Taxpayer Dollars Going to Multiple Lobbying Organizations

As just stated Peru in search of economic development now includes 24,000 for a Lobbyist in Springfield, 24,000 for a Volunteer Economic Director with a city approved Expense Account and also operating as Oval Wacker Consulting with free office space at city hall.

(Foia Ordinance 6091 for information on the OWC legal information - 10 pages)

We also have working for us IVAC which is working on regional economics and MCS working through the internet advertising Peru. I do not have the figures at hand for that cost.

Addtionally we have Sen. Rezins office located in Peru and she is available for state information and assistance and Rep. Mautino's office is about 5 miles west in Spring Valley.

Are we spending almost $100,000 per year or close to that for economic development?
The citizens receive very little information on the success or lack of from these investments. Details are in short supply.

Drunk in city hall raises new security concerns - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

Drunk in city hall raises new security concerns - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

Stroll and peek into La Salle with art, wine - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

Stroll and peek into La Salle with art, wine - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL


OK I just had to post this because it is absolutely a new and innovative way to display the city when new businesses are moving into vacant buildings  Congratulations to all of you who are trying something new in La Salle. I hope the residents and the government of our city of Peru will also comment in a positive manner because when one city is making visual improvements, it impacts positively on all neighboring cities and the entire Illinois Valley.

The story is interesting and of course if you are familiar with the area, it will be more so. So many of us grew up when La Salle was the shopping mecca and while store fronts are now different new local business breathes new life into a community and I personally am happy to see it and hope others are too.

Extending a Thank You to Ald. Potthoff, Ferrari and Mueller

I went to the city council mtg and stayed only long enough to hear the vote on the Lobbyist which was 4-3 the mayor got his vote and he can continue to make his trips to Springfield and rub shoulders with the bigwigs down there.  Honestly all I can think of was"How in the world did Mayor Baker run this city for 40 years without having a lobbyist in Springfield?"

 To me saying Lobbyist is like saying something not said in polite company.

Alderman Potthoff, Alderman Ferrari and Alderman Mueller stood for the people this evening in voting against this unnecessary expense and we thank you.

And one additional comment, I heard about how much money Peru has Ad Nauseum and wonder why we don't clean our streets, why we don't have recreational facilities updated and upgraded and......
Every city beside Peru has had either a Music Fest, a Fun Fest or something by another name that involvesthe people coming together to enjoy their city and in the meantime I guess the people who run this city are only concerned with other activities and going downstate or to the suburbs to be with people they prefer to the residents of this city.

We all still see people driving haphazardly thru Adventure Dr. and 38 th Street, how taking some of the money and straightening out that mess.

I would not like to have friends who constantly brag about how much money they have and in fact they would not be my friends. The same with the city why do you brag about how much money you have and you will have more before much longer and yet you could not fund a Splash Pad for the children of this city. Seems like the city is rather misguided in their attempts to appear like the Leader of the Valley.

Mitsubishi to end production, seek buyer for Normal plant

Mitsubishi to end production, seek buyer for Normal plant

City of Peru Illinois 61354 - Government Agenda, Minutes, Videos, News

City of Peru Illinois 61354 - Government Agenda, Minutes, Videos, News

Task Force munutes

June jobs update: Illinois’ workforce shrinks by 8,300, state has nation’s worst jobs losses at -7,500

June jobs update: Illinois’ workforce shrinks by 8,300, state has nation’s worst jobs losses at -7,500

What is this telling us? No jobs, no money to spend and are we the city of Peru depending upon sales tax  Thinking back to yesterday and listening to the excuses from people who have no economic sense (imo)  telling the citizens that Peru needs to have a presence in Springfield me left me speechless.  As. Ald. Potthoff remarked, this lobbyist is not in Springfield as an economic director and we all know that things like grants are disappearing because even the state cannot pay their bills.
The mayor responded that Ottawa pays a very high figure for a lobbyist and 24,000 is much less.  That would be the only comparison Peru can make with Ottawa.

Many of you have given Ald. Potthoff credit for his economic knowledge and now the mayor is not even listening because he wants what he wants.

#municipallobbyist
#peruil
#citycouncil
#perulobbyist

Task Force Proposes Consolidation, Dissolution of Local Governments | Chicago Tonight | WTTW

Task Force Proposes Consolidation, Dissolution of Local Governments | Chicago Tonight | WTTW

Thank you Ald. Ferrari, Potthoff and Mueller

Discussion at the Finance mtg this afternoon spent a good deal of time  discussing how important it is for the city to renew their contract with the lobbyist for a year.  Mayor Harl jumped in with both feet telling them the importance of a representative for us in Springfield and helping the mayor with this was Ald. Waldorf, Ald. Payton, Ald. Sapienza and Ald. Radtke all thinking that the $24,000 is well spent on this lobbyist. We know the cozy relationship the mayor and lobbyist have as he is referred to as Tim.

In opposition was Finance Chairman D. Potthoff who said the $24,000 could be spent doing some for the taxpayers in Peru and Ald. Ferrari gets a pat on the back for bringing up the fact that we already have elected reps. serving us in Springfield and we didn't need a lobbyist. They are Senator Rezin and Rep. Frank Mautino and they will both be pleased to know that some of our aldermen and mayor must not think they are giving us good representation.  Ald. Mueller also thought we could do something for the people of Peru.

This will be voted on Monday and should be passed 5-3. Ald. Lukosus was not present this afternoon.

Sterling Main Street

Sterling Main Street


This city has gone through a lot and is fighting their way back. Interesting look at another city that is bigger than Peru but actually has things in common.  They have a Mall, they have lost manufacturing and populations changes. But looks like they have not lost their spirit. BTW they have an excellent City Manager.

Ottawa in the running for national landscape honor - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

Ottawa in the running for national landscape honor - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL


Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. While I realize we can't be like Ottawa, we might try and take a few hints. I am not comparing but what I am saying is "Looks this is possible, this city has done it".  And when I posted about Princeton a few days ago and what they have done for recreation, again I say look and think about what could be in our city beside another big box store or restaurant that most residents won't shop at or eat at.

I was reading comments on FB for the last few days and it is people remembering the best place ever for an ice cream cone or an event the city hosted or stores you actually shopped at. I'm glad Peru is working on our economy but we are the victim of a poorly run state and we can't change that in the NOW so let's make the best of what we have and give people something to enjoy also. And Peru officials listen to your residents, it is their town too.

Princeton Park District - Princeton, Illinois

Princeton Park District - Princeton, Illinois

What the Princeton Park District does but although the same size almost as Peru, they do have more facilities and parks and complexes to care for.  I got on that site because i was reading about the Z Tour Charity Bike Ride that I believe raises funds for the Zearing Park Enrichment Center. I was impressed but I am sure many will criticize.

Peru Summer Programs

Splish splash in Sandwich: This hot spot keeps kids cool - The Times: Life

Splish splash in Sandwich: This hot spot keeps kids cool - The Times: Life


Sandwich opened this fun splashpad just last year. Wonder if they had to have a grant from the State in order to build it? A shame that we don't have the funding to do this in Peru because if we did the splash pad would be a reality, I am sure. Oh well when the state of Illinois gets their house in order and has money for grants again, we may be able to get one.

From learning to living: Marseilles school converted to apartments

From learning to living: Marseilles school converted to apartments

Now this is impressive, saving a building and converting it into a more practical use, it just takes ingenuity and not sure we have much of that in Peru. Buildings just continue to be taken down.  I know I am venting about something I can do nothing about but when I read an article like this, I am thankful that there are some people who have a can do attitude. I personally have met people who own and live in refurbished very old homes here in town and my hat off to all of them.

Madigan deputy eyeing auditor general post

Madigan deputy eyeing auditor general post

D-2 Quarterly Scott Harl Campaign for Mayor

D-2 Quarterly

You have asked for the list of donors for Mayor Scott Harl  who says he is not sure he will run for Mayor of Peru again. This is will take you to the State Board of Elections and hopefully the link will take you to the right page.  You will need to click on Itemized or any "blue" link. Draw your own conclusions as you read the list.

Searching for the right candidate

Searching for the right candidate

This is a very interesting article and while it pertains to the search for a city manager in Princeton, it also should be an educational bit of information for the residents of Peru.  Particularly since Peru and Princeton are cities of a similar size. Each has their own city power and each is located on the I-80 route.

Connecticut Bans Toxic Lawn Pesticides in Municipal Playgrounds Statewide - Beyond Pesticides Daily News Blog

Connecticut Bans Toxic Lawn Pesticides in Municipal Playgrounds Statewide - Beyond Pesticides Daily News Blog

Police are needed more at our stores than in our homes - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

Police are needed more at our stores than in our homes - LaSalle News Tribune - LaSalle, IL

America the Beautiful and then there is Peru Illinois

Pay to Play Illinois

IL Attorney General Lisa Madigan's 'Friends and Family' $1 Million Patronage Pay Problem(s) - Forbes

IL Attorney General Lisa Madigan's 'Friends and Family' $1 Million Patronage Pay Problem(s) - Forbes

Looks like Lisa is no more honest than Mike.

Best Place to Start a Business Statistics

Original Vote by Peru Aldermen on February 23, 2015

Please note that Ald. Potthoff and Perez voted against this measure because it did not include the City Manager option.

At the time the remaining aldermen including Ald. Waldorf and Sapienza voted to form the Task Force. What changed the mind of Ald. Waldorf and only maybe Sapienza because he was unsure of how he would vote when the Task Force has completed their work.

June 24 Task Force Minutes

Deputy Chief Pyszka
Deputy Chief Jim Duncan
Police Commander Anderson
Alderman Sapienza

Task Force Mtg Yesterday July 1 Aldermen Will Not Speak to Them

I did attend the Task Force mtg yesterday which was basically an "executive session" and according to our City Clerk Bartley, all was legal.  There were no more interviews because the only people left they wished to interview were the remaining aldermen who has been requested to make themselves available to speak with this group.

Ald. Sapienza presented himself at the last mtg and Ald. Waldorf sent a written statement which was read that indicated he was not in favor of an Adminstrator being hired. The rest of the aldermen indicated they were not interested and would not make themselves available for an interview. Not sure if they just ignored the request or actually verbally denied the request.

Considering that they do not like to have citizens ask questions and refuse to answer them at committee or council meetings, it became apparent that they themselves to not like questions asked of them. To me this is very telling about the attitude of our current council which appears to be, leave us alone and don't bother us with questions and we want to run the city the way we want to.

So even if the residents are not listening, again my reply is "remember this at election time".

#cityadministrator
#cityaldermen
#taskforce
#executivesession

Police chief becomes new Collinsville city manager : suburban journals branding

Police chief becomes new Collinsville city manager : suburban journals branding

Interesting and the same person remains city manager but not the police chief.