Time for a new heading to keep up with the political thoughts true and false, permeating the Illinois Valley. Local Elections are only about 18 months away and state wide and national elections just about one year.
Locally signs are beginning to appear in a few yards (Pride in Peru), do you have one?
and of course the Illinois Representative position being vacated by Frank Mautino and rumors surrounding that soon to be filled position by the Democratic Party.
Will the national election results have any impact on the upcoming local elections?
61 comments:
Looks like the Democrat presidential "debate" is going to be a hoot. A Socialist vs. a Fascist. It's going to be fun.
What are the Pride in Peru signs I've been seeing all about?
Do these signs comply with the sign ordinance? LOL. But seriously, maybe it would have been best to wait until spring to start putting them up.
checkout Peru facebook it is all explained there. Great work Peru.
Pride in Peru? Are they serious? This city has become a joke
Peru didn't do it 3:53. Citizens did. And I bet the council and Boss will fight them tooth and nail. We can't have volunteers getting in the way of buttering the bread.
In a world in which no one is is assured of tomorrow LaSalle County is so sterile that the upcoming appointments depend upon who a few non residents long term politicians want. By now it would be thought that someone, anyone would have expressed a outspoken desire for the position and displayed the biggest set of kahoonas tatooed with their hopes. No way should the sophistacated 2015 chain of command of any party have such a stranglehold on our government system.
Everyone understands party politics along with its timing, misuse and power but does anyone understand how or why we will be led by a party favorite who will not acknowledge himself as to what he intends to accomplish for LaSalle County and Illinois.
8:30 P.M.
You are exactly right but it is the same thing we see on the news from the smallest municipality here or elsewhere on up to our federal government. Has there become a total lack of understanding of how our governments on all levels should work and what is each individuals responsibility in making sure that is how it works and what we need to do to make sure they are working for us and not for themselves.
From the Statehouse Reeder in the OT: "It's the dirty little secret of the Illinois General Assembly; most members aren't so much elected as anointed... ... Illinois sort of functions like the old Soviet Union - candidates appear on the ballot unopposed - and the "voters" are expected to endorse the during the "election.""
Are we going to allow this to continue? No matter what your opinion of Frank Mautino is - he is most definitely a party hack. He was appointed to his position by the Democrat Party. Not elected - appointed. He was only seriously opposed once in the decades he held the seat. Are we going to let the Democrat Party anoint the next seat holder?
What exactly are these "volunteers" supposed to be doing anyway. I'm all for it, but if they interfere with paying jobs and contracts that is another story. Cutting grass in parks is a contract item. Contrary to what Forrest Gump says, cutting it for free is NOT good for the local economy. Repairing park equipment and shelters for free is like taking food out of the mouths of kids. These are items that should be contracted to the correct people for pay! Even washing a fire truck is taking somebodies job away. If the firemen cant do it - there are local business that can.
City of Peru Facebook pages states "over the last several months various city officials, staff members, and residents have been working behind the scenes on an initiative of the City of Peru to keep our residents informed of current events in Peru as well as to promote our city and all that it has to offer. In this new initiative, we want our greatest assets, the people of Peru to be informed of the happenings in Peru - everything from volunteer community activities, etc." So why have we not heard about this until now? How are the residents that have been working behind the scenes and how did they get chosen? I would like to be involved. Peru Pride is mentioned on the city facebook page and Pride in Peru signs are popping up around town. Are the Pride in Peru signs the first step of the city's initiative? How do I get one of those signs?
Two of the qualifications for Mautino's replacement, that I seemed to have picked up on from the media and elsewhere, are the ability to raise a lot of campaign money and the ability to be re-elected. Those, to me, are not qualifications to assure citizens a competent representative in Springfield.
Does anyone know or has anyone heard anything about these city officials, staff members, etc. who are working to inform us of current events? I have no clue what they are talking about or who these officials are or who you contact to become a part of this supposed movement. I also believe the signs are a separate entitity and not affiliated with the city facebook page. Why isn't there even a name given as to who posted the info on the facebook page?
9:28. That is not true. The ability to raise cash is a strong indicator that they are working for special interests. There is no way that an individual can raise the $100K to $200K that Frank Mautino consistently raised over his 20 plus years in office - without going to special interests. It is not possible to raise that kind of money from individual donations in this districts. So - who gave money to Frank?
Euclid Beverage - $2,000
McClure Engineering - $600
Illinois Life Insurance Council - $1,000
AT&T - $1,000
AFSCME - $2,000
Property Casualty Insurance - $1,000
Dynergy Administrative Services - $2,000
Illinois Insurance PAC - $1,000
IFAPAC - $1,000
Beer Distributors of Illinois - $5,000
Wine and Spirits Distributors of Illinois - $1,000
Humana - $1,000
Mississippi Sand - $1,000
Realtor PAC - $1,600
Independent Insurance Agents PAC - $2,500
AMEREN - $4,000
These are just some of the big ones from this summer (June, July, August) - and it is NOT and election year!
Whoever replaces Mautino will NOT be working for the voters of this district. They will be working for he companies and organizations listed above.
I'm 9:28 and that is exactly what I was trying to say 10:31. No matter how they get their campaign dollar it seems to be a requirement for getting re-elected. And you're right, favors will have to be returned for contributions given.
Not sure what the signs represent? Are they for Peru candidates for office or for those who have lost elections and are bitter about Peru? Do you need signs to volunteer and what have those who have the signs volunteered for? I have done volunteer work for coaching softball, held cub scout meetings and help at school. There are plenty of opportunities. I am sure many have volunteered for different groups while their kids were growing up, we didn't need a campaign with signs and organized group to find opportunities. This looks like some people who want to hold office and really don't want to volunteer but want to be acknowledged that they are community sparkplugs. A true volunteer doesn't work for publicity they do it without terms and are committed to the organization they serve. They don't need newspaper articles, signs or endorsements from false prophets like politicians.
@12:39, so why then is the city organizing a group of people to volunteer as stated by 8:32 above? Somebody needs to organize a group of people to get some events into Peru because Peru is sorely lacking in things for its residents to do. All the towns around Peru have events for their residents to enjoy. Peru has Maud Powell music, which is nice, but caters to a specific demographic. Did you see how many people visited Utica over the weekend? That takes a dedicated group of people to put on an event like that. Peru doesn't have that because the leadership in Peru is too busy looking for more sales tax money. I think it's safe to say that the people from the burbs who visited Utica over the weekend never ever saw Peru or spent any money here. Maybe if Peru had something going on, some of those people would have come here too.
1:08
Did you know that the burgoo is not a Utica city event but a fundraiser for the Historical Society? And those many volunteers that give of their time didn't need a city endorsement. My advice is that if you have a event, go for it. I don't know of anybody that has limitations that they will only go to0 a event if it's in their city. I bet Peru residents went to the burgoo, LaSalle events and others.
Maude Powell is nice and its from Peru. I do agree that there isn't a event for everybody that is free! Maybe the dog pulls? Peru had those concerts and I bet you didn't like having the city involved? The CSO picnic, nobody comes out.
I don't care that the Mayor or alderman are not planning my social calendar, apparently you do. Well its time to plan your event that caters to all demographics held in Peru and has lots of volunteers with no cost to the taxpayers. Please no more blowup bouncy games in Centennial park, kids area at the fireworks, fire truck rides. We have those every weekend!
The CSO picnic is a private party. The concerts where a business venture. We have people coming to Peru and spending money 365 days a year. We don't need a "burgoo".
3:58 PM
You think that people attending events all over La Salle and Bureau County and elsewhere don't spend money. Of course they do and lots of it.
But you are right that as long as Peru continues to concentrate on retail and your hotel motel tax the city will not encourage anything resembling community. We will continue to be residents only. btw, we have parks that are seldom used for anything beside sporting events during seasonal events and it seems that other local cities are nibbling away at that number.
some people volunteer behind the scenes with no expectations of rewards or recognition. some people put signs in their yards. you make the call on which is more effective.
8:32 PM
There are different types of volunteering and I guess you might get a better answer from LaSalle, Ottawa and Oglesby than from Peru residents because their volunteer efforts are not received well.
People may volunteer to go to the Veterans Home and read to or simply talk with a resident. You may volunteer with your church with their events, you may volunteer to work for a candidate or a political party. All of these types of volunteering are rather personal and only require your effort at your chosen time.
For events perhaps we could hope to hear from someone who does volunteer with organizations with a city organization ir event.. These people look for no recognition but rather to highlight living in their chosen city
Somehow certain individuals have a idea that unpaid volunteers eliminate or decrease the amount of work to be paid for by the city. Since the unpaid volunteer is directly in ownership of city possessions he/she has all rights to donate their time. It can be assured that if work has a historical background of being performed by city employees unpaid volunteers will not interfere.
3:58, the CSO picnic is for the public put on the organization
8:32 pm, I don't see the yard signs as a way to get recognition. The signs say "Pride in Peru", no different than LaSalle's signs that say "We believe", no different than Cubs fans with their "W" signs. It's pride for our town, it's not a "look at me I'm a volunteer" sign. You sound a little jealous and alot snide.
That true Democrat Skoog looking to make a dash for the rep. seat was a voting Republican in 1996 and 2002! He has only been the circuit court for a brief time and he spent a brief time without fanfare as Trustee for the Village of Utica. He's perfect for the Democratic party. He even was quoted as saying he will disagree with Governor Rauner on some issues. In summary, short term business owner, short term trustee, short term circuit clerk and short term State Rep. Do any of the party leaders realize that the win over Republican Vickery for circuit clerk was a vote against Vickery?
I think the types of volunteering that we are discussing are more along the lines of "Community Organizing." This is something that, in my opinion, does not exist in Peru.
True, we have a volunteer "Recreation" Board. They might be a bit out of tune with the wants of the community. But the are trying. The major roadblock is our political leadership. From what I can tell, we don't have a budget for events other than the fireworks display. The only thing keeping that going is the brute force of tradition. Truth be told, it is not a very good event. Unless you have a house near that event - there is just no way to comfortably enjoy it. But my point is not to bash the fireworks. There will be time enough for that in the months to come. Oh... forgot the "Maud Powell" music festival. Lets just say that the venue is, again, uncomfortable. The event itself is a bit pretentious and dare I say - elitist.
Going back to our recent City 175 year Anniversary. That didn't seem to me to be "organized" well. There was no theme. There was no point. Nothing to get anyone excited except again, the tired old fireworks on the railroad tracks.
I'm afraid I can only offer criticism without answers... except for one. The political organization in Peru is busy running the city and trying to generate additional revenue. That is all they are concerned with. However, they will not relinquish control of "fun" events. I think the best start is to allow the current Recreation Board to have full control. Give them the budget - let them spend it. If people don't like it - let them line up to take a spot on the board. For the time being - the politicians can reevaluate the board membership every year and give them a thumbs up or a thumbs down if there is a replacement available.
9:41 too many political ties on the recreation board. The council would never fairly evaluate the members each year. We would have the same members year after year no matter how many other interested replacements there might be.
9:41 you want a budget from the taxpayers? Is that what you said? LaSalle, Ottawa, Utica all have events without tax dollars. I suggest that you get a group find a theme raise money and have the event just like other areas. Why is the recreation board or city council involved? Did you know that the CSO organized the anniversary celebrations without tax support?
I do agree that the recreation board has a budget and a board. And they have some events, I am not aware of any control the Mayor or Alderman have in the way of making sure you have fun. And what do you consider fun? I would think that a event that created revenue is supported by any city.
The term limit on the rec board is supposed to be 5 years and it is supposed to be staggered so that 1 member is replaced every year.
Last I heard was that it is tough to find recreation board members.
9:41. Anything sponsored by the City spends tax dollars. Ottawa and Utica do a very good job of minimizing that - but their events are mature and have a robust fund raising organization. They involve local businesses to participate. They don't manage it at the board or council level. But they still spend taxes. Even the so-called "concerts for a cause" spent huge sums of taxpayer money - and it was obvious to all but the causal observer that those events where a huge profit center for the organizer.
Yes - the CSO organized the anniversary celebration - seemingly without taxpayer involvement. But, look what we got. Not much of an event if you ask me. Not bashing them - but it was a one time deal with no long term fund raising behind it. They didn't even start planning until late spring. And they erected a concrete wall between "them" and "every one else." In other words - there was absolutely no community input. Ottawa's event is successful because they plan for it all year. The extent of planning for any Peru event is determining how much overtime will be paid by the city and to who and ordering portable toilets. And that is fine. But "they" have the nerve to refuse "outsiders" - who just might have some good ideas - to participate. I swear, Peru is like some obtuse school playground populated by old men.
I think this is a generational thing and we will need to wait a few more years before the old herd is thinned out to the point that new blood is allowed entry.
10:40 AM
This is never done, replacements only when someone can't take it anymore. Very hard to find members because the Welcome mat is never out unless you are a buddy.
There have been many qualified individuals who have put their names into the hat to be on the rec board but they have been bi-passed because they didn't fit the mold needed to be a member (a yes person).
11:04
Please give us a example of Peru playground bullies not allowing these so called outsiders play.
You got these signs up. Now please tell the site what is it that you want to do? Be recognized and for what effort.
What input do you want in your city?
I hope this wasn't just a few people getting together to print up signs and complain that nothing ever happens in Peru. Or I hope this just isn't a few that print up signs to be recognized, that looks to be self centered. Many believe that the signs are for those candidates that are upset about the not-so recent election results.
It sounds like the recreation board is tired of your antics and has no desire to enlist any more nonsense from the small group.
If you have a true desire to help Peru you would have enlisted the support of the Mayor to be appointed to the recreation board. Many cities find it difficult to fill these positions, I don't think Peru in any different. If you were determine not be able to handle the committee dynamics then I would suspect you were not appointed. Those same recreation board members are volunteers and are not paid for their time.
I don't think this is a generational thing at all. This is a one-way personal issue between you and those targeted.
I agree and honestly know of some very qualified citizens who have submitted their names to be put on the rec board only to be not chosen because someone else has applied filling the numbers needed.
I believe there is a simple solution to this problem and that is to accept all who apply for membership on a one shot trail, if for some reason this fails drop numbers as the membership reduces itself.
Those that have been on the board for the last number of years should surely be appreciated.
I think the plan is that they will go out on their own, plan and organize events without the direct involvement of City officials. I think the limit of official involvement will be giving permission to use a park or shut down part of a street. Shut the city out for a change.
12:37 pm - many people have submitted their name to be on the rec board only to find out another person was hand picked after the letters of interest were received. You really don't know how it works in Peru, do you?
As for 11:04 comment "generational thing" was meant for the CSO not the rec board.
I think 8:35 explained the sign issue. You don't seem to want to understand or are not capable of understanding.
2:17, Harl pick Linda D., she isn't a fan of Harl. It's not all a buddy system !
Or, if you have not been picked for things like the rec board, it could just be because it's you.
If you are not picked for a job, you don't blame the people who didn't hire you. You look within yourself. I've known people who have been picked and they are far from yes people. They have a thankless job and they get zero benefit for their time.
Quit whining about not being picked for something. There are a million ways to volunteer in your community and aside from this blog, I have never heard of someone going to the council or mayor because they want to volunteer. Your problem is that is the wrong place.
We have the United Way, Rotary Clubs and other great civic organizations where you can help, not to mention IVCH. People who actually care about their community are already involved and there are more of us than you can count.
Join us. Stop wasting your time in the wrong place, get out from behind your computer and go to where you are needed and yes, wanted. I can tell quickly if I am not wanted somewhere or perhaps don't fit in. I don't whine about it. I go to where my gifts are needed.
6:34, you just don't get it. I like to sit on my computer and complain. I don't really have any ideas. But I'm sure someone must. It's just that the aldermen don't try hard enough. There is nothing to do for free in town. I want lots of cops, clean streets, new sewers, and free activities provided daily by my elected officials. And if one of them tries to charge me taxes for it that will be the last straw. I will write some really nasty blogs about those taxes. It's how I make a difference.
Peru is not a city for its residents. It is a city for shopping. That is how our current council and mayor want to keep it. The citizens are a necessary evil. If they could have a city without pesky citizens, they would do it.
I like Peru and shop in Peru. It has low taxes rates, is safe and has excellent schools. I like my neighbors and the reasonable prices. I like the city services and lack of traffic. It looks like the city officials are doing a good job. There are plenty of road repairs and my area got new sewers, they don't look to have a financial crises and some very nice senior housing options. I like the golf courses and the Y is one of the best I have went to in my travels. The local newspaper and radio is well done for such a small market. My water and sewer bill is half of my sisters that live in the burbs and my home has great resale value.
Like every city you have some properties that need improvements and you have citizens that want to heard. Democracy affords us with the opportunity to have your voice. I would suggest to the city fathers to let those stand up and voice whatever is on their mind. Then move on! It's easy to sit behind a computer and type negative comments about those elected. That has no substance. Stand up and be heard that's what professional do!
4:44 Oct. 14th Yes, I was chosen to be on the rec board because, at that time, I was considered the lesser of the 4 people who applied. The other prospective candidates were much more powerful and experienced than me.
Well said 10:29! You speak for many, but I am surprised your comment got posted.
5:25 you are so out of touch with reality and clearly don't know the people involved. No one on the council looks at citizens as a "necessary evil." It is quite the opposite. The fact is most citizens don't agree with people like you. You are a slim minority. Thank heavens.
Anon 10:29
Where have you been? Many people have stood up and expressed themselves in a professional manner to only be answered with dead silence. As for those who participate in public comment they are informed that it is public comment and not a question and answer forum. When your arms are used for more than patting yourself on the back inquire into the last referendum and what sad results became of a progressive idea. Personally from your advise of what a professional would do it appears you wouldn't know a professional if he/she was stareing you in the face. If you believe I am insulting you I fully agree because I am and I am also answering for the many who have stood up in the presense of all, who have attended meetings been directly ridiculed and came back again. In your inexperienced comment remember when speaking on a subject you know very little of it is best to keep mouth shut than prove all doubt of your ignorance.
To 10:29 AM, I am not a fan of Peru's leadership and yet I have no problem agreeing with some of your observations. However, your praise is a bit overblown and many of the positive points you make have nothing to do with Peru's elected officials. I have lived here all my life and I pay attention and know all the movers and shakers who pull the strings in Peru. Peru and the Illinois Valley in general is a good place to live and raise a family. With that said, please understand that I am critical of most of Peru's elected and appointed officials because of what I see as the corrupt political system that exists. I am not conspiracy theorist, but I am very much in tune to the political shenanigans that permeate my city. I know a lot of people in Peru. Some insiders. Some employees. Some opposition leaders. Some elected officials. My point is, just because I and many others like me are fairly happy with our quality of life in Peru and the Illinois Valley, it does not necessarily mean that our elected officials are honorable people doing an honorable job. In fact, I am disgusted with most of what I observe from Peru's elected officials. Things like political appointments of unqualified people to positions of great authority and the excessive salaries that are paid to those positions is just one example of what I see as politcal corruption. I am just as proud as anybody to live in Peru and nobody is going to tell me that just because I am not proud of my elected and appointed officials that makes me a bad citizen or a conspiracy theorist. I don't accept that notion and I know there are many other good citizens of Peru that feel just like I do. We know that Peru can do much better.
Peru pride sounds like a little prep work for someone running for mayor.
5:41 Another ill advised attempt of importance. The group is getting smaller, less than a handful.
Peru Pride, Pride in Peru - is it the same? Which group is getting smaller?
every time a light is turned on, the roaches run.
Nobody knows or wants to take credit for the new group that has done nothing but post up signs. Its like posting graffiti with no purpose.
Is there a purpose to a sign that says Peru Pride?
Peru Pride, Believe in LaSalle, why do signs have to have a purpose. The "purpose" is pride in one's hometown.
I read them differently. When I see them I think "I want to take pride in Peru, but there is s much corruption that I can't. So, in order to Take Pride in Peru, we need to clean house. And it will take a lot of volunteers to clean this house."
4:36 I feel the same way you do. Changes and attitudes by those running our town needs to happen before I can take pride in Peru.
It's not about cleaning house. It's all about those who want to settle scores with the others. The others were the elected who are blamed for not getting them in office. This has nothing to do with actual volunteerism. Not even close. They believe that THE almighty Mayor Harl was the hit man on their campaign for representation.
If this was about Peru, the few would have been out picking up garbage along the highway, like the CSO members last Sunday.
The sign should read People without a PURPOSE for PERU.
you people don't get it. No matter who is on the council or who is in the Mayor's office - other people run Peru. "J", "M", "the other M", "C", "P" - and all the other TIF Suckers. They run Peru.
Oh pleeeeze, 9:06 am, you think the CSO is the only group of people out picking up trash? Get real!
9:06
The point is---nobody with the signs was there picking up trash or as a matter of fact they have not done anything that supports volunteerism in Peru. 11:15 who are the J-M-C-P TIF suckers?
I don't think private citizens should be out picking up trash. That should be handled through contract or direct employees. Every time a volunteer does something for free - they are putting a nail in the coffin of our economy. They are not picking up trash, they are picking food out of the mouths of babies! They city should be hiring people to do this job. All the "volunteers" should be allowed to do is give up a little more of their money.
"J", "M", "the other M", "C", "P" are prominent members of the non-elected people that actually run Peru. First letters of last names of behind the scenes people that have made millions from the taxpayers.
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