Lobbyist report
TO:Mayor Scott Harl
City of Peru, Illinois
TO:Mayor Scott Harl
City of Peru, Illinois
FROM:Tim McAnarney
McAnarney Consulting
McAnarney Consulting
DATE:December 30, 2014
SUBJECT:Quarterly Report
August 3, 2014: I attended Congresswoman Cheri Bustos fundraiser and discussed legislative issues including our work with U.S. Senator Durbin regarding the*****building (edited by me as still pending) RP
August 4, 2014: I met with Ameren Executives regarding legislative activities.
August 6, 2014: I met with St. Francis Hospital Executives on Peru heliport.
August 8, 2014: I met with U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and Congresswoman Cheri Bustos at the funeral of Gene Callahan (the Congresswoman’s father).
August 11, 2014: I attended State Senator Koehler’s golf outing in Peoria.
August 13, 2014: I attended Representative Smiddy’s fundraiser and also Comptroller Topinka’s fundraiser in Springfield.
August 13, 2014: I attended Governor Quinn’s breakfast in Springfield for Democratic officials.
August 19, 2014: I met with Mayor Harl at Senator Durbin’s office in Springfield to discuss-Blank Building and other Federal issues.(name of building edited by me) RP
August 20, 2014: I attended Southwest Illinois Mayors’ golf outing in Orland Park.
August 21, 2014: I attended fundraiser dinner for Senator Mike Jacobs in Rock Island.
August 22, 2014: I attended Senator Andy Manar’s golf outing in Springfield.
August 25, 2014: I attended Representative Larry Walsh’s fundraiser in Joliet.
August 26, 2014: I attended Governor Pat Quinn’s fundraiser in Cantrall.
August 29, 2014: I met with Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) officials regarding money for “Brownfield” clean-up.
September 2, 2014: I met with T.V. Channel 3 (WCIA) Champaign regarding election.
September 3, 2014: I worked with Nora Fesco regarding application for $300,000 grant for splash pool.
September 9, 2014: I received the application for the splash pool grant and talked with the Governor’s office regarding it.
September 10, 2014: I attended fundraiser at the Governor’s Mansion which was attended by numerous elected officials and association directors.
September 10, 2014: I attended fundraiser at the Governor’s Mansion which was attended by numerous elected officials and association directors.
September 11, 2014: I attended Senator Brady’s fundraiser in Bloomington.
September 12, 2014: I attended Representative Costello’s fundraiser in Waterloo.
September 13, 2014: I attended Congresswoman Bustos’ fundraiser in Springfield.
September 15, 2014: I attended Senator McGuire’s fundraiser in Joliet.
September 18, 2014: I attended the Illinois Municipal League’s Conference in Chicago. I was a panelist regarding the discussions on police and fire pensions.
September 24, 2014: I met with the Governor’s office on our road funding request, as well as the DNR splash pool grant.
September 26, 2014: I attended Representative Mitchell’s fundraiser in Decatur.
September 30, 2014: I met with the Governor’s office to request that Mayor Harl be appointed to the State Tax Fairness Committee.
October 1, 2014: I met with Mayor Harl regarding our requests for State money.
October 6, 2014: I met with DCEO officials to see if we could get $150,000 grant for Water Street improvements.
October 7, 2014: I attended Comptroller Topinka’s fundraiser in Springfield.
October 8, 2014: I met with DCEO officials to request $1.5 million for the 911 Consolidation Building.
October 9, 2014: I attended Senator Link’s fundraiser in Chicago.
October 9, 2014: I participated in a statewide telephone conference with 15 other cities regarding the pension issues.
October 14, 2014: I met with U.S. Senator Durbin’s office for an update on our Army Reserve Building. The Senator is still trying to get this done.
October 15, 2014: I attended Representative Hoffman’s fundraiser in Belleville.
October 16, 2014: I talked with mayor Harl and Chief of Police and worked with them to draft a letter regarding our request for $1.5 million for 911 Center.
October 17, 2014: I personally delivered and explained our 911 proposal.
October 21, 2014: Governor agrees to give $1.5 million for 911 Center.
October 23, 2014: I attended “splash pad” presentation with Eric Carls and Mike Perry at DNR headquarters in Springfield. I followed up with the Govenor’s office.
October 24, 1014: Governor Quinn formally announces our 911 Grant. Unfortunately, fog kept the Governor from landing in Peru.
----------------
FROM:Tim McAnarney
McAnarney Consulting
McAnarney Consulting
DATE:April 10, 2015
SUBJECT:November-December 2014 Report
November 4, 2014: I hosted election night event that many government staff members attended.
November 6, 2014: I met with Mayor Harl and the Department of Aeronautics Secretary, Susan Shea,to go over Peru’s requests for funding.
November 12, 2014: I met with the Department of Aeronautics Secretary and staff to specifically discuss our $1.3 million taxiway extension funding request.
November 18, 2014: I attended the Senate Republications fundraiser in Springfield.
November 19, 2014: I attended Legislative Session. I lobbied against HB5485 (bill would let arbitrators determine minimum manning requirements for City Fire Departments. This would take control away from City Councils and Mayors – costs could skyrocket.) The bill passed despite the opposition of most cities.
November 20, 2014: I attended Legislative Session.
November 25, 2014: I took Mayor Harl to Chicago for a political and government reception that was attended by many State Legislators and State Officials.
December 2, 2014: I attended Legislative Session. I supported SB2221 as amended, limited municipalities’ liability on asbestos.
December 3, 2014: I attended Legislative Session.
December 4, 2014: I participated in a Police and Fire Pension discussion with approximately 15 cities.
December 10, 2014: I met with Capital Development Board Director, Jim Underwood, to find out the status of our $1.5 million grant. He told me he had processed the grant and sent it to the Governor’s Office. He thought we were okay.
December 14, 2014: I had lunch with Congresswoman Cheri Bustos to go over Federal and State legislative matters.
December 15, 2014: I attended Senator Bill Brady’s reception in Chicago.
December 19, 2014: I had lunch with U.S. Senator Durbin. He told me he is still working with the**** building (edited by me) RP to try and get the building turned over to Peru.
#perulobbyist
#citylobbyist
#peruillinois
#perulobbyist
#citylobbyist
#peruillinois
87 comments:
Could have saved a lot of ink and just wrote I went to a lot of party's.......however his meeting listed at a funeral is priceless....what a joke.
I thought the same thing!.. Peru paying a lobbyist to lobby at a funeral? Poor Poor Taste. Tacky!! Why all the sudden are thsee reports released? Have the aldermen and mayor seen these reports? They need to terminate his contract.
Voters spoke and they believe in wasting our money!!! Morons are driving the ship into the grounds
Maybe the are right join lasalle and grove can turn the ship around
Is this the actual report? It's not even professionally written. I picture this guy to be like boss hoss from dukes of hazard sitting at a dinner table stuffing his mouth with one hand and writing a report with the other all on the city dime. I'd like to know if this guy works for other municipalities and which ones. It would be worth FOIa their reports to see if they're copy pasted with little edits. Triple dipping of tax payers money. He probably went to the same outing for three separate municipalities
If the building being referred to is directly North of Veterans Park what are the total expenses already spent in a effort to obtain it for Peru. Mayor Harl and Ald. Lukosis went to Washington D.C. in a effort which appeared to be successful. Now Peru has a lobbyist for 2 years at $2k/month making a effort for the city. It is reality time and it would be best to realize that Peru is not going to get this property until those in charge of it are ready to give it away, which may be forever.
This lobbyist was pushed through for Harls personal agenda. I would bet all the times Harl met with this lobbyist Harl put the expense of that trip on the city card- paying for the lobbyist dinners, lunches, etc. I don't live in Peru or I would FOIA those expenses.
A disgusting and poorly written report of what this man has done.
The city fathers should be hanging their heads!
WHY DOESN'T HE MEET WITH MAYOR HARL AS TO WHY THERE HAVE BEEN SO MANY CLOSED SESSION COUNCIL MEETINGS SINCE HIS MAYORSHIP. WHAT A BUNCH OF BLABBER IN MY OPINION. TRYING TO VALIDATE THE IMPORTANCE OF A POSITION.
This would not meet the requirements that my employer has regarding reporting of activities while on business travel. Now... Since it is no secret - why the heck are we trying to get the government to close the reserve center and give us the building? That's just plain stupid. It still serves a purpose and is used by the Army Reserve for training and administration. This is the first time I've ever heard of a local government trying to kick the Army out of town. We should be lobbying for expansion of the facility!
For twenty years I believe the center has been dangled by the Feds. At one time the thought was to remodel it into a new police station? Now that the new regional 911 center is all the rage maybe they'll use it for that?
The city wants the armory to convert it into a new state of the art police/fire headquarters.
Why is this secret building and the reason for Peru wanting it not being discussed openly? Why is the plan being kept on a need to know basis? Whatever "the plan" is, it should be open for everyone to scrutinize. This is also why there should be a long range planning document for Peru.
Then why keep it a secret???? It will cost millions to convert. Then ooooo, the dreaded "A" word- asbestos.
The work consulting in my opinion referring to a person's job occasionally is a bs position many times used as a write off for businesses that need to find writeoffs.
I sent Alderman Tom Payton a message asking if he read those reports and told him the city should not go for this any longer. Mr.Payton replied saying he has read the reports and is doing his job to help Peru. What a shame.
Skyler Lamps
To the blogger who wrote in reply to Ms Lamps, you forgot to sign your name. The post defending Ald. Payton and offensive to Ms Lamps deserves to have your name attached to it. If you (the resident) have the integrity to sign your name, you do not deserve to be picked on for it.
The first 14 comments are all signed anonymous and published. Those comments signed anonymous and published are so lopsided in comparison to those with a name that a count would be embarrassing to utilize as a true reason not to be published.
What is the real reason that a simple, traditional signature of anonymous was not enough?
What could anybody say bad about what Ms Lamps wrote? It simply states what she asked, what he said, and her opinion of his answer. I agree it's a shame that Payton is following along with the others. But it was exactly what I expected.
I disagree, Ald. Payton might believe as a business person, that having a lobbyist is a good thing such as other cities do, namely Ottawa.
If Ald. Payton said he read the lobbyist report and considered him reporting he lobbied at a funeral etc then Ald.Payton is simply defending the lobbyist and city hall which I find sickening
I called Ald. Payton to ask him why he thought it was OK to have the lobbyist go to a funeral, and then list it in his report? His response was, it could have been a person who he worked with over the years. I would guess that out of respect, he thought it was the right thing to do.
1:46, maybe true. But was the guy actually "lobbying" at the funeral? It sounds like it, otherwise it would not be on the report. If he did "lobby" at someone's funeral - then he is a jackass.
Then if it was a person he worked with why did he feel it necessary to put it on his report for Peru? Or does he work with multiple municipalities and put it on every report?
I think it is safe to say that maybe, just maybe, some of the things on here are being taken out of context. I'm sure he included any event in which relevant business was discussed and that could easily be after a funeral service. It could also be a wedding, a party or other event. Business and politics gets discussed at places like this so he included it. Stop the name calling and jumping to conclusions.
To those who are in judgement of the Peru lobbyist. Have you ever had a close business working knowledge of what a lobbyist itemizes in his
report? Do any of you personally know a lobbyist? If a lobbyist wants to include a attendance of a funeral in his report its his report isn't it, seems no one stopped him.Possibly he never attended a funeral but included such to have some fun with a standard practical joke to set up some old busy bodies he has been told about who live in Peru and from all the questionable comments it worked.
The report seems very thin. You do not report you just went somewhere. You write why , who, what was discussed, what action items were taken , what next steps needed to be taken You report on your planning, your opportunities discovered, the commitments you get from the decision makers and representatives.
5:54pm yes I know what a lobbyist does and I've known a few. I won't say anything negative against him personally as I don't know this particular person. What I do know is he should have never released such shoddy notes and that's what these are. As 6:31 said its thin. I call it weak and it contains little information as to what he accomplished for $24,000.00 a year. What a shame.
There's nothing in this report that jumps out and tells me this $24,000.00 fee is worth paying someone to do what tax payers already pay state and local representatives to do. Frank Mautino and Rezin along with The director of development along with the mayor is suppose to do, and does. It's clear to me this lobbyist was retained for personal agenda. Harls agenda and it's obvious some of the elected officials like Alderman Payton defends it. Of course he would did we expect any different? Not I.
It doesn't appear that Tom Payton never answered the questions the lady asked. Typical kick the can down the road politician.
It is appearing more and more that what several bloggers want is a lobbyist who gives them nice, neat notes rather than jobs.
Politely said his reports are none of your business as most of his work only is to become known once it has reached a conclusion.
For a group of individuals who think they know something about everything you don't know jack!
10:23 PM
It sounds to me like you don't know or forgot that this guy is being paid with taxpayer funds and since that is the case, it does shed a better light upon it. You can't use taxpayer money and not show how you are using it. Gov. Rauner might be interested in your explanation of why we who pay the bills don't have to know what in the H... is being done with it.
5:54 I hope you are joking about a standard practical joke, especially when it involves the death of someones father.
@10:23 it's obvious you're not familiar with what a lobbyist is. Their job is not to bring jobs to Peru. If Peru hired a lobbyist to influence business owners to come to Peru then Peru is in bigger trouble than I thought. A lobbyist works amongst other politicians to influence certain agendas. For instance, Harl wanted to be put on a particular committee so he used tax payers dollars to have the lobbyist influence decision makers to add Harl to the committee.
Business owners/investors research communities and pick which works best for them. A community with much to offer like low taxes utilities etc. Will find Peru. The Chamber and other similar sources throws out the bait to new businesses to come to the area. That's not a lobbyists job like only you and Tom Payton assume it is.
Paying a lobbyist to try and take over the army reserve building is another bad choice. We should be working to enhance the needs for our reserves.
It would be nice to see how the lobbyist Ottawa hired report looks like.
Anonymous eight:thirty one AM
Compliments to you in describing that a lobbyist works among politicians to influence certain agendas. I can assure you that Alderman Payton's work experience and background enables him knowledge of a lobbyists many responsibilities of which you appear to limit his duties to only one of his major duties.
You can be assured that Alderman Payton when in question has and can contact representatives of bigger cities in reference to how they are successfully managing problems which are also confronting Peru. Tom Payton did not all of a sudden enter into the 2nd ward aldermen race because he thought it would be a fun thing to do.
I think the point that taxpayers (whose money is being used to pay for the lobbyist) is trying to make is that this is not a report of things done or accomplished. It's an itinerary of people and places he's been. That's wonderful if Mr. Payton can contact reps of bigger cities but how does that benefit the taxpayers if everything is kept under lock and key and reported on as vaguely as the accomplishments of our lobbyist? All people want to know is our money being used wisely and are we getting the best bang for our buck? The lobbyist's report sure doesn't indicate that.
This is why our government is so screwed up. Conducting business at a funeral? Who does that - besides the God Father?
Reminds me of the insurance man that showed up at my father's wake trying to sell an immediate annuity to my mother, telling her that's what he would have wanted her to do with her money. Total jackass.
10:23pm it appears that we all know jack when we see him.....and he's an over paid person who can't even write an appropriate report of what he's accomplished.......which according to his own notes is JACK.........stop defending incompetence as you look like a fool as what he does for the citizens of Peru is every taxpayers business when he's paid with taxpayers money........my lord save us........none of our business??? You my unknown anonymous writer are obviously delusional at best.
Today, I woke up at 7 , took a shower, shaved, combed my hair, drove to work, it's 8 a.m., turned on computer, got a cup of coffee, went back to computer, surfed Internet for one hour, now went to lunch for 2 hours, back to work at 2 p.m., typed 2 emails for official business, another 4 non-business (using company computer,) now it's 4:30 pm, taking a break, leave at 5, drive home. I actually do about 5 honest hours of work a week, but get paid for 40.
3:07 You're Fired!
So 3:07,what is your profession? Are you a Lobbyist, Economic Development Director, or Mayor?
Anon 3:07 PM
Your employment sounds like a hell of a gig! Who did you say you work for? Would a close guess be that you are a professional lobbyist out of Springfield, Illinois eating surf and turf the majority of the week on someone else's green. Does $24,000 times 5 include a unlimited expense account from each or do you charge it up to a different account per day? Good help is hard to find and its time for some people to learn you get what you pay for.
What jobs are being generated in peru? Slots of fun employees depositing money from the machines that won? Crazy
To 9:29 AM, I agree with your last sentence. Payton did not run for alderman because it would be fun. He ran because he was recruited by the Peru establishment cronies, Harl, and the other aldermen to un-seat Rodney Perez because the Peru council has does not tolerate council members who point out unethical and dishonest behavior in the ranks of Peru government. Payton ran so the vote tally for no-bid contracts, phony job titles, excessive hiring, excessive salaries, and other corrupt policies could be 8-0 instead of 7-1. That's why Payton ran.
Anon 8:49 PM
Don't you realize that your comment is years to late. The state is saturating the state with video gaming machines because of the money they are making.
you are completely within your rights and deserve credit for expressing yourself but it is doubtful if anyone in Springfield is listening to you and if they are they are by themselves. Isn't it shameful that those in charge of Illinois have to resort to what was illegal to raise revenue.
The medical marijuana law is being used as a introduction to a complete legalized marijuana program which will be passed within the next 5 years in Illinois. If you believe legal video gaming is crazy how do you describe legalized pot?
7:34 I don't want any of the free Kool-Aid that your passing out. He was voted in by those that are represented in that area. Only one council member was allowed to vote in that election. I don't ever remember reading that the former alderman voted against job titles, salary increases or other notions that you are selling. I do remember several votes that were "abstains". Maybe those that voted wanted a representative that took a stand? Corruption/ Tell us more.
Anon 7:34 AM Alderman Payton ran to become a Alderman of the 2d ward in which he lives. This is identical to any other candidate who chooses to represent their ward.
After declaring yourself as a candidate one normally campaigns up until election and either wins or loses. He has no choice of whom he is going to run against or if he is to win or lose. Some at times do try to stack the deck in their favor by declaring a 3d candidate to offset the vote and gain a suspect majority for another. Alderman Payton in no way made any attempt of such inferior politics and only won because he received the majority of the 2d ward voters.
Tom Payton will occupy the chair for 4 years and than have to either run again or voluntarily give it up. He and everyone else should acknowledge that this is a process accepted traditionally and by law.
The idea that some city officials are in ownership of a city position forever without competition is Anti-American and has no place in our free society.
It is time for all to realize that Alderman Payton is one of eight Alderman of the City of Peru and has been elected by the majority for a seat on the city council. In two more years there will be another election and at that time anyone who deems themselves interested enough to run should surely do so and those who support this candidate will have the opportunity to make a winning effort.
But in that time frame it would be a advantageous move by all to accept Mr. Payton and allow him a positive start in his efforts as a alderman rather than immediately misjudging him because you did not get exactly what you wished for. That unfortunately for the minority is what happens and thankfully they have opportunities in the future.
Until this time arrives the true citizen will give the incumbents their support to build a better Peru.
To 11:19 AM, The new 2nd ward alderman has already had several opportunities to speak out against the phony lobbyist scam perpetuated by Harl and Vickrey and he fell in lock-step with the other rubber-stampers. Mr. Payton will have numerous opportunities in the next few years to speak speak out against the unethical and corrupt policies of the Peru council. I will judge him by the way he votes on the issues important to me. If he continues to fall in line with the current crew of no-goods as he has thus far, I will call him what he is.
If you think Payton wasn't hand picked by Harl, you're not very aware of what goes on at city hall. When you have the mayor, 7 council members and most likely TEST and Chamlin's out telling their family and friends to vote for Payton, and then you have so many unconcerned and uninformed residents, naturally Perez would lose.
Anon 11:19 I don't reside in Tom Payton or Rodney Perez's ward but I had my support behind Payton because I felt Rodney was fighting the council for attention. I began reading this blog in early March and have been following this and watching on line videos. I will say I jumped to judge Rodney. With the things I've read, heard and see I do agree with others that Payton is just another follower of the rest. Reading Payton's response in regards to the lobbyists report disturbed me. From reading that report how could anyone say the lobbyist was just doing his job. And to support hiring more frivolous staff at city hall like assistance to whomever even drew me further away from my Payton support. I'm not surprised by the incumbents but I just figured Payton would've been a bit more independent rather than such a follower.
I have also been following Payton's Facebook page and there have been questions asked which went unanswered. I gave up waiting for him to answer questions asked so I would know also,
@2:16, I encourage you to go back since the beginning of this forum and read. In my opinion your opinion would be different. Also, somebody please correct me if this is wrong information. Does Tony Ferrari - an alderman, Tom Payton (newly elected alderman), and a recent past alderman Mertel (? First name?) Live on Carrie Street? Within houses of each other? I heard this. if so, I find to be very odd. If true, really think about it.
Yes the Carrie Street Clan.
The key to Peru politics is never argue in front of the public. All the arguments are in the Secret Sessions. They hammer it out ahead of time and then hold the no debate vote for the public to view.
4:06, Ferrari doesn't live on Carrie St., he lives on Lincoln Ave, nice to have the facts before you post them.
@10:44-- pleas read the blog and get your facts straight before you post!!! I can read and comprehend that 4:06 did ask to be corrected if wrong. Is Lincoln within a block of Carrie ?
It is becoming harder and harder to understand why "Joe the Plumber" wants so badly to criticize the newest alderman on the council when 7 others have voted together for years and very, very little has been said. Is this strictly a reaction to Mr. Perez being defeated?
There in time will be distinct differences seen between the objectives of Ald. Payton and Ald. Perez. Tom will be observant of what transpires in the entire city of Peru but his main objective will be to manage the 2d ward. Rodney had a main objective of seeing that everyone in Peru had a fun day to enjoy themselves. Rodney had a wide view of what the responsibilities of a alderman are and he strived to accomplish this view. Alderman Payton will have a much narrower view with the idea of succeeding what he confronts for the betterment of his own ward and will become involved in the entire city decisions as he and others see a need. Within a short period of time it will be noticeable that Payton expertise in leadership is accomplished through being a master of the skill of teamwork.
but he hung out with the Carrie Street Cabal.
I will defend Mr. Payton, he has been on the council for a little over a month. The process of getting up to speed on all the projects and what happens on a daily basis takes time. With that being said give the guy a chance. He voted against the rezoning of the house on shooting park, and I believe that was one of his friends he voted against. As for the lobbyist, I agree the report is vague and not very well written. This was not his vote that put him there ask his predecessor about that. Knowing how Mr. Payton handles himself, he will not seek the limelight as Mr. Perez did, and will in his bid to become Mayor. To me it seems that the people who speak out about the way city is run are the same people who keep getting beat, which to me says that your message is not working. I would ask that when you are going to criticize what Mr. Payton or any of the elected officials please, try to have all the facts and not just assumptions.
I read his post about anonymous and if he knew i was writing this he would be upset. I hope this gets posted
Loyal Peruvian
I think what you've read or heard 4:06 is that the two second ward aldermen (Radke and Payton) live within blocks of one another as does lst ward alderman Mueller. When "aldermen at large" was a topic on the table one of the arguments against it was that you might end up with more than 2 representatives from 1 ward. Well, we now have 3 aldermen who reside within a small radius of one another.
The council should not be involved in day to day operations. That is the problem.
The zoning vote for shooting park was 8-0 so I'm not convinced yet that Payton is independent. One of the other alder persons told me Payron was passing notes prior to the vote because he thought their prior agreement of the way to vote was going to change after witness testimony. I guess I'll have to watch the video to see for myself. I don't think Payton defeated Perez I'd say it was the status quo city officials Test and Chamlin friends and family who got the vote out against Perez. I think if Donald Duck ran against Perez he still would've been beat. My opinion Perez never got out the vote like city hall did. With the uncertainty of the state budget and cuts I'm interested in how this council will vote on future spendings. Employment etc
I don't want a bunch of "TEAM PLAYERS", like Payton in my local govenment. I want a bunch of "INDEPENDENT THINKERS" who will not be inclined to "go along to get along" as TEAM PLAYERS do! WTF?
Who needs players that have a thought process and independent thinking with actual business experience? We on this blog prefer the bizarre methods of conspiracy and vocal minority way of thinking. It makes much better reading. It is interesting that the vast majority in political terms a landslide did prefer the candidate that did vote for the people of the ward in the recent zoning issue.
Please 11:03, 11:30 get over the fact that the election is over. And by the way I didn't like the idea of fireworks at Baker Lake landing on my roof, and the constant self promotion efforts. Really, a radio spot that you saved $70,000 on planting flowers in downtown Peru? You didn't support the concerts and then was paid for security for the event.
I'm disappointed that the council has intervened with the use of that property. The owner should be able to sell it for commercial use.
Anon 1:07 PM The council has not intervened with the us of that property. The owner bought having full knowledge of the classification that the property was zoned under. the zoning commission denied him a reclassification and the council voted backing up the zoning commission.
The owner has exactly what he bought - residential property with 41 neighbors who signed to keep it residential.
If zoning is to change with everyone who wants a variance deserving or not it would best be advisable to completely do away with zoning.
I still think they should be allowed to develop the property as a commercial or even industrial. That would be good for the city. The neighbors just need to understand that things change. It would also greatly increase the value of their property if the area was re-zoned for a purpose other than residential.
I see a closed bar on Peoria St. "Vinies" has a For Rent sign, does that mean we will allow another bar to rent that building. I thought that once a small bar in a neighborhood shut down that that was the end of that bar and could not re open. Anyone have an answer?
Also property on 7th Street that once was a Grocery/Liquor store before it became a Medical Office was forr sale and I now see that sign for the Medical Office has been painted over. I don't know what the zoning is but that is certainly a residential area and right around the corner from Ald. Ferrari.
Vinnies not Vinies
I thought Tom Payton stated he didn't read the blog? Typical politician. Not only is he reading it but commenting. He's being ratted out. Haha
If the liquor license is kept open and the fees are paid, it can be transferred to the new owner.
Zoning is typically grandfathered. So, the medial office will most likely stay zoned whatever it is. If the zoning was changed, the building would be worthless. Same goes for the bar. Also, the bar is in a mixed area, but there are quite a few commercial businesses operating in the immediate vicinity. I hope it remains a bar - we need more small neighborhood bars.
A liar is somebody who reads this blogsite and says they don't. Very humorous I might add. A real man or woman who has taken an oath to represent it constituents and doesn't read this forum or participate to correct or explanation on a topic every once in a while doesn't belong in a public office. This would also include department heads. Ask why they don't, is because there is truth here and they know it. Just shows their true colors.
It looks like he pulled down his facebook page also.
Anon 10:26 AM A liquor license cannot be transferred. A new liquor license is issued by the city not transferred by a private person. It is very possible for a individual to buy a existing bar and approach the city for a liquor license and be denied.
@11:39 am Come on, your taking the blog site "Peru town Forum" to serious. A expression upon which less than 5% of the ownership of comments is given a signature cannot exactly be the standard by which a qualification is built upon.
After openly running for a political office I would not acknowledge any credit to a comment made by a unsigned author.
4:55, that has never happened in a hundred years. The license is issued to a business, not a person. When the business transfers ownership, so does the license.
I know for a fact that there are at least 5 inactive licenses in Peru waiting for somebody to buy them. The owner just keeps paying the license fee.
I'm looking for "tickets" on the hawks game.
If Paytion has taken down or altered his facebook page it just proves how he has fallen in line with the other phonys at city hall. It proves that this administration prohibits open conversation about city business while it demands secrecy from all elcted officials. Remember how they passed some ridiculous ordinance or resolution prohibiting city employees and elected officials from participating in any social media because Rodney was communicating openly with the public and Harl and the others did not like that at all. Looks like they have told Payton to keep his mouth shut and stop communicating with the people. They have told Payton to speak openly and honestly is "NOT" the Peru way and he needs to0 clam-up. These are some despicable characters pulling the strings in Peru.
@54:55 AM A liquor license has been denied to a individual in the city of Peru, and for your information it was a very long standing, renowned family of Peru which the person was a member of.
As for the entire hundred years only you would have that information if you have it which is very doubtful as the city's info does not date that far back or near to it. The tavern industry would be much better managed if certain parties were never issued a license upon their request and if some of those issued had their license taken away.
When a business transfers ownership that owner who is selling does not have the privilege of selling the license to anyone it is to be turned back to the city, the issuer.
There have been several city's with ordinances which limit the number of licenses issued and a existing owner would sell the license to a new owner for a agreed amount until it was realized that the city is to interview the new owner, deem him/her qualified or unqualified and issue a new license if qualified.
Before making a investment of this nature I would check with Mayor Harl, Peru's Liquor Commissioner, unless you have already made the investment incorrectly and wish to remain in business as this seems to be the way much business is done in Peru. Rather beg for forgiveness rather than ask for permission. It appears that this attitude is going to have to change as the recent enforcement of zoning ordinances etc.
Anon 11:10 AM 110% correct you are. Also a liquor license application and its results are a private business procedure between the city and the individual and to be handled exactly as a interview between a corporation and a individual. There fore no one knows how many applications have been refused.
I'll sell my 2 Hawks tickets. If anyone wants to buy them how much will you pay? I may also be able to get some more tickets.
I'm sure Payton was told to remove his alderman Facebook page. He must not have liked that I questioned him on the lobbyist. I just went back to check and not only did he remove his page but deleted me from his friend list. What a coward.
Skyler Lamps
Skyler is not an elected official and although she posts a complaint about an elected official, that is politics, we don't begin attacking them..
Not really a good blog idea to start badgering publicly a poster who included their name especially since you did not sign your name to your comments.
Just because Ald. Payton has joined the council and has seen fit to vote in accord and one of the "boys" does not mean that his constituents won't approve of him because after all Ald. Waldrof was re elected. There is tons of help for those who go along to get along when election time comes.
All of this is the reason your comment was not posted.
11:10, when they sell the bar, they usually work out the liquor license thing ahead of time. It would not be very smart to buy the business and find out after the fact that the city won't let you run it.
5:44, you misunderstood. I want to buy tickets with scores on them so I can enjoy watching the game on TV. I need something to root for other than the team.
@5:35 AM To be quite frank, with most bar owners the liquor license is only a introductory stage to enter illegal gambling. With the onrush of legalized video gaming which has had a overkill of gaming parlors which has resulted in legal gaming being a negative to bar owners for most to survive they are going to have to revert to illegal gambling which the legal gaming was supposed to be their salvation.
The people who it was to help have been hurt the most and it is putting them out of business.Next fiasco will be legalized pot. If the state manages pot as poorly as it has legalized gaming it would be best for all of us to move out of state.
Someone not only posts a complaint about a elected official but also labels him a coward. That is not politics but is also at best their personal feelings. If you do not label name calling badgering what do you phase it as.
As for not signing my comment a recent poster explained that over 95% of the comments are not signed by name. If this 95% who do not sign their name and as a result the comment was not posted would you continue to have a blog with only the remaining 5% signers.
Since so little has been done that is controversial since Alderman Payton has joined the city council what is some people's complaint with the new alderman. Maybe it is time to acknowledge that the majority voted for him because this is whom THEY wanted and they believe it is time for all to accept their vote and allow him to represent his ward with the same freedom of past, present and future elected officials.
5:41 PM
Did I miss the name of the blogger who complained about a post that was signed and identified?
That is why it was not posted, not all the excuses you are trying to make others believe.
Peru Town Forum...6:00 PM, 6/15/15
Please reference back to 11:44 PM, 6/14/15. The comment in which The Peru Town Forum said ... "All of this is the reason your comment was not posted.
Logically how can you reduce 3 reasons down to one reason in 18 1/4 hours? If your complaint is that the name of the blogger who questioned a post made by another blogger was not signed. Who represents themselves as having the name Peru Town Forum as this also is not a proper name.
Is it time to consider that this blog is no longer serving the purpose it was created for? One reason being the manner in which it addresses the elected officials of Peru surely limits the number of candidates which become interested in becoming involved in Peru local politics. This and all other local blogs should make a positive effort to achieve the betterment of the local community which it represents and not constantly set a negative overcast.
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