away or does it get bigger?
To accomplish the changes needed in Peru Politics the citizens must start with a YES vote March 18.To witness who is opposed to this referendum and realizing why they are in opposition has raised the importance of the referendum in the future progress of Peru. It must be made evident that Peru politics has been overly good to a few, but only a few. This few have been assured complete success no matter what in support of one another. The majority have been set in place to support the few also.
Anon: 7:02
I am in favor of the referendum. If Ottawa and Streator can conduct business and direct the business of their cities with 4 city wide elected officials then what is wrong with 6 total aldermen. With the city having 4 committees and 2 aldermen on each they must attend other meetings to be informed. But presently Alderman Waldorf has his meetings scheduled for 10:00 am on his day off thus it makes it hard for the working person to attend. With 6 elected the committees could have 3 on each committee thus each alderman would be on 2 committees and be more informed on running the business of the City of Peru. VOTE YES.
Mike, You have brought up some very strong points which should be considered to achieve a educated vote.
Also part of the equation which has to be considered is:
*Ottawa, Il. population 20,000 4 @ large aldermen each who governs the entire city and is a representative of the entire city population, Elected Mayor with a law degree and experience, have both a city clerk and a city treasurer, city attorney is extremely active in meetings, very efficient government and updated city.
*Streator, Il. population 14,000 4 @ large aldermen each who governs the entire city and is a representative of the entire city population, elected Mayor and appointed City Manager, City clerk/city treasurer is a combined position, city attorney is extremely active in meetings, very efficient government.
*Peru, Il. population 10,000 8 aldermen,2/ward, aldermen being elected by ward are very territorial and manage with the attitude that they only represent their ward and not the entire city they also will express dissatisfaction of another aldermen from a different ward assisting someone of their own ward, elected Mayor, elected City Clerk, elected City Treasurer, City Attorney participates in council meetings only upon being called upon which historically is very seldom for example if recent lengthy "ghost payroll" would have been properly presented to city attorney the city would not have had to suffer the excessive costs and smears of reputation , Large amount of Sales taxes and revenue from electrical department misused to support poor inefficient business practices resulting in inappropriate city savings.
Imagine this scenario with 4 aldermen and 2 at large.
One aldermen representing you and two aldermen plus the mayor from the SAME WARD as your alderman.
Your poor (1) alderman will be out voted by the two at large along with the mayor.
think about WHO JUST LOST. Your the citizen of that ward.
2:00 PM
Since the mayor and all aldermen except Ald. Perez are buddies, this won't happen and the only aldermen it would happen to is Aldermen Perez. Are you worried that it might happen to someone in that ward represented by Ald. Perez?. This referendum is supported by Perez, so don't spend too much time worrying about this outlandish scenerio.
Now really what are you afraid of?
Don't think the aldermen are territorial? Look what happens every year when the roads need to be fixed. Instead of them working together for the city as a whole, they only worry about their little section of asphalt, because they relate that with the votes that will be needed to be reelected. Asphalt=votes. Especially if the road in front of influential people get fixed.
Anon 3:52 Great example. cities such as Morris, Il. start on a street and stay on it until it is finished. Than they go to the next street and stay on it until it is also finished.
Peru aldermen split the monetary fund equally per ward and jump all over town.
End result is that Morris pays 70 cents to accomplish the same amount of work that Peru pays $1.00 for.
Maybe the Ex-Mayor and his Magnificent 16 want to take out another $1,000 advertisement explaining the tremendous financial loss they supported during the last 9 decades. For every dollar spent on road work during the last 9 decades they have truthfully wasted 30 cents or more. 30% of how many millions spent on roads during the last 9 decades wasted to support alderman's territorial waste because they want to make sure they get the vote.
These same guys grew up in a time that you had best eat everything on your plate because there were little children in the world that didn't have anything to eat. Does anyone remember that when you belonged to the clean plate club your guardian angel would be smiling.
Imagine this scenario 2:00 I think we can all agree the council doesn't involve Alderman Perez in city business and sabbatage anything he does. That leaves a total of 7 Aldermen.
Alderman Sapienza, Ferrari, Lukosus and Alderwoman Mueller don't take any action or do anything but read reports. I've watched the last several council meetings since the pay crap started and the above mentioned obviously can't think for themselves. Alderwoman Mueller and Ferrari are my alder people and I'm telling you they do nothing Nothing!! That leaves only three aldermen left who call all the shots. From what I view are Aldermen Waldorf Radtke and Potthoff tell the others (except Perez) how to vote and they do it. They are total followers. Aldermen Potthoff and Perez are the only two independent thinkers on the council.
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