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
Speaking of beer and pizza, these guys believe in charging the people for a bit more than that.
27 comments:
Anonymous
said...
This article is about how some elected officials in Illinois use their campaign fund to fund a lavish lifestyle. It is not taxpayer money they are spending. Rather, it is donations from their constituents and special interests. In my opinion, "campaign funds" are used by some to launder bribes in Illinois.
Isn't it fascinating how the Mautino campaign fund scandal is playing out in the legitimate press like the Ottawa Times and other sources on the web compared to the watered down versions we're getting from the Daily Disappointment? If you want in-depth reporting on the specifics you need to search the web for it. There are so many questionable charges being reported using campaign cash it's amazing. It really is a mystery how Jerry Long and the Republicans did not find and use this information against Mautino before the last election. This would have destroyed his legislative career and he would have been defeated and disgraced without question. That said, I will predict right here and now that absolutely nothing will come of these seriously questionable and possibly illegal campaign cash dealings. It's too late and the fix is in. Madigan will ensure that no enforcement agency in Illinois will ever authorize an investigation. The only hope for justice will have to come from the US Attorney in Chicago and or the FBI and I would not be surprised if Madigan's clout and connections wouldn't squash any hope for an investigation on the federal level also. Gotta love our political system dominated by corruption and campaign fund shenanigans. Another thing that is hilarious to observe right now is how the local democrat pols are avoiding every aspect of Mautino's scandal for fear of any of the stink rubbing off on them. Just a month ago they were falling all over themselves heaping praise and adoration on Mautino at every opportunity. Now those same local phonies are like Rats bailing off the SS Mautino before it sinks out of sight. Top-Tier phonies like Peru's mayor Scott Harl, LaSalle County's top phony lawyer, States Attorney Brian Towne, Spring Valley mayor Walt Marini, local labor leaders, and of course Frank's hand-picked successor who not only inherited the job but also inherited Mautino's campaign Treasurer who will certainly educate Skoog on the finer points of campaign cash utilization. This is great stuff people. What a bunch of phony politicians these people prove themselves to be. If they were respectable in any sense of the word they would be speaking up on behalf of their long time representative instead of cowering like the disengenuous cowards they are. Observe these real "genuine guys" as this Mautino thing plays out. It's gonna be fun to watch.
2;12 Yes, we agree that this should be entertaining. I do have to ask is how are those you mentioned like the State's Attorney, Peru Mayor, Spring Valley Mayor have anything to do with Frank's Follies?
3:46 PM, The democrats mentioned as phonies have all praised Mautino in the press as a great rep for his district. They are phonies due to the fact that they have fallen silent and unavailable for comment now. They should either condone Mautino's actions or condemn them. Especially Skoog. No middle ground here.
3:46 nothing. They are elected because people like 2:12 are convinced that everyone who runs for public office is corrupt. Not all are perfect by a long shot but any locally elected position like alderman, mayor or anything like that is so completely not worth the trouble. They do it to serve their communities. It's a pain in the ass job, but people like 2:12 at least make it worth a laugh. Notice people like 2:12 don't run for office but it is so much easier and comfier being an armchair quarterback criticizing those in action. Yawn.
9:11, after ten or fifteen years they figure out how to turn a profit from their "community service."
Apparently, in Illinois, you can use campaign donations to pay for your lifestyle. Just like the farmers that have all of their property owned by the farm - including gasoline, clothing, and food. Everything is a business expense for them. For a politician, everything is a campaign expense. If you walk into a bar and shake a hand - guess what, drinks are free (or at least paid for by the Insurance Lobby).
Anon 9:11 AM How could you be so correct and yet so wrong in 1 paragraph? Have you ever given the thought that this comment has come directly out of city hall,yes city hall. I do not comment very often and I cannot give a name or names because of possible legal action. Within the possibility that legalities may be taken against myself I will not comment any further or again on this subject.
9:11 AM, Your passive acceptance of sub-standard service from your elected officials is unfortunately the norm for many like yourself who allow public servants to dumb down expectation on their performance. That is the reason most of our elected officials are sub-standard in their abilities and intelligence. Especially Peru's elected officials.
Please explain how the Peru aldermen/women or the Peru or Spring Valley Mayor personally profited or made money (outside of their compensation for their office) by serving in their roles. That is what I am referring to. Most of Peru's aldermen are relatively new and have not been there anywhere near "10 or 15 years". Most of Peru's aldermen are in their first or second term and we used to hear about the previous council was so corrupt as well! What? That is all I am asking.
My position is not that these people are perfect or that they can't do better. I just never understand the contact complaining and accusations. Why not do something? Run for office. Make a case but the constant name calling and negativism does NOTHING! Do SOMETHING! I just don't sit around and cry about it, that's all. If all you do is complain and bitch not one will EVER listen to you.
No local or Peru elected positions are making a better lifestyle because of their campaign contributions........and I do believe Peru's elected have a few very bright officials. We hear a lot about Peru's financial strength and it makes me believe that there has to be few sharp knifes in their kitchen.
things go on that you do not see. maybe a restaurant tab is "picked up", maybe a few drinks are purchased. lots of freebees to be had that can't be tracked in anyway.
1:06 so this is how Peru officials are corrupt? No one has ever bought your lunch? I still don't see how this is any different than any business that is done anywhere. Ever. This is not getting rich. Sometimes lunch is how business gets done. Please tell me you have way more than that.
Ethics Oath: Let's all take a few steps back and start this all from the very beginning. Does Peru have a Ethics Oath and if it does what does it state. As for meals bought for any member of the city representation all of us must come to a common sense guidance of what we believe is correct and incorrect. Some corporations state the maximum amount that their employee can receive from another source they are doing business with. This amount is increased if the occasion calls for the employee to bring his wife with him or husband with her. There is also a company guideline for gifts received from one company rep to another company rep. I do not mention $ amounts because truthfully I am sure the amounts have increased from my retirement until today. Also this amount should be determined by Mayor Harl and the City Attorney and what it is for and length of time consumed to complete the project plus what they would consider for each instance. I do believe that Mayor Harl and the City Attorney should give the representative their guideline for each of the situations which come up. The guidelines should be lenient and sensible. If the unexpected does occur the city rep should inform the Mayor as soon as possible and use his own judgement about the unexpected occurrence at the time. If there is no code of ethics I am sure Mayor Harl could obtain some qualified individuals to put one together.
8:01 PM, I find it very interesting that you bring up an "ethics oath" and if Peru has one in effect to guide elected officials in their behavior of accepting gifts from companies doing business with the city. I can tell you the city of Peru has no such oath or ordinance. The reason they have no such ordinance is simple. They know they could never nor do they want be obligated to abide by such an ordinance based on the typical practices and pattern of behavior of Peru governemnt for the past 50 plus years. The last thing Harl and his henchmen want to do is legally obligate themselves to any semblence of a written ethical standard. The established Method of Operation for Peru officials employs "unethical" behavior on many fronts such as No-Bid Contracts, questionable and dishonest hiring practices, frequent violations of the Open Meetings Act, and accepting gifts from contractors doing business with the city and those companies hoping to do business with the city. I have suggested to my alderman several times that an Ethics Ordinance should be enacted by the city and he has told me in no uncertain terms that it has been brought up by by a "former" alderman and that is one of the the reasons he is now a "former" alderman. Guess who that might be. The last thing Harl wants is any kind of "ethics" gumming up the works of the dishonorable and unethiocal behavior his administration employs. It will never happen until a majority of honest aldermen and mayors are elected in Peru and we are currently a long way from that day.
How are they dishonest 8:56? What "gifts" have they received? Please be specific. Again, most of the aldermen are relatively new and have nothing to do with the "past 50 years."
The guideline should be zero. No city official should partake in ANY social activity from anyone doing business with the city. And our mayor should not accept any contributions from anyone doing business with the city. Period. End of Story!
You may be right. But your not on the Supreme court. The Supreme court allows you to support any candidate you want. There are campaign guidelines that allow your Mayor to raise funds. The social activities part has guidelines. If any of your politicians have broken the law you are able to contact the Attorney General. Next time you vote go to the State of Illinois campaign reports and find out who receives funds and how much. Then vote for your choice. You will find out that the fundraising of the candidate has very little to do with voters not voting for the candidate. It is unusual that small town candidates have taken contributions. And that they have a war chest. Maybe the Peru Mayor, County Sheriff, County States Attorney have a war chest but not many others.
I heard that once a alderman got a free pen from a insurance agency. And one time they got a bus trip sponsored by the Electric Agency to visit the plant in Kentucky. I bet that was exciting. A few got some free beers for bartending 6 hours at the CSO fireworks! I also heard that one got a sliver from setting up tables for a celebration, and another got a free hat from the fire department. Oh, they had cold cuts on the bus trip that lasted 8 hours! I heard a few parked cars at the airport concerts and had a few cold beers in the cooler after the event, unfortunately they were not able to visit the concert. And I'm still mad about that bottle of water they have at their meetings. They should be charged to use the restroom while attending those 6 hour meetings. And what right do they have to have those semi-padded chairs? I did hear through the grapevine that one of them took 2 free calendars, they said it was for a neighbor in a wheelchair? Yah right. We hope that the investigation will do well.
seems to be a phrase applicable to some of your comments. If you are honest and trustworthy, there is no need for those comments trying to prove they are wrong, it just makes you look guilty trying to prove you are not.
Lets get off of this disgusting and nonsensical kick of accusing Peru City Officials of dishonesty. No one and I mean no one has ever come forth with any proof, because there is none. Personally I know that Mayor Scott Harl did not appoint any members of his campaign committee to city positions because he did not want his terms as Mayor tainted. This is not the normal way of historically conducting political business in Peru, but this is the Mayor Harl way. Mayor Harl and the aldermen of his tenure have made what they believe is the best decisions, although not always the most popular but the best. One must realize that there is a difference between a decision that is not in their favor and a decision which is dishonest.
12:35 PM, January 29, 2016 - you are right. I'm talking about contractors bribing public officials with dinner and drinks which is a common practice in Peru. You are talking about donations to a campaign fund, which is something that is reported and regulated.
3:26 PM, January 30, 2016 - you can smell the corruption in the air around here. But proving it is another thing all together. I am confident that everyone involved in the City of Peru government gains one way or another. Maybe nothing significant, but they all get their little freebies for casting a vote or simply looking the other way.
You can smell the corruption? Where? Again as pointed out earlier most of the people on the council are new, relatively speaking. You can't just make stupid accusations like that. well, yes you can on a stupid anonymous blog but it means nothing.
We have some really good people involved and some I am not too impressed with. Anytime I see people like you lumping them all together I just laugh because you clearly don't know people personally. You are just another sad and lonely conspiracy theorist.
And no I am not an "insider" or a "cheerleader." I just can't stand liars who have nothing to offer.
27 comments:
This article is about how some elected officials in Illinois use their campaign fund to fund a lavish lifestyle. It is not taxpayer money they are spending. Rather, it is donations from their constituents and special interests. In my opinion, "campaign funds" are used by some to launder bribes in Illinois.
Isn't it fascinating how the Mautino campaign fund scandal is playing out in the legitimate press like the Ottawa Times and other sources on the web compared to the watered down versions we're getting from the Daily Disappointment? If you want in-depth reporting on the specifics you need to search the web for it. There are so many questionable charges being reported using campaign cash it's amazing. It really is a mystery how Jerry Long and the Republicans did not find and use this information against Mautino before the last election. This would have destroyed his legislative career and he would have been defeated and disgraced without question.
That said, I will predict right here and now that absolutely nothing will come of these seriously questionable and possibly illegal campaign cash dealings. It's too late and the fix is in. Madigan will ensure that no enforcement agency in Illinois will ever authorize an investigation. The only hope for justice will have to come from the US Attorney in Chicago and or the FBI and I would not be surprised if Madigan's clout and connections wouldn't squash any hope for an investigation on the federal level also. Gotta love our political system dominated by corruption and campaign fund shenanigans. Another thing that is hilarious to observe right now is how the local democrat pols are avoiding every aspect of Mautino's scandal for fear of any of the stink rubbing off on them. Just a month ago they were falling all over themselves heaping praise and adoration on Mautino at every opportunity. Now those same local phonies are like Rats bailing off the SS Mautino before it sinks out of sight. Top-Tier phonies like Peru's mayor Scott Harl, LaSalle County's top phony lawyer, States Attorney Brian Towne, Spring Valley mayor Walt Marini, local labor leaders, and of course Frank's hand-picked successor who not only inherited the job but also inherited Mautino's campaign Treasurer who will certainly educate Skoog on the finer points of campaign cash utilization. This is great stuff people. What a bunch of phony politicians these people prove themselves to be. If they were respectable in any sense of the word they would be speaking up on behalf of their long time representative instead of cowering like the disengenuous cowards they are. Observe these real "genuine guys" as this Mautino thing plays out. It's gonna be fun to watch.
2;12 Yes, we agree that this should be entertaining. I do have to ask is how are those you mentioned like the State's Attorney, Peru Mayor, Spring Valley Mayor have anything to do with Frank's Follies?
who is the vice chair of the county board now? just wondering
3:46 PM, The democrats mentioned as phonies have all praised Mautino in the press as a great rep for his district. They are phonies due to the fact that they have fallen silent and unavailable for comment now. They should either condone Mautino's actions or condemn them.
Especially Skoog. No middle ground here.
3:46 nothing. They are elected because people like 2:12 are convinced that everyone who runs for public office is corrupt. Not all are perfect by a long shot but any locally elected position like alderman, mayor or anything like that is so completely not worth the trouble. They do it to serve their communities. It's a pain in the ass job, but people like 2:12 at least make it worth a laugh. Notice people like 2:12 don't run for office but it is so much easier and comfier being an armchair quarterback criticizing those in action. Yawn.
9:11, after ten or fifteen years they figure out how to turn a profit from their "community service."
Apparently, in Illinois, you can use campaign donations to pay for your lifestyle. Just like the farmers that have all of their property owned by the farm - including gasoline, clothing, and food. Everything is a business expense for them. For a politician, everything is a campaign expense. If you walk into a bar and shake a hand - guess what, drinks are free (or at least paid for by the Insurance Lobby).
Anon 9:11 AM
How could you be so correct and yet so wrong in 1 paragraph? Have you ever given the thought that this comment has come directly out of city hall,yes city hall. I do not comment very often and I cannot give a name or names because of possible legal action. Within the possibility that legalities may be taken against myself I will not comment any further or again on this subject.
9:11 AM, Your passive acceptance of sub-standard service from your elected officials is unfortunately the norm for many like yourself who allow public servants to dumb down expectation on their performance. That is the reason most of our elected officials are sub-standard in their abilities and intelligence. Especially Peru's elected officials.
Who is the connected individual who was hired at Mon's meeting to be an accountant for the city ?
Please explain how the Peru aldermen/women or the Peru or Spring Valley Mayor personally profited or made money (outside of their compensation for their office) by serving in their roles. That is what I am referring to. Most of Peru's aldermen are relatively new and have not been there anywhere near "10 or 15 years". Most of Peru's aldermen are in their first or second term and we used to hear about the previous council was so corrupt as well! What? That is all I am asking.
My position is not that these people are perfect or that they can't do better. I just never understand the contact complaining and accusations. Why not do something? Run for office. Make a case but the constant name calling and negativism does NOTHING! Do SOMETHING! I just don't sit around and cry about it, that's all. If all you do is complain and bitch not one will EVER listen to you.
No local or Peru elected positions are making a better lifestyle because of their campaign contributions........and I do believe Peru's elected have a few very bright officials. We hear a lot about Peru's financial strength and it makes me believe that there has to be few sharp knifes in their kitchen.
things go on that you do not see. maybe a restaurant tab is "picked up", maybe a few drinks are purchased. lots of freebees to be had that can't be tracked in anyway.
1:06 so this is how Peru officials are corrupt? No one has ever bought your lunch? I still don't see how this is any different than any business that is done anywhere. Ever. This is not getting rich. Sometimes lunch is how business gets done. Please tell me you have way more than that.
No elected official should ever accept anything from a contractor. Period!
Ethics Oath:
Let's all take a few steps back and start this all from the very beginning. Does Peru have a Ethics Oath and if it does what does it state. As for meals bought for any member of the city representation all of us must come to a common sense guidance of what we believe is correct and incorrect.
Some corporations state the maximum amount that their employee can receive from another source they are doing business with.
This amount is increased if the occasion calls for the employee to bring his wife with him or husband with her.
There is also a company guideline for gifts received from one company rep to another company rep.
I do not mention $ amounts because truthfully I am sure the amounts have increased from my retirement until today. Also this amount should be determined by Mayor Harl and the City Attorney and what it is for and length of time consumed to complete the project plus what they would consider for each instance.
I do believe that Mayor Harl and the City Attorney should give the representative their guideline for each of the situations which come up.
The guidelines should be lenient and sensible. If the unexpected does occur the city rep should inform the Mayor as soon as possible and use his own judgement about the unexpected occurrence at the time.
If there is no code of ethics I am sure Mayor Harl could obtain some qualified individuals to put one together.
8:01 PM, I find it very interesting that you bring up an "ethics oath" and if Peru has one in effect to guide elected officials in their behavior of accepting gifts from companies doing business with the city. I can tell you the city of Peru has no such oath or ordinance. The reason they have no such ordinance is simple. They know they could never nor do they want be obligated to abide by such an ordinance based on the typical practices and pattern of behavior of Peru governemnt for the past 50 plus years. The last thing Harl and his henchmen want to do is legally obligate themselves to any semblence of a written ethical standard. The established Method of Operation for Peru officials employs "unethical" behavior on many fronts such as No-Bid Contracts, questionable and dishonest hiring practices, frequent violations of the Open Meetings Act, and accepting gifts from contractors doing business with the city and those companies hoping to do business with the city. I have suggested to my alderman several times that an Ethics Ordinance should be enacted by the city and he has told me in no uncertain terms that it has been brought up by by a "former" alderman and that is one of the the reasons he is now a "former" alderman. Guess who that might be. The last thing Harl wants is any kind of "ethics" gumming up the works of the dishonorable and unethiocal behavior his administration employs. It will never happen until a majority of honest aldermen and mayors are elected in Peru and we are currently a long way from that day.
How are they dishonest 8:56? What "gifts" have they received? Please be specific. Again, most of the aldermen are relatively new and have nothing to do with the "past 50 years."
8:56 Peru enacted a ethics ordinance during the Baker years and its still in force.
The guideline should be zero. No city official should partake in ANY social activity from anyone doing business with the city. And our mayor should not accept any contributions from anyone doing business with the city. Period. End of Story!
11:23
You may be right. But your not on the Supreme court. The Supreme court allows you to support any candidate you want. There are campaign guidelines that allow your Mayor to raise funds. The social activities part has guidelines. If any of your politicians have broken the law you are able to contact the Attorney General. Next time you vote go to the State of Illinois campaign reports and find out who receives funds and how much. Then vote for your choice. You will find out that the fundraising of the candidate has very little to do with voters not voting for the candidate. It is unusual that small town candidates have taken contributions. And that they have a war chest. Maybe the Peru Mayor, County Sheriff, County States Attorney have a war chest but not many others.
I heard that once a alderman got a free pen from a insurance agency. And one time they got a bus trip sponsored by the Electric Agency to visit the plant in Kentucky. I bet that was exciting. A few got some free beers for bartending 6 hours at the CSO fireworks! I also heard that one got a sliver from setting up tables for a celebration, and another got a free hat from the fire department. Oh, they had cold cuts on the bus trip that lasted 8 hours! I heard a few parked cars at the airport concerts and had a few cold beers in the cooler after the event, unfortunately they were not able to visit the concert. And I'm still mad about that bottle of water they have at their meetings. They should be charged to use the restroom while attending those 6 hour meetings. And what right do they have to have those semi-padded chairs? I did hear through the grapevine that one of them took 2 free calendars, they said it was for a neighbor in a wheelchair? Yah right.
We hope that the investigation will do well.
"me thinks thou do protest too much"
seems to be a phrase applicable to some of your comments. If you are honest and trustworthy, there is no need for those comments trying to prove they are wrong, it just makes you look guilty trying to prove you are not.
Lets get off of this disgusting and nonsensical kick of accusing Peru City Officials of dishonesty. No one and I mean no one has ever come forth with any proof, because there is none. Personally I know that Mayor Scott Harl did not appoint any members of his campaign committee to city positions because he did not want his terms as Mayor tainted. This is not the normal way of historically conducting political business in Peru, but this is the Mayor Harl way.
Mayor Harl and the aldermen of his tenure have made what they believe is the best decisions, although not always the most popular but the best. One must realize that there is a difference between a decision that is not in their favor and a decision which is dishonest.
12:35 PM, January 29, 2016 - you are right. I'm talking about contractors bribing public officials with dinner and drinks which is a common practice in Peru. You are talking about donations to a campaign fund, which is something that is reported and regulated.
3:26 PM, January 30, 2016 - you can smell the corruption in the air around here. But proving it is another thing all together. I am confident that everyone involved in the City of Peru government gains one way or another. Maybe nothing significant, but they all get their little freebies for casting a vote or simply looking the other way.
You can smell the corruption? Where? Again as pointed out earlier most of the people on the council are new, relatively speaking. You can't just make stupid accusations like that. well, yes you can on a stupid anonymous blog but it means nothing.
We have some really good people involved and some I am not too impressed with. Anytime I see people like you lumping them all together I just laugh because you clearly don't know people personally. You are just another sad and lonely conspiracy theorist.
And no I am not an "insider" or a "cheerleader." I just can't stand liars who have nothing to offer.
I think most people can't stand insiders and cheerleaders that have nothiong to offer.
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