This blog is maintained for the sole purpose of allowing the people of Peru and those interested in the cities of the Illinois Valley to express their views.
“It doesn’t take a majority to win, just a tireless minority that will keep starting brush fires in the mind and hearts of their fellow men.” Samuel Adams
By using the city emblems it also appears the city is supporting him in his business and this is unethical. This card is intended to be used for government purposes and should have been restricted to it intended purpose. What proof has ever come out on who payed for this card?
There is a direct,sole intention of this card and it is not for barbershop business. If it was wouldn't a barber pole or scissors be printed on it rather than a city logo? A council member who has $200 meals for 2 at the IML meetings should not be in the middle of 1 cent business card questions or should he? Their is no need to investigate if he used these cards for campaign purposes, I received a campaign letter with a identical card in the mail.
there is nothing wrong with this, even if the city paid for it, which some are saying it did not. I would note however, that it appears that Mr. Waldorf does not want to be bothered after hours. He does not list his mobile number. He can screen his home number - I personally never answer mine, preferring to use it for voice mail only. So this tells me that unless your call him when his shop is open, you will never be able to.
The P.O. box number is the City and where mail to alderman should be sent. Nowhere on that card is he advertising his business. And before anyone makes comment, I don't know Mr. Waldorf.
A $40 business card to reach an elected alderman at various locations is an important issue in this city to take up time on a blog? If the blog host would do his/her due diligence, they could contact the city clerk and find out the FACTS about the payment of these cards vs wasting so much time on such a petty issue. I guess I am starting to see a candidates entire platform a little more clearly now. Instead of talking about real projects and development, we are devoting campaign platform time on business cards. LMAO!
Alderman Waldorf works in town and I know how to get ahold of him. Its very easy. Did his opposition send out a mailing with his phone number and how to get ahold of him and does he work in town?
The blog host did foia the information when first posted on the disbursement and did not receive an answer. I did foia the payment of and did not receive a copy of actual check or m.o. only a stamped paper saying paid and I no longer have that info.
So the only pr0blem(which is easy to correct) is the alderman needs to show the cancelled check that was made out to the city. That will put this to rest. The check and the date it was cashed by the city will show that the alderman paid the bill within the normal time period to reimburse the city. It still does not give him the right to use the city emblem on the cards for campaigning, that is another issue.
You won't have a trail. Why? The business card was paid by Alderman Waldorf and it never went through the disbursements. Just like campaign signs made by Alderman Perez, etc. never went through city disbursements because the city did not pay for them. He has no responsibility to show receipts of personal items he has purchased. You want his grocery bill? Bills for hair oil.
12:42 thanks Dave, I bet the next 30 days will be filled with lots of information...is there a qualification to be alderman that you work in town? Maybe radktke should resign if that's the case....the barber shop seems to be the meeting hall for Peru.
Dave w is not qualified to run the city and its 55 million dollar budget! Not should he be...alderman should set the policy not be the managers!
What is wrong with an Alderman having a business card. I mean, I think it is appropriate for each of them to have one. They should also be able to pass them out to constituents any way they want. There is nothing wrong with this at ALL. But, I will say it is a bit antiquated. Many business people don't bother with them any more, preferring an electronic version that automatically updates contact lists in email and smart phones. I also don't see an email address on this card - which is very unprofessional if you ask me. Most people prefer writing instead of the intrusion of a phone call. Phone calls imply an immediate need - which is generally not true. Sending a note allows the receiver to reply completely. All that being said... the message here is that this Alderman is behind the times and his ward should be looking for somebody that uses modern technology and communications methods. Nothing illegal about being a luddite though. But, a person that is afraid of technology is probably not the best choice to run a government.
If your running a campaign and the best you have against Alderman Waldorf is a business card mailing that he paid for, its desperate. Its not Chappaquiddick, Watergate or even Larry Craig. I assume that Axelrod is not running campaign headquarters for Waldorf's opposition?
The "problem" with email is that it becomes public record. Every communication to a official Peru email account can be made available if you send in an FOIA request. On the other side of the coin - City Officials should not use private email accounts for anything relating to the City. If they do, that opens them up to having their personal email reviewed under FOIA. I wonder if our crack team of IT specialists that the city contracts are aware of the retention requirements of all City email. I wonder if text messages to the many cell phones the city issues out our being retained correctly.
8:54 you sound like his opposition! technology has nothing to do with being an alderman. instead of sitting hunched over your smart?phone get off your duff and talk to someone on the regular phone or talk to them in person it's a whole lot more personal than a phone! p.s. and i would never vote for waldorf if he was my alderperson!
Anon 11:20 I truthfully wish that a q business card mailing is the best many have against Alderman Waldorf. The poor and highly questionable business practices carried on by this alderman in his tenure in office which have caused a unaccountable financial problem of no bid comparisons existing for past and future references is the major issue of many issues the Alderman is at fault of. The TEST 5th rider of 5 years and millions of dollars is only one example of many.
We won't accuse him of using secret e-mail accounts like the Clintons. I did notice that the new candidate has all of his signs at the same location as the Perez signs. Are they running as a group?
I don't think Waldorf is using a secret email account. I do believe he does not use email. As far as "getting out and talking" goes, a politician can do that all he wants. When he lies, and they ALL lie, you have nothing in writing to back it up. It is best to get them to commit to something in writing is at all possible. That is why the use of email is so important.
Simple test. Send an email to him at his city address and see how long it takes to respond. Ask him something simple so he doesn't need to think about it. Like - "can you change the day garbage is picked up?"
Come to think of it, now he will be expecting it. Because no matter what he says, he watches the blog every day. Oh well, everyone send him an email anyway. Make it useful questions so you at least get some information out of it.
Ah yes! Spring has sprung. The weather is getting warmer and the political discussion in Peru has turned back to fireworks and beer tents. Its on the agenda for tonight's meeting. Immediately after a hearing on the new barge terminal on Water Street - the council will shift to talking about launching bombs and explosives over an industrial area and cramming as many people as possible into an unsafe area that is bisected by an active railroad. It is time change this event and move it to a place that can be enjoyed - I for one don't find it fun to stand around drinking beer in a industrial zone. We need to ask LaSalle if we can join up with them and launch our fireworks at Rotary Park.
1:18, that is probably not the smartest campaign move for a new candidate, run your own campaign without any baggage attached, ask the last city clerk if she would have hooked up with the last mayor again, I guarantee you she would have worked harder on her own.
First of all remember that alderman Waldorf is now a candidate for re-election. I can guarantee that if his opponent (Travis Nelson) or current alderman and candidate Perez were to put a city logo business card in their campaign letter they would have been hung at high noon at the Maud Powell Plaza. WITHOUT A DOUBt!!!!
Any computer, cell phone for any department for any employee whereas e-mails or text messages were sent and received are property of the taxpayers/city if you want to call a spade a spade. Being used for business or personal purposes. Hello Hillary Clinton.
Let's say you were a master of performing wedding ceremonies, wedding coordinator as your only income and you had business cards. Or you owned an appraisal business in which it was your source of business personally and you had business cards. Now, the phone number for your business on a business card for your personal business should not have a city logo on it. Now, a smart person would have not put their personal business number on the card at all whereas a city logo is on card. This is common sense. This might not even be a issue like it is. Duh!
Right to Work is now the Law in Wisconsin! We are completely surrounded. When will Illinois make the shift and do away with antiquated union shop rules. Right to Work in Illinois, 2015!
Any resident of Peru should be able to use the city seal. It's our city for crying out loud! It belongs to all of us, not just elected or appointed people.
Time of election is getting closer and there has been no announcement of a debate? Is there going to be a debate? If the answer is no, why not? Does the "Leader of the Illinois Valley" need someone from Utica, Ottawa, Streator or Marsailles to show Peru on how to conduct a debate and a grade school civic class to lecture us on the reasons a debate is important?
They will never have a debate. They will have a question period and the questions will be given to them in advance. They will not debate each other, they will simply read their prepared statements.
8:34, So, using your thought process, any resident of Peru should be able to use a city police badge. What a maroon! Time to drop this subject. It is just silly - so what, the alderman has a business card and he sent it to the voters. Big deal. More power to him. They all should have one and they all should send it to the voters. Maybe include it in the Power bill.
As time of the election rapidly approaches readership and commenting has increased. Many of the comments have shown a very unhappy citizenship existing in Peru, Illinois. True expression of this feeling will be shown April 7. This is the date which you can help decide the decisions that Peru will be directed in the next 4 years.
9:47, as long as I can remember there hasn't been a debate between Alderman, that was always done for the mayors election if there were more than one candidate. I wouldn't hold my breath looking for the debate unless you and your friends try to organize it, but I don't think that would work either. Most people know who they will vote for a debate won't change their mind. The main thing is for the candidates to get out and work, Perez does a good job of that as well as Radtke and Lukosus in their last election.
9:47 I believe you could be correct when you state that we here in Peru need someone to take our hand and get us back on the right track. These recent 2 incidents, the one involving alderman Waldorf and the one involving alderman Perez, are prime examples of how our system currently works. If you are on the "in" crowd you can do no wrong but if you are part of the opposition or dare to question the norm you get hung. It's a sad state of affairs but it's a reality here in town and it's leading us against one another and against others.
A few have commented to the blog making a hopeless effort to create the authority of a incumbent alderman use of the city seal on the now wink wink personally funded business card. These few know it is incorrect to include this card in a campaign mailing. The incumbent alderman also knows it is wrong but believes he can stretch the grey (wink wink) area without any repercusions as he sadly has been practicing in his time in office.
I still don't get it. ALL of the sitting Aldermen should have a card paid for by the City. If all of them want to mail the card to their constituents - this should be not only "allowed" but highly encouraged. If they put it with campaign literature, that is ok, as long as the city does not pay the postage. If they just want to send one - just have the clerk put it in the utility bill. Heck, they could send all 8 cards to the entire city with next months bill.
Why does your driver's license have Jesse White's name on it instead of simply stating "Secretary of State" or better yet, just "State of Illinoi"? Why do we have construction project signs that say "This project made possible by the Mayor Schott J. Harl"? Why do some cities have a sing saying "Mayer XXX welcomes you to XXX"? Why is your congressman allowed to send you letters and have the government pay for them?
12:52, why don't you put a copy of one of your canceled checks on the Internet. While your at it, your credit card number. Along with your name and address.
@anon 1:04 PM Are you seriously asking the 4 questions or are you making a effort to defend the use of a card which could or could not be paid for by city taxes? Past history tends to tip the scales one way the politician claims that past history is incorrect but has not produced any billing to defend himself? Since Peru is governed by home rule which completely depends upon it success by the honesty of those representing it it appears that the alderman should provide sufficient evidence of his claims. The more the subject in question is scrutinized the more important it becomes for the alderman to justify himself. His recent inquires of Alderman Perez should only make him want to eliminate any taint of himself of himself before election.
3:09, I think the commenter is saying that is the way the game is played in Illinois. Nothing new here. When you get in office, you are "allowed" to put your name in front of the voter any way you can. It is perfectly fair and it is perfectly legal in our system. When you are not holding an office - there are different rules. You know that, I know that, everyone knows that. That is our system. The only way to change it is to help Governor Rauner change the system - staring with term limits.
This is THE most ridiculous topic ever on the blog and that is saying something. NO way should someone show you their personal canceled check with their account number. Seriously?
YES I am fine getting the city business card so I can contact my alderman. He IS the alderman for my ward. He did NOT have business cards printed that said "Vote for me." He IS an alderman, so it is appropriate that he use them to identify himself just like anyone else. He DID pay for them, which is silly because I am pretty sure they were provided for everyone to distribute to their constituents at the alderman's discretion.
The selective topics on the blog are fantastic. Today's news includes our city getting a new shipping terminal and another article showing the decrease in the number of employees but you won't find that here.
Nope. Just more and more bloggers talking about all of the NEW employees and the growing payroll and all our stupid city can do is get donut shops.
3:09 I will never vote for anyone who posts on the blog. No way an incumbent office holder should go on and talk to anonymous people, where people misrepresent all themselves all of the time. This is so ridiculous.
If you feel the need for me to announce that the city will have a shipping terminal for grain and fertilizer located on the western edge of Water Street and will employ 8 people. There it is, I said it.
Also that we are now hiring in addition to the city engineer, an engineering tech to assist. So we continue to hire the city hall employees and cut back on working employees, is that what you are stating? Maybe the mayor could retire and his salary might pay the new tech but I am sure the new employee will be making more than the mayor currently does. Maybe tell the lobbyist we can no longer afford him and you might be getting close to that salary but still not there. Do I sound negative well I just drove through Peru yesterday and looked at our downtown and yes I feel very negative. From the abandoned cigarette Smoke shop to the New E cigarette place and a couple of empty store buildings in between. This is what we present to all who drive thru on Route 6. And the empty bank across the street. That area is deteriorating faster than North Peru can build up. Doesn't anybody care?
I agree! There are many areas downtown we need to focus on.
3:09 If you are residing in the 2nd ward I'm asking for your vote. I respect anyone, and everyone regardless if you're posting anon. There's obviously a reason you won't sign your name and I'm ok with that. There have been many outstanding posts and information shared on this blog by anon. And I assure you, many city officials and administrators post here, it's only the courageous city leaders who will put their stamp on the signature line.
Totally agree Rodney. Tonight's newsless tribune headlines "Radtke puts rumor to rest" where do you think he got that rumor? Yes right here. On the blog.
Waldorf could post the front and back of his check showing payment for his business cards on here. All he needs to do is blacken out the account number and his address.
For those of you who were stupid enough to post on here things such as "his account number will be on it" you do know you could cover that up don't you? Also 4:26 states that he (Waldorf) DID pay for them? Where's the proof? You also state that he's your alderman and you were glad to get one of his cards so you could contact him. You do realize he has been your alderman for a long time. Why didn't he give you a card when he was first elected? Why now? Come on people! Use common sense!!
You are free to send your email. If the city wishes the aldermen to have business cards, they should have a policy that on May 1 after the election, each new aldermen may order business cards and the city will pay for them. This can occur after each election of a new alderman. I don't know what the cost of business cards is . but most likely, you could buy 200 of them for about the price of just a few. But why not just have them order the cards from Vistaprint online.
I have never ever received a business card from any of my aldermen ever. I did receive a magnetic vote for Becky Mueller when she first ran which is on my refrigerator.Business cards are frequently given during elections but never with a city logo on them.
For the city to always pay for the cards is a waste of taxpayer dollars and I don't want my taxes going to pay for any items in anyones re election campaign.Legally it is wrong and ethically it is very wrong.
According to Alderman Radtke we have cut the city workforce by 10% but according to Illinois Comptroller Warehouse that is incorrect .. The annual report indicates we employee 83 full time...was that just political grandstanding or was it out right lie to public and dankert did zero background check
Regarding the 1st Ward alderman who is "setting the record straight" on city workforce numbers. It is interesting thatRadtke chose not to explain the specifics in terms of department numbers. I would be very interested in hearing from the "rumor squashing alderman" about how many people were employed in the municipal building and how many there are today, including the one they agreed to hire on Monday. Lots of money being poured into salaries, office construction, office furniture, computers, cell phones, laptops, etc. Mr. Radtke decided not to explain in any detail the current trend of Peru's hiring spree. Radtke also failed to mention how many current Peru employees could be eliminated by a City Manager. He also failed to mention how many current salaries could be reduced by a City Manager. Radtke and the other Rubeer-Stampers will never authorize a legitimate "analysis" to determine if there is benefit and efficiency to be gained by switching to Council-Manager form of government. They won't do allow it because they know an honest analysis would provide a recommendation in favor of a City Manager and they are severely threatened by having their "power and influence" reduced by honest and professional management. Why do you think Waldorf was turning "Thirty Shades of Red" when Potthoff described the need to include "City Manager" in the wording of the ordinace to authorize the researech committee for city administrator? They are very threatened by the thought of honest management practices by an "outsider". When elected officials become so full of themselves and so self-important as most of Peru's elected officials have, they begin to actually beleive they are qualified to run the day to day operations of the city. Regardless of the fact that they possess no actual knowledge or understanding of what the hell they are doing. When quality leadership is absent as it is in Peru, and each and every critical decision is based solely on politcs and political influence, as it is in Peru, the daily operations of the city become nothing more than a political free-for-all and a popularity contest where the citizens end up as the least represented group in the city. That is what Peru has become and that is exactly the way most of Peru's elected officials want to keep it. Peru citizens better wise up and rise up and start replacing the phony elected officials currently in office. Does anybody agree with me? Anybody? BTW, Waldorf knows very well the business card w/city logo is improper if not illegal, but that is how he rolls as an alderman. No-Bid contracts are improper if not illegal too. When you are as intelligent and gifted as Mr. Waldorf apparently believes he is, the rest of us just become insignificant.
8:11, man you had me until you mentioned the business card again. Everything you said before that was good - but the card and mailing the card is not illegal and actually should be a requirement.
Actually, I have to thank Alderman Radtke for speaking on a topic that is becoming heated as taxes in Illinois continue to go up and govt spending is not coming down. I think his intentions were good, but, I wish he had provided a bit more detail. I do believe that the reduction of staff is somewhat due to the abuse of family relationships back in the "Don's" era. i also believe that Radtke should have been a bit more sensitive to the heavy amount of additions to the city administrative side vs the electrical, police, and street water/sewer, and fire departments. If he wants my full trust and respect, I would request that he be a little more clear on the topic. Trust goes a long way and hopefully, someone provides him with the full disclosure data that we are requesting. Once again, let's compare apples to apples please. Thank you.
You are wrong IMO, the city logo was desiigned for use on papers that need a city logo/stamp and I want to know if it was copyrighted so no one else can use it. If so and the city has protected use of it and it is used in a political campaign, that means the city is endorsing that candidate and is it legal for the city to endorse a candidate in a city election?
the announcement about the new grain and fertilizer facility was another classic "Peruism" - they said... I'm paraphrasing, so forgive me... it won't bring many jobs but it will increase the tax base. Why do they have to say something so ignorant like that. It goes without saying that the tax base will be increased. The important thing is that it is a business expansion that is good for the local economy.
that's all this entire bunch cares about - more tax revenue to spend.
Radtke could have went further. You can reduce the number of employees but payroll can still increase with O/T and etc. Compare payroll payout then to now. I would like to see the numbers.
I have been away from this site for many years. But was told by a friend that I needed to get back on and read this post so that I would know why I should NOT vote for Ald. Waldorf. I have read many posts last night and have to say that I see nothing here that makes me want to vote for his opponent. All I have seen so far from Mr. Nelson is that he is an obvious friend of Rodney, seeing one of his signs next to Rodney's signs all over town. Ald. Waldorf has been called out to provide this! show us that! come clean! ect. I would like to know why I should vote for Mr. Nelson? I assume that he reads this blog, if not I know Rodney will tell him of my post. So Mr. Nelson, please post what you are going to do for the city of Peru, and why you deserve my vote. I know what Mr. Waldorf has done, some good and some bad, but I know nothing about your campaign. I look forward to your prompt reply. signed 3rd ward resident who always VOTES!
Well 6:00 AM, If you are fair and open minded then you should pay attention to campaign material from Mr. Nelson and answer your door when he knocks on it. At that time you have a chance to ask him for yourself. At the same time do you really know Waldorf's record and opinions on important issues?
Hey 3rd Ward resident who always votes. Have you not recieved Mr. Nelson's letter of introduction in the mail? I got mine last Tuesday and was quite impressed by what I read about the young man and his family. I suspect you do not live where you imply and that you are simply trying to muddy the waters on behalf of Waldorf. Now that says a lot about you as a person and the people you support. You are just as phony as Waldorf.
Mr.6:00 I think you should stay up all night tonight and keep reading the blog. If there's not enough for you to realize your current buddy I mean aldermen is nothing more than taking from us and manipulating the system through no bid multi million dollar contracts and telling his constituents to shove it, along with a long history of anger management issues then you wouldn't sway your vote anyway.
3:40 the blog is not a credible source of information so why would someone read through to get answers? It is anonymous people talking. He is doing far more than that and it was not his decision alone as you campaigners would have people believe.
Iv'v blogged many truths on this blog, and alot of people don't believe what I've blogged. But at least I can say I got it out there for people to ponder. And most blog anonymous for a reason.
I too have blogged many statements that I have posted proof to verify my comments. People still don't believe but as 11:12 stated, at least it was something for people to think about.
Anons 11:12AM & 12:14PM from Diogenes the Cynic. I spent most of my life around ancient Greece carrying a lantern and searching for a honest man. Tonight reading the Peru Town Forum I find two with back to back comments. Can you imagine that? You bet your sweet bippy you can!
94 comments:
Barber shop number on a business card...Really?
He paid for the card and why not have his business number, its where you can make a contact. And get a haircut if need be.
Nothing wrong with the card. He is alderman, and those are his phone numbers.
Good luck dave! I support u
6:48 Where's the proof he paid for those cards? Besides they are identical to the ones the city paid for.
Waldorf should have his cell phone number on the card, not his business number.
By using the city emblems it appears that the city is supporting him in the election.
Exactly 7:56.. did he use these for campaign purposes? If so, investigate.
By using the city emblems it also appears the city is supporting him in his business and this is unethical. This card is intended to be used for government purposes and should have been restricted to it intended purpose. What proof has ever come out on who payed for this card?
There is a direct,sole intention of this card and it is not for barbershop business. If it was wouldn't a barber pole or scissors be printed on it rather than a city logo? A council member who has $200 meals for 2 at the IML meetings should not be in the middle of 1 cent business card questions or should he?
Their is no need to investigate if he used these cards for campaign purposes, I received a campaign letter with a identical card in the mail.
This card has a private businesses work phone number on it with a P.O. Box 299 number on it. Who is paying for the P.O. box ?
there is nothing wrong with this, even if the city paid for it, which some are saying it did not. I would note however, that it appears that Mr. Waldorf does not want to be bothered after hours. He does not list his mobile number. He can screen his home number - I personally never answer mine, preferring to use it for voice mail only.
So this tells me that unless your call him when his shop is open, you will never be able to.
If any business related mail is sent to the po box makes this card wrong also, due to the city logo. It's not brain surgery here.
If any business related mail is sent to the po box makes this card wrong also, due to the city logo. It's not brain surgery here.
The P.O. box number is the City and where mail to alderman should be sent. Nowhere on that card is he advertising his business. And before anyone makes comment, I don't know Mr. Waldorf.
A $40 business card to reach an elected alderman at various locations is an important issue in this city to take up time on a blog? If the blog host would do his/her due diligence, they could contact the city clerk and find out the FACTS about the payment of these cards vs wasting so much time on such a petty issue. I guess I am starting to see a candidates entire platform a little more clearly now. Instead of talking about real projects and development, we are devoting campaign platform time on business cards. LMAO!
Look and your power and water bill Einstein - the remit to address is Box 299 Peru IL. In other words, that is the City's address.
There are so many real issues to deal with. This is nothing but a waste of bandwidth.
Alderman Waldorf works in town and I know how to get ahold of him. Its very easy. Did his opposition send out a mailing with his phone number and how to get ahold of him and does he work in town?
Which city official has the largest war chest? Which ones have a war chest?
12:34 PM
The blog host did foia the information when first posted on the disbursement and did not receive an answer. I did foia the payment of and did not receive a copy of actual check or m.o. only a stamped paper saying paid and I no longer have that info.
So the only pr0blem(which is easy to correct) is the alderman needs to show the cancelled check that was made out to the city. That will put this to rest. The check and the date it was cashed by the city will show that the alderman paid the bill within the normal time period to reimburse the city. It still does not give him the right to use the city emblem on the cards for campaigning, that is another issue.
You won't have a trail. Why? The business card was paid by Alderman Waldorf and it never went through the disbursements. Just like campaign signs made by Alderman Perez, etc. never went through city disbursements because the city did not pay for them. He has no responsibility to show receipts of personal items he has purchased. You want his grocery bill? Bills for hair oil.
The cards were on the disbursements 2:56.
12:42 thanks Dave, I bet the next 30 days will be filled with lots of information...is there a qualification to be alderman that you work in town? Maybe radktke should resign if that's the case....the barber shop seems to be the meeting hall for Peru.
Dave w is not qualified to run the city and its 55 million dollar budget! Not should he be...alderman should set the policy not be the managers!
I am telling you this whole anon e-mail responded to by the chief smells rotten to me.
ANNON EMAIL SMELLS ROTTEN TO ME ALSO. IF IT WERE ME, I would show proof as to how and when and what bank I paid for business cards.
Your right 3:59 it is so easy, just bring the check to the next council meeting and put this issue to rest.
Not just a copy of the front of check. Anybody can write information on the check and make a copy. True verification of payment.
There is a council meeting tonight, so the alderman and mayor have a chance to put this issue to rest.
What is wrong with an Alderman having a business card. I mean, I think it is appropriate for each of them to have one. They should also be able to pass them out to constituents any way they want. There is nothing wrong with this at ALL.
But, I will say it is a bit antiquated. Many business people don't bother with them any more, preferring an electronic version that automatically updates contact lists in email and smart phones. I also don't see an email address on this card - which is very unprofessional if you ask me. Most people prefer writing instead of the intrusion of a phone call. Phone calls imply an immediate need - which is generally not true. Sending a note allows the receiver to reply completely.
All that being said... the message here is that this Alderman is behind the times and his ward should be looking for somebody that uses modern technology and communications methods. Nothing illegal about being a luddite though. But, a person that is afraid of technology is probably not the best choice to run a government.
Good point 8:54.
8:54
If your running a campaign and the best you have against Alderman Waldorf is a business card mailing that he paid for, its desperate.
Its not Chappaquiddick, Watergate or even Larry Craig. I assume that Axelrod is not running campaign headquarters for Waldorf's opposition?
The "problem" with email is that it becomes public record. Every communication to a official Peru email account can be made available if you send in an FOIA request. On the other side of the coin - City Officials should not use private email accounts for anything relating to the City. If they do, that opens them up to having their personal email reviewed under FOIA.
I wonder if our crack team of IT specialists that the city contracts are aware of the retention requirements of all City email. I wonder if text messages to the many cell phones the city issues out our being retained correctly.
8:54
you sound like his opposition! technology has nothing to do with being an alderman. instead of sitting hunched over your smart?phone get off your duff and talk to someone on the regular phone or talk to them in person it's a whole lot more personal than a phone!
p.s. and i would never vote for waldorf if he was my alderperson!
Anon 11:20 I truthfully wish that a q business card mailing is the best many have against Alderman Waldorf.
The poor and highly questionable business practices carried on by this alderman in his tenure in office which have caused a unaccountable financial problem of no bid comparisons existing for past and future references is the major issue of many issues the Alderman is at fault of. The TEST 5th rider of 5 years and millions of dollars is only one example of many.
We won't accuse him of using secret e-mail accounts like the Clintons. I did notice that the new candidate has all of his signs at the same location as the Perez signs. Are they running as a group?
I don't think Waldorf is using a secret email account. I do believe he does not use email.
As far as "getting out and talking" goes, a politician can do that all he wants. When he lies, and they ALL lie, you have nothing in writing to back it up. It is best to get them to commit to something in writing is at all possible. That is why the use of email is so important.
12:46 pm, I think they are running as a "Slate" of candidates under the name of "The Honesty Slate".
They have that over the their opponents.
Simple test. Send an email to him at his city address and see how long it takes to respond. Ask him something simple so he doesn't need to think about it. Like - "can you change the day garbage is picked up?"
Come to think of it, now he will be expecting it. Because no matter what he says, he watches the blog every day. Oh well, everyone send him an email anyway. Make it useful questions so you at least get some information out of it.
Ah yes! Spring has sprung. The weather is getting warmer and the political discussion in Peru has turned back to fireworks and beer tents. Its on the agenda for tonight's meeting. Immediately after a hearing on the new barge terminal on Water Street - the council will shift to talking about launching bombs and explosives over an industrial area and cramming as many people as possible into an unsafe area that is bisected by an active railroad.
It is time change this event and move it to a place that can be enjoyed - I for one don't find it fun to stand around drinking beer in a industrial zone. We need to ask LaSalle if we can join up with them and launch our fireworks at Rotary Park.
1:18, that is probably not the smartest campaign move for a new candidate, run your own campaign without any baggage attached, ask the last city clerk if she would have hooked up with the last mayor again, I guarantee you she would have worked harder on her own.
just sent a note: got a message back saying "message undeliverable, the user's mailbox is full."
First of all remember that alderman Waldorf is now a candidate for re-election. I can guarantee that if his opponent (Travis Nelson) or current alderman and candidate Perez were to put a city logo business card in their campaign letter they would have been hung at high noon at the Maud Powell Plaza. WITHOUT A DOUBt!!!!
Any computer, cell phone for any department for any employee whereas e-mails or text messages were sent and received are property of the taxpayers/city if you want to call a spade a spade. Being used for business or personal purposes. Hello Hillary Clinton.
Let's say you were a master of performing wedding ceremonies, wedding coordinator as your only income and you had business cards. Or you owned an appraisal business in which it was your source of business personally and you had business cards. Now, the phone number for your business on a business card for your personal business should not have a city logo on it. Now, a smart person would have not put their personal business number on the card at all whereas a city logo is on card. This is common sense. This might not even be a issue like it is. Duh!
Alderman Perez can have a card with the City logo (actually, it is the City Seal) on it. Until Mr. Nelson is elected, he cannot.
Right to Work is now the Law in Wisconsin! We are completely surrounded. When will Illinois make the shift and do away with antiquated union shop rules. Right to Work in Illinois, 2015!
So, what exactly which logo should a sitting Alderman have on his or her business card?
Any resident of Peru should be able to use the city seal. It's our city for crying out loud! It belongs to all of us, not just elected or appointed people.
Time of election is getting closer and there has been no announcement of a debate? Is there going to be a debate? If the answer is no, why not?
Does the "Leader of the Illinois Valley" need someone from Utica, Ottawa, Streator or Marsailles to show Peru on how to conduct a debate and a grade school civic class to lecture us on the reasons a debate is important?
They will never have a debate. They will have a question period and the questions will be given to them in advance. They will not debate each other, they will simply read their prepared statements.
8:34, So, using your thought process, any resident of Peru should be able to use a city police badge. What a maroon!
Time to drop this subject. It is just silly - so what, the alderman has a business card and he sent it to the voters. Big deal. More power to him. They all should have one and they all should send it to the voters. Maybe include it in the Power bill.
As time of the election rapidly approaches readership and commenting has increased. Many of the comments have shown a very unhappy citizenship existing in Peru, Illinois.
True expression of this feeling will be shown April 7. This is the date which you can help decide the decisions that Peru will be directed in the next 4 years.
9:47, as long as I can remember there hasn't been a debate between Alderman, that was always done for the mayors election if there were more than one candidate. I wouldn't hold my breath looking for the debate unless you and your friends try to organize it, but I don't think that would work either. Most people know who they will vote for a debate won't change their mind. The main thing is for the candidates to get out and work, Perez does a good job of that as well as Radtke and Lukosus in their last election.
8:34
So you are saying that I can paint a city seal on the side of my truck?
9:47 I believe you could be correct when you state that we here in Peru need someone to take our hand and get us back on the right track. These recent 2 incidents, the one involving alderman Waldorf and the one involving alderman Perez, are prime examples of how our system currently works. If you are on the "in" crowd you can do no wrong but if you are part of the opposition or dare to question the norm you get hung. It's a sad state of affairs but it's a reality here in town and it's leading us against one another and against others.
A few have commented to the blog making a hopeless effort to create the authority of a incumbent alderman use of the city seal on the now wink wink personally funded business card.
These few know it is incorrect to include this card in a campaign mailing. The incumbent alderman also knows it is wrong but believes he can stretch the grey (wink wink) area without any repercusions as he sadly has been practicing in his time in office.
I still don't get it. ALL of the sitting Aldermen should have a card paid for by the City. If all of them want to mail the card to their constituents - this should be not only "allowed" but highly encouraged. If they put it with campaign literature, that is ok, as long as the city does not pay the postage. If they just want to send one - just have the clerk put it in the utility bill. Heck, they could send all 8 cards to the entire city with next months bill.
alderman Perez just sent out his mailer. Take note of his letterhead. Lets see if there's an investigation.
Why doesn't the alderman put the topic to rest once and for all and post a copy of his cancelled check for payment of these cards? WHY NOT?
Why does your driver's license have Jesse White's name on it instead of simply stating "Secretary of State" or better yet, just "State of Illinoi"?
Why do we have construction project signs that say "This project made possible by the Mayor Schott J. Harl"?
Why do some cities have a sing saying "Mayer XXX welcomes you to XXX"?
Why is your congressman allowed to send you letters and have the government pay for them?
12:52, why don't you put a copy of one of your canceled checks on the Internet. While your at it, your credit card number. Along with your name and address.
@anon 1:04 PM Are you seriously asking the 4 questions or are you making a effort to defend the use of a card which could or could not be paid for by city taxes? Past history tends to tip the scales one way the politician claims that past history is incorrect but has not produced any billing to defend himself?
Since Peru is governed by home rule which completely depends upon it success by the honesty of those representing it it appears that the alderman should provide sufficient evidence of his claims. The more the subject in question is scrutinized the more important it becomes for the alderman to justify himself. His recent inquires of Alderman Perez should only make him want to eliminate any taint of himself of himself before election.
3:09, I think the commenter is saying that is the way the game is played in Illinois. Nothing new here. When you get in office, you are "allowed" to put your name in front of the voter any way you can. It is perfectly fair and it is perfectly legal in our system.
When you are not holding an office - there are different rules. You know that, I know that, everyone knows that.
That is our system. The only way to change it is to help Governor Rauner change the system - staring with term limits.
This is THE most ridiculous topic ever on the blog and that is saying something. NO way should someone show you their personal canceled check with their account number. Seriously?
YES I am fine getting the city business card so I can contact my alderman. He IS the alderman for my ward. He did NOT have business cards printed that said "Vote for me." He IS an alderman, so it is appropriate that he use them to identify himself just like anyone else. He DID pay for them, which is silly because I am pretty sure they were provided for everyone to distribute to their constituents at the alderman's discretion.
The selective topics on the blog are fantastic. Today's news includes our city getting a new shipping terminal and another article showing the decrease in the number of employees but you won't find that here.
Nope. Just more and more bloggers talking about all of the NEW employees and the growing payroll and all our stupid city can do is get donut shops.
No political slant here at all! Nope! Lol.
3:09 I will never vote for anyone who posts on the blog. No way an incumbent office holder should go on and talk to anonymous people, where people misrepresent all themselves all of the time. This is so ridiculous.
4:26 Pm
If you feel the need for me to announce that the city will have a shipping terminal for grain and fertilizer located on the western edge of Water Street and will employ 8 people. There it is, I said it.
Also that we are now hiring in addition to the city engineer, an engineering tech to assist. So we continue to hire the city hall employees and cut back on working employees, is that what you are stating? Maybe the mayor could retire and his salary might pay the new tech but I am sure the new employee will be making more than the mayor currently does. Maybe tell the lobbyist we can no longer afford him and you might be getting close to that salary but still not there. Do I sound negative well I just drove through Peru yesterday and looked at our downtown and yes I feel very negative. From the abandoned cigarette Smoke shop to the New E cigarette place and a couple of empty store buildings in between. This is what we present to all who drive thru on Route 6. And the empty bank across the street.
That area is deteriorating faster than North Peru can build up. Doesn't anybody care?
To:Lois
From:Alderman Perez
I agree! There are many areas downtown we need to focus on.
3:09 If you are residing in the 2nd ward I'm asking for your vote. I respect anyone, and everyone regardless if you're posting anon. There's obviously a reason you won't sign your name and I'm ok with that. There have been many outstanding posts and information shared on this blog by anon. And I assure you, many city officials and administrators post here, it's only the courageous city leaders who will put their stamp on the signature line.
Thanks Lois!
Alderman Perez
Totally agree Rodney. Tonight's newsless tribune headlines "Radtke puts rumor to rest" where do you think he got that rumor? Yes right here. On the blog.
Waldorf could post the front and back of his check showing payment for his business cards on here. All he needs to do is blacken out the account number and his address.
For those of you who were stupid enough to post on here things such as "his account number will be on it" you do know you could cover that up don't you? Also 4:26 states that he (Waldorf) DID pay for them? Where's the proof? You also state that he's your alderman and you were glad to get one of his cards so you could contact him. You do realize he has been your alderman for a long time. Why didn't he give you a card when he was first elected? Why now? Come on people! Use common sense!!
I'm sending an email to my Alderman. Waldorf should not have to pay for business cards. In my note, I will ask that he be reimbursed for the expense.
10:51 PM
You are free to send your email. If the city wishes the aldermen to have business cards, they should have a policy that on May 1 after the election, each new aldermen may order business cards and the city will pay for them. This can occur after each election of a new alderman. I don't know what the cost of business cards is .
but most likely, you could buy 200 of them for about the price of just a few. But why not just have them order the cards from Vistaprint online.
I have never ever received a business card from any of my aldermen ever. I did receive a magnetic vote for Becky Mueller when she first ran which is on my refrigerator.Business cards are frequently given during elections but never with a city logo on them.
For the city to always pay for the cards is a waste of taxpayer dollars and I don't want my taxes going to pay for any items in anyones re election campaign.Legally it is wrong and ethically it is very wrong.
Pipe down rodney
Hey lois thought this blog wasnt for campaigning
According to Alderman Radtke we have cut the city workforce by 10% but according to Illinois Comptroller Warehouse that is incorrect .. The annual report indicates we employee 83 full time...was that just political grandstanding or was it out right lie to public and dankert did zero background check
Regarding the 1st Ward alderman who is "setting the record straight" on city workforce numbers. It is interesting thatRadtke chose not to explain the specifics in terms of department numbers. I would be very interested in hearing from the "rumor squashing alderman" about how many people were employed in the municipal building and how many there are today, including the one they agreed to hire on Monday. Lots of money being poured into salaries, office construction, office furniture, computers, cell phones, laptops, etc. Mr. Radtke decided not to explain in any detail the current trend of Peru's hiring spree.
Radtke also failed to mention how many current Peru employees could be eliminated by a City Manager. He also failed to mention how many current salaries could be reduced by a City Manager. Radtke and the other Rubeer-Stampers will never authorize a legitimate "analysis" to determine if there is benefit and efficiency to be gained by switching to Council-Manager form of government. They won't do allow it because they know an honest analysis would provide a recommendation in favor of a City Manager and they are severely threatened by having their "power and influence" reduced by honest and professional management. Why do you think Waldorf was turning "Thirty Shades of Red" when Potthoff described the need to include "City Manager" in the wording of the ordinace to authorize the researech committee for city administrator? They are very threatened by the thought of honest management practices by an "outsider". When elected officials become so full of themselves and so self-important as most of Peru's elected officials have, they begin to actually beleive they are qualified to run the day to day operations of the city. Regardless of the fact that they possess no actual knowledge or understanding of what the hell they are doing. When quality leadership is absent as it is in Peru, and each and every critical decision is based solely on politcs and political influence, as it is in Peru, the daily operations of the city become nothing more than a political free-for-all and a popularity contest where the citizens end up as the least represented group in the city. That is what Peru has become and that is exactly the way most of Peru's elected officials want to keep it. Peru citizens better wise up and rise up and start replacing the phony elected officials currently in office. Does anybody agree with me? Anybody?
BTW, Waldorf knows very well the business card w/city logo is improper if not illegal, but that is how he rolls as an alderman. No-Bid contracts are improper if not illegal too. When you are as intelligent and gifted as Mr. Waldorf apparently believes he is, the rest of us just become insignificant.
8:11, man you had me until you mentioned the business card again. Everything you said before that was good - but the card and mailing the card is not illegal and actually should be a requirement.
Actually, I have to thank Alderman Radtke for speaking on a topic that is becoming heated as taxes in Illinois continue to go up and govt spending is not coming down. I think his intentions were good, but, I wish he had provided a bit more detail. I do believe that the reduction of staff is somewhat due to the abuse of family relationships back in the "Don's" era. i also believe that Radtke should have been a bit more sensitive to the heavy amount of additions to the city administrative side vs the electrical, police, and street water/sewer, and fire departments. If he wants my full trust and respect, I would request that he be a little more clear on the topic. Trust goes a long way and hopefully, someone provides him with the full disclosure data that we are requesting. Once again, let's compare apples to apples please. Thank you.
9:51 AM
You are wrong IMO, the city logo was desiigned for use on papers that need a city logo/stamp and I want to know if it was copyrighted so no one else can use it. If so and the city has protected use of it and it is used in a political campaign, that means the city is endorsing that candidate and is it legal for the city to endorse a candidate in a city election?
the announcement about the new grain and fertilizer facility was another classic "Peruism" - they said... I'm paraphrasing, so forgive me... it won't bring many jobs but it will increase the tax base. Why do they have to say something so ignorant like that. It goes without saying that the tax base will be increased. The important thing is that it is a business expansion that is good for the local economy.
that's all this entire bunch cares about - more tax revenue to spend.
Radtke could have went further. You can reduce the number of employees but payroll can still increase with O/T and etc. Compare payroll payout then to now. I would like to see the numbers.
Did Perez use the City of Peru seal on his recently mailed campaign letter, that's the rumor I heard. Is this true Lois and or Rodney?
1:40 PM
Untrue
I have been away from this site for many years. But was told by a friend that I needed to get back on and read this post so that I would know why I should NOT vote for Ald. Waldorf.
I have read many posts last night and have to say that I see nothing here that makes me want to vote for his opponent.
All I have seen so far from Mr. Nelson is that he is an obvious friend of Rodney, seeing one of his signs next to Rodney's signs all over town.
Ald. Waldorf has been called out to provide this! show us that! come clean! ect.
I would like to know why I should vote for Mr. Nelson?
I assume that he reads this blog, if not I know Rodney will tell him of my post.
So Mr. Nelson, please post what you are going to do for the city of Peru, and why you deserve my vote.
I know what Mr. Waldorf has done, some good and some bad, but I know nothing about your campaign.
I look forward to your prompt reply.
signed
3rd ward resident who always VOTES!
Well 6:00 AM, If you are fair and open minded then you should pay attention to campaign material from Mr. Nelson and answer your door when he knocks on it. At that time you have a chance to ask him for yourself. At the same time do you really know Waldorf's record and opinions on important issues?
Hey 3rd Ward resident who always votes. Have you not recieved Mr. Nelson's letter of introduction in the mail? I got mine last Tuesday and was quite impressed by what I read about the young man and his family. I suspect you do not live where you imply and that you are simply trying to muddy the waters on behalf of Waldorf. Now that says a lot about you as a person and the people you support.
You are just as phony as Waldorf.
I thought this was free of campaigning. Guess not.
Someone is phony because they asked about Waldorf's opponent? Wow.
One thing Dave W is not is phony.
Mr.6:00 I think you should stay up all night tonight and keep reading the blog. If there's not enough for you to realize your current buddy I mean aldermen is nothing more than taking from us and manipulating the system through no bid multi million dollar contracts and telling his constituents to shove it, along with a long history of anger management issues then you wouldn't sway your vote anyway.
3:40 the blog is not a credible source of information so why would someone read through to get answers? It is anonymous people talking. He is doing far more than that and it was not his decision alone as you campaigners would have people believe.
Iv'v blogged many truths on this blog, and alot of people don't believe what I've blogged. But at least I can say I got it out there for people to ponder. And most blog anonymous for a reason.
I too have blogged many statements that I have posted proof to verify my comments. People still don't believe but as 11:12 stated, at least it was something for people to think about.
Anons 11:12AM & 12:14PM from Diogenes the Cynic. I spent most of my life around ancient Greece carrying a lantern and searching for a honest man. Tonight reading the Peru Town Forum I find two with back to back comments. Can you imagine that? You bet your sweet bippy you can!
good luck getting your comments on this one sided blog!
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