Pride in Peru You Either Have It Or You Don't

Received the magazine put out by the city of Peru, lovely magazine but sure it will hit the waste basket by many as soon as brought into the house but that is the chance they take, isn't it?.   Except like everything, the cost is on the taxpayer.

If you have leafed thru it, you surely have seen the diagram of our future park to be located on the site of the former Washington School. Location is appropriate as it is close to the general population.

I have a question.  When it was first thought the city  might rebuild the swimming pool which they anticipated removing, they brought in several different developers and designers to give us a "look see" at what they might be able to develop for this city at same location. There were pictures of the planned project and the needed info and cost available. The company they chose was definitely not one that was good for Peru because they were used to developing high end projects in or close to larger cities. They did spend a lot of time with city officials but nothing came from it because in my opinion they were good people but wrong for this city whereas there was a company that had developed pools in many smaller cities in IL and IA that if chosen, we might in my opinon have designed a pool appropriate for a town the size of Peru and with the right resources to build it.  Again my opinion.

The same might be said about the splashpad.  Last couple of years we didn't even have money to build a small one and now we are building a million dollar project.
Have they held a Public Forum for the citizens to find out what they would like in a new park?

Have they even invited you to a council mtg where you could ask the questions with time dedicated to only that topic?

Has the city decided to design and build this park without going to developers of such projects?  From no money to a million dollars, anyone know this is an Election Year for Mayor?

Do you even care or are you interested?  Lot of data has not been put out to the public, you know the people who will actually use this facility.

Illinois has higher property taxes than every state with no income tax

Illinois has higher property taxes than every state with no income tax

And the Illinois population is finding ways to move to those states.  Local governments need to carefully use their funds because that will also be reduced with less population.

newstrib.com | Serving the Readers of North Central Illinois

newstrib.com | Serving the Readers of North Central Illinois

Surprise, suprise, the Public Works is getting its first big write up in the News Tribune.

Peru expects splash pad to be finished for summer 2018

Peru expects splash pad to be finished for summer 2018

There should be a lot of questions asked by the population about this project in a city the size of Peru 10,0016 (2014) and probably under the 10,000 now. Don't get me wrong, a splashpad is a wonderful idea but the size and making it the biggest and best in Illinois leaves me wondering why.

Ottawa has a splashpad, have you seen it? The next closest one that I am aware of is Chillicothe. Of course all the other local cities like LaSalle, Oglesby, Ottawa, Princeton, Mendota and Spring Valley have swimming pools.

This splashpad will be free to all, I assume so there will be no return on the project unless we are counting on sales tax revenue coming into the city from all the visitors.

Illinois has largest loss of union membership in region, Indiana and Missouri have largest gains

Illinois has largest loss of union membership in region, Indiana and Missouri have largest gains


We can add to that that Missouri just signed the laws to become a "right to work" state. That now means we are literally surrounded by "right to work" states: Wisconsin, Indiana, KY, Missouri, Iowa and Minnesota. Nothing new in Springfield and the state is making NO progress toward a budget and would like to add more taxation. The folks in Springfield just don't get it and Mr Madigan is not budging from his previous positions. Catapillar is a sign of the worst yet to come. None of this is good for smaller cities because the laws made in Springfield affect every city, no matter how good they think they are doing with their finances.

Is It a Cap or a Hat, A Derby or a Beret??

Social media describes an incident at City Hall prior to the council meeting with reference to hats etc. Those of you that live elsewhere, does your city have rules with regard to head wear at a public mtg? Does this refer to only men's heads or are women's included?

We all need a chuckle now and then and on to serious business. I have made a decision that this blog will not tolerate the kinds of political comments referencing the upcoming election. Evidently from the tone of the comments many currently seated elected or appointed at city hall or those with an ax to grind are using the Peru Town Forum to denigrate others.

There is more than enough policy decisions about what Peru is doing or is not doing to make this interesting to read. So please abide by my decision and keep your political comments in your own social groups as I have no interest in publishing them.

MY FB PERU TOWN FORUM IS OPEN TO POLITICAL COMMENTS.
That means you can express your thoughts there.

OUR VIEW: Pension dispute goes far beyond any city hall

OUR VIEW: Pension dispute goes far beyond any city hall


Stats on Fire and Police pensions in Streator and Ottawa. Peru is not mentioned but we have already put those stats out there.

This is important to know about in comparison to the big noise about campaign signs which were blatantly violated by the current sitting aldermen in the last election where some of their own seats were in jeopardy. Don't forget about the aldermen walking door to door to save the seats of the currently seated members. Who would want to run and face that road block of unwelcoming old members. Wonder why so few are running for the Peru City Council, that is not hard to figure out.

Old La Salle building getting makeover by developer

Old La Salle building getting makeover by developer

I an impressed.

2016 Corruption Watch: Chicago, East St. Louis take top corruption spots

2016 Corruption Watch: Chicago, East St. Louis take top corruption spots Is any city immune to the corruption so rampant in Illinois politics?

Is The Limited's Demise Imminent?

Is The Limited's Demise Imminent? We HAD one at the Peru Mall and I understand that it has already closed.

Merry Christmas To All of You Blog Readers and Posters

Sincerely hope you all enjoy the day either with friends or family or both. Drive safely.

Possible end of Peru Township: A ‘marathon not a sprint’

Possible end of Peru Township: A ‘marathon not a sprint’ Interesting meeting I was unable to attend due to prior commitments. I really do not understand the involvement of Mayor Harl in the wish to dissolve the Peru Twp. Will this mean another hire to attend to the work of the Twp? The mayor has already taken himself out of the administration of the city and hired with the consent of the city council, a lobbyist for the city of Peru, so surely we would have to hire an administrator for the duties of the current township. If the twp is ever dissolved, perhaps its responsibilities would be better handled fairly by the county than by the city. Is there a position opening up as receptionist at City Hall?

Election 2017, Township government: All races contested in Peru in spring?

Election 2017, Township government: All races contested in Peru in spring? Wow interesting bunch of interested candidates in Peru Twp. Reads like a least of who is whose buddy?

Anyone else able to connect the dots?

New and Old Concerns in Peru. Santa Coming Again

Could the current unholiday banners present  in downtown Peru have been purchased by the members of the RTE 6 association? Perhaps it would be wise to try and create a committee of local citizens regarding the "look" of downtown Peru and try if possible to involve some of the businesses that exist along this highway.

Doing this might let those traveling through town  know that people do care about the city and that they do have visions of how they want their city to look.  Couldn't we at least had something that might resemble Christmas decor? Yes I know the old stuff is still put up and the white lights are around the lamp posts.

I see from the meeting on Dec. 5 the Public Service committee is discussing chairs for the new Taj Mahal conference room located between N.Peoria and the  Plank Road.  We need to know and understand that bldg. is where all priorities are.

Looks like businesses have closed such as Berry Bearing or have they simply moved. The tool business bldg near Westclox is also available. Amici's has been sold to a family currently involved with restaurants in Peru and Ottawa so let's hope for something good with that bldg. Numerous other locations also available on major routes in Peru.

Santa Claus will arrive at the Airport, I have heard.  Cookies will be available. Didn't Santa come last week to City Hall to light the HUGE Christmas tree? The same day La Salle had Miracle on First and the High School was sponsoring Santa's Workshop. How about some organization for a better turnout? Know what is going on in other cities in the area and work with people who actually have children to know what is best to help them have a good time and coordinate days, times and events.

Peru’s ballot for April to include familiar names

Peru’s ballot for April to include familiar names

Coyote decoys not scaring Canada geese

Coyote decoys not scaring Canada geese Any suggestions for the city?

Poll reveals half of Illinois residents want to leave

Poll reveals half of Illinois residents want to leave Of course this is more of the same but it is a shame that no improvements are being made. People that I know that have moved have either moved for a better business climate or better weather and we can do nothing about the later. Government employees want more money and there is less and less to give them without tax increases and the remaining residents can't afford the increased taxation.

Proposition Whether Peru City Council Should Continue to Persue Dissolving Peru Twp

This proposition will be on out ballots tomorow. For so long we have heard people express the desire to eliminate the township with its high salaries and its history of not doing much for what it costs to maintain. Twp road repair and care would be the main concern as assistance is a very small part of their budget.

My question is why is the Mayor of Peru concerned about the township? And who is he consulting with and receving his advice to move on this at this time?

Is it the tax levy that is received by the township and would this now go into the Peru Finances?

How about our City Administrator/Police Chief who is also a Trustee on the Twp. Board?

Initially when this came up in a discussion, I thought this is a no brainer, sure we want to eliminate the township but after much consideration I believe there needs to be an open discussion with the citizens of the city and our city fathers, all of them.

Before You Vote For President, Vote 'No' On Lockbox Amendment

Before You Vote For President, Vote 'No' On Lockbox Amendment

I believe this is a topic very few people are aware will be a question on our ballots next week.  I know I was not knowledgeable and still have questions about how it will work. I would appreciate any discussion on this topic.

The *Truth* about McMullin Supporters. WHAT are they THINKING?!

'We decided we needed a park': 4-year-old dream becomes a reality

'We decided we needed a park': 4-year-old dream becomes a reality


Community efforts can produce amazing results, Ottawa and La Salle keep trying to show us how it is done but Peru doesn't hear. They speak quietly and among themselves at City Hall.  I believe there is a meeting this evening but don't anyone that is going. Times have changed so we now depend upon N.T. for information.

Bring Me Your Weary: Why I Will Be Voting Evan McMullin in November and...

Bring Me Your Weary: Why I Will Be Voting Evan McMullin in November and...:           Well, I guess that title is a little misleading.  I actually plan to vote in October during early voting.  I mean I love the i...



Reposting this well done blog and expresses my own thoughts at the same time.

Really A Cool One Million Dollar Splashpad

According to the N.T. article about the potential splashpad is to be located on the land where the former Washington School was demolished for an approximate cost of 1 million dollars.

The original request for a grant from the DNR was for a splashpad to be located in the area of the former swimming pool and they were told NO, you need more than a splashpad to be able to be approved for a grant.  Back to the drawing board and the city added horseshoe pit, volleyball courts, picnic tables for checkers and an expanded parking lot in the triangle across from the Peru Library.

And then we had a state election and the current governor Quinn was replaced by current Governor Rauner and all grants were froze. So now a different location but we still have to put in horseshoe pits that will probably be little utilized and volleyball court or courts. So instead of a grant for app. 250,000, and the donation of 100,000 for an ADA accesible splashpad and now the city is saying at least a million dollars. Not sure how much of the Pool Fund is available for a splashpad.

Does this make sense considering we are now going to create a million dollar splashpad adjacent to a  residential area. Last I knew we are still a fairly small city of probably between 9500 and 10,000 and with smaller families and how many children of the age to use this splashpad are living in Peru? When the pool was demolished and the city hired a company to design a new pool, I believe the cost was approximately 3 million for a state of art pool from this company, others would have been less. The Mayor and City Council said NO. What does our City Plan project for our city?

Whether it is is a local campaign or a national campaign  the quotes on this picture  are a good idea. It is no secret that I will be working on the McMullin campaign on social media and locally as well for the next month. There are currently state chairs in all the states and each state is being divided by county with a chairman for each of them.

I realize that here in the valley, I will be hearing Evan who?  but this has truely reached throughout all the U.S. states.  Since I am and have always been a #NeverTrump#Hillary individual and I find his values to be what I was looking for in a Presidential campaign, I am doing some social media and that includes this blog. There are more than enough videos and blogs and news information to search for and I will post some that I think are really good.

If you candidate is someone else that is whom you will vote for.

If you have local election comment they are still welcome here on the Peru Town Forum.

Petitions Available for Elected Positions So Far Incumbents Like Their Jobs

According to a N.T. article 9 people have signed to pick up petitions packets for the election in April.

First Ward incumbent Tony Ferari and newly chosen Aldermen who is now considered an incumbent have  signed for petitions.  Jim Lilley who was not chosen has also applied for a First Ward aldermanic petition.

Additionally it is more of the same here in Peru, City Clerk Dave Bartley, Ald. Mike Radtke, Ald. Jim Lukosus, recently appointed City Treasurer Jackson Powell and surprise surprise Mayor Scott Harl.  Why do I remember him saying when he first won the mayoral election that 2 terms would be enough?  Maybe he meant that is what the residents would be saying.