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If you haven't already, please check out the Summer's in Peoria blog. His entry regarding White Middle School is priceless. C.J. poetically reveals the lack of logic that dominates the school board - and every local governing body in the City for that matter.
Lets see. District 150, currently $19 million in the hole, wants to tear down White Middle School, build a new school on the same site, and meanwhile close a bunch of other schools to save money.
While we are at it, lets send each student to school in his/her own limo.
Speaking of Dist. 150, it pains me to admit the Peoria Journal Star did a damn fine editorial Sunday on the District's screwed up finances. A cold blast from hell followed as Mike Bailey wrote a great column regarding District 150's financial stupidity. I about fell over when I found out how much 150 pays Terry Knapp, the president of the Teachers Union. Don't worry, our taxes don't pay his union salary. Nah, even better, they pay him NOT to teach.
I really think this town is run by the mob.
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Sunday, June 19
Silverthorn for City Council
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Why is it that no one cries "Foul!" in this town over conflicts of interest? Okay, the JP Star did, regarding Mayor Ardis' brother being the president of the Fire Fighters Union. However, since the Council doesn't negotiate the firefighters contract, it is done by binding arbitration, the conflict - if it exists at all - is a minor one.
I know I continue to whine about Jacob's numerous conflicts of interest, but other than Sandberg, I'm alone whining in the wind - but having a great time doing it.
I read the JP Star Article today regarding the Civic Center expansion. The City has taken out $63 million in municipal bonds which will be paid for by hotel, restaurant and amusement taxes. This means every time you buy a Big Mac or a movie ticket, grab your ankles, you're about to get spanked. I'm so glad my taxes will be going to fund a new clubhouse and VIP area most of us will never be able to get near. Try to sneak in sometime. You will learn that your tax dollars, not Civic Center revenues, pay for security. Security is handled by the Peoria Police Department.
The Journal Star article simply served to remind us that we are paying to further expand a butt ugly, Nazi inspired, Civic Center complete with a leaking arcade and a cramped theater. The arcade will be repaired at great expense. The theater will continue to suck.
There was one nugget of information that had previously escaped my attention.
Dan Silverthorn is the Chairman of the Civic Center Commission and the Chair of the Redevelopment Committee. Dan Silverthorn is also the paid Executive Director of the West Illinois Builders and Construction Trades Council. This means Silverthorn is the paid spokesman for all AFL-CIO builder and construction members. Surprise! Silverthorn is as giddy as a little girl that Civic Center expansion bids have been doled out to local companies, as well he should be. He is paid to sing their praises. Does anyone else see the obvious conflict of interest of Silverthorn serving on either, let alone both of these committees/commissions? Of course Silverthorn is going to recommend and push expansion. Of course he is going to push for certain union companies, not necessarily the lowest bidders. That is what the man is PAID to do. I assume that Silverthorn was appointed by Ran$burg, but Ardis should be taking a closer look at who is serving on committees and commissions. The Council is under no obligation to vote their recommendations, but they most often do.
It is rumored that Silverthorn will soon be seeking public office. He may try for a County Board seat or he may even make a run against Aaron Schock. Dan, let me be the first to attempt to sway you to make run in '07 for a City Council At-large seat. You would be the perfect addition to the fraternity well underway. Spears, fellow democrat and a plumber will welcome you with open arms and serve as your big brother. Jacob has the keg in the closet. What more could you ask for?
As the Med-Tech "District" struggles to make a move from fictional wet dream to reality, (Hey People! We have a vacant lot AND a check from Blago!!!) Dan Siverthorn would be just the guy to sway the Council to start building with money we don't have, for buildings no one really wants, built by the most expensive labor possible. So pathetic you know it will happen.
SILVERTHORN IN '07!!!
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Why is it that no one cries "Foul!" in this town over conflicts of interest? Okay, the JP Star did, regarding Mayor Ardis' brother being the president of the Fire Fighters Union. However, since the Council doesn't negotiate the firefighters contract, it is done by binding arbitration, the conflict - if it exists at all - is a minor one.
I know I continue to whine about Jacob's numerous conflicts of interest, but other than Sandberg, I'm alone whining in the wind - but having a great time doing it.
I read the JP Star Article today regarding the Civic Center expansion. The City has taken out $63 million in municipal bonds which will be paid for by hotel, restaurant and amusement taxes. This means every time you buy a Big Mac or a movie ticket, grab your ankles, you're about to get spanked. I'm so glad my taxes will be going to fund a new clubhouse and VIP area most of us will never be able to get near. Try to sneak in sometime. You will learn that your tax dollars, not Civic Center revenues, pay for security. Security is handled by the Peoria Police Department.
The Journal Star article simply served to remind us that we are paying to further expand a butt ugly, Nazi inspired, Civic Center complete with a leaking arcade and a cramped theater. The arcade will be repaired at great expense. The theater will continue to suck.
There was one nugget of information that had previously escaped my attention.
Dan Silverthorn is the Chairman of the Civic Center Commission and the Chair of the Redevelopment Committee. Dan Silverthorn is also the paid Executive Director of the West Illinois Builders and Construction Trades Council. This means Silverthorn is the paid spokesman for all AFL-CIO builder and construction members. Surprise! Silverthorn is as giddy as a little girl that Civic Center expansion bids have been doled out to local companies, as well he should be. He is paid to sing their praises. Does anyone else see the obvious conflict of interest of Silverthorn serving on either, let alone both of these committees/commissions? Of course Silverthorn is going to recommend and push expansion. Of course he is going to push for certain union companies, not necessarily the lowest bidders. That is what the man is PAID to do. I assume that Silverthorn was appointed by Ran$burg, but Ardis should be taking a closer look at who is serving on committees and commissions. The Council is under no obligation to vote their recommendations, but they most often do.
It is rumored that Silverthorn will soon be seeking public office. He may try for a County Board seat or he may even make a run against Aaron Schock. Dan, let me be the first to attempt to sway you to make run in '07 for a City Council At-large seat. You would be the perfect addition to the fraternity well underway. Spears, fellow democrat and a plumber will welcome you with open arms and serve as your big brother. Jacob has the keg in the closet. What more could you ask for?
As the Med-Tech "District" struggles to make a move from fictional wet dream to reality, (Hey People! We have a vacant lot AND a check from Blago!!!) Dan Siverthorn would be just the guy to sway the Council to start building with money we don't have, for buildings no one really wants, built by the most expensive labor possible. So pathetic you know it will happen.
SILVERTHORN IN '07!!!
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That Burp You Smell is Just the Swearing In Ceremony
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I've been told that CAT controls everything in Peoria, so I had to chuckle upon reading the PJ Star editorials yesterday. A letter to the editor to voice support and congratulations to City Council's soon to be newest member, George Jacob, was written by Tim Elder, Board Chairman of the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce. Elder neglected to mention that he is also Director of Corporate Public Affairs for Caterpillar.
Several candidates were not chosen probably because the Chamber recommended them. Remember, the Chamber of Commerce gave its support to Ran$burg and tons of money to both Teplitz and Thetford in the last election. The Chamber is largely viewed as supporting BIG business and developers first, not your average small business owner. It is the Peoria AREA Chamber of Commerce after all, meaning many of its most powerful can't even vote here, yet they continue to manipulate politicians to their liking. Guess who the driving force behind the $63 million dollar Civic Center expansion and especially the water company buyout? Yup. Peoria AREA Chamber of Commerce.
There is no mystery here. The Peoria AREA Chamber of Commerce is simply slapping its sleazy hand on the back of one of its own. It is perplexing as to why the City Council embraced Jacob after the Chamber turned its back on Manning, Van Auken, and Ardis in the last election. My guess is that CAT made its preference known and came up with a pick that the new council could swallow. I wonder if Elder made any calls to Leitch or Shadid on CAT's/Jacob's behalf.
All that is needed now is a strong link between Jacob and Firefighters Local 50 and every last piece of the puzzle will fall into place.
Jacob will be sworn in at the Council Meeting this Tuesday. Rather, it's pledge night at the only frat house in town suffering from a mid-life crisis: City Hall.
Golly, who will supply the keg?
*
I've been told that CAT controls everything in Peoria, so I had to chuckle upon reading the PJ Star editorials yesterday. A letter to the editor to voice support and congratulations to City Council's soon to be newest member, George Jacob, was written by Tim Elder, Board Chairman of the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce. Elder neglected to mention that he is also Director of Corporate Public Affairs for Caterpillar.
Several candidates were not chosen probably because the Chamber recommended them. Remember, the Chamber of Commerce gave its support to Ran$burg and tons of money to both Teplitz and Thetford in the last election. The Chamber is largely viewed as supporting BIG business and developers first, not your average small business owner. It is the Peoria AREA Chamber of Commerce after all, meaning many of its most powerful can't even vote here, yet they continue to manipulate politicians to their liking. Guess who the driving force behind the $63 million dollar Civic Center expansion and especially the water company buyout? Yup. Peoria AREA Chamber of Commerce.
There is no mystery here. The Peoria AREA Chamber of Commerce is simply slapping its sleazy hand on the back of one of its own. It is perplexing as to why the City Council embraced Jacob after the Chamber turned its back on Manning, Van Auken, and Ardis in the last election. My guess is that CAT made its preference known and came up with a pick that the new council could swallow. I wonder if Elder made any calls to Leitch or Shadid on CAT's/Jacob's behalf.
All that is needed now is a strong link between Jacob and Firefighters Local 50 and every last piece of the puzzle will fall into place.
Jacob will be sworn in at the Council Meeting this Tuesday. Rather, it's pledge night at the only frat house in town suffering from a mid-life crisis: City Hall.
Golly, who will supply the keg?
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