Tuesday, January 09, 2018
Peru Mayor Harl and Economic Director Off to Vegas in May Searching for More Retail
Peru Mayor and Economic Director Off to Las Vegas
This year our Volunteer Economic Director, Robert Vickery is taking Peru Mayor Scott Harl along as a companion on his yearly trip to Las Vegas. They claim success on previous trips when Vickery traveled with D. Biederstedt.
I noted the emoji's at the bottom of the article and the angry red one seemed to be the winner. I don't believe anyone currently sitting on a council or in any other of the many new positions created by the Mayor in the last several years are in touch with the residents of this city. None of the businesses mentioned as previous wins are anything the residents would choose to bring into the city. We don't know about Chipotle because they are not constructed yet. Hilton Hotel is also only on paper and this hotel is only one of others being built nationwide and locally one is going up in Streator also. The website for that information is an interesting read about the many many hotels either in the planning or construction phase.
Just mention the same complaints the residents have given this past few months.
1. Poor scheduling of the Peru Ice Skating Rink installation for the winter. Might as well forget it for this year.
2. Downtown Peru had no Christmas spirit and/or color and inability to install the proposed decorations in other Peru locations.
3. Spending tax dollars poorly while our population is moving downward.
These are my personal opinions as a long time resident of this city. Yours may be different entirely and feel free to comment and share yours.
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46 comments:
It appears that the City of Peru is working on economic development and that upsets you? Let's look at the critical comments.
1. Doing nothing will generate nothing. Apparently, there are some people who do spend money at hotels, Chipotle, Dollar Generals, CVS, and many more recent Peru retailers. Many of those people are from out of town. They provide sales tax and lessen your property tax burden. What does LaSalle County Board do for you?
2. Ice rink scheduling? Yes, the city should of had a ice rink up. I doubt that the little darlings would use the rink in the below zero temperatures? Does LaSalle have a ice rink? Oglesby does and why not go there/
3. I thought Peru had some nice downtown decorations. Peru downtown is smaller and different than LaSalle. LaSalle also benefits from private money raised from the downtown business association. Do you really think the City of LaSalle is paying for the decorations?
4. Spending tax dollars poorly? I guess that is a matter of opinion and you could say that about any form of government, business or family? Did LaSalle County spend your tax dollars wisely with 6% raises for all? Does the library spend money wisely by maximizing your tax rates? Is Peru Township still paying those generous salaries for nothing? Is Peru broke, is the budget balanced, are roads neglected, is there no economic activity, are they constantly raising rates, is the water and electric services bad?
Look at the big picture.
12:58 Jan. 9th
You need to get you facts straight. LaSalle county did not hand out 6% raises for all.
If you thought the xmas decor downtown Peru was nice I guess you're referring to the blue and gold banners that you can't see at night.
What happened to the xmas displays that were out at the airport 2 years ago? Why weren't they put up this year?
Why did our city officials pay so much more for their airfare to China that did the others?
Yes, Peru downtown is smaller and different than LaSalle but the businesses could do more if they worked together as LaSalle's do.
As far as LaSalle county I would assume they at least maintain and plow all the county roads.
The staff and services and programs of the Peru Public Library are the best bargains in Peru. My family's life is enriched because of the library. I can't say enough good things about them. Our city is better, thanks to the library....Are you a patron, 4:20? A person who doesn't read has no advantage over someone who can't.
No one wants those businesses to come here? Well, I don't think any of those businesses would spend their money to build here if they didn't know there are people in the area who will buy their product. There are 4 people complaining about the ice rink and they are all too old to skate! I think the CSO put up all new Christmas decor at no cost to the city. Maybe the city should've wasted those tax dollars on new decor.
Today there were more comments on facebook about how the local garage bands got their names than there were about the city reports. This is the real problem around here.
Wow 7.57
That's really shows the true colors of this asinine blog. I don't know who his son is, but to drag him out and degrade him publicly because you and others might not agree with his dad's political belief!!?? Shame on you!! Or maybe
you are related or friendly with the soon-to-be ex-wife? And shame on the moderator of this blog whomever he or she might be for allowing that to be published. This place really has found a new low! Shameful!!!!!
8:11 PM
You evidently don't understand how blogs run. Ever read any of those on FB or on Google, not all posts are read before they are published. Not sure of the process but some are immediately posted by Google and others need to be approved. I did not see the blog post you are referring to until a few minutes ago and it has been removed. The gossip you are referring to was undoubtedly known by many and not new news and unimportant to 99% of the readers. Let's move on.
6:02 PM
The new decorations purchased by the CSO are super nice, bright and colorful and all of us thank them for the donation.
The banners of blue and yellow that the city of Peru purchased for Christmas decorations are well what can you say other than distasteful. I would like to know whose idea this was and inform them that the time to donate them to another city has arrived if anyone would take them. Is the city logo on them too?
What about the new business since June located on Progress Blvd. There has been a lot of discussion on Facebook about it and why it was allowed to rent space within the city limits? Lots of families not too happy about allowing it to run the business in Peru.
I would have felt better if 12:58 PM had mentioned the numerous small businesses in downtown Peru. The new restaurant across from City Hall, Stone Jug Barbecue is very good and the city should be very proud of the great look and the great food. Definitely as asset to this city. Adding Groovy Records and the Three Little Birds to the same area of Peru, thanks for locating in our city.
Lois,
Finally, some positive feedback! We thank you. Peru is a good place to live. About the space rented out for the massage parlor. Cities have strict ordinances and Peru has some of the best. However you can only do so much according to the supreme court.
Yes, LaSalle County Board allocated 6% raises. You can't disguise that.
The library is a great place for those who use it. And I believe that many people do read without the library resources. I don't see a lot of new books. We do see a lot of internet users, video entertainment. Is it true that the library has been taxing at maximum rate for expanding the facility? And should taxpayers have a choice or a referendum? And is it needed in today's world with internet access and research at your fingertips?
9:13 Yes, the county board did in a sense give a 6% raise but it covered a 3 year negotiation period. In 2 of those years no raises were given as it is my understanding no agreements were made. It's technically the same as giving employees a 2% raise every year for 3 years such as Peru does. I hope that gives people a better understanding of how things actually happened. It was not explained very well by the paper.
8:11 who, what, and why?
How many new books do you need to see, 9:13? Because of the system library, I may have to wait for an edition but I've never been without reading materials. Next time you check out a book, look at the cost. The 2017 non-fiction work I am presently reading has a jacket price of $26. We're going to pay a new hire $23 an hour to enforce codes. I'll bet no employee of the library is even close to that salary. The library is clean, the staff is polite and efficient, and it operate extensive hours all year. I served on the Board under Mayor Baker forty years ago. i was proud of our library then and I'm more proud of it today.
Well said Bob Quick, I also consider our Public Library as the best and often used asset in the community. In fact where else can people come together for events and activities in a cost free environment? I suppose you could walk thru the Mall for some exercise and that's it. Most locations such as the YMCA. Bowling Alley and ????have a cost associated with them, any others you can help me with. Most times driving by in the early evening, you will see that parking lot with a large number of cars.
4:33
Yes, there are books! But why all resources go into videos and internet access? And do we need to accumulate tax dollars to expand a library?
I do agree that the division of wages is not fair. Should teachers make less than those filling potholes? No. Library workers should be helpful and ours are that. Should we compare wages of teachers to library workers? Different jobs.
The cost of using the library is very little and a great bargain. Should we pay for those who spend the day on the internet or check out the latest rubbish DVDs? You can't tell me some of those nuts are spending the day applying for jobs.
9:33 AM
Since we are talking in generics, I guess the answer might be as a free society we can watch or read what we wish but the question is is the item in question trash to you and not to someone else. Or if truely of no value, why is it in the Library at all?
10:46
The question or choice is....do you want to pay for someone's else to entertain themselves at the library? Is it of value to continue to spend funds on items like more computers, more free internet access and more audio, video, more trash. Nobody has a problem with free society and what people choose to do. Our question is should YOU pay for their choices. Buy as many books as you want. Do we need to provide everything for everybody? I guess we do.
the question no one wants to ask is why are the secretaries and bookkeepers at city hall all paid almost $60,000? and why the other inflated salaries at city hall?
And why does the city need a million dollar splash pad or a 4 million dollar public works building and 10 thousand dollar airplane tickets etc.??
I cannot believe that out of 31 applicants the chosen candidate already has connections to the city. He's connected to our PSM (he's a volunteer fireman) and our ASM (he's a dispatcher). Now, I'm not saying he's not qualified for the position but I am wondering if his connections put him over the top and helped to get him the position?
I am 1:52 and I forgot to mention that I am referring to the position of Community Service Officer.
12:44 Your living in a fantasy world with that comment. Please look at the city annual report and you will see that not all are paid what you are claiming.
12:52 Maybe you should add electricity and running water to your list?
1:52 Maybe you were not qualified for the job. This candidate by your description looks to have some very good qualifications? Maybe if you had a better disposition you would have better luck in the job market?
Is everything right with your city? Probably not and everybody has a right to give their opinion. Is everything wrong with your city and the leadership? Probably not, you always have some good and some improvement. That's everywhere.
1:52- Yes it's hard to believe that out of 31 applicants the city chose to hire someone with some experience and knowledge of Peru. I would have rather seen them waste those taxpayer dollars on an unqualified patronage hire.
I would think this new job pays better than dispatcher or volunteer fireman. What's wrong with someone taking a promotion?
3:49, 7:15, 8:06
No one said there is anything wrong with taking a promotion. No one said tax dollars should be wasted on an unqualified hire e. I can assure you I did not apply for the position. I just expressed my opinion that the supposed most qualified individual was already, in a sense, on the city payroll. I also thought at one time you had to be a resident of Peru to be hired.
8:57
Way back in the dark ages.........you had to live in the city. This has been changed and you even have to apply for the job, put together applications, interview and have actual skills! Sorry to give the bad news. Example: If Bozo The Clown is elected Mayor, he wont be able to hire his circus buddies. Qualifications will be the problem.
1:52
The article published in the newspaper left no doubt that the position of Community Service Officer was pre chosen and that 30 people accomplished no more than wasting their time. The screening test of who is related to who, and as a back up the sound habit of who knows who the best and who will donate the most to golf outings to raise a hope chest whether moral, ethical, or fair has been and will remain the way of the day. The "Old Man" wasn't too bad.
7:23 Jan. 12th
Finally somebody else sees the writing on the wall. You are exactly right when you respond that the news article indicated that without a shadow of a doubt the position was filled before it was established. There may have been other applicants but I don't think they were even interviewed or if there were it was just a cover up. The news article indicates that the position was just established and approved at Monday's meeting so how and why would there by 31 individuals applying for a job that didn't exist?
the job was announced in October. It was in he news paper at least 8 times with big adds it was on all kinds of social media interviews were done by police supervisors so where is the conspiracy oh thats right there is none but lets say there is
Regardless of what anyone thinks or feels or knows or says the news tribune did state that the position was created on and approved on the same day that they hired the selected candidate.
The statement that no Peru residents want any of this economic activity is one of the most out of touch statements ever made.
Sales tax replaces property tax. Some local cities have 7-8 times your tax rates. It also provides jobs and benefits other business with buying. I wish your city council was working in my town.
The ice rink is up. Look in the newspaper and nearly every week Peru has a project. A hotel brings outside tax dollars in. I would bet that most of those shopping in your stores are from out of town.
And the City of Peru has a local hospitals and a great deal of quality senior living facilities that make it a very good place to live.
You must be living in a cave to think that economic development is not a choice for Peru residents. I would think 90% think that your city involved in economic recruiting is positive.
I respect the author's point of view. However, it sure looks like your reaching for negatives.
11:30 AM
I don't know where you got your information because the originial post was strictly about 3 businesses, 2 of which are not operational.
Most people are not disturbed or upset that this city is seeking economic development, residents are not stupid and they realize that is part of what they should be doing as elected officials. The complaint is that they want to know why it is necessary to go to China and Vegas? Vickery has been to Vegas several of the past years. If you keep up with the continued decline of the big box stores, you surely understand what is taking place in the business communities of this country. Just recently news that Staples will be closing more stores as well the BonTon group of which Bergners is a part of.
We are fortunate that our WalMart is doing well but they sure need better management. We must have waited in line for at least 20 minutes or longer to checkout. Checkers were ending their line while there were still numerous people waiting who then had to look for another checker and yes we were a part of the disgusted customers waiting to get checked out. No management seen trying to get people into the right checkout line to move things along. Thinking of limiting our purchases to just enough to get thru the line for limited purchases, something like 15 or 20 items.
According to the news sources.....The LasVegas convention is the largest retail convention in the world. You must have appointments and meetings with the retailers. According to the news Peru has appointments and has had success with the recent trips.
According to the Times...The China trip was by invitation and the group held many contacts with the Manufacturing sector in China. This was to promote business in the Illinois Valley area.
Neither trip are random swipes as business.
3:49: not living in a fantasy world went online and did view the salaries.
Are you connected to city hall in some way? It sure sounds like it.
Please read the article in the Ottawa Times entitled "Peru hiring practice may pass muster". It's quit interesting, makes one think, and makes one wonder why the Ottawa Times posted this article and not our local News Tribune. It discusses a topic that I've always had a problem with our always hiring "the selected candidate". Never revealing the name until that individual is on the payroll and the gossip line has released it.
12:25 PM
News sources is a wide sweep and is meaningless unless you add the needed foot notes with sources. The N.T. is not a reliable source.
I for one will applaud the City of Peru for the work they are doing. Bringing in the a Hotel, a new truck stop more restaurant's that will attract travelers to stop shop and eat. Spending money that generates the sales tax that has allowed them to keep taxes low. I have found a FB page that is going after the expenses of the Cities Economic Director. I am all for transparency, but I can't figure out what they are after. I saw a bill from Walmart for paper plates at a convention. if you have never worked a trade show you sometimes eat in your booth and have to supply your own supplies. pretty petty who are these people?? do they have nothing better to do.
10:01 am
If all you got from the FB postings is paper plates, you need reading glasses. Much of this is about our so called volunteer economic director and excuse me but the word volunteer is no where involved in this, it is all about the expenses and more expenses he generates and the Peru residents pay for. Please go back and read and put on your eye pieces, there is a lot to be aware of and discussed that most people are not aware of. Municipal expenditures are a big topic of conversation in Illinois because of the many officials that are taking advantage of their position within the city structure to get trips and expenditures paid for for them.
10:49
As someone who files expense reports and has to justify those purchases. I don't see a whole picture. From reading the whole post. I checked to see if this person is a volunteer which he is not. He is under contract to represent the city of Peru. I would like to see of the invoices that were submitted what was approved and what was not. It seems like there is only one side presented.
Well said 10:01. I'm not a huge fan of all decisions made, but people nit picking over some of the details have no idea what it takes. If I am not mistaken, Princeton has a FULL TIME economic development director and they have a fraction of the business we have here. Again I am not saying everything is all perfect but when you compare what we have brought to town over the last few years compared to anything else anywhere, there is just no comparison. Our bang for the buck is good, and people in places like LaSalle pay 10x what we pay in property taxes for city services. and 10x is not made up. That is real. We are not perfect but we have a lot to be thankful for.
The only reason people are complaining about the expenses is because Bobby V took down one of Rodney's signs in the last election. The sign was on his property. This was well documented on facebook. The complaints about Peru have nothing to do with the actions and all to do with a handful of people who don't get along with another handful of people. No wonder all of our kids move away, they all see the small town nonsense that goes on and they want nothing to do with it. The blog admin will blame the city for this nonsense but she is just as guilty.
7:00 PM
Glad to hear that you finally acknowledge that my children and other children of the same generation moved away a long time ago and the trend continues but now it is the grandchilden I see moving away. Keep in mind not only are many leaving the Illinois Valley, they are leaving Illinois. They are leaving all the area and probably no ones fault specifically but graduates of today want what small cities cannot provide or may not be aware of. I think that the towns who continue to strive to keep their small towns with the necessities advantageous to the general population will fare the best. Learn to live with what works best for them and provide for their needs with the general services required for life. Doing that might possibly encourage increased population.
Bobby V. was intially brought in as a volunteer economic director and was able to convince the mayor that he was an invaluable asset and the journey began.
Referencing the comment by 7 PM, since you have slammed me for no reason, I want you to know that my feelings about the excess expenditures in the name of the economic director have absolutely nothing to do with your sign fiasco.
It is when I drive about the city on the roads that are in terrible shape and that is where the money should be going.
If our so called economic director was paid on performance, NONE of these expenses would be paid for! Please explain to the community, exactly what has he brought to Peru besides a well polished line of B.S.
i hope someone is checking into the so called economic director's bills he is turning in because he is known for turning in the same mileage more than once for different things he is involved with; collecting mileage, etc. for meetings he doesn't go to and he will turn in for every dime he can.
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