“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

Thursday, October 26, 2017

COLUMN: A mandate for openness

COLUMN: A mandate for openness

21 comments:

Peru Town Forum said...

Peru is no longer an island unto itself as what we do makes it way to cities near and far, mostly because of the internet. We as a city must learn to be aware of this new world. What our officials do is being watched from places and by people that we don't know. Let't hope the city learns from this.

Additionaly I would like to add that along with the Lobbyist salary being in the budget, there is also a allocation of over 10,000 for city officials to attend the meeting of the IML in Chicago. I am assuming this is now another expenditure that was not individually approved as in the past but one that is expected to occur yearly.

Anonymous said...

What expenditure could be added to the budget? How about a quarterly trip to the choosing of Harl and Vickrey after their return from China? Yes there are out of towners in constant vigil of Peru through the internet. My occupation consists of constant travel throughout Illinois and surrounding states and I am asked often about Peru city gov't. I no longer make a effort to talk around the question nor sugar quote my answers. Sadly the misuse of Meeting of the Whole has blocked all info the governing body does not want the public to hear and the open city council meeting is no more than a polished apple version.

Anonymous said...

4:29
I would have to call BS on people just randomly asking you about Peru's city government. I too travel across the state and adjoining states and not once has someone asked me about Mayor Harl or any other city official.
I will go as far as to say they don't even ask about Rodney Perez and his minions. So please don't make or think that Peru is a national conversation topic. I do not see Sean Hannity here doing interviews.
Things in Peru are not perfect but compared to what could have happened if the election went a different way, it would take Peru years to recover from Rodney.

Peru Town Forum said...

8.50 A.M.
Since you quoted Hannity, I should give your comment as much credibility as anything that comes out his mouth. And no I did not vote for Hillary.

It is true that I have also encountered many people who either know people that have family connections, school connections and sometimes strictly internet connections about and from Peru and/or other ILL Valley cities. but now live elsewhere. It is truely amazing but very true.
truely become quite small.

Anonymous said...

BS, You have never been with me, nor have you walked in my shoes, nor do you know who I am but yet you refer to me as a liar. Open up your eyes and realize that these people read the blog "Peru Town Forum-and other cities.

Anonymous said...

Would someone, anyone explain why the richest town in LaSalle County does not have any social activities. Spring Valley, Princeton, Mendota, LaSalle, Utica, Ottawa and Marseilles all have several major events which last for days. Peru has a annual fireworks show which lasts for 25 minutes.
Yes, we do have the Peru Municipal Band playing entertaining music in one of the worst locations which could be chosen in the whole town.
The only person who took a interest in doing good family activities in Peru was Rodney Perez. The family sled days with snacks and hot chocolate were very popular and he formed a group of unpaid volunteers to plant flowers along State Route 6 and Water Street which he watered for the entire summer. Yes 8:50AM this is the same Rodney Perez and minions that you criticized. How much did the flowers cost Peru this year?

Anonymous said...

Rod is the only politician Peru has had for years who has had the people at heart more than the almighty $. Peru needs more representation like him. The group in office now all have retail sales tax printed across their foreheads.

Anonymous said...

12:38: They have the tbm avenger reunion that they pass off as a function for veterans. They spend around $15,000 so the rich people who own the airplanes don't have to spend their own money - pass it off on taxpayers. Then we have studer the airport manager trying to get more in his pocket. That is peru's idea of having a function.

Anonymous said...

1.09

I can't believe you are so cold-hearted. The reunion is not designed for rich boys to fly for free. Many of them spend $1,000's of their own money to go from show to show. Regardless, let's talk about the dollar impact the show does for not only Peru, but all surrounding communities with hotels, gas stations, restaurant, etc. It may hard for you to grasp, but the money Peru puts toward the reunion comes from the Pillow Tax. That's the tax collected from hotels and motels. It's purpose is to promote the area and general tourism. So, basically, the taxpayers of Peru as you claim, really don't pay for reunion. Travelers and tourists thru the year do. Now let's talk about the reunion itself. It was conceived to salute the Veterans of all global conflicts and to thank them in a unique way for their service to our country. I know of many veterans that have traveled near and far for the event, even this years rain-shortened one. For these Veterans to get up close to these planes, some for the last time, and enjoy a proud moment in their lives is the reason they do the reunion. The first year, over 10,000 people attended and spent a lot of money in the area. So, if you still think it is a waste of time, so be it. Don't attend. Oh, by the way, most of the expenses are covered thru donations thru corporations that use the airport. One of the largest air shows in the country and it's free!! Finally, I know you didn't take the time to research that the Reunion group made a very generous donation to the local Veterans Home. So, enjoy the weekend and plan a trip far away from Peru next May so the planes don't disturb you.

Anonymous said...

Well I see the expenditures for Harl and Vickrey are on the aggenda for this Monday. Obviously it will be approved or Harl would not take a chance of looking like a fool and not having it approved. I hope the aldermen did their homework to see if this taxpayer-paid vacation is truely worth it and will demand a detailed report when they get back.

Anonymous said...

7:45 Do you think any alderman will publicly comment on this trip and the approximate cost to the citizens of Peru? Have you looked at the agenda for Monday's meeting? Notice all the "closed session" meeting minutes that are being released? I thought they were to be reviewed and released every 6 months (as resolved). Somethings going on because the same thing is also listed on the Committee of a Whole Agenda (i.e. release of closed session minutes).

Anonymous said...

When will the majority of Peru's population literally wake up and realize that this administration is screwing them. It is not necessary to go to China to know the business buildings which are empty and need to be filled i.e. Penny's and Sear's announced several months in advance that they were closing in the Peru Mall. Where presently does the Economic Director sit in the status of filling them?

Think of a Mayor and freshly titled Economic Director of a small town 0f 10,000 population going to China without any known objectives on the taxpayers buck. What follow up to the citizenship such as financial , itinerary, and progress made are to be made to the populace when they return or does this particular holiday follow the same guidelines of the IML meetings?

This trip is ridiculous and should be voted nay by all city council members! Come to Mondays city council meeting to make each council member is aware of your opinion and how to earn your vote.

Anonymous said...

Why are all city, state, and federal laws not adhered to by Peru City Administration or forced to by the city council?

Anonymous said...

Why is the Open Meetings Act not adhered to by our Peru City Administration?

Anonymous said...

Everyone wants to know why Harl and Vickery are going to China. It's because the wives want to see China.

Anonymous said...

9:04 what is cold-hearted about not falling for the crap this city dishes out. I have many veterans in my family and think this city can come up with a better way to honor them. When we really find out what this airport is costing us and how much the airport manager is ripping us off for maybe then we would all know the truth.

Anonymous said...

I am a global veteran and did know that the TBM Avenger Day was a way of saluting us. Personally I don't care to be saluted I served and considered it to be my privilege and honor. 1:09 why not admit to the real reasons that this show is put on. A extremely high %age of your letter refers to financial matters.

Anonymous said...

The reason for Fridays and Mondays special meetings must have been to readjust Bernies and Kings pay after the creation of a new police addition. This should all be announced at the council meeting tonight.

Anonymous said...

What are you referring to, Oct. 20 at 10:24, with regards to a new police addition? I talked to people who were at the meeting and they said there was no mention or talk with regards to this topic. Can you expand please?

Peru Town Forum said...

12:23PM

Perhaps it is about the proposed CSO Community Service Officer who will be associated with the PPD. That was discussed at the previous council mtg.

Anonymous said...

11:02
What open meeting act is being violated???