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
Did anybody notice that the Park & Rec Board are meeting at the airport tomorrow to discuss fireworks? Why are they meeting at 4:30 instead of in the evening when more people would be able to attend? Will they discuss alternative options like Baker Lake if the airport is deemed unsuitable? But it appears they think the airport is the place to have the fireworks, because it lists a "possible" motion to move forward with that location.
I know that this not a normal blog subject but I am caught in a very difficult situation that I need assistance. My dentist informs me that I need a root canal followed by a crown. I am not sure if the best method would be to have this done or if a possible3 extraction would be best as I am in my mid 70's. Also how do I obtain a reliable cost analysis? This entire procedure may cost $2,000 or more and I need advise in making this decision. Thank you as this is a lot of money to me and I could use the money better for my living expenses.
Depends on if it is a front tooth. I wouldn't pull a front tooth and then not have a false tooth put in, which could end up costing more. If it's in the back where it won't be visible, then I'd say pull it because it should be cheaper to do that.
Reading between the lines. The decision to have the fireworks at the airport has been made. This meeting is to determine the steps required to get permission. Our REC Board and the City Government refuses to explore other options which include Baker Lake, a joint event with LaSalle, partnering with our retail business leaders in the vicinity of the mall, or even outright cancelation.
There are a few people in total control of the Rec Board and they do not like to listen to alternate opinions to what they want to do. There are others on the board who are open to many other choices but are shut out. I don't go to the mtgs very often but that is my opinion of what I see. I personally believe since this is a volunteer board, it needs to have oversight on all things by the City Council that we elect. For awhile Ald. Sapienza and Mueller came but that seems to have fallen by the wayside.
The City Council has abdicated their duty to be a part of whatever the Rec Board is planning on doing. And offering some well thought out opininions of their own on events and recreation in the city. The "as is situation" is simply not working well.
I bet a City Manager might take more of an interest in Community Events.
11:00 Lois - that is so true. Remember the pickle ball decision? They wouldn't hear of using Washington Park as a location. They only wanted 28th Street Park. What a waste of taxpayer money. Now pickle ball is being played at Washington and everybody is happy. How much money did the rec board waste because they wouldn't listen?
10:45 I agree. The decision to have the fireworks at the airport is a done deal. There is a possible motion on the agenda, so that means they will move to start the process. Baker Lake would be so much better of a venue. The airport doesn't have enough parking and the access in and out of there is limited. So many people could walk to Baker Lake.
Isn't looking at the airport an alternative option? I applaud them for doing this and getting off of the riverfront. However it was back in the days of Washington Park, I don't think that or Baker lake are feasible. I think the airport is perfect.
City Board members of the recreation board have a responsibility to review all the options. I don't buy the excuse that some members are shut out, if they are ineffective, then they should be replaced.
I think here on September 28, 2015 I have determined we are doomed as a state. Lois has posted an article of great importance on the blog. One detailing a major reason Illinois is going down the tubes. Rather than discuss this serious topic we immediately turn to fireworks and the idea of hiring a city manager to plan someone's social calendar. Maybe it is a failure of the education system that people cannot understand the severity of $100 billion dollar pension shortfalls yet they show massive concern for a 20 minute show of redneck American Patriotism. Come to think of it I think the real reason the state of Illinois is doomed is not the pension mess but rather the citizens themselves. Make no mistake about it folks, the politicians are winning. They are diverting our minds to nonsensical topics like fireworks and we are falling for it hook line and sinker.
I bet the city manager wouldn't care less about fireworks. The city manager was not on the agenda for the task force. Nobody knows the difference between a city manager and PSM. The Mayor doesn't want this position and the city council members were unanimous that the position was not to be discussed. Why have a volunteer board that can't make a simple decision?
The "fix is in" for all decisions on the "Wreck Board". The Poor Farmer is a city insider who provides cash to Harl's campaign coffers and the Wreck President is a Peru Cheerleader who does as he is told by the "establishment types" aka the phony aldermen and other Peru insiders like the airport manager. Steve " The Poor Farmer" Michelini will probably allow parking in his front yard for the fireworks right? That's great we can all pull our vehicles right in front of his house next year to watch the pyro-show. Thanks, Steve!
Back to the point of the topic. Why can't IMRF switch to a 401K / 403B type retirement? Defined benefit plans are not sustainable unless you are the one printing the money. Even the Federal Government has switched largely to the Thrift Savings Plan which will eventually encompass all Federal employees, including the military.
And I bet that depending who the city manager or city administrator is they might and than again they might not take more of a interest in community events. Personally if you want to spend the money for either be positive why you are hiring either one and it surely should not be for promotion of community events.Please don't start a Peru Pool issue of nothing can be done until Peru gets a pool or nothing will be correct unless Peru opts out for a city manager. Why would anyone venture into a complete turnover of the city government before a city manager can be hired when a city administrator would accomplish the same same without all the government problems. In conclusion what would be wrong with hiring a city administrator for the initial change. I don't care who has what I am only concerned with the best option for the City of Peru.
To 4:33 PM, What you don't seem to understand is the urgent need to weed out the political aspect of decision making that the Council-Manager form provides for. Peru's current mongrel system of administration is based solely on politics and political maneuvering and has nothing to do with quality leadership. The current system is corrupt by nature becuase it's based on political alliances and fueled by excessive salaries and unnecessary appointed positions. The change to Council-Manager would be quite simple and straight-forward. The problem is with people that don't understand what good government is in the first place. The people in charge of Peru right now are not concerned about the best options for the city anhd the citizens. They are more concerned about the best options for their own personal or political gain. That is the problem. The only way out of the poltical black hole in Peru is to adopt Council-Manager.
Maybe I'm misunderstanding the situation but many bloggers seem to be under the impression that the Task Force recommended hiring an administrator. I am under the impression that our current situation will remain as is (Mr. Bernabei as administrator/police chief and Mr. King assistant administrator/fire chief) and that there is no indication that that will change until one of them decides to retire or move on. Then who knows what will happen because the recommendation has not even been presented to and voted on by our council as of yet.
7:57 Your comments have some good points. The problem you have with the Manager/Council form is that the manager is still under the control of the city council. Unless you have professional city council members that understand the role of a manager you won't have a effective system. You will still have those alliances. The best options for the city are a matter of opinion. If you move to the City Manager you must have less elected officials involved in the daily decision. Good government is still about those elected.
That is true 7:57. It especially became evident when Harl did a huge flip flop with TEST. First he was wanting everything bid because TEST was charging too much. Then once he became mayor and TEST started contributing to his war chest and gave him gifts and free meals, then his whole tune changed. Harl was bought by TEST. I hope Harl goes to Springfield soon!
The task force did recommend hiring an administrator. The recommendation has not been presented to or voted on by the council because I'm quite sure Harl knows he does not have the support for it. Trust me when I say that if he had the support, it would have been on the agenda at the first opportunity.
Once hired, a City Manager can only be fired for breach of contract through a majority vote of the council. The municipal code stipulates that the council and mayor cannot be involved in the day to day operations of the city. The only positions that the council and mayor can have any say in hiring or dismissing are those defined by ordinance - such as Police Chief and Fire Chief. The manager makes all decisions using goals, plans, and budget published by the council as guidance.
So, what the Council-Manage format does is mandate that the council and mayor establish a plan. It also protects all employees from political influence. The mayor becomes largely ceremonial - but he does get a vote on the council and maintains powers that may be executed during a state of emergency.
Peru does not want this form of government because it necessitates planning. Peru does not like planning ahead for anything.
What makes you think Potthoff has the votes on the Council? The Boss will tell his minions to vote for W. If it comes down to it, W will not recuse himself. It will probably be decided in closed session and the council will present a unanimous decision. But, if it comes to a vote in open session, here is how it will turn out.
1:04 I hope that is just in your head and not from a secret source. If it is a secret source, you need to get a new secret source. The replacement for Mautino will most definitely not be Mayor Harl. You can bank on that.
3:17 the IMRF pension funded is fully funded and more sustainable than your social security benefit.
6:36. Politics makes strange bedfellows. W has fallen for the Boss's policy and management style. They are very much alike. My feeling is that W would be happy to convey the Boss's orders to the rank and file city workers.
I really hope we get this Christmas present from Speaker Madigan. I think everyone should send cards, letters, and emails begging him to select our own Boss to replace the Beer Salesman.
Once we send the Boss up the chain, we can actually start working with our local government again. It will be so refreshing.
As far as the state goes, it can't get screwed up any more than it already is. So sending the Boss to Springfield to take his two cents wont hurt at all. And we will get some comic relief out of is whenever the Peoria news shows him on TV. I'd almost take a tax increase just to see that.
I share the opinion of the majority of citizens in Peru who would gladly be rid of the phony and arrogant mayor. However, I regret to inform you that Harl does not now, nor has he ever possessed the intellect, ability, or the political stroke to advance beyond the current level of government to which he has achieved. Someone once very wisely said, "A good man knows his limitations". Harl certainly does not know his. While Harl considers himself "worthy" of a political promotion, it will not happen for him. Say what you will about Mike Madigan and the Illinois Democrats, but one thing they are not is careless or stupid. Harl was interviewed and given the opportunity to impress the "King Makers" from Springfield. Not surprisingly, my sources indicate that Harl failed miserably in his attempt to shine, and who could be surprised by that? Harl has reached his political plateau and he cannot possibly advance any further. In fact, Harl has actually exceeded his true abilities by virtue of the fact that his initial campaign crew of supporters were much more responsible for his first election than the candidate was himself. So be advised folks, we are stuck with Harl in Peru until which time a legitimate candidate is recruited and an organized opposition group is assembled behind him or her.
4:37 Oct. 1st Your post is well written and you come across as factual and well informed. If that is the case, do you have any idea who else was interviewed by the "King Makers" from Springfield and do you have any insight into who may still be in the running?
To 10:21 AM, Apparently there have been a number of interviews of local Democrats from the area conducted by Madigan's Minions. Some of the more notables being Chris Benson, Jerry Hicks, Harl, Andy Skoog and at least a few other top tier candidates from Bureau and Putnam Counties who most folks would probably not recognize. Inside word is that Andy Skoog's star is shining most brightly at the present time. Also, heard that the Springfield Democrat interviewers aka "King Makers" were yukking it up at a local watering hole in Ottawa at the expense of the "Rube from Peru" and "The Peru Pretender" in reference to Harl. Madigan is most impressed with Skoog's absolute "Beat Down" of Bob Vickrey for County Recorder last time out. Another strike against Harl in the eyes of Madigan is the cozy relationship between Harl and Peru republicans Vickrey and Janko. Harl supported Vickrey over Skoog and he is being penalized for that mistake as well as supporting another registered republican Jim Lukosus over Steve Weberski for alderman in the last city election. You don't double-cross the Madigan Democrats and think they will forgive and forge. Another serious miscalculation on Harl's part. Loyalty is obviously not one of Harl's strong points.
11:38 oh please supporting Vickery was not his doing. And the other is a complete joke in even mentioning a race like Lukosus over the campaign manager.
11:38 It was terrible how the Mayor dumped Weberski? Harl and the party that was controlled by Harl gave Weberski a job that collects ten times more than a city alderman, that's not a dump! Skoog as your candidate for State Rep? He is a good bartender but way over his head for State job. You continue to highlight party loyalty and that is the trouble, party loyalty has taken over qualifications and good judgment in our political process. Party loyalty has given our state the worst of the worst. Even locally many are hypnotized by the party labels. Why should a local township, state rep, state senate, city election be about party labels? You will miss Mautino by looking at the list of party candidates.
3:01 I couldn't agree with you more. I have been against party loyalty for a long time. I am a believer in the best candidate and not whether or not he or she is republican or democratic.
The Boss has the backing of a labor union that is well connected with the Chicago Democrat Party. This union wants more representation in Springfield. They want more projects and more spending - and that is what the Boss is all about. Buttering the Bread.
To all, I wish it were a reality that Harl was gonna be "movin' on up, ya movin on up". Sadly, the Dems on the state level are far too slick to allow a intellectually substandard and severely unqualified wannabe small time politician like Harl into an important legislative position in the General Assembly. If raw political ambition and arrogance were considered honorable attributes the phony mayor from Peru would certainly be the top choice. However, after interviewing Harl, the King Makers sent by Madigan were extremely "underwhelmed" by the narcissistic Peru mayor. You folks are guilty of "wishful thinking" with your comments about Harl stepping into Mautino's spot. He will not be that easy to get rid of. The end of Harl's reign of terror will only come from an organized effort by Peru's citizens themselves. So, stop hoping and start working. Let's get started.
10:04 - the "important legislative position" is going to be just another vote for Madigan. Madigain doesn't want somebody smart. He is not appointing him to be the "Majority Leader" in Frank's place, far from it. He will be the most junior legislator in Springfield. Just another party hack like he is now. As long as The Boss can say two words, Madigan will have him appointed. Those words are "Yes Mike." And the voters in this neck of the woods will continue to send him every two years because The Boss will show up every now and then with a oversized check for a bocce ball court or other such nonsense.
To 11:36 AM from 10:04 AM, You are absolutely correct and I apologize for characterizing Mautino's place in the general assembly as an "important legislative position". You are dead-on correct in your description that Harl, or whomever is chosen to replace Frank will be nothing more than a "party hack". He/she will be pressed firmly under the thumb of Mike Madigan and they will do only as they are told. On occasion, they will be rewarded with a "little somethin' to take home to the Illinois Valley in the form of a Bocce Ball Court, or a 911 Center, or maybe a second interchange at I-80 for Utica. Now, there's an efficient use of out tax dollars. OMG!
Besides the no bid contract which has a history of 6 repetitions I don't find the errors in Mayor Harls administration that many of his vindictive opponents do. The reason being that aldermen of the city council make the motions and second them and than vote. The Mayor is only involved in the situation of a tie breaker. Incidentally as for the TEST agreement I stand corrected because the alderman who made the motion ran recently and won in a landslide. Mayor Harl in his responsibility as Mayor has been overwhelmingly successful. The controversy of the two chiefs and their responsibilities are again only within the realm of the council and its leadership. As for the task force committee created by Mayor Harl it has proven to be the most open and professional group of private citizens assembled in Peru for a important decision although others at the same time would rather reach for the impossible resulting in the achievement of nothing. The long needed infrastructure improvement has been put on its way and Mayor Harl himself is a recognized state figure which is making Peru as a state recognized city.
To 9:28 AM, You are attempting to suggest tha Harl is not complicit in the TEST no-bid scams perpetrated on the citizens of Peru. But he is complicit because he supports the no-bid deals. BTW, I just heard Barbara Byrd Bennett, the former Chicago Superintendent of Public Schools was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on corruption charges linked to no-bid contracts that she arranged while she was in office. The charges state that in addition to cash payments, she accepted gifts, meals, and tickets to sporting events in return for steering no-bid contracts to her friends. Let us not forget that right here in Peru TEST provides, gifts, meals, and campaign cash to Harl and Peru aldermen in exchange for steering TEST no-bid contracts thru Peru City Council. As far as I'm concerned there really is no difference between the Chicago Public School corruption that resulted in federal charges and the Peru-style corruption that occurs right here in our own city. Regarding your last sentence I would respond as follows. Harl is recognized for what he really is by those of us who really know him and that does not reflect well on Peru.
If you recall when the mayor first ran for office in 2009 he campaigned on being against no bid contracts and replacing those who had been running Peru forever (Chamlins, etc.). He did neither.
57 comments:
Did anybody notice that the Park & Rec Board are meeting at the airport tomorrow to discuss fireworks? Why are they meeting at 4:30 instead of in the evening when more people would be able to attend? Will they discuss alternative options like Baker Lake if the airport is deemed unsuitable? But it appears they think the airport is the place to have the fireworks, because it lists a "possible" motion to move forward with that location.
I know that this not a normal blog subject but I am caught in a very difficult situation that I need assistance. My dentist informs me that I need a root canal followed by a crown. I am not sure if the best method would be to have this done or if a possible3 extraction would be best as I am in my mid 70's. Also how do I obtain a reliable cost analysis?
This entire procedure may cost $2,000 or more and I need advise in making this decision. Thank you as this is a lot of money to me and I could use the money better for my living expenses.
9:20 AM
I am going to tell you what I told me dentist if I needed a root canal on a tooth. Pull It, not worth the grief at my age.
Depends on if it is a front tooth. I wouldn't pull a front tooth and then not have a false tooth put in, which could end up costing more. If it's in the back where it won't be visible, then I'd say pull it because it should be cheaper to do that.
I'd have it pulled - depending on how many good teeth are remaining. Just my opinion though. But, it is important not to ignore dental issues.
Reading between the lines. The decision to have the fireworks at the airport has been made. This meeting is to determine the steps required to get permission. Our REC Board and the City Government refuses to explore other options which include Baker Lake, a joint event with LaSalle, partnering with our retail business leaders in the vicinity of the mall, or even outright cancelation.
10:45 PM
There are a few people in total control of the Rec Board and they do not like to listen to alternate opinions to what they want to do. There are others on the board who are open to many other choices but are shut out. I don't go to the mtgs very often but that is my opinion of what I see. I personally believe since this is a volunteer board, it needs to have oversight on all things by the City Council that we elect. For awhile Ald. Sapienza and Mueller came but that seems to have fallen by the wayside.
The City Council has abdicated their duty to be a part of whatever the Rec Board is planning on doing. And offering some well thought out opininions of their own on events and recreation in the city. The "as is situation" is simply not working well.
I bet a City Manager might take more of an interest in Community Events.
11:00 Lois - that is so true. Remember the pickle ball decision? They wouldn't hear of using Washington Park as a location. They only wanted 28th Street Park. What a waste of taxpayer money. Now pickle ball is being played at Washington and everybody is happy. How much money did the rec board waste because they wouldn't listen?
10:45 I agree. The decision to have the fireworks at the airport is a done deal. There is a possible motion on the agenda, so that means they will move to start the process. Baker Lake would be so much better of a venue. The airport doesn't have enough parking and the access in and out of there is limited. So many people could walk to Baker Lake.
Isn't looking at the airport an alternative option? I applaud them for doing this and getting off of the riverfront. However it was back in the days of Washington Park, I don't think that or Baker lake are feasible. I think the airport is perfect.
City Board members of the recreation board have a responsibility to review all the options. I don't buy the excuse that some members are shut out, if they are ineffective, then they should be replaced.
I think here on September 28, 2015 I have determined we are doomed as a state. Lois has posted an article of great importance on the blog. One detailing a major reason Illinois is going down the tubes. Rather than discuss this serious topic we immediately turn to fireworks and the idea of hiring a city manager to plan someone's social calendar. Maybe it is a failure of the education system that people cannot understand the severity of $100 billion dollar pension shortfalls yet they show massive concern for a 20 minute show of redneck American Patriotism. Come to think of it I think the real reason the state of Illinois is doomed is not the pension mess but rather the citizens themselves. Make no mistake about it folks, the politicians are winning. They are diverting our minds to nonsensical topics like fireworks and we are falling for it hook line and sinker.
I bet the city manager wouldn't care less about fireworks. The city manager was not on the agenda for the task force. Nobody knows the difference between a city manager and PSM. The Mayor doesn't want this position and the city council members were unanimous that the position was not to be discussed.
Why have a volunteer board that can't make a simple decision?
The "fix is in" for all decisions on the "Wreck Board". The Poor Farmer is a city insider who provides cash to Harl's campaign coffers and the Wreck President is a Peru Cheerleader who does as he is told by the "establishment types" aka the phony aldermen and other Peru insiders like the airport manager. Steve " The Poor Farmer" Michelini will probably allow parking in his front yard for the fireworks right?
That's great we can all pull our vehicles right in front of his house next year to watch the pyro-show. Thanks, Steve!
Back to the point of the topic. Why can't IMRF switch to a 401K / 403B type retirement? Defined benefit plans are not sustainable unless you are the one printing the money. Even the Federal Government has switched largely to the Thrift Savings Plan which will eventually encompass all Federal employees, including the military.
And I bet that depending who the city manager or city administrator is they might and than again they might not take more of a interest in community events. Personally if you want to spend the money for either be positive why you are hiring either one and it surely should not be for promotion of community events.Please don't start a Peru Pool issue of nothing can be done until Peru gets a pool or nothing will be correct unless Peru opts out for a city manager.
Why would anyone venture into a complete turnover of the city government before a city manager can be hired when a city administrator would accomplish the same same without all the government problems. In conclusion what would be wrong with hiring a city administrator for the initial change. I don't care who has what I am only concerned with the best option for the City of Peru.
12:55PM Lois made the introductory comments in her 11:00 comment.
To 4:33 PM, What you don't seem to understand is the urgent need to weed out the political aspect of decision making that the Council-Manager form provides for. Peru's current mongrel system of administration is based solely on politics and political maneuvering and has nothing to do with quality leadership. The current system is corrupt by nature becuase it's based on political alliances and fueled by excessive salaries and unnecessary appointed positions. The change to Council-Manager would be quite simple and straight-forward. The problem is with people that don't understand what good government is in the first place. The people in charge of Peru right now are not concerned about the best options for the city anhd the citizens. They are more concerned about the best options for their own personal or political gain. That is the problem. The only way out of the poltical black hole in Peru is to adopt Council-Manager.
Maybe I'm misunderstanding the situation but many bloggers seem to be under the impression that the Task Force recommended hiring an administrator. I am under the impression that our current situation will remain as is (Mr. Bernabei as administrator/police chief and Mr. King assistant administrator/fire chief) and that there is no indication that that will change until one of them decides to retire or move on. Then who knows what will happen because the recommendation has not even been presented to and voted on by our council as of yet.
7:57 Your comments have some good points. The problem you have with the Manager/Council form is that the manager is still under the control of the city council. Unless you have professional city council members that understand the role of a manager you won't have a effective system. You will still have those alliances.
The best options for the city are a matter of opinion. If you move to the City Manager you must have less elected officials involved in the daily decision.
Good government is still about those elected.
That is true 7:57. It especially became evident when Harl did a huge flip flop with TEST. First he was wanting everything bid because TEST was charging too much. Then once he became mayor and TEST started contributing to his war chest and gave him gifts and free meals, then his whole tune changed. Harl was bought by TEST. I hope Harl goes to Springfield soon!
The task force did recommend hiring an administrator. The recommendation has not been presented to or voted on by the council because I'm quite sure Harl knows he does not have the support for it. Trust me when I say that if he had the support, it would have been on the agenda at the first opportunity.
Once hired, a City Manager can only be fired for breach of contract through a majority vote of the council. The municipal code stipulates that the council and mayor cannot be involved in the day to day operations of the city. The only positions that the council and mayor can have any say in hiring or dismissing are those defined by ordinance - such as Police Chief and Fire Chief. The manager makes all decisions using goals, plans, and budget published by the council as guidance.
So, what the Council-Manage format does is mandate that the council and mayor establish a plan. It also protects all employees from political influence. The mayor becomes largely ceremonial - but he does get a vote on the council and maintains powers that may be executed during a state of emergency.
Peru does not want this form of government because it necessitates planning. Peru does not like planning ahead for anything.
Big Christmas present coming for Boss Harl from Mikey Madigan. Won't be long now and "W" will calling the Boss's shots while he is in Springfield.
No way will that happen! It will be Potthoff who replaces Harl IF Harl moves on.
He is more qualified to be the administrator and mayor.
You people just don't get it. The ASM is the acting administrator of our current government administration.
What makes you think Potthoff has the votes on the Council? The Boss will tell his minions to vote for W. If it comes down to it, W will not recuse himself. It will probably be decided in closed session and the council will present a unanimous decision. But, if it comes to a vote in open session, here is how it will turn out.
Muller - "W"
Ferrari - "P"
Payton- "P"
Radtke - "P"
Waldorf - "W"
Sepienza - "W"
Potthoff - "abstain"
Lukosus "W"
Boss - "W"
1:04 I hope that is just in your head and not from a secret source. If it is a secret source, you need to get a new secret source. The replacement for Mautino will most definitely not be Mayor Harl. You can bank on that.
3:17 the IMRF pension funded is fully funded and more sustainable than your social security benefit.
Hmmmm... saw Jerry Hicks leaving Fourth and Fulton today.
3:53, the Boss and W are not close, he won't recommend him, you can take that to the bank.
6:36. Politics makes strange bedfellows. W has fallen for the Boss's policy and management style. They are very much alike. My feeling is that W would be happy to convey the Boss's orders to the rank and file city workers.
I saw a black sedan with Illinois House license plates on Route 6 near the Igloo yesterday.
More conspiracy and wishful thinking. Your Peru Mayor won't be going anywhere.
The driver of the sedan had his State credit card refused at a Peru gas station and had to call the city to borrow some gas money.
I really hope we get this Christmas present from Speaker Madigan. I think everyone should send cards, letters, and emails begging him to select our own Boss to replace the Beer Salesman.
Once we send the Boss up the chain, we can actually start working with our local government again. It will be so refreshing.
As far as the state goes, it can't get screwed up any more than it already is. So sending the Boss to Springfield to take his two cents wont hurt at all. And we will get some comic relief out of is whenever the Peoria news shows him on TV. I'd almost take a tax increase just to see that.
I share the opinion of the majority of citizens in Peru who would gladly be rid of the phony and arrogant mayor. However, I regret to inform you that Harl does not now, nor has he ever possessed the intellect, ability, or the political stroke to advance beyond the current level of government to which he has achieved. Someone once very wisely said, "A good man knows his limitations". Harl certainly does not know his. While Harl considers himself "worthy" of a political promotion, it will not happen for him. Say what you will about Mike Madigan and the Illinois Democrats, but one thing they are not is careless or stupid. Harl was interviewed and given the opportunity to impress the "King Makers" from Springfield. Not surprisingly, my sources indicate that Harl failed miserably in his attempt to shine, and who could be surprised by that? Harl has reached his political plateau and he cannot possibly advance any further. In fact, Harl has actually exceeded his true abilities by virtue of the fact that his initial campaign crew of supporters were much more responsible for his first election than the candidate was himself. So be advised folks, we are stuck with Harl in Peru until which time a legitimate candidate is recruited and an organized opposition group is assembled behind him or her.
4:37 Oct. 1st Your post is well written and you come across as factual and well informed. If that is the case, do you have any idea who else was interviewed by the "King Makers" from Springfield and do you have any insight into who may still be in the running?
To 10:21 AM, Apparently there have been a number of interviews of local Democrats from the area conducted by Madigan's Minions. Some of the more notables being Chris Benson, Jerry Hicks, Harl, Andy Skoog and at least a few other top tier candidates from Bureau and Putnam Counties who most folks would probably not recognize. Inside word is that Andy Skoog's star is shining most brightly at the present time. Also, heard that the Springfield Democrat interviewers aka "King Makers" were yukking it up at a local watering hole in Ottawa at the expense of the "Rube from Peru" and "The Peru Pretender" in reference to Harl. Madigan is most impressed with Skoog's absolute "Beat Down" of Bob Vickrey for County Recorder last time out. Another strike against Harl in the eyes of Madigan is the cozy relationship between Harl and Peru republicans Vickrey and Janko. Harl supported Vickrey over Skoog and he is being penalized for that mistake as well as supporting another registered republican Jim Lukosus over Steve Weberski for alderman in the last city election. You don't double-cross the Madigan Democrats and think they will forgive and forge. Another serious miscalculation on Harl's part. Loyalty is obviously not one of Harl's strong points.
11:38 Thank you for your informative information and explanation of your insight into this up and coming government change.
11:38 I'm confused. Whose the "Rube from Peru" and "The Peru Pretender".
11:38 oh please supporting Vickery was not his doing. And the other is a complete joke in even mentioning a race like Lukosus over the campaign manager.
11:38 am. No truer words were spoken "loyalty is obviously not one of Harls' strong points". Just ask Steve Weberski.
1:16 Just ask any of those who worked long and hard to get him elected in '2009'. He has turned his back on all of them.
11:38 It was terrible how the Mayor dumped Weberski? Harl and the party that was controlled by Harl gave Weberski a job that collects ten times more than a city alderman, that's not a dump!
Skoog as your candidate for State Rep? He is a good bartender but way over his head for State job. You continue to highlight party loyalty and that is the trouble, party loyalty has taken over qualifications and good judgment in our political process. Party loyalty has given our state the worst of the worst. Even locally many are hypnotized by the party labels. Why should a local township, state rep, state senate, city election be about party labels?
You will miss Mautino by looking at the list of party candidates.
3:01 I couldn't agree with you more. I have been against party loyalty for a long time. I am a believer in the best candidate and not whether or not he or she is republican or democratic.
Re; The Rube from Peru and The Peru Pretender. Both refer to Harl.
Harl is in as long as Mautino gets the new gig.
6:01 PM
I no longer believe that, I think he is out as he brings nothing to that position that is beneficial to the Democratic party.
The Boss has the backing of a labor union that is well connected with the Chicago Democrat Party. This union wants more representation in Springfield. They want more projects and more spending - and that is what the Boss is all about. Buttering the Bread.
Lois is that a post you have based on factual information or just throwing statements out there without merit .
wont be long now. The Boss will be "movin' on up."
To all, I wish it were a reality that Harl was gonna be "movin' on up, ya movin on up". Sadly, the Dems on the state level are far too slick to allow a intellectually substandard and severely unqualified wannabe small time politician like Harl into an important legislative position in the General Assembly. If raw political ambition and arrogance were considered honorable attributes the phony mayor from Peru would certainly be the top choice. However, after interviewing Harl, the King Makers sent by Madigan were extremely "underwhelmed" by the narcissistic Peru mayor. You folks are guilty of "wishful thinking" with your comments about Harl stepping into Mautino's spot. He will not be that easy to get rid of. The end of Harl's reign of terror will only come from an organized effort by Peru's citizens themselves. So, stop hoping and start working. Let's get started.
10:04 - the "important legislative position" is going to be just another vote for Madigan. Madigain doesn't want somebody smart. He is not appointing him to be the "Majority Leader" in Frank's place, far from it. He will be the most junior legislator in Springfield. Just another party hack like he is now. As long as The Boss can say two words, Madigan will have him appointed. Those words are "Yes Mike." And the voters in this neck of the woods will continue to send him every two years because The Boss will show up every now and then with a oversized check for a bocce ball court or other such nonsense.
To 11:36 AM from 10:04 AM, You are absolutely correct and I apologize for characterizing Mautino's place in the general assembly as an "important legislative position". You are dead-on correct in your description that Harl, or whomever is chosen to replace Frank will be nothing more than a "party hack". He/she will be pressed firmly under the thumb of Mike Madigan and they will do only as they are told. On occasion, they will be rewarded with a "little somethin' to take home to the Illinois Valley in the form of a Bocce Ball Court, or a 911 Center, or maybe a second interchange at I-80 for Utica. Now, there's an efficient use of out tax dollars. OMG!
Besides the no bid contract which has a history of 6 repetitions I don't find the errors in Mayor Harls administration that many of his vindictive opponents do. The reason being that aldermen of the city council make the motions and second them and than vote. The Mayor is only involved in the situation of a tie breaker. Incidentally as for the TEST agreement I stand corrected because the alderman who made the motion ran recently and won in a landslide.
Mayor Harl in his responsibility as Mayor has been overwhelmingly successful. The controversy of the two chiefs and their responsibilities are again only within the realm of the council and its leadership. As for the task force committee created by Mayor Harl it has proven to be the most open and professional group of private citizens assembled in Peru for a important decision although others at the same time would rather reach for the impossible resulting in the achievement of nothing. The long needed infrastructure improvement has been put on its way and Mayor Harl himself is a recognized state figure which is making Peru as a state recognized city.
To 9:28 AM, You are attempting to suggest tha Harl is not complicit in the TEST no-bid scams perpetrated on the citizens of Peru. But he is complicit because he supports the no-bid deals. BTW, I just heard Barbara Byrd Bennett, the former Chicago Superintendent of Public Schools was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on corruption charges linked to no-bid contracts that she arranged while she was in office. The charges state that in addition to cash payments, she accepted gifts, meals, and tickets to sporting events in return for steering no-bid contracts to her friends. Let us not forget that right here in Peru TEST provides, gifts, meals, and campaign cash to Harl and Peru aldermen in exchange for steering TEST no-bid contracts thru Peru City Council. As far as I'm concerned there really is no difference between the Chicago Public School corruption that resulted in federal charges and the Peru-style corruption that occurs right here in our own city. Regarding your last sentence I would respond as follows. Harl is recognized for what he really is by those of us who really know him and that does not reflect well on Peru.
If you recall when the mayor first ran for office in 2009 he campaigned on being against no bid contracts and replacing those who had been running Peru forever (Chamlins, etc.). He did neither.
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