Jacobs and Ardis: Lie Early, Lie Often

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Didn't know whether to laugh or cry at this morning's Journal Star. The front page headline "Council taps 'silent leader' for open seat" merits a good laugh. What is a "silent leader" you may ask? A silent leader sits on boards of various charities but does no real work. A silent leader taps buddies in Springfield to overturn laws aimed at preventing abuse. A silent leaders lies to the Journal Star regarding campaign contributions. Jacob admits to making contributions to Sheriff Mike McCoy, The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, Glenn Poshard, Lee Daniels and the House Republican Campaign Committee.

What does Jacob omit? BREWERS DISTRIBUTING (his company) HAS MADE CONTRIBUTIONS TO LEITCH, WHO WAS KEY IN OVERTURNING THE LAW PREVENTING JACOB'S APPOINTMENT.Ardi$, is apparently the same type of "independent Republican" Jacob considers himself to be (as does Ran$burg). The lies continued to flow yesterday as Ardi$ told the Journal Star, "he would like to put the issue to bed" that he lobbied for the virgin legislation to allow liquor license holders to hold council seats. Ardi$ apparently thinks voters suffer from the same short term memory loss he does, as we already know that Leitch pursued the law at Ardis' request, specifically "so that he could consider a beer distributer for the seat." Ardi$ states that Terry Link sponsored the bill. Ardi$ neglects to mention the co-sponsor (guess) as well as who authored the amendment to have it become law upon the governor's signature (guess again).

I'm sure Ardi$ would like to put the issue to bed. Most of us would prefer to have our lies quickly forgotten. However, it was stupid of the council to not check the campaign contribution disclosures easily obtained on the internet. Had they made the effort, they would know this pick would likely put a stain on the new administration. (Someone tell Molly Park of the JPStar to get off her ass.)

Equally as incredible, disgusting, and yet laughable, is Jacob's assertion that he has no conflict of interest serving on the Council as the sole beer distributor for five surrounding counties (including Peoria). This is further proof that the new administration believes voters are idiots. While Jacob will not be allowed to vote for anyone to obtain a liquor license, anyone seeking a permit (or TIF) to build a restaurant, gas station, grocery store, ball park, etc., will certainly fall under his domain. Moreover, just because he can't directly vote on liquor licenses, it is obvious that Jacob has a huge "in" with the new Council. The conflicts of interest are simply too many to name.

Ardi$ isn't stupid. He knows this smells. He is banking that the public will forget in four years. As Jacob lives on farthest northern edge of Peoria, he would have had to faced Nichting in the last election. (Ask Dan Gillette how that turned out.) Fortunately, Jacob was gifted his company by his Daddy, much the same way he was gifted his City Council seat, and doesn't have much on his resume that privilege didn't buy. Look for him to be a mediocre councilmember at best. He will have a hard time retaining his seat in '07. The only person who has announced that she will run for at-large in '07 is Angela Anderson, who though not qualified for Council, will make mince meat of Jacob at forums. Anyone who missed Anderson at debates this last election missed some fine entertainment. (Manning and Thetford still have scars.) I look forward to her exposing this good ole boys club/fraternity for what it is in 2007.