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
This is the interview the committee had with Jeff King, PFD Chief, Public Service Asst. Etc.
35 comments:
Anonymous
said...
My opinion of this interview is alot of tongue talk so to speak. Mr. King answered as if his past work history as a partner in his business prepared him with qualification for our public works dept, etc.. how does blueprints, equipment, sewer systems have anything to do with a fire extinguisher or fire training? Where are his certifications which should be shown for qualifications and experience to perform the job. Why weren't more valid questions asked. Sounds like throwing his duties after 10 pm to another employee such as asst.fire chief whereas he's isn't fulfilling his full time position as fire chief. Also, what education does Mr. King have to be a full time fire chief have? Did he obtain a degree in fire science such as a bachelors/masters? Yes, fireman do take weekly classes to get a firefighter I, II, I I I certification. Let's not forget the high salary and benefit package we pay for. No mention of our asst. fire chiefs certifications, what does he have to do the job after 10 pm? I could think of 50 questions that should have been asked that were not asked. Ask more, where is a true resume with that resume being checked out?
Kings answer to a question that this has been a learning experience for certain job description. So, our city pays almost $100,000 a year to someone to learn on the job? Are we that stupid people? Is Mr. King admitting he doesn't know how to do the jobs? Seems like he and Harl are friends and that's why he has gotten full time with the city. This interview I found to be very interesting. Just sayin'
7:51 Why would you be at the interview? What are you trying to accomplish with your post? A one sided attack on another City of Peru official? Please what is your ultimate goal? Please be honest and tell us it's not to Better Peru. Your real personal reason!
Building and zoning department experience and qualificatuons? Electric Department qualifications does King have? How about questions regarding what type of fire calls our city goes on, being car accidents, fires, co2 calls per month/year over the past several years? Compare apples to oranges? Does anybody know what company does our inspections of fire extinguishers? Is it the company in which Mr. King use to be a partner in? I did look at the website. Goggle or search a person's name and LinkedIn will show somewhat of work history. Remember the person's name that is being searched fills that information out. I've found that people I have searched to have buffed up their credentials. Just like people's resumes, they buff them up also. I watched a news show about this. It was very interesting.
I think the ultimate goal of the people should be to bring in expertise from outside of the Illinois Valley. The ultimate goal of the administration is to keep things just the way they are.
It is all pointless. Just let them do whatever it is they are going to do. Vote with your pocket book. If the taxes get to high - move away. There is no way to win this battle or any battle related to improving government in Peru IL or even the entire state of Illinois. It is a LOST CAUSE!
“A government is the most dangerous threat to man's rights: it holds a legal monopoly on the use of physical force against legally disarmed victims.” ― Ayn Rand
6:07 I think Mr or Ms Rand stole that from the chinese warlords and the petty kingdoms who battled in the middle ages.
The most dangerous threat to mens/womens rights have always been unelected , armed smaller militias operating under a passionate religious or tribal mentality. They always blame those who disagree, occasionally rise to ultimate power (see the Third Reich) and then establish Dictatorships.
Elected Governments are not perfect, but are he only thing that stands between us and Chaotic wars between the many different flavors of zealots.
@6:07 & 2:33 PM Don't both of you believe that your comments are getting a bit carried away from the initial blog subject? I truthfully don"t think Jeff King would even know who Ayn Rand is or the task force could get a reference from Chinese Warlords or petty kingdoms in regard to a need of a city administrator. As for the Third Reich and establishment of a dictatorship Peru already has it and I am not speaking of the Mayor. It appears that Peru has its own version of Mussolini.
You are on the right track 2:33. One should fear the unelected.
But the evil doers today are the unelected bureaucrats hired by Orwellian politicians. With a "pen and a telephone" they have "erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people and eat out their substance."
Since it appears that Rand is not your cup of tea, how about he words of a classic liberal.
"The worst evils which mankind has ever had to endure were inflicted by bad governments. – Ludwig von Mises"
Anon 11:44 AM For every elected politician how many unelected bureaucrats are hired? Many offices which are created to update city management call for a increase of population to make them cost effective. Once again it sets forth a combination of towns such as LaSalle and Peru. Sadly if there is a effort being made in Peru to create the necessary concept of short and long range planning it still has not been presented to its citizens and shows no evidence of being developed. Whenever in question our leadership answers with the generic response " We have so much going to happen that unfortunately I can't tell you about that you will be surprised". Maybe they have said this so often that they themselves would be surprised. One thing that I do know is that there is a vast amount of empty business and industrial square footage in Peru without any evidence of present development. Downtown Peru has reached such despair that rather than working with the present city leadership it would be best to comprise a independent group with properly directed ambition to revise it to a positive entity to the city. Peru's present Economic Director has proven that he does not know how to get the job done or maybe he doesn't want anyone else to share certain desires with him. Evidence of this will be what business proposals develop out of the former Marathon Station. What success has he had so far with the TEST development of a $1,000,000 building or the $1.00 purchase of the former Amcore Bank, this is the same individual who has received a significant amount of money from the city council for the Route 6 promotion which is only comprised of certain individuals who have formed a ad hoc committee. Is this ad hoc committee the reason that the Downtown Redevelopment and Planning Committee had to be disbanded by Mayor Harl. Maybe Peru has long range planning but in confusion since this was a negative plan rather than positive.
8:30 You have spewed a bunch of falsehoods and more anger than anyone should behold. The downtown area in Peru has some very good businesses. TEST went to the west end of town and utilized a very nice open space in Peru. The Route 6 group has not replaced the Downtown Planning committee, that has been placed in the hands of the committee that oversees all Peru development. If you review you facts you will find that at least 3-4 new business has cropped up in Peru downtown and many other around town...
I think we have gotten to the point in our evolution as a county where having local or even state governments doesn't really make sense any more. We should be striving for uniformity and strong central control at the federal level. While we can still elect our federal representatives, electing people to administer local functions is antiquated. We should have our federal representatives appoint our local and state representatives from a pool of qualified individuals. That way we are not stuck with someone just because they live in the city or state - let the feds pick the best people to administer the cities and keep people in line and preserve law and order.
The more we take away from the Federal government and keep on the local level is what is best. Your ultra liberal progressive ideas are a sure way to being down this country.
11:43, I disagree. We need more progressive thinking people like H.R. Clinton to carry on the fundamental change in America. Progress to a centrally uniform government is the only thing that will save our country.
Peru is an example of why keeping government "local" does not work. There just isn't the talent available to do what needs to be done at the local level. We need to further expand the Federal Government and use the vast resources to take care of local needs. Just like the national military, we could have a Federal Police Force to enforce laws. We could have a Federal Administrative Services Bureau to administer towns. Think about it, it makes sense.
10:31 I think I know who you are. Somebody who will not allow anything bad to be said about Peru, even when it's true. There is no long range plan for Peru. It's all fly by the seat of your pants. Please name the three to four new businesses that have opened in downtown Peru. The only one I can think of is the vapor shop. Not everything is rosy in Peru like you want people to think.
10:31 your comment smells as if you are spending too much time in the smoke shop. What little you seem to know of Peru politics is a embarrassment to express to others. Name the very good businesses in downtown Peru, I mean the ones that could survive without the ridiculous amount of purchases made by the city at inflated prices for as long as anyone can remember. one these businesses is so outdated in its form of documentation that the city will never look anywhere else. TEST had plans of spending a million dollars for a new building in downtown Peru not purchasing the already used coke plant. Casey's was already downtown for years before building a new station besides that we have numerous bakery's and multiple auto part stores in the north. The downtown redevelopment committee was forced out because it was becoming very active and it was discovered that it held power that no one realized. 10:31 it is you not 8:30 that has spewed a bunch of falsehoods and anger. As you can see after your fairy tale how many agree with you and how many disagree. Oh! for every new gaming parlor and smoke shop how many people are employed and what is their wages. Towns such as Peru are so misgoverned that there is a strong thought that corruption starts at the bottom and works its way to the top not starting at the top and working its way down. 10;31 It is evident that truthfully you are not interested in protecting Peru but very interested in protecting yourself. Why? Do you have it that good and is it continuing to get that much better? 2:05 PM please send in the initials and position held of whom you think 10:31 is. It is time to draw the line in the sand. Has anyone given thought to the fact that Peru was always governed by those from Peru and that the present powers in control are all out of townees i.e. Harl, Bartley, Bernabei, King and Vickrey.
12:00 That's a new conspiracy and not worth the time.
Did you notice that those township taxes are still on your tax bills. What type of changes did the new group of township officials make? What was that campaign to change? Same salaries. Same benefits. Different names. We replaced the old dodge with the new BMW.
2:34, they saw the gravy boat and jumped on board. Just like any of our local yokel politicians. All they see is a revenue stream and the ability to spend money at their friends businesses and pay themselves a good salary. I'm particularly disappointed in our Township Highway Commissioner. By the way - it is perfectly within the ability of the City of Peru to force the dissolution of the Township Road District. If they annex Pulaski Street and Shooting Park Road sections - they will fall below the minimum number of miles. But no - Boss Harl will not allow a government body to be dissolved.
10:17, The Township and the Township Road District are separate governments. Harl does also. Less than 7 miles and poof, no more Township Road District. Two streets that are completely inside municipal limits. Just annex them.
Here is the information from the Illinois Township Officials web page.
"A township road district is, in many aspects, a separate government. Neither the township board of trustees nor the township supervisor has any jurisdiction, or authority, over the highway commissioner and/or employees of the road district. The employees of the road district are subject to the directions and requirements set forth by the highway commissioner, not the township board."
The only way to force Mr. Debo to effectively fire himself is to take roads away. Below a certain threshold, 7 miles I think, the district must be dissolved.
12:40 NO, NO ,NO that would take away those great jobs for the party. The township board is the real cost savings as many of them have no show jobs and are paid very well. What are those salaries for those hard working township elected democrats? And a few supposedly independents. At least till next election, then they will wear the blue label of democrats. Township supervisor pay is ?, Township trustees?, Townships assessor? Township Clerk?
Look at the names taxpayers. Are you so blind and pathetic that you'll allow the Peru township to continue to exist for the sole purpose of enriching theirselves? If so then you are all Sheepole and deserve what happens. It serves no purpose but to tax you and you all do nothing. Pitiful.......
Unfortunately, as I've stated many times - it is essentially impossible to disband the township system under the current law. In order to do away with Peru Township - A county wide referendum is required and every township in the county must be dissolved. The structure of the county government must also be changed to a commission form and the county board must be reduced in numbers. None of this will ever happen under existing law.
Our only hope of having any reduction in government under existing law is to force the township road district to drop below the minimum required mileage. That can be done by the City of Peru annexing roads. Shooting Park Road, Pulaski Street, and any other piece of road that makes sense. Is the dump road in the township system? - I think it is, annex it.
It not only seems that any of the comments agree how to eliminate a township they also do not give reasons why the township should be eliminated. Of course those in favor do not respond with sound reasons to continue this entity. I normally do not complain if I find that I am gaining something for my taxes which fulfills a need, but if it is simply a tax with very little benefit that could be performed by another layer of government for no additional tax that is the better way to go. When there has been a vote to decrease the number of county board members but that same group never followed the preference of the vote we are not existing under the majority rules.
9:49, every function that a township performs is also performed by other governments. They do nothing. Oh, they give us malarkey about charity and providing the "most democratic" government. Its all BS. If they where a charitable organization, the AG would investigate them for fraud with over 99% overhead. The modern township provides NOTHING! The modern township does NOTHING but spend money on redundancies!
Did I read correctly that Mr. King gives his duties up after 10 pm to Asst. Fire Chief? never heard such a thing with fire chiefs doing this. Doesn't happen in other cities? Why in Peru. Also, there was an interview many months back in the News Tribune of Mr. King, illinois valley living magazine insert. He stated the department has 15-20 fire calls a month. That must include calls that aren't actually fires. Right? Is that co2 calls and car accidents?
35 comments:
My opinion of this interview is alot of tongue talk so to speak. Mr. King answered as if his past work history as a partner in his business prepared him with qualification for our public works dept, etc.. how does blueprints, equipment, sewer systems have anything to do with a fire extinguisher or fire training? Where are his certifications which should be shown for qualifications and experience to perform the job. Why weren't more valid questions asked. Sounds like throwing his duties after 10 pm to another employee such as asst.fire chief whereas he's isn't fulfilling his full time position as fire chief. Also, what education does Mr. King have to be a full time fire chief have? Did he obtain a degree in fire science such as a bachelors/masters? Yes, fireman do take weekly classes to get a firefighter I, II, I I I certification. Let's not forget the high salary and benefit package we pay for. No mention of our asst. fire chiefs certifications, what does he have to do the job after 10 pm? I could think of 50 questions that should have been asked that were not asked. Ask more, where is a true resume with that resume being checked out?
Kings answer to a question that this has been a learning experience for certain job description. So, our city pays almost $100,000 a year to someone to learn on the job? Are we that stupid people? Is Mr. King admitting he doesn't know how to do the jobs? Seems like he and Harl are friends and that's why he has gotten full time with the city. This interview I found to be very interesting. Just sayin'
7:51 Why would you be at the interview? What are you trying to accomplish with your post? A one sided attack on another City of Peru official? Please what is your ultimate goal? Please be honest and tell us it's not to Better Peru. Your real personal reason!
Building and zoning department experience and qualificatuons? Electric Department qualifications does King have? How about questions regarding what type of fire calls our city goes on, being car accidents, fires, co2 calls per month/year over the past several years? Compare apples to oranges? Does anybody know what company does our inspections of fire extinguishers? Is it the company in which Mr. King use to be a partner in? I did look at the website. Goggle or search a person's name and LinkedIn will show somewhat of work history. Remember the person's name that is being searched fills that information out. I've found that people I have searched to have buffed up their credentials. Just like people's resumes, they buff them up also. I watched a news show about this. It was very interesting.
I think the ultimate goal of the people should be to bring in expertise from outside of the Illinois Valley.
The ultimate goal of the administration is to keep things just the way they are.
It is all pointless. Just let them do whatever it is they are going to do. Vote with your pocket book. If the taxes get to high - move away. There is no way to win this battle or any battle related to improving government in Peru IL or even the entire state of Illinois. It is a LOST CAUSE!
“A government is the most dangerous threat to man's rights: it holds a legal monopoly on the use of physical force against legally disarmed victims.”
― Ayn Rand
6:07 I think Mr or Ms Rand stole that from the chinese warlords and the petty kingdoms who battled in the middle ages.
The most dangerous threat to mens/womens rights have always been unelected , armed smaller militias operating under a passionate religious or tribal mentality. They always blame those who disagree, occasionally rise to ultimate power (see the Third Reich) and then establish Dictatorships.
Elected Governments are not perfect, but are he only thing that stands between us and Chaotic wars between the many different flavors of zealots.
@6:07 & 2:33 PM
Don't both of you believe that your comments are getting a bit carried away from the initial blog subject? I truthfully don"t think Jeff King would even know who Ayn Rand is or the task force could get a reference from Chinese Warlords or petty kingdoms in regard to a need of a city administrator.
As for the Third Reich and establishment of a dictatorship Peru already has it and I am not speaking of the Mayor. It appears that Peru has its own version of Mussolini.
Spoken like a true "progressive" 2:33....
You are on the right track 2:33.
One should fear the unelected.
But the evil doers today are the unelected bureaucrats hired by Orwellian politicians. With a "pen and a telephone" they have "erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people and eat out their substance."
Since it appears that Rand is not your cup of tea, how about he words of a classic liberal.
"The worst evils which mankind has ever had to endure were inflicted by bad governments.
– Ludwig von Mises"
Anon 11:44 AM
For every elected politician how many unelected bureaucrats are hired? Many offices which are created to update city management call for a increase of population to make them cost effective. Once again it sets forth a combination of towns such as LaSalle and Peru.
Sadly if there is a effort being made in Peru to create the necessary concept of short and long range planning it still has not been presented to its citizens and shows no evidence of being developed.
Whenever in question our leadership answers with the generic response " We have so much going to happen that unfortunately I can't tell you about that you will be surprised".
Maybe they have said this so often that they themselves would be surprised.
One thing that I do know is that there is a vast amount of empty business and industrial square footage in Peru without any evidence of present development.
Downtown Peru has reached such despair that rather than working with the present city leadership it would be best to comprise a independent group with properly directed ambition to revise it to a positive entity to the city.
Peru's present Economic Director has proven that he does not know how to get the job done or maybe he doesn't want anyone else to share certain desires with him. Evidence of this will be what business proposals develop out of the former Marathon Station. What success has he had so far with the TEST development of a $1,000,000 building or the $1.00 purchase of the former Amcore Bank, this is the same individual who has received a significant amount of money from the city council for the Route 6 promotion which is only comprised of certain individuals who have formed a ad hoc committee. Is this ad hoc committee the reason that the Downtown Redevelopment and Planning Committee had to be disbanded by Mayor Harl. Maybe Peru has long range planning but in confusion since this was a negative plan rather than positive.
8:30 You have spewed a bunch of falsehoods and more anger than anyone should behold. The downtown area in Peru has some very good businesses. TEST went to the west end of town and utilized a very nice open space in Peru. The Route 6 group has not replaced the Downtown Planning committee, that has been placed in the hands of the committee that oversees all Peru development. If you review you facts you will find that at least 3-4 new business has cropped up in Peru downtown and many other around town...
I think we have gotten to the point in our evolution as a county where having local or even state governments doesn't really make sense any more. We should be striving for uniformity and strong central control at the federal level. While we can still elect our federal representatives, electing people to administer local functions is antiquated. We should have our federal representatives appoint our local and state representatives from a pool of qualified individuals. That way we are not stuck with someone just because they live in the city or state - let the feds pick the best people to administer the cities and keep people in line and preserve law and order.
10:31 A.M
Wow someone just hit your soft spot and it hurts really bad.
Downtown Peru is the pits!!!!!
Route 6 is the highway everyone travels THROUGH Peru and no one stops.
11:15 A.M.
The more we take away from the Federal government and keep on the local level is what is best. Your ultra liberal progressive ideas are a sure way to being down this country.
11:43, I disagree. We need more progressive thinking people like H.R. Clinton to carry on the fundamental change in America. Progress to a centrally uniform government is the only thing that will save our country.
Peru is an example of why keeping government "local" does not work. There just isn't the talent available to do what needs to be done at the local level. We need to further expand the Federal Government and use the vast resources to take care of local needs. Just like the national military, we could have a Federal Police Force to enforce laws. We could have a Federal Administrative Services Bureau to administer towns. Think about it, it makes sense.
10:31 I think I know who you are. Somebody who will not allow anything bad to be said about Peru, even when it's true. There is no long range plan for Peru. It's all fly by the seat of your pants. Please name the three to four new businesses that have opened in downtown Peru. The only one I can think of is the vapor shop. Not everything is rosy in Peru like you want people to think.
If you think the gaming joints and smoking bars are new businesses then we are in trouble
10:31 your comment smells as if you are spending too much time in the smoke shop. What little you seem to know of Peru politics is a embarrassment to express to others. Name the very good businesses in downtown Peru, I mean the ones that could survive without the ridiculous amount of purchases made by the city at inflated prices for as long as anyone can remember. one these businesses is so outdated in its form of documentation that the city will never look anywhere else.
TEST had plans of spending a million dollars for a new building in downtown Peru not purchasing the already used coke plant. Casey's was already downtown for years before building a new station besides that we have numerous bakery's and multiple auto part stores in the north. The downtown redevelopment committee was forced out because it was becoming very active and it was discovered that it held power that no one realized.
10:31 it is you not 8:30 that has spewed a bunch of falsehoods and anger. As you can see after your fairy tale how many agree with you and how many disagree. Oh! for every new gaming parlor and smoke shop how many people are employed and what is their wages.
Towns such as Peru are so misgoverned that there is a strong thought that corruption starts at the bottom and works its way to the top not starting at the top and working its way down. 10;31 It is evident that truthfully you are not interested in protecting Peru but very interested in protecting yourself. Why? Do you have it that good and is it continuing to get that much better? 2:05 PM please send in the initials and position held of whom you think 10:31 is. It is time to draw the line in the sand.
Has anyone given thought to the fact that Peru was always governed by those from Peru and that the present powers in control are all out of townees i.e. Harl, Bartley, Bernabei, King and Vickrey.
Yes....The big central government that a few have advocated is the exact same format that was used in Nazi Germany.
Actually 10:22, I think it is the one that the Democrat Party, at the National Level) is trying to create.
12:00 That's a new conspiracy and not worth the time.
Did you notice that those township taxes are still on your tax bills. What type of changes did the new group of township officials make? What was that campaign to change? Same salaries. Same benefits. Different names. We replaced the old dodge with the new BMW.
2:34, they saw the gravy boat and jumped on board. Just like any of our local yokel politicians. All they see is a revenue stream and the ability to spend money at their friends businesses and pay themselves a good salary. I'm particularly disappointed in our Township Highway Commissioner. By the way - it is perfectly within the ability of the City of Peru to force the dissolution of the Township Road District. If they annex Pulaski Street and Shooting Park Road sections - they will fall below the minimum number of miles. But no - Boss Harl will not allow a government body to be dissolved.
4:01 Blame game? Those who were elected to the various township positions have all the tools to dissolve the unit, not HARL.
10:17, The Township and the Township Road District are separate governments. Harl does also. Less than 7 miles and poof, no more Township Road District. Two streets that are completely inside municipal limits. Just annex them.
Here is the information from the Illinois Township Officials web page.
"A township road district is, in many aspects, a separate government. Neither the township board of trustees nor the township supervisor has any jurisdiction, or authority, over the highway commissioner and/or employees of the road district. The employees of the road district are subject to the directions and requirements set forth by the highway commissioner, not the township board."
The only way to force Mr. Debo to effectively fire himself is to take roads away. Below a certain threshold, 7 miles I think, the district must be dissolved.
12:40 NO, NO ,NO that would take away those great jobs for the party. The township board is the real cost savings as many of them have no show jobs and are paid very well. What are those salaries for those hard working township elected democrats? And a few supposedly independents. At least till next election, then they will wear the blue label of democrats. Township supervisor pay is ?, Township trustees?, Townships assessor? Township Clerk?
Look at the names taxpayers. Are you so blind and pathetic that you'll allow the Peru township to continue to exist for the sole purpose of enriching theirselves? If so then you are all Sheepole and deserve what happens. It serves no purpose but to tax you and you all do nothing. Pitiful.......
Unfortunately, as I've stated many times - it is essentially impossible to disband the township system under the current law. In order to do away with Peru Township - A county wide referendum is required and every township in the county must be dissolved. The structure of the county government must also be changed to a commission form and the county board must be reduced in numbers. None of this will ever happen under existing law.
Our only hope of having any reduction in government under existing law is to force the township road district to drop below the minimum required mileage. That can be done by the City of Peru annexing roads. Shooting Park Road, Pulaski Street, and any other piece of road that makes sense. Is the dump road in the township system? - I think it is, annex it.
No, that's a county road named for a former county president.
It not only seems that any of the comments agree how to eliminate a township they also do not give reasons why the township should be eliminated. Of course those in favor do not respond with sound reasons to continue this entity. I normally do not complain if I find that I am gaining something for my taxes which fulfills a need, but if it is simply a tax with very little benefit that could be performed by another layer of government for no additional tax that is the better way to go.
When there has been a vote to decrease the number of county board members but that same group never followed the preference of the vote we are not existing under the majority rules.
9:49, every function that a township performs is also performed by other governments. They do nothing. Oh, they give us malarkey about charity and providing the "most democratic" government. Its all BS. If they where a charitable organization, the AG would investigate them for fraud with over 99% overhead. The modern township provides NOTHING! The modern township does NOTHING but spend money on redundancies!
Did I read correctly that Mr. King gives his duties up after 10 pm to Asst. Fire Chief? never heard such a thing with fire chiefs doing this. Doesn't happen in other cities? Why in Peru. Also, there was an interview many months back in the News Tribune of Mr. King, illinois valley living magazine insert. He stated the department has 15-20 fire calls a month. That must include calls that aren't actually fires. Right? Is that co2 calls and car accidents?
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