A family fun day comes under investigation
People have questions to ask our mayor about the last election in the fourth ward, since he seems to be concerned about honest elections or is it only
when it concerns 2nd Ward Alderman Perez. Really concerned about using the concession stand that is in poor condition and the Rec. Bd. would like to replace and electricity, how much to keep hot dogs warm and make hot cocoa? There is no heat in the bldg and I have to admire those who worked all that time. What about the light in city hall and in the Public Works bldg on Peoria St.? How about the $2000 Christmas tree and ornaments to decorate the interior of city hall? How much electricity did it take for the tree the couple of weeks it was up?
By the way it was said that Ald. Sapienza with the help of our city clerk ordered the tree but who said to do so?. The dollar amount was found on the Disbursement sheet but it was never discussed according to all minutes. Who gave the OK to buy and install special electric connections? Was it the mayor?
As to a City Manager, it would end up being one chosen by the current council and current mayor, any thoughts about it? Like we need a clone of what we already have.
This is all so petty, I have a hard time thinking people we elected to administer this city would have nothing better to do than to come down on a popularly elected alderman, unless the mayor is really concerned the alderman might be on his way to winning a second term.
76 comments:
If Harl's behavior (retribution) is typical of union thinking, I can see why the unions are getting a bad rap. If Harl's behavior is not typical of union thinking, I think the union would be very embarrassed that one of their members is acting so childish and immature.
Please enlighten me as to how this situation has anything to do with unions?
I think the mayor contacted the Obama team to find how they need to combat Rodney. I guess Eric Holder will come to investigate Fast and Furry Sleders.
This will be thrown out faster then the speed of light. Alderman has prior history with organizing family fun day. Do these other alderman think the general public is stupid. This just shows how stupid elected official are and how shallow they are in my opinion.
Don't accept a piece of candy from the candy jar at city hall. Well, maybe a sucker would be ok. Seems alot of those have taken a sucker.
Typical dirty tactics created and practiced by the Illinois Dems. Right out of the Saul Alinsky playbook.
Maneuver and bait the establishment so that it will view your opposition as a dangerous enemy and attach him.
The trouble is - Boss Harl isn't that bright and this will backfire on him.
Someone made an interesting comment that Rodney was having a campaign party at the park this weekend, just a comment from an outsider, sometimes perceptions are reality.
This is pathetic, to say the least. What a poor display of "leadership"
I can't wait to see if this video makes it to the city website.
Was this issue on the agenda? If not, how could it have been discussed?
I think it's time to call the men in the white coats to come get the mayor. He's totally flipped out. And I heard the mayor's wife was there watching. Surely she would have seen what a train wreck this will be for Harl. Oh how I wish the mayoral election was this April!
9:52. It was brought up under new business.
What violations did Rodney commit? I don't think using city electricity or parking your car in the park with campaign signs is criminal.
I agree this is stupid, but an item does not have to be on the agenda to be discussed.
Well, if indeed Mrs. Harl was present then we know this issue was discussed before hand because she hasn't been at a meeting in ages.
CALL IN THE FBI. BEEN LAUGHING SINCE 7 THIS MORNING. I THOUGHT I HAD A BAD DREAM. FREE HOT COCOA FOR ALL. OUR CITY IS UNDERMINING TAXPAYERS INTELLIGENCE. THANKS TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED IN FAMILY FUN DAYS. REMEMBER, IT'S TAKES A VILLAGE.
What doing i have to do as a resident of Peru to gain access to the concession stand?? I would love to have a party there,maybe I have to wait until I run for public office.
If someone were my husband and he got sprinkled with fairy dust, I'd be embarrassed to show. I would be a smart person for goodness sake. I'd stay home with my dogs who have a higher IQ then most people.
The main topic of the meeting was the city administrator. Very little was discussed about the election signs and event in the park.
What about a certain city official suddenly getting full time status with commensurate pay increase AFTER donating a pile of cash to the Harl Campaign Fund? What about the various City contractors "donating" piles of cash to the Harl Campaign Fund?
Look in to where Boss Harl is getting his campaign cash folks! Check out the reports on-line at:
http://www.elections.il.gov/AllSearchOptions.aspx
Everyone should send the Clerk a roll of pennies to cover the electricity used during this Community Event!
Who pays electricity for the bb gun club lights? Or do they practice shooting in the dark? The lighting at the concerts at the airport?
How many people at city hall have kids, grandchildren? Really. I bet if they told their children or grandchildren they were going sledding for an hour or so, they'd be all in. Who wouldn't want to be a part of this family?
We are all sure that if Perez's opponent had a fun day with campaign signs in a public park and using the city concession stand as the home base, we would want the FBI. Would that be a election event? Of course! The difference from last year is that he had election signs in a public park, according to the Newstribune. They also discussed the city ordinance that prohibits election signs earlier than 60 days prior to a local election. The federal law allows signs 365 days a year. Why wouldn't Perez abide by the local ordinance? If his opponent had signs up in September, would he be fined? Of course and the FBI would be called. Its the duty of the Mayor to point out complaints and follow up on violations, just like its the alderman duty to have a investigation if the Mayor violates any rules, laws, ordinances. I don't think that this will amount to anything. I don't think election laws have any local authority.
Must depend on who you are in Peru. I would like to know why there weren't any questions regarding water and electrical use when the fire department had a couple fundraisers at the fire station, which wasn't city business. Yes, I understand they were to raise money for a fellow firefighter. Please explain?
The more important topic is this talk about a City Manager. This needs to be put down unless the government is changed to Council-Manager. Otherwise, we will simply hire a manager that has no statutory power and will do whatever the Mayor tells him to do.
In the Council Manager format the Manager has the power to exercise his duties. The most significant is that the Mayor and the Council cannot interfere in the day to day operations and they cannot interfere in employee issues.
Read up on this form of government folks and tell your Alderman that if they want to hire a manager they must vote to switch to this form of government.
11:26 Did those event have campaign signs? If they do it is a clear violation.
Next year, I'd like to donate my 100,000k watt Honda generator. This way we will still have family fun days in case the electricity goes out. Backup plan #2- have a campfire and use tree branches taken off the trees along the river to cook hotdogs. My generator is my contribution, no billing required. . Oh, my friend in the suburbs own a Porta potty business too, he will donate a Porta potty.
What would be the difference if a person's family Member drove a vehicle to an event that had signage for their family member who was running for office? Didn't somebody else have a vehicle advertising themselves for a position in office? Did they drive their vehicle to functions? Nothing wrong with this, no fraud. We need new educated, smart, leveled headed, self-thinkers in office.
the signs where painted on two automobiles that where parked in the parking lot.
11:39 - the local sign ordinance was changed over two years ago. To match state and federal laws. If time limit restrictions where still in the ordinance - the ordinance would be illegal and non-binding.
But 10:17 action was taken. The mayor and aldermen instruct the chief to look into the matter.
There is no need to waste the time making a comment on Mayor Harls acions in regards to his attempt to get even with the person he refers to as Mr. Perez, rather than Alderman Perez because of bringing in the FBI for a payroll investigation.
As for Ald. Perez's annual family day, yes I said annual meaning it is conducted in both election and non election years - Thank you Alderman Perez for not only having such a wonderful idea but also for chairing it.
Possibly Peru should have a third aldermen committee which would be a Community Event Committee of which Alderman Perez would be the appointed chairman. To disband the Park and Recreation Board and create such a committee would be a added plus to Peru at the present time.
12:00 If those signs were in fact in a city parking lot instead of parked in the park, it may be ok. The local authority has no powers, its the State if Illinois election laws.
11:58 I don't think it matters who had the sign in the public venue, if it was parked in the park for the event it questions the election laws of the State of Illinois.
12:00 no local ordinances can over ride a federal law. Its does question the why would a candidate not abide by a local ordinance. Its shows the public the wrong message about our elected leaders. Why do some of them feel they are above the law.
Let's all be honest here. This is nothing more than a personal vendetta between the mayor and his "yes" aldermen and alderman Perez. If you have ever attended any council meetings you can't help but witness the animosity that is displayed toward alderman Perez whenever he speaks. Some stare (Waldorf), some make faces (Radke), some show anger (Sapienza). It's pathetic and sad.
Very nice of the person who will donate his generator for next years Family Day. His idea of getting a prota potty is also appreciated but as porta potties go there is a need of 2 of them. One for the person busy poopen on himself and the other for the rest of us. Since this particular person will not be in attendence please place the porta potty at the side door of City Hall he will know who it is meant for.
10:17 I agree with you that it an item can be discussed under "old" or "new" business, however, the news trib states "the city council asked for an investigation by Doug Bernabei, Peru police chief}. It my opinion action was taken and cannot be unless an item is posted on the agenda.
Just spoke with Rodney this morning. He said election signs can legally be up all year. He said the city ordinance "Recommends" they go up 60 days prior to election.
Rodney got the key from the city to use the concession which there's nothing wrong with an elected official using it to serve free food. If 10:51 was a public figure I'm sure they would let him or her use it to since he she is bonded and serves the city. Until then get in line with the rest of us and use the electricity under the shelters because we aren't trusted to have a key and if we fell and hit the sink we could sue where a pub servant can't. Think about it instead of thinking Rodney screwed the city.
Did Harl ask for volunteers to serve on this phony committee to determine if an "administrator" is needed in Peru? This is another scam by Harl and the aldermen to discredit the idea of Council-Manager form of government. These nit-wits will do anything they can to maintain their hold on power in Peru. When we see who serves on this committee we will know the fix is in. What a disgrace this mayor and most of these aldermen are. That demonstration of "pure political crap" that Harl, Sapienza and others put on last night illustrates the dire need we have for a City Manager to bring some sense of competence and intelligence to a council chamber primarily occupied by "Buffoons" and spineless "Pretenders".
Quiet justin if it was harl doing this you would have a totally different opinion
The NT quoted Boss Harl as stating that a switch to Council-Manager form must be accomplished by a public vote. That is only one way - and it is generally used only when the Council and Mayor are against the switch. The usual method of switching the government is by a majority vote of the Council.
Thank you Rodney for an event that should been thought up by the Peru recreation committee and supported by the city. My grandchildren had a great time and I am fed up with a big fish and his guppies in the Peru small pond. We can spend $$$$$ on moments notice foolishly and waste the time and expense of Bernie to do your dirty doings. I will give the city its precious money when you find out what the cost was to cook hot dogs and make hot coco.
Bad business would be to allow a new theater to come. They are closing ones around the country.
1:16 I guess if my city recommended 60 days for signs and I voted for it, why wouldn't he abide by that? The next item isn't the use of the concession stand and I don't think Alderman are bonded, its the signs at the event. Why and if he had signs in the park? There are two sides to every story and if he advertised the event as Alderman or candidate then had election signs, or whatever at the event it may not be criminal.
3:38 PM
It is my understanding is that the only advertising is the lettering on their personal cars which they drive to work and all over simply because that is that means of transportation.
3:38 PM
The keys to the concession were given to Ald. Perez by city administrators.
12:34 pm, Mayor Harl broke the election sign ordinance last time he was up for election by allowing two of his campaign signs on one resident's yard. Even after the mayor was notified of this broken rule, the two signs remained. How's that for the top dog in Peru not following the city ordinance? One candidate sign per yard is the rule. Good thing or I would have 6 Perez signs!
Were the cars with the election signs parked in the park?
Most of us could care less about this topic. Let's get on to the real problems.
Did anybody ever who has run for office worn a button to a counsel meeting? Or to a park in a city in which they were campaigning?
It is sad that cannot do something nice for the comunity. With out getting beat up. Great job Rodney. Peru needs more events like that and less mind less drinking on water st.
I also have one more hair cut at mt waldorfs, going leave extra 4.00 tip that should cover power. Then will not be going to him again, my 16.00 hair cut will be going else where.Hit him where it really hurts. I bet other will do the same.
A few questions. 1)Does the city have a park and rec dept? If so, and I thought we did, why are they not hosting these events if the event is suppose to benefit the families of the community? 2) All other events held in the city require certificates of insurance. Why was Rodney not required to have proof of insurance for this community event? 3) Can anyone go to the admin office and get keys to the buildings during the winter months? I though the buildings were suppose to be closed. 4) If food is served at a function that is intended for the general public, is a food permit required? God forbid, but who is liable if someone got sick? 5) Who was liable if there was an injury? People do and will get hurt sledding. Ask other cities that are restricting park usage for sledding purposes. 6) Are there rules published in the city books as to how events are to be scheduled, processed, and handled? Sad to say, but these are legitimate questions and that is why rules are put on the books to avoid possible liability exposure. I suggest the city make the policies more clear to avoid this problem in the future.
Uh ohhh rodney is in trouble
10.58. You sound like a kill joy. You must be a lawyer. No fun in Peru!
Oh how I miss Bob Ankiewicz! Sappy needs to keep his mouth shut!
@10:58 PM
Doesn't the city insurance cover the acivities conducted in a city park no matter if a city sponsored activity or simply two individuals playing catch or a group of adults having a game of football?
For years the YMCA conducted a Taste of the Illinois Valley with serving of liquor and this was allowed in Cenntennial Park or the Pool Committee was allowed to conduct a fund raiser for a swimming pool. What is so different between these activities and having a family activity in a city park in regards to the questions you ask?
Many days of the year I drive by all of the EMPTY city parks which have a need of some activity sitting empty they serve no one or or no purpose. Most of Peru must agree or Rodney would not stand out so much or get such a huge support. GOOD JOB ALDERMAN RODNEY PEREZ PERU NEEDS YOU MORE THAN A EMPTY PARK GETTING ITS GRASS CUT 2 TIMES A WEEK BY D&M lANDSCAPPING AND DOUG'S PROPOSED NO BID CONTRACT.
Anon 9:39 I also remember when the YMCA had a beer tent at Centennial Park and the CSO still has a beer tent on city property during the fireworks.
But being a firm believer that you should not compare apples to oranges in no way will I compare a family day to a beer tent with politicians of limited alcohal experience and not a minute of formal education in the field pretending to be stewarts of the bar on the 3rd of July.
Anon 10:58 which scares you the most a family fun day or the biggest drink fest of the year held on city property?
9:39 This isn't about insurance and according to the Newstribune its about election signs in a park and the event was sponsored by the same person that's name appeared on those election signs.
This is what will happen. A investigation will turn up that there was no criminal activity and only a poor decision on Alderman Perez. Then the Mayor will ask that it goes to a special FBI probe. The FBI will come into town and we will have updates on facebook and at city meetings to tell everyone that he headed the investigation to root out corruption and nobody supported his one man effort. The FBI will leave and send a note that the investigation is over with no action to be taken. The Mayor will ask for Perez to resign, Perez will call the Mayor Mr. Harl and that will end the drama.
Does this sound like a rerun?
9:39 am.
We are sure that Perez has a few million dollars in liability insurance? Its his event.
10:58 There is always the possibility of people getting hurt. At some events the possibility is greater than others. Being timid of weapons I am much more fearful of a BB Gunn Club and what result coud be both mentally and physically than I am of a family fun day. Please do not invite to any place a weapon is even a BB Gun because I am scared of being where a young child could lose a eye or worse.
8:12 (january 13)
tony's on peoria st. by john's -
is where i switched to - no lying blowhards to deal with there!
Anon 7:25 AM Agreed upon. Sappy has in a short time as alderman proven that he opens his mouth for more reasons than just changing feet. Maybe no has ever told him it would be best to keep his mouth shut rather than open it and remove all doubt of ignorance. Poor fellow, not gifted with many orginal ideas and the ones he has are so unusual. Sort of a Charlie McCarthy. You tell me what to say and I'll say it.
To 10:31 AM, There are many great or more affordable options around Peru for sa haircut. Why would anyone want to sit there and listen to Waldorf blow about how important he is. Peru has had no shortage of "self-important" elected officials over the years who did nothing more than take up space at meetings in order to cast their Rubber Stamp votes. Most notably for many years was good ol' (Treasurer for a Day) Jack O'Beirne, whose only true contribution to the city of Peru was to finally stop showing up for council meetings.
I think it is time for a new topic.
10:31. Price at Tony's? Thanks for info.
10:27 Go to the bb gun club and you will see that its safe and well run. These guys do a great job. And they don't tout their volunteer efforts every week in the blog, on the radio, facebook, newspaper, call reporters for photos.
Anon 10:26 Maybe you'd care to investigate how much the promoter initially had for her 1st concert at the airport before those not included in the "inner circle inquired. This has become another topic decided upon by who you are a reason which is way too freqquent in Peru government decisions.
No 11:14 it is not time for a new topic this one is still warming up.
Speaking of the concerts how much did they cost the city and how much money did the city make. I do remember that most of the aldermen worked at the concert and that none of them showed up for Family Fun Days. What was the reason for that?
Anon 11:14 Instead of changing horses in the middle of the stream lets prove that people who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
Who are the candidates for each ward in the upcoming races and can someone run camppaining as a write in candidate. Also when disposing of most of the present incumbents when does the next group and the Mayor run?
What is Sappys problem?
9:39 am, please contact city hall. I believe all entities holding events on public property are required to have some type of liability insurance listing the city as additional insured.
2:45 and all; you might be correct for entities that charge a fee - like the concerts, etc. But I seriously doubt that we require the annual car show, the various cancer walks, the churches, etc., etc., etc. to jump through those hoops to simply use a public park. If we do - it is a travesty.
There is far to much arm chair lawyering going on. The annual winter event is just that. A family oriented event at the park - nothing more. A mistake was made by showing up in the cars made up with the "campaign livery" painted on them.
My opinion - the City has an ambiguous statement in an ordinance. An ordinance can't make a recommendation and it was silly for the City to put that in it. The actual law is clear - there can be no time restrictions on political signage. That being said - it sounds to me like someone is upset because Ald. Perez took advantage of some good weather and put his signs up "early" relative to the way it has been done in the past. Then they got upset because the News Tribune wrote an article about his sledding event. That, and somebody is upset because, for better or worse, he takes a questioning attitude toward his job. Period, end of story. Move on to the actual issues facing the city. This is a distraction that will take resources away from what is important.
Incidentally - I would support an attempt to make political yard signs illegal. I don't think they serve a First Amendment purpose and I believe they are tacky. If a community can outlaw advertising billboards, garage signs, and various other forms of commercial signage - they should be able to restrict or outlaw political yard signs. It is a cheap way to campaign that turns an election into a popularity contest. People see the number of signs and they think that guy must be popular so I'll vote for him. Sorry - I'd rather have fewer voters turn out in an election than voters that base their decision on the number of signs.
2:45 in addition you are not allowed to display election signs at those events. The promoter had to provide and list the city as insured for the event. The CSO has also insurance and provides the city as listed insured. 1:48 your right on and maybe this needs more warm up time. This event wasn't sponsored or had no involvement from the Peru Parks and Rec department. Why are you so resentful to city council officials if they don't want to help Perez with a election event?
I am glad I left Peru a long time ago. This is nothing more than a high school popularity contest. Mayor Harl uses his yes men to and cronies to strong arm people into his way of thinking.
Thank god for those that actually try and do right by the city. This event sounds like a huge success and a huge positive for the residents.
Get over the childishness and insecurity Harl. This was a good thing for the city, why turn it into a negative out of a childish vendetta and self insecurity? You wouldn't last in a big city, but you try and act like Peru is. Get in touch with reality and out of touch with your childish, insecure ways.
A simple question has been asked and yet to be answered. "How much liability insurance was taken out by the promoter for the 1st airport concert before someone questioned it"? The amount was probably equivalent to what a small business would carry and increased after inquires were made. The mayor should remember.
The family fun days has been conducted by Alderman Perez in previous non election years and is not a election event.
Why did city council members work at and promote concerts which overall cost the city money but only cause problems for a family fun day? It appears that this council and Mayor do not believe in family fun days.
As for the Peru Park and Rec Board 2 parades a year limited handicraft program, unadvertised tennis lessons and unwanted pickle ball plus a extensive baseball tournament for 90% out of staters we'll never see again has been their limit at the cost of $75,000/year.
11:32 (jan. 14)
$14 - less money and no b.s.!
What a shame it has come yo this. Give the man credit for organizing something for families that live in the town. So what if there were signs-there ara always signs around if you don't live in his ward can't vote anyway. Harl and his sad followers are just causing troubles because they can't think of anything but themselves and what is in it fir them
[Start Sarcasm]
The Spring Valley School Board President - an elected / political position - used a PUBLIC facility, namely the JFK School in Spring Valley - for an obvious political event call the Family Reading Night!
[End Sarcasm]
9:46 He did not have election signs in the school. This shows all that he did if for the kids and school. Why have your car pulled up in a park with election signs on the car? It was if anything poor judgement.
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