Oh, Quitcherbellyachin' !

I appreciate politicians who are consistent, even if their positions are directly opposed to mine. Those politicians who govern with a philosophy or a moral code they refuse to stray from (even if wrong) deserve more respect than those who put a wet finger in the air and judge their popularity before making any decision or casting a vote. I also don't appreciate public bickering from elected officials. I resent politicians who take shots at one another in the press. As adults, I expect pols to get along, especially when they don't agree. One should always read the job description before applying for employment. Politicians should expect colleagues and constituents will often times disagree. A mature pol will handle disagreements with grace and not by roasting them in the press (that is what bloggers are for). A mature pol will air grievances face to face, behind closed doors.

I am profoundly disappointed with our newly elected City Council. My disappointment stems not from decisions or votes, but childish behavior.

Personally, I am relieved we didn't buy the water company. Nonetheless, I am concerned why certain councilmembers voted as they did. The calm voice of reason on the Council has long been Bill Spears, Councilman for the Fourth District. Spears voted for continuing due diligence a few months back but voted against this time around. Hmm. Then we discover Spears is a Democratic Party contender to run against Aaron Schock. Ultimately, a candidate will be chosen by the Illinois Democratic Party Chair. I respect Spears' desire for more power and influence, ala Springfield, but Peoria citizens voted for Spears, not party chair Michael Madigan. Madigan is also a Chicago Ward boss, and solid devotee of nepotism. His daughter, Lisa, was given the party nod for State Attorney General after practicing law for just a couple of years. No kidding. Madigan was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1994 after graduating from the night program at Loyola Law School. I hope Spears didn't base his vote on future political aspirations, but his flip flop is suspicious. I can only pray that Jacob's vote against buying the water company wasn't influenced by his ambitious brother-in-law. Yet another conflict of interest to arise from the Jacob appointment.

Lately, Gary Sandberg's behavior has been disconcerting. Publicly name calling those colleagues who disagreed with his position to buy the water company "spineless" lacked judgment. I'm sure Sandberg's position is heartfelt, especially considering his position might have been political suicide had the purchase actually gone through. Sandberg needs to give voters more credit. Trust those who put you in office to see the transparent motivations of others. Or, at least trust Schock will aptly reveal Spears' motivations come campaign time.

Today's Journal Star quotes Mayor Ardis as giving City Manager Randy Oliver a "solid B minus" job performance grade. A tasteless move, straight from the Ran$burg Book of Manners. Attaching the "minus" to Oliver's grade was a public insult and I wonder if it was designed to send Oliver packing. Regardless, the petty statement hurts Ardis more than Oliver.

This past week Mayor Ardis announced that he doesn't see restoring Fire Station 11 to full capacity or eliminating the garbage fee as being financially feasible any time soon. Disappointing to be sure, but not as disappointing as Sandberg's very bitter, and public roasting Ardis for the statement. I have yet to hear Sandberg put forth a motion to fund basic services first and fluff second. After all, what politician wants to tell constituents there will be no new basketball hoops, no flower baskets hanging from street lights, or funding of neighborhood association newsletters unless and until council finds a way to plow streets, pick up trash, and put out fires with tax money already allotted?

That the new council needs to reminded why they were elected only four months after being sworn in to their posts is profoundly disappointing. Voters were sick of the bickering and in fighting. Voters wanted things to get done, and wanted them done with a bit of class. We thought if we elected a Council that had the same priorities, basic city services, we wouldn't have to endure pettiness played out in the press and on the chamber floor.

Grow up. Get it together. Get along.