“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

Tuesday, March 08, 2016

Illinois corruption watch: February 2016

Illinois corruption watch: February 2016

58 comments:

Anonymous said...

Please take the time to at least skim through this article. It's amazing, sad, truthful and makes one wonder where Illinois is headed if changes aren't made and soon.

Anonymous said...

yup.. and if we had a new media that paid attention to our local cities and the county, there would be more on that list. Instead, our newspapers in Ottawa and Peru only print stories about new burger joints in Starved Rock Country.

I'll tell you who will end up starving in Starved Rock Country. The taxpayer, that's who!

Time to get angry voters. Vote with ANGER on March 15!

Anonymous said...

I agree Illinois needs a lot of work at the state level, but we are the 5th largest state in the union with the third largest city and this kind of thing is hardly unique to Illinois. Have you read some of the stories about Missouri lawmakers? Not downplaying it at all but fortunately the vast majority are good people. What is amazing is how many governors have gone down. Unbelievable.

Anonymous said...

Oh look kids, we have a Trump supporter in the house with 1:49. Scary people.

You vote with your anger 1:49. I will stick to my own independence analysis of the facts and a good common sense.

Anonymous said...

Then you will let Madigan lead you to the slaughterhouse with the rest of the sheep 5:53 PM, March 08, 2016.

Anonymous said...

If half the of the "narrow minded ding bats" who only complain about the Peru elected officials, would open their eyes they would see that Madigan and his union management cronies have destroyed the State we all live in.
So yes go vote and change the leadership in Springfield.


Anonymous said...

10:31

If you really want honest comments you wouldn't complain about Peru Officials. Peru has some very good points of reference. Low tax rates, economic activity, high sales tax receipts, balanced budgets, low electric rates, low water rates and some nice schools. Peru has some quality people running the city today and yesterday. The never ending comments about Peru come from a few that have either been slighted by the electorate or have broken promises from the current Mayor.
I don't think this blog has had any other comments about other cities other than Peru. Springfield is a disaster, Washington is about the same. It's unfortunate that local anger has been taken out in small town city government or school boards. They are the least of our problems. If your local town has managed your finances well, its a plus. Its isn't happening at State or Federal levels.

Anonymous said...

8:22 if you think Trump is any kind of fix to whatever you are unhappy with, then you are the sheep. The man is a raging lunatic who will say absolutely anything and the media just plays it up and sucks you in. It is complete nonsense and the fact that people are voting for this our of "anger" is exactly the problem. All emotion no reasonable thought or intellect. Scary indeed. Almost as scary as you thinking the presidential election has anything to do with Michael Madigan but whatever you wish to believe. Wow.

Anonymous said...

2:40 I love Peru I was not saying anything against the elected officials. I happen to agree with you. I think the City Council and local school boards are faced with making decisions that those in power down state and in Washington force down their throats. I applaud those who choose to serve their community.

I was telling the angry voters to turn their anger towards Springfield.

Anonymous said...

Well said 2:40. Prepare to be attacked by those few people. Or is it two people? Whatever, it's just really strange. It takes all kinds.

Anonymous said...

I don't think half of you people understand any of the comments. Ya' Peru is great and has a lower city property tax than some other cities. But they make up for it in a higher sales tax that is paid predominately by people from those same other cities. Peru is lucky that Don Baker was able to get retail to centralize in Peru.

Now our elected officials use this sales tax to supplement spending on things that are not necessary or are only used once. Every day is Thanksgiving Day at the Peru dinner table.

What is going to happen in 20 years. There is no planning in Peru. Lastly - Peru does not tolerate community involvement from outsiders. If you don't have an invitation to the dance - you have absolutely no say in the direction the community takes. Its all about spending that tax money as quickly as it comes in.

Anonymous said...

10:26 What are those high spending habits? What say do you want? And why should the city listen to you? I hear they have a reserve fund and a balanced budget. And I hear every week that money is spent on roads, sewer, water. Maybe the employees have too many vehicles?

Anonymous said...

10:26

You always write about Peru no wanting outsiders to interfere with involvement. Before I can feel sorry for you, we need some examples of what you mean by involvement. And if you have a expertise that the City of Peru needs, let us in on the secret why these barbarians from Peru don't want your involvement.

Anonymous said...

10:26
That is the same old story, have you even read the the last audit or the budget to see how the city officials are spending our money? I would guess not it may be over you head.
I would have to guess that you are part of the crew that keeps getting sent home from the election booth.
I'm not sure why your mud slinging doesn't work?, wait I know PEOPLE are tried of the same old crap you are spewing.

And as for not having a say, about the direction the city is going that is why we have elections. Good luck

Anonymous said...

RAH RAH RAH, PEE-RUU PEE-RUU, GOOOO PEEE-RUUU!

Anonymous said...

10:26

Another re-run story. They won't let me play! They don't listen to me! Outsiders go home!

From the outside looking in...Peru has planned for years, look at the retail area. Peru has a area North for factory development, planned for years. Peru has a balanced budget, planning proof. Peru has had lower electric rates, planned hydro. Peru has a very effective infrastructure improvement, planning for both road improvement and sewer separation that has cost millions.

Let's face it. You have some bright individuals in Peru, and you have for years. I am surprised at the amount of negative comments. I give them credit for sticking around and helping make your city a good place to live.

10:26 Your comments make you sound mad and personally upset about being slighted. Not sure anybody can help you without specifics.

Anonymous said...

Lois just for the record your blog is down to idiots like 7:25 and the same guy who posts the same things over and over again. It is a shame really that more good could not be done here but that is never going to happen.

Anonymous said...

Brilliant comeback 7:25. Who talks that way?

Go Peru is right!

Anonymous said...

I just heard about the Mayor's new "Executive Bathroom" in City Hall. LMAO! It has a stop light on it! They Mayor has gone off the deep end!

Anonymous said...

I just heard that the City of Peru made a new Executive Restroom for use by senior administration officials only. I guess Mayor Harl got tired of peeing with the ordinary folks.

They converted a large closet and the facilities come complete with a "Stop Light" to let passers by know that "The Throne" is occupied.

I wonder if Mayor Harl will take to holding meetings in there. Just like another Progressive / Socialist named Lyndon B. Johnson.

Anonymous said...

8:26 and 9:12 That is disgusting! Is that how we citizens want our tax dollars spent? Are these people down at city hall so special that they need their own special throne and at our expense? Come on those of you who promote our leaders! Justify the use of our tax dollar on this expense. And, why the need of a light???

Anonymous said...

Now we can sit back and observe the "cheerleaders" apologize for another "political excess" aka "executive restroom" initiated by Peru's Crapper in Chief. For those of us who understand the lack of real character and pure arrogance of most of Peru's phony elected officials, this private potty scandal comes as no surprise. This is just another example how the longer elected officials stay entrenched in office the more they will eventually abuse that office. Furthermore, the more they are allowed to abuse that office the more they will continue to abuse that office by wasting taxpayer dollars on silly things like a private shitter for themselves. I would not be surprised if the fancy crapper isn't equipped with a computer, flat-screen television, and hands free ass-wiper system. This is what you get when elected (and appointed) officials hold themselves above the people they are charged with serving. OK cheerleaders, tell us how you justify this one. Please don't pile the bullshit to high. You'll never be able to flush this load of crap without a big plunger.

Anonymous said...

7:06
All I can say is you are full of CRAP.
And, when the the City came out with improvements ( roads, business, expansion) you would be the first person to say that they were not improvements but away for some under the table pay-off.
If you are so cynical about the city the run for an office.

I am so tired of all this complaining when the city is in better shape than those around us.

Anonymous said...

Wonder exactly where this throne is located and who is allowed to use it. Also wonder what would happen if an unauthorized person got access to it. Do you need a special key or code to enter the throne?

Anonymous said...

“All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.”
― George Orwell, Animal Farm

Anonymous said...

Come on 9:07. Do you think spending tax money on a private throne is justifiable? That is not an improvement or helping our city in any way.

Anonymous said...

Ok could someone from the city please explain the need for this? How far away from the mayors office is the nearest bathroom? Is there a restroom in the basement? How old is city hall? How much did this cost? Did city workers do the remodeling? I could understand the need if the building was old. This is just above and beyond the abuse of taxpayer money.

Anonymous said...

If the Mayor needs a private bathroom, so what? I don't think its' anything more than his desire to have a bathroom. And if nobody else is using the bathroom, so what? Do you want to share a bathroom with the Mayor of Peru? I don't think he needs a vote of the alderman to build a bathroom or the approval of the voters to fill the chambers with a private bathroom. And I don't think the Peru finance eliminating Lysol.

Anonymous said...

9:07 AM, March 14, 2016 - "those around us" are paying for our "better shape."

The Mayor's New Crapper was paid for our neighbors.

Anonymous said...

11:31 AM, March 14, 2016 - nobody gives a crap about the actual crapper. It is just another crappy thing that proves that shows that certain people in Peru Government hold themselves above the electorate and even the ordinary city worker. There is a little fiefdom that has been created in city hall. The unwashed masses don't get to urinate on the sacred ground used by the Mayoral Staff. Are they that special that they can't walk thirty feet down the hall the public room?

Anonymous said...

Why ask the question here? Why not call the city? If they are changing something or putting in a restroom, it is not a secret. Even if it is, why all the hatred and comments about the mayor? I'm not defending him, but there are a lot of other people who work there besides the mayor and council members. Frankly, based on some of the comments, I would not want to do my thing with some of you close by.

To put something in perspective here, at my work place there is a restroom for employees that is separate from costumers and the public. This is a very common practice and I would be surprised if it wasn't designed that way in the first place. If not it should have been. People who work all day deserve a potty break away from the public at times. In fact, I can think of very few workplaces where this is not the case.

My point is I would like to know a real answer, even though I don't care enough to call city hall to find out about a bathroom. One thing for certain is until that happens, the truth will not show up here. So long as we have idiots insisting it is the mayor demanding how own personal "throne" no one will ever know the truth. Being a person with reason and common sense, I am willing to bet a pile of money that there is way more to the story than these stupid comments indicate.

Anonymous said...

7:05 I rarely see what you always refer to as "cheerleaders" on here, but I have witnessed some reasonable and intelligent comments that are in direct contrast to yours. Personally I ignore crap like yours and just prefer facts. Bullshit? I think you pile that pretty high out of your own political agenda and personal hatred, my friend. Too bad for you, no one listens to that nonsense.

Anonymous said...

11:31 Come on. Be serious. You don't really think the mayor has the right to use tax payer money for his own person use, do you? The restrooms at city hall are relatively new, clean, well maintained and within a short distance from the mayor's office. Answer this question = "why the red light?"

Anonymous said...

In a quick overview of city hall. The restroom is located about 20 feet from the Mayor's office. It has a total of 4 potties in the men's public restroom. There are about 5-6 male employees that may access the restroom at one time. That's not including the regular dignitaries that visit city hall.....assistant to assistant deputy director of public affairs, FBI, union heads and several security chiefs. If you add all those together it is obvious that we need more restroom space. What would happen if they all attended the local buffet for a high level meeting and then all had to use the restroom at the same time? Wow! That would result in building a new city hall to accommodate the masses that work on behalf of our residents.
It's much cheaper to take a wing of the building and build a outhouse than it is to build a fully functional city hall. The new building for the public works will probably have restroom space for 50-60.

Anonymous said...

1:11 Apparently you're not familiar with city hall. There are no customers per say that would visit city hall other than to pay their bill or ask a question. Even during or after council meetings when the councilmen, the mayor, the city clerk, the attorney, the ASM, the PSM, the treasurer, the engineer, a test rep, a chamlin rep, members of the press, and visitors are present the restroom is sufficient to handle the masses. Remember also, the mayorial position is not a full time job and I see no reason whatsoever that he needs a private, personal restroom at the city's expense. My opinion.

Anonymous said...

3:34, 1:11 here and thank you for a reasonable response and statement, which is pretty rare for those of us who like to have an intelligent conversation and debate without the nasty comments and hatred. Like 2:53 who just keeps repeating himself like the town idiot.

I happen to agree with you and I also think traffic is not that heavy. I just wanted to make a point that there might be a little more to it than what was implied with the nasty comments from the same clueless people. Maybe the guy wanted his own damn restroom. I think that would be silly myself, but I would bet there is more to it.

Anonymous said...

2:53 PM, March 14, 2016. You have a point. So, how do I put this delicately? I consider doing number two at work a rare event and something that is just not ethical. Under normal circumstances, the human body tends to schedule these events quite "regularly," almost always at the same time(s) every day. A worker that has trained his or her body to perform this function while on the clock is taking advantage of the event to get some paid time off.

Having worked in the public sector for part of my life, I know this is a fact. Many government workers take an extra half hour or even a full hour off every day on the pretense of performing necessities. In all actuality, they are simply dodging work and reading their favorite magazine.

So maybe the Mayor commissioned his private commode out of frustration. With all the stalls filled by hourly employees avoiding work, when are the executives supposed to evacuate?


Anonymous said...

You apologists are douing a really poor job defending this latest abuse of power by Peru's political elitists. When you always just revert back to criticizing the people who ridicule and expose this nonsense you are not doing a very good job of defending your pals at the 4th & Fulton. C'mon, "cut the crap" and get the POM POMS going. Tell us why the political elites in Peru can't lower themselves to crap where the commoners crap. We're waiting!

Anonymous said...

7:23 Good post and whiled the apologists are responding to you maybe they could explain the "red light"???

Anonymous said...

Shut up 7:23. No one is attempting to defend anything. Some of us would like to have an intelligent conversation without looking at your bitter, jealous comments.

Thanks now I can go back to ignoring you and everyone else can go back to laughing at you.

Anonymous said...

"We will build a new crapper and they will pay for it!"

Anonymous said...

That's a "good post?" Lol

Anonymous said...

I heard it from very reliable sources that they will also be hiring a new Men's Room Attendant for the executive staff. The Mayor saw this at the last IML Convention in Chicago and decided that our City Hall needed a little "gentrification." He consulted a Mayor in Italy and discovered that it is common for Mayors across the pond to have these comforts.

I have also heard that the new Area 51 Public Works Building is going to have 17 stalls. Each one equipped with a time clock and stop light system.

Finally, with all the crap flowing out of Fourth and Fulton, Chamlins' has been commissioned to perform a waste water study. The Council thinks it is necessary to increase the size of the sewer pipes. But don't worry, they will "write a check" to pay for the study and the new pipe project - which is already scheduled because the study is just a formality.

Anonymous said...

6:38, your joking on your first two paragraphs actually points out the absurdity of this entire conversation. It's ridiculous. It is a restroom if it is even true, and I don't think someone is doing it to feel special or more powerful or whatever it is you fear. I think we will get through this "scandal" okay. Restrooms do not equate to arrogance for most people.

As for the waste water study, this makes perfect sense to me. I am not sure but it might even be required. The more a couple of you talk, the more confidence I actually gain in the city. At times in the past some of that confidence has been shaky, but keep talking.

Anonymous said...

10:14 It is true and if you believe that tax payer money should be used to build a private restroom then I surely hope you never run for office or that you are not holding one now. No one down at city halls needs a private "potty". The one down there is new, clean, sufficient, and within reasonable distance for all employees in city hall.

Anonymous said...

why so secretive on this blog about new city hires?????

Anonymous said...

The Executive Bathroom Attendant has asked for an Assistant.

Anonymous said...

The Bathroom Assistant job is going to a retired 150 Guy so he can get insurance and another pension.

Anonymous said...

All Peru elected and appointedm officials deserve every bit of ridicule and contempt they receive concerning this ridiculous waste of taxpayer money on a an executive shitter for those who literally think "their shit don't stink". Anybody on this blog or anywhere else trying to downplay and minimize the unnecessary "waste"(pun intended)of this is just an apologist for really bad government decision-making.

Anonymous said...

1:56 March 16th. What do you mean about this blog being secretive about new city hirees? The city itself only lists them as "the selected" one. Names are not made public until they are on the payroll and by word of mouth.

Anonymous said...

6:54 I don't think that any taxpayers were aware of the new bathroom and I don't think there was a vote for the new bathroom and don't know if any of those elected were aware of the new bathroom. You elected a Mayor and he should be able to do the job. A bathroom is a minor point and only crazy critics would take such a small point and make a big deal out of a bathroom.
Another point about hires, why should the critics be involved in the hiring process? And why would city council members be involved in the process/ You have a job and a need and should have the Mayor/Department heads hire the position. Why would a public announcement be made for a support position? You elected a Mayor and let him do his job. If you were not selected than call and ask why? Was it your educational level? Your work experience? If the city is not following equal employment opportunities than you would have 50-60 attorney's in town to take your case to the court system. And 100% of the time the courts will side with you, if you have a case!

Anonymous said...

11:48 AM, March 17, 2016 - This is not a business. This is the government. I give them a substantial portion of my money every week. I expect that money to be used for things that are necessary for the good of the community. Not extra bathroom space that was planned and executed without a budget. If converting closet space cost $5,000 then that is $5,000 that could have been used for something useful or returned to the citizens. Now don't go crazy on the specific amount - that is not the point. Even if it was ten cents - that is the public's ten cents. Either use it for the good of the public or give it back! It is crap like this that erodes public confidence of the government! As far as I'm concerned, anything coming out of 4th and Fulton cannot be believed. They could tell me that the sky is blue and I would need to go to a trusted source to verify it!

Anonymous said...

8:58 we are getting extremely out of control on city hires !!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

12:46

Sorry, you voted the Mayor to make those small decisions to run the city day to day. Is a extra bathroom important for the city? Maybe from the Mayor's perspective it is. That is why you use your vote to vote for the person that can make the best decisions on a day to day basis is important. If he wants to spend the day in the can, that's a reflection on the voters. Those small day to day are his role. Big topics like tax rate, major repairs, policy are the collective jobs of those you voted for on the city council. Employee day to day tasks are the responsibility of those who are chosen to be supervisors.
I don't think you can have a city clerk, treasurer, economic whatever, order a new bathroom. So don't blame 4th and fulton.

Anonymous said...

I am so confused. The city has a new hire to give the men a hand in the restroom?

Anonymous said...

This is so ridiculous. Keep perpetuating lies and rumors for people like 8:56 who don't know any better.

The city payroll is DOWN significantly over the last several years 8:56. Don't let people lie to you. Just because they replace someone or even add a new position does not mean payroll is up. It's down, but they have made changes, eliminated other positions or combined jobs.

Anyone who is reasonable knows this has been a good thing. No bathroom attendant in Peru to holler about. Sorry.

Anonymous said...

could be !!!!! (or at least one person in particular)

Anonymous said...

It's official. Some of the costs for the "Mayors" personal bathroom are listed in the new disbursements which will be approved at Monday's city council meeting.