This looks rather mundane at first glance but I have been informed that it is much more in depth and may possibly affect companies already in the area west of Walmart and not necessarily in a positive manner In other words this is not a complete description of what is actually going to be discussed.
As usual the details are vague.
REPORT OF CITY ATTORNEY/ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT WITH PERU INDUSTRIAL
RAILROAD, LLC, A COLORADO LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF
QUITCLAIM DEED AND CLOSING DOCUMENTS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH
AN ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 3752, AS AMENDED, ENTITLED: “AN ORDINANCE
ESTABLISHING RATES AND CHARGES FOR USERS OF PERURAIL
112 comments:
Government should not be in the railroad business. The only reason we own that spur is because the previous owner was going to tear it out. The time has passed, the property needs to be turned over to private business.
If your statement is true than should have been bid and sold to highest bidder . Makes sense , but then Peru leaders don't do what makes sense , they do whatever puts more $$ in their pocket !
I heard Waldorf was very quiet tonight . He didn't take his usual jabs and making of rude comments to Rodney . Must be laying low as to not draw attention to himself for his misuse of city funds for campaign purposes . Smooth move !
Anon 6:23 The government has been and is already in the railroad business. Why, do you believe that the property needs to be turned over to private business, the reason has to be greater than the time has passed. It is understood that railroad business has large liabilities but isn't this business negotiable to a lease so if they fail the railroad maintains its vlue for the city.
No one, including city hall, have a idea of what is going on. Previously If something was going to be opposed a smoke screen was sent out to soften up and cushion the proposed action.
Recently so many smoke screens have been used that it appears to be a 5 alarm fire. Scary to think of what could be coming in Peru.
9:51, no; I actually believe it is time for our government to get out of this business. I don't care if "government has been and is already in the railroad business." I simply stated that it should no longer be there.
It sure appears Peru is not only in the railroad business but they are also in airline, real estate, and banking business too. I don't believe any municipality and sell public property without going out for sale? Did Peru advertise that railroad or just make someone a closed door deal?
The government is a business which needs to make money like any other business. You don't sell an asset that is turning a profit unless you're uneducated and self serving like Peru officials !
The need to call a Special Meeting is clear indication that the "behind the scenes" wheelin' and dealin' requires fast and furious action by the Peru Council. Lots of communications between elected officials and big-shots from the companies poised to profit from the decisions made by our "leaders"?
Government has established laws to promote the railroad business.
Railroad are owned and have been owned by private business.
If you followed the news for the last 20 months the city has been in contact with the purchaser. The sale will enable the rail the ability to transfer the sand product North. It will open up more business for the area.
@8:18. Isn't it amazing that Waldorf tries to get in contact with Sherry? Why not answer questions on this site? Pertaining to all Comments referencing to him.
Why was there the need to have a special meeting last night to finalize this deal that has supposedly been in the discussion stage (behind closed doors) for 2 years? Isn't there a council meeting Monday. It couldn't wait until then? Why did the discussions have to be held behind "closed doors" and why, once again, did the deal have to be voted on in a "special meeting"? Is that a way of keeping the general public in the "dark" as to what their government is doing?
Did the city advertise their publicly owned property for sale? Any tax payer owned property sold must be advertised. Rodney said James Hardie wanted to look into purchasing the rail which would make sense. The excessive closed sessions to discuss city business is damaging the city's integrity. They may have been discussing this for 20 months or so but who would know especially since the closed session agenda doesn't show what specifics are being discussed and can not be shared with others. So I'm guessing the above comment was made by a city official since only they would know when discussions started.
"The government is a business which needs to make money like any other business."
NO! The government is not a business and should not be thought of as such. The government needs to cover costs - nothing more. If there is a "profit" at the end, then revenue needs to be decreased or put aside for emergency use.
This sale will also enable the city officials to have well over 1 million dollars to burn a hole in their pockets until they can throw it, waste it, or give it away unless they already have intended it for the new theater. It is embarrassing to realize that a government entity has a piece of property that they never mention they would like to do something with but and never advertise a railroad nationally for sale or lease or inquire of other profitable channels which the city could have taken.
Finally another step has been taken to enable no bid long term contracts to have a fellow peer which is a forever closed door deal.
Questions never answered are why has it been sold, and why no advertising or offering it out for competitive bidding?
Professional answers are not "I believe it is time for our government to get out of the business" or "If you followed the news for the last 20 months the city has been in contact with the purchaser". I do not want this railroad but business experience is if it was mine I would find out how many did want it and what they were willing to pay for it? But this is how people with money conduct business.
Anon 8:18 Waldorf is way too late to start becoming quiet now. His actions plus the quality of the individual running against him make his re-election a impossibility.
Dave has had 3 full terms on the council and that should be more than enough time to get his goals for the city accomplished and to welcome new ideas from someone else.
His counterpart in the 3rd ward "Sappy" goals were finalized a day before he was elected. He could depart from the council also without being missed for 6 months to a year. Their is a firm example of a firecracker that didn't explode on the 4th of July, most often referred to as DUD.
@ 9:02 AM Who r u? The seller, the buyer, or a attorney involved?
9:51
A railroad that is not insured and needs millions in repairs isn't what most would call a value. Perhaps most would call it a liability. If the city has a uninsured railroad and in the event of a accident the residents would pay. The loss would result in real-estate assessment that all would be liable, including those with homestead exemptions.
Would it be good business for the city to repair the rail at the cost of 2 million? If the city realizes a revenue base of $100,000 a year in rail use fees, that's a guess, you would be able to recoup the repair cost in about 20 years. That isn't good business for the taxpayers.
If the city was in contact with the purchaser for almost 2 years how was the average citizen supposed to know? All the contact was kept a secret behind those magic "closed doors"
With all this extra money - I guess nobody will complain when the state cuts Peru off.
To 11:25 AM, I'm quite sure Waldorf has been in office only 8 years as of this coming April. Although it does seem much longer to those of us who have had to endure his arrogant and pompous attitude. If Waldorf's "goals" you refer to were to ensure the continued enrichment and profit-making of the Principals of Chamlin & Associates and TEST, Inc. then you are certainly correct. The narcissistic barber has been easily influenced, manipulated, directed, managed, and coerced by the Peru establishment insiders at least as much as his Public Works Committee
predecessor, good ol' Back-Peddling Jack O'Beirne who once served two weeks as Peru City Treasurer. What a genuine guy!
11:29 I am one that reads the newspaper!
11:42 Read the newspaper.
When the city has property for sale, it should be advertised for sale to the general public. One piece of property was being discussed in closed session when I was an alderman. A person came forward and wanted to buy a certain piece of city property for a certain price. I asked why it wouldn't go out to the general public so we might get the price to go up. I was told by one alderman "we already have a buyer". Can you guess which alderman said that? I couldn't understand the thought of not putting a piece of real estate out for sale to the public. It is what is fair!
Anon 12:24 PM Peru will not have all this extra money for long. As fast as they get it will be gone. Maybe for a few lifelong passes to the new theater.
With the method of raising sales tax by 1/2% for roads and school and the revenue Peru has coming the state should cut them off immediately. We all not only pay city taxes we also pay state taxes. State taxes are a tax as well as city taxes are, although local [politicians want you to believe they are doing you a favor when they get their greedy hands on them. The state should tax to run the state and the city should tax only for what they need to run the city.
The best thing Gov. Rauner could do is to cut the city off and make them learn how to manage money properly. Sooner than later they will have everything demolished or sold at a unknown loss. It takes time to build and not everyone is capable but demolition can be accomplished in a short span of time and everyone can demolish. It is time for the voters of Peru to be very careful of who they vote for. The lines on the graph are pointing down not up.
12:44 Watch out the State may be cutting all off. Including Medicaid.
Price negotiations are generally done behind closed doors. I can't expect city officials to disclose dollar amounts before a closing is done. That would be negotiating against themselves. In the paper it was discussed that the city was under the discussion for two years. It was validated that the liability, repair cost was much more than the revenue they may expect to receive. They also had a interested rail provider that would be able to make the upgrades. I am sure the city had a appraisal done and came to the conclusion that selling the rail was in the best interest to the residents of Peru. I am sure that a few of the good ole boys were uncomfortable and a few were very capable of making the decision to sell. It looks to be a win for the city and those sand haulers that need rail. Sitting in my cold home and looking outside it appears that Peru is on the move again.
Many don't understand that the Peru rail is only 3 miles and a company that uses that 3 miles still has to pay the additional mileage cost to have something shipped from Peru. Peru had very little control over rail prices, they actually could only charge $50 for the use of the 3 miles.
I see no problem with this transaction. We disposed of property that we can't or won't maintain and it will be put to good use in the private sector.
Are we hearing the city has been allowing trains to run on public property without the city being insured? Imagine that law suit?? I say sell that rail road but sell to highest bid
Once again most of you folks are missing a very important factor in this Railroad transaction. Selling city owned real-estate "should" be a fair and open bidding process. Maybe it is good for the city to get out from under the delapidated Peru Rail. But, what if our phony Rubber Stamp Council were not so eager to sell and instead were to open their minds to the idea of actually investing in improving that 3 miles of city owned Peru Rail while maintaining ownership. That way every ounce of frac-sand passing over those rails for the next 30 to 40 years means, wait for it...... "REVENUE" coming to the city of Peru.
When was the last time a new source of, wait for it again....."REVENUE", (not taxes, revenue) was developed and nurtured by Peru's elected officials. How about not since the Electric Department was founded about 120 years ago! Just sayin'. Small-time, short-sighted elected officials with no vision will always take the easy route every time. I wish Peru had smart, forward thinking leaders who would have realized an excellent opportunity to make some big, long term bucks by getting into the railroad business instead of getting out of it. Do you think the railroad company that they are about to sell to is going to lose money on this three mile tract? Hell no! They and there stock-holders know a great investment when they see one. Peru's mayor and aldermen can't see the forest through the trees. For the citizens of Peru the Frac-Sand slowly slips through the Hour Glass. Too bad.
@3:00, didn't a person's family file a lawsuit and it got settled a couple years ago against the city/rail? The portion of rail the city owned? Did I hear this or was I dreaming? The amount of settlement was never disclosed to public that I'm aware of. Who knows about this??? I think it was in newspaper article. ??????? Could this be FOIA??
There is more to a rail than a piece of landfill. If you had the rail out for bids, you would only have 1 buyer. That buyer would be the owner of the connecting rail. The bid would be 1 dollar!
I think the city was smart enough to change the game from repairs to sell. They gained the upper hand and sold it for a good profit.
10:12
Why would James Hardie buy a railroad and where would they go with it? Companies own railspurs for loading, but don't own the whole rail line. Would you spend $1.2 million to go 3 miles on your own rail, you still have to rent hundreds of miles to get to the destination.
Do you know of any company owns rail from point to point? Do you know of any city that owns rail?
It won't make any sense.
3:00 forget about highest bidder. Tax payers don't have a say in this. Why do you think the city discussed it in closed session with little bits in the paper now and then which made it appear as though a process was followed. So the city schedules an emergency meeting on an off meeting week so we tax payers don't find out until after a vote. Then according to the paper tonight it appears the city closed the sale deal less than 24 hours later not giving anyone a chance to do anything about it.
I read Alderman Rodmey Perez's Facebook page today and it sure appeared there was more discussed and details to their special emergency meeting last night then what the paper stated. Perez made a comment on Facebook that James Hardie expressed interest in purchasing the line? Why weren't they or anyone else approached to see if there was interest in purchasing it? Who's in charge of the fees if Peru wasn't? Who negotiated the per car fee Peru was receiving? I would imagine the company who just bought it will sure be charging fees? If James Hardie bought that line they could've been the ones negotiating with some leverage being they owned the rail. The news tribune is a worthless piece of paper. Or is it the reporter who's in the pocket strings of the corrupt mayor and won't give the full report.
Rodney should've abstained from voting since James Hardy donated to Operation promise and it appears it could be a conflict of interest.
5:40 PM 2-19-15 Have you wondered why it seems that you are left out of so many conversations?
@3:46 that would be a good question for James Hardie. They are a privatly owned business who may want to buy that rail then lease it to the sand co? Or why not contract out like Peru did.
@5:40 I think you missed the train. I don't think the vote had anything to do with James Hardie. The property was a sale between the city and a sand railroad company not Hardie.
9:54 you are correct the vote wasn't about James Hardy, but Rodney's no vote was. Why would he wait until now to discuss this if this has been coming down the track?? Sounds to me like he wants everyone to think the council is against him. Usually you shouldn't have to explain your actions if you're doing the right thing.
What benefit would James Hardie have in buying a 3 mile rail?
Rodney voted no to the sale of the rail. According to his facebook because James Hardie may have wanted to purchase the rail.
James Hardie was not a party in the vote, it was a sale to another rail provider.
1. James Hardie must have been getting a sweet deal from the city by renting the 3 miles. If not they would have called Rodney to get it for free.
2. Why would the residents of Peru subsidize a billion dollar company?
3. Where doe the rail take James Hardie? It takes them to the 3 mile end, and then they are on another provider that charges them a fee.
4. Rail must be cheaper, if not the Hardie company would utilize trucking. If the rail company charges them too much, then they have the option of using trucking.
Most of us like Alderman Rodney Perez. It gets darn exhausting to validate his recent votes. The school demolition vote No. That was tough, what if we have 4 others vote the same? Wow.
The no to the rail sale. After reading the paper and hearing that the rail needed massive repairs and no liability, I was again think what in the world is he thinking?
In the category of "thumbs down" is the vocabulary of a certain professional of his unprofessional behavior specifically his vocabulary at Wednesdays special meeting.
This individual is a member of the same profession that wrote a ordinance against such language being allowed in a public business in Peru.
Rather than allowing such behavior to continue in the council chambers it may be wise to take his microphone away and replace it with a bar of soap. Bottled water is already provided at the city's expense.
4:39 Your question of ....if James Hardie owned the 3 miles of rail, would they have leverage?
They would have leverage over the 3 miles of rail and if anybody else wanted to utilize the 3 miles of rail they would have to upgrade the rail and work out agreements with the interested sand. The sand company would have the agreement in hand or not locate to utilize the 3 mile area. The other point is that the if James Hardie owns the small 3 mile rail that Peru sold, they are still subject to negotiate the remaining rail destination. Peru only controlled that small rail of 3 miles, and charged a fee for that.
Is it logical that when a legal document is provided at 7:29 that although a alderman requests ample time to read it he is denied and a vote is taken at the 7:30 meeting.
Shortly after the same government body schedules a unusual Wednesday Special Meeting.
Was this meeting another attempt along with closed sessions and meetings as a whole to avoid citizenship involvement, the same citizens this body was elected to represent?
So the city sold the rail road track for $1.25 million.
Well - $1.25 million divided by 10,000 is $250.
I want my $250! When do I get it? I can do a better job spending that then the city can!
I am connected to the facebook page of Ald. Perez and my question is why is he the contact point to the plant manager? And did he actually discuss in detail with the Plant manager? Did he know that the same company that bought the rail is the same company that currently owns and operates the rail after it leaves Peru? James Hardie worried about paying for the extra 3 miles? If they are shipping the product to Canada and it currently cost them $2000 a car, then add the 3 miles it may cost $2000.04? That extra 3 cents will go on the bill. Was Peru giving the rail away to the billion dollar business?
Why would Rodney support more welfare? Donations?
Term Limitations for elected officials have been a hot item for several years. Along with this issue which has never been acted upon and still open for a decision it would be best to include appointed positions made by elected officials. It makes common sense to discuss both issues at the same time as elected positions and those appointed by the elected were not created to be lifelong occupations and a change of personnel allows for all viewpoints to be given and received.
10:33 For some of those politicians the term limit should be 4 years.
Its about quality not limits. If you have a good one on a town keep them. If you have a dud replace them. There are limits for President. And there are money limitations in National offices and major Statehouses that make for good examples of why you need limits. I look at some of the school board and find dedicated long term individuals that serve education with a long term purpose and a few local towns that have consistent good individuals that have no political ideals and just want the best for the school, town, park, etc.
You also have towns that have few with a interest in holding office. LaSalle has many non-contested positions and Peru has a few that are not contested. Utica has many election races. What matters is your own backyard and your ability to vote for change. If your local voters want to put term limits on the ballot, they should. Let's not have Springfield control every small town election. They don't have much success with anything.
Good luck with Term Limitations. Madigan has been in office since 1971. Not a typo - he has been there since 1971. Other things that happened in 1971:
1. The first microprocessor was introduced.
2. The US ended the Gold Standard
3. The Pentagon Papers where released
4. Cigarette ads where banned on TV.
5. The Floppy Disk was invented
6. Direct Dial Telephone Service between London and New York was introduced.
7. Segregation was outlawed.
Yup... Old Emperor Madigan has been pulling the strings in Illinois for quite some time.
The point of all this is the fact that ANY PROPERTY THAT THE CITY OWNS AND WANTS TO SELL SHOULD BE MADE PUBLIC SO ANY INTERESTED PARTY CAN MAKE AN OFFER IF THEY CHOOSE! Enough of the closed door closed session back room real estate deals.
I would like to see Alderman Perez ' s facebook page published on here regarding his meeting with James Harding. Transparency.
10:07 am. What was said? Was this meeting recorded and will we be able to see the video and the dirty mouth that needs soap??
Lois when stating the characteristics needed and that there is a lack of you are so correct which is embarrassing to many not only ourselves.
Some additions I would add are that the elected officials would become people who I would like to work with and that our representatives cast a feeling of honesty, transparency, friendliness and ability and desire to communicate in open council meetings. Vision, the ability to look all ways and make a maximum of the future is so important and above all we need people who have judgement and ability to think on their feet. I will stop here to enable anyone else state what they would care to have as characteristics of their representation.
Here we go again. Monday's "committee as a whole" meeting will be nothing more than a closed session meeting to keep the public in the dark. Not only will it be behind closed doors it will be a 2 hour session. And yes, once again the sale or purchase of public property is on the agenda as one of the topics. Special meetings, closed sessions, questionable campaign practices,spending, spending, spending. Where are we headede?
Anon 12:31 PM "appointed positions and their assistants and assistants to assistants of the assistant"
Years ago my husband and myself lived in the fine community known as Peru, Illinois. Upon moving away we had always wanted to return to spend our retirement years.
Now that those years have finally arrived we have told those who we were close to when residents of Peru,fellow church members, parents of playmates of our children and neighbors. We came back for a week end visit (or as my retired Air Force husband termed a fly over) and were made aware of many red flags which were non-existent years ago. Upon returning home we have followed the blog and continued to inquire about Peru. Sadly a sure thing has gone to a maybe to a no thank you.
Perhaps Westclox is not a National treasure but it certainly is one of the best the city of Peru has in the way of a beautiful historic bldg and I love the way businesses have begun to occupy it. At Christmas it looked better than any other decoration in Peru.
FYI it houses some of the greatest cultural events Peru offers in the way of Music Suite 408. We can be thankful it is privately owned and not under the control of the city or school district.
3:23 what is the reference point on the Westclox property?
I don't understand positions with assistants and assistants. ? Please explain what you are talking about 3:23.
3:41 PM
political posting than I chose not to post but the point of Westclox might deserve some attention. It seems it has recovered from what many thought to be total destruction and now has good things going for it. My point is that it is private property and not subject to the political whims of elected officials.
Kind of like the former Blakely property in La Salle which is being brought back to life and will be an asset to that location and I think someone might be going into the old bank property also. My point is that it is not always the right thing to take down and leave in the hands of the city whereas a private entrpeneur can accomplish wonders.
8:56
What the hell is wrong with you? Ald Waldorfs daughter is probably in high school. Leave her out of it.
Lois, shame on you for publishing something like that.
3:36 PM, If you reside in Peru please consider running for public office. Peru desperately needs representatives with the ability to think on their feet. We need people with vision and drive who can see things as you describe so well. Most importantly, we need new elected officials (except for Perez, he can stay) with the intelligence to recognize opportunities. People with big ideas and the work ethic to act on those ideas. Wholesale change is needed on Peru's council before these hire-happy fools fill every square foot of city hall's office space with more "dead weight" appointed positions and their assistants and assistants to assistants of the assistant.
5:10 PM
Thank you for catching that, I was sure I had deleted that section of the post. I did not mean to post it in its entirety as it has no place on this blog, I agree with you.
maybe with the money we can a pool now?
Lois, thank you for owning up to 5:10 comment, it's important to leave the innocent party out of the hurtful posts on this blog
Anon 3:00 PM When a couple have a long term dream that they will return to wherever but find that the same reasons that they felt would never change, have changed.
Thankfully you have updated yourselves to these negative changes before you moved back and much happiness to both of you wherever you choose. Sorry.
It is not much longer before the much questionable summer help program becomes a point of question.
Does everyone agree that the kick off of the summer help program should be to take the names of all who submit a application place them in a hat and draw all of those to be employed out of the hat. What is the city budgeted for in numbers for summer help? Without a pool it can't be up to 20.
I have a nephew that needs a part time job this summer. Who do I have to see and how much does it cost to get him hired?
Hello 11:15
Wouldn't you consider 20 summer employees to be on the very high side? Not only not having a swimming pool which was the reason for most of the summer jobs although this figure of 40 was never reduced after the pool was shut down, also the city has created a new labor concept of outsourcing-in sourcing in which by no bid process employ a friend to maintain grass cutting services and upon seeing city employees also cutting grass we find they are being directed to work together by a department head. This was primary a responsibility of summer help.
How many picnic tables need painted? Wouldn't seem to be a need for that many summer help employees. Good idea about a fair hiring process. Like a lottery drawing. This would need to be done with a person overseeing process who has no affliction with the city or alderman or supers. Lois would be a good one to oversee this. An excuse that a person is automatically hired because they were hired last year is not a reason to be automatically hired this year. Don't play that game.
11:15 Feb. 20th It has never been below 20 with or without the pool. I want to see if once again we give and pay for workers to help TEST, the FIRE department, the AIRPORT, and the person who took HEIDI's position (who already has an assistant).
11:15, it shouldn't be more than 20, they had it down to that number at one point, but after Bernabie sold the council on outsourcing the grass cutting they actually hired close to 25 kids when there was less to do.
I see that on Mon. nite's agenda that there is a motion to "authorize the hiring of selected apprentice lineman candidate". When did we select this individual and why was there another opening for a new lineman? These closed door decisions have got to stop. How does the average citizen feel about being left in the dark??
Why are we even defending james hardie? What is their average pay scale? Is it sufficient to support a family? What is their turnover rate? Do they contribute, to the standard necessary, to our community or do they cause more burden? I have not heard positive comments about this company.
Lois, I don't believe for one second that you"missed" the negative remark about Waldorfs family. You can read. I think you are so eager to get Waldorf out that you were perfectly happy to leave it out there until someone called you out on it. You claim the city council members are rude, they are disrespectful to public. Well, I've never seen a city council member say anything as rotten as I've seen on your blog. And you let these comments be posted. What does that say about you? Who is really rude and disrespectful?
10:13 AM
I cannot change what you believe but if you had looked carefully you would have seen 2 almost identical comments, one with the unfair comment still there and one without it. I had removed it and honestly thought the other post had been deleted in the process. I admit I messed that one up but not on purpose.
By the way are you the person that also said I was evil?
Think I have your identity too as you are leaving clues.
First off, we have had 4 full time employees stationed at the fire dept 24/7. With that being said, we should need 0 summer employees there. I've always wondered if the fundraising organization Liberty Fire Company (which they don't disclose spending of organization that I'm aware of) has ever paid from its account of money donated for summer help? Hasn't t alot of kids been hired over the years for who parents are volunteer fireman(paid per call), full time fire engineers, city employees or alderman d's kids?
@10:13. MANY TIME I'VE PUSHED WRONG BUTTON OR DID NOT PROOFREAD MY COMMENT. MISTAKES HAPPEN. OOPS, MY CAP ARROW UP BUTTON ON ACCIDENTALLY. My mistake. Apologizing right off the bat show what kind of a person on is when they make a mistake. I would say what ever comment the apology was referenced to wouldn't be new news to many. I didn't see comment.
@10:13. MANY TIME I'VE PUSHED WRONG BUTTON OR DID NOT PROOFREAD MY COMMENT. MISTAKES HAPPEN. OOPS, MY CAP ARROW UP BUTTON ON ACCIDENTALLY. My mistake. Apologizing right off the bat show what kind of a person on is when they make a mistake. I would say what ever comment the apology was referenced to wouldn't be new news to many. I didn't see comment.
Neither did I see the comment that is being referenced.
12.12 PM
That is because that portion of the comment was removed by me, it was in reference to a member of an alderman's family and did not belong here.
No problem. Understandable.
I believe that all 15 to 20 hired as summer help should come from Peru not surrounding towns like Spring Valley, Utica etc.
Regarding the portion of the comment that Lois deleted. While there is no need to be rude or disrespectful when pointing out the actions of our elected officials, it remains vitally important that the residents of Peru be informed about the behavior of those officials while in office. When an alderman abuses his position to influence the hiring of a family member it must be revealed to the public because it speaks volumes about the character of that alderman. It is important information that must be revealed. People need to know what kind of people our aldermen really are. When that alderman demands a job for his child and that child is unable to perform the job for whatever reason, and the alderman continues to demand the child be kept on the payroll, that reveals a despicable lack of character by that alderman. Those are the facts of the situation and those facts should not be kept secret from the public because it involves the child of an alderman. Of course it's not the childs fault. There should be no ridicule of a high school age child. The criticism of the alderman is legitimate becuase it shows a serious lack of integrity and character by that alderman. It reveals an alderman willing to abuse the power of his office and it shows a city administration that not only allows but encourages a corrupt hiring system that enables city insiders to pick and choose what children get hired every summer. A practice that Harl promised he would end in 2009. Again, this is a valid topic for discussion that is NOT directed at a child. It needs to be directed at the alderman who improperly influenced the hiring of a family member and then escalated the situation by claiming the child was being "picked on" when it became apparent there was a serious job performance problem. Don't try to cover this up by claiming a child is involved. It's not about the child. It's about the alderman.
Well stated 9:27 AM. Accountability is the name of the game.
this is same alderman who took his wife to Chicago chop house and charged it to the taxpayers...remember when he said at city council meeting...we are not on the take!
I think Gov. Rauner said it best when he said that the problem with the many local governments in Illinois is that they are structured themselves and not the people.
Our local City, Township, and County are all about serving the individuals that are elected and the individuals they hire. Not the People!
9:27 it shouldn't stop at alderman Waldorf though, the ones in charge of hiring and not telling Waldorf it is what it is would be at fault too for cowarding down to Waldorf. Dave is a narcistic person. He's by far not a people person. I never see him in public with his wife and children nor do I ever see him in photos on Facebook on his wife's page. He's a very private person and could really care less for the public. His position As alderman is self serving of his narcistic personality by needing the power title of alderman.
"Power and title of Alderman" ... get real. That won't even buy you a cup of coffee.
Don't forget Waldorf lead the council in the no bid TEST contract. If we want the best price for the best service, we need to bid these long term gravy contracts.
5:59, narcistic describe a lot of people. Think their perfect, never get caught at wrongdoing.....
Pretty low when posts about an alderman's family continues to be allowed on this blog.
Almost all of this is not new news, it is old news and has been rehashed for years. It is not about family, it is about the actions of an elected official and that is how I am looking at it in light of an election shortly. Those who are planning to vote for a particular person will not be persuaded one way or another about anything posted. IML conventions have always included family members and yes the city or city vendors always foot the bill. Never has been right but the city has felt it was alright to use taxpayer dollars for these events. Funny no one has ever came back and gave a summary or report at a council meeting. Does that mean no one got any new ideas from going to the convention?
Lois I am curious if you would allow similar ugly posts about Rodney Perez. Of course you wouldn't. Rodney who spent about the average amount as everyone else at this years IML convention. I'm okay with that but on here we act like everyone does it except Rodney and of course that is not true.
People are saying ugly and personal things about Dave Waldorf that are simply not true. He does go to public events and he is at his daughter's activities and he is actually a very nice guy. We are going to criticize him because he is a private person? He is a narcissist because he wants to be an alderman? I think there are some people who need to look up the definition of a narcissist and see what that fits. It's not Dave.
Actually I think there are many who respect locally elected people who don't have to post their every good deed on Facebook and try to bring media attention to it or themselves. Dave quietly does his job and whether I agree or disagree with him he has been nothing but respectful and kind to me.
How you allow this kind of garbage while carefully screening other things is beyond me. As far as I am concerned, the more venom here about a candidate the better they will do because sensible minded people despise this kind of thing.
If you are going to turn this into a campaign party, which you said you would not do, then stop screening and let everything post. Then we will see what people really think.
No. You won't do that. You won't even post this. But at least I got to be honest to you even if you screen honesty out. But then you say this is a forum for open expression. HA!
12:00 AM
Should elected officials running for re election never be criticized for their voting record, their treatment of citizens or poor choices that involve either the city or a voter? Have you ever heard criticism of our President, Governor or state officials or even school board and county officials? If they feel that they should be immune from public comment, then they should return to private life. And make sure you look carefully because your comment was posted, I have no problem with it.
Legitimate campaign issues will be posted and unfortunately the business card fiasco was just poor judgement on the alderman's part because when the dots were connected, it looked like a campaign issue because no other aldermen ordered cards through the city.
12:00 AM
Just an after thought, I agree that Dave Waldorf before he became involved with city business was a pretty decent fellow, and he and his brother Jim are very talented singers but IMHO he is easily influenced by the powers that be in Peru and makes bad decisions and I could list them but we are all aware of them. He also has a record of treating people who don't agree with him, in a very disrespectufl manner and I have experienced it and seen it when it involves others.
Just remember when entering a voting booth you are electing a steward of your ward not a person who before being elected previously was a pretty decent fellow or a talented singer.
Major long term no bid contracts are one of the significant reasons Waldorf will not get my vote. This is poor business practice and he is the major cause of it happening.
Time shows ones true colors. Might take a couple years, but if you pay attention it will happen. Take them blinders off is all I'm saying.
Peru voters tend to vote for people with names that sort of sound like somebody who might have gone to school with them or maybe they knew their old man back in the day. Or better yet, maybe they used to have drinks with them at the Hawaiian room or maybe the Moose Club in LaSalle - you know, the one down by the bowling alley.
11:30, that is the beauty of elections, you disagree with the present alderman so you don't vote for him, I don't have a problem with him, so I will vote for him. Just enjoy the process, the biggest travesty about midterm elections is voter turnout. It takes as many votes as possible to either keep things the same or change them, remember the last election, low voter turnout - no change.o
I remember the Hawaiian Room - it was at the Peru Hotel. Cheep drinks - lousy food.
Stop with the insults at Peru voters. You sound like a fool. Are we to believe that you are somehow more sophisticated? Please. Our voters are no different than the general population. I'm not from here so get over the stupid high school stuff. You sound sad because you didn't make class president or homecoming court. Move on and vote but stop insulting me and my neighbors. We don't need your help to know how to vote.
People who know the details know that the TEST contract was the right thing to do. Just like the next aldermen will know as well. Rodney's vote against TEST and the rail sale shows what happens when people play to the crowd. Every vote is weighed with its popularity.
Nope.
I want someone who has the balls to vote their conscience without worrying about how it will play in the newspaper, on Facebook or on a blog. In turn, I will vote with how they represented me in the process.
I don't agree with everything the council or always with Dave W but I am like many voters and I DESPISE the silly pandering you see politicians do today. Enough of that.
The 12:27 vote is actually spot on. Most voters in Peru pay very little attention to City, Township, and County elections. It usually boils down to a name recognition contest.
7:31 PM, There are no "details" of the TEST contract other than the obvious. That being that it has never been honestly bid. That is the only relevant "detail".
The devil is in the "detail" and protecting the financial interests of a company that provides you gifts and preventing fair bidding for the services that company provides is in fact "evil". If you don't see it then you are simply part of the problem.
And I (7:31) despise the behavior that some of our aldermen publicly display to fellow aldermen and to the very constituents they represent. If they can't control their demeanor in public it makes one wonder what they are like behind closed doors.
How a person conducts themselves in public on any level and who they are including drinking in bars shows a person's true colors. What's really interesting, is it gets really good when they have back-up boys/girls with them. Might be able to fool most, but not all.
Ask the Mayor of Chicago what happens when he acts like an A-hole to people. First mayoral runoff election in the history of Chicago.
At least mayor of Chicago isn't afraid to speak in public and answers questions. He puts it put on the table publicly, not behind closed doors. I don't see the mayor of Chicago being arrogant. That mayoral election in my opinion is a race issue I'd say. Jesus can't even answer questions regarding hiring extra police officers like he said during campaign. Where $$ will come from. Hes going to be chocked by Rahm.
Jesus better have an einstein of a campaign manager, he's gonna have to answer alot of questions. Chicago messed up big time in 2012 when parking meters became privately owned. Enough of Chicago, this is peru. We are really messed up.
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