*
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.
*
Sunday, June 19
Silverthorn for City Council
*
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!!!
*
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!!!
*
That Burp You Smell is Just the Swearing In Ceremony
*
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?
*
Thursday, June 16
Things that make you hmmm....
*
Certain council members want to see Illinois American's books. They want to know the company's profit margin. Hmm... If there was only some way that a person could get a record of a corporation's profits, losses, expenses, expected future revenues... hmm... If Council could only get the information readily available to say, INVESTORS, what a wonderful world it would be.
Isn't Bob Manning a V.P. at Smith Barney? You would think that he would have heard of a certain document, known as a PROSPECTUS, available to all investors and wanna be investors. Check the lobby Bob, there is probably a copy awaiting your review.
Cause for concern: Grayeb wants to buy the water company, as he is certain that Illinois American is making serious money from it. His certainty is based on the fact that Illinois American has voiced its strong opposition to a city buyout. (This logic alone is reason enough to boot him out of office in 2007.) Hmm... Why would a company not want to be bought, even if it isn't particularly profitable? Hint: DOES ANYONE ELSE'S WATER STILL SMELL AND TASTE LIKE CRAP?!
*
Certain council members want to see Illinois American's books. They want to know the company's profit margin. Hmm... If there was only some way that a person could get a record of a corporation's profits, losses, expenses, expected future revenues... hmm... If Council could only get the information readily available to say, INVESTORS, what a wonderful world it would be.
Isn't Bob Manning a V.P. at Smith Barney? You would think that he would have heard of a certain document, known as a PROSPECTUS, available to all investors and wanna be investors. Check the lobby Bob, there is probably a copy awaiting your review.
Cause for concern: Grayeb wants to buy the water company, as he is certain that Illinois American is making serious money from it. His certainty is based on the fact that Illinois American has voiced its strong opposition to a city buyout. (This logic alone is reason enough to boot him out of office in 2007.) Hmm... Why would a company not want to be bought, even if it isn't particularly profitable? Hint: DOES ANYONE ELSE'S WATER STILL SMELL AND TASTE LIKE CRAP?!
*
Baaaaah, Meet Your New City Council
*
Our new City Council is more complex than the last. In Ran$burg's regime Council could be counted on to side with developers and the interests of business over the interests of voters. This Council seems to have a bit of an identity problem. The "essential services" crowd hasn't quite defined what qualifies as an essential/basic service. Look at the possible buy out of the water company. Advisory referendum aside, is there a more basic service than water? With two new members who ran on a "basic services" theme, one would have expected more deliberation and at least one more vote in favor of a continued buyout study.
The identity crisis is understandable as this Council is very young. As Ardis becomes more commanding in his leadership, count on Council to follow. As always, the exception will be Sandberg. This is a good thing, as every voice should be heard even if the voice is, at times, a bit loopy.
What is the attraction to the Mayor's job? On the face it doesn't seem like he wields that much power. Ardis is just another vote on the Council, but he will be the target of every unhappy citizen. However, if one wants proof that Ardis reigns one only needs to look at the recent appointment of George Jacobs to the council.
Jacob, a beer distributor, used connections to overturn laws and had an amendment added so that he (and some bloke in Lake Bluff) could immediately hold public office. After submitting his name for consideration and even after being chosen for the job, Jacob still has yet to attend a council meeting. Jacob is also related by marriage to Fourth District Councilman Jim Spears. Moreover, Jacob will not be able to vote on any alcohol related issues. Alcohol issues come to a vote at nearly every meeting. To say the least, Jacob has at much going against him as for him.
Most politicians would avoid this sort of controversy especially as it became apparent that Jacob faced notable criticism early on - even before being sworn in. The sole voice howling in the wind against Jacob was Sandberg. "Too many conflicts of interest, too many opportunities for abuse." Other council members were silent on the issue. The real vote was taken in executive session. The lack of debate is proof that the Council felt the open seat was Ardis' seat to fill, and they would rubber stamp his pick. Which is exactly what happened. Regardless of the vote, no one on the Council seems to be a staunch supporter of nor strongly opposed to Jacob- which is troubling. It was an important decision and should have merited strong feelings one way or the other.
It appears that this Council craves a strong leader and given one, they will happily follow. Ardis is not just Mayor but Shepard, and with one notable exception, his sheep are thus far obedient.
*
Our new City Council is more complex than the last. In Ran$burg's regime Council could be counted on to side with developers and the interests of business over the interests of voters. This Council seems to have a bit of an identity problem. The "essential services" crowd hasn't quite defined what qualifies as an essential/basic service. Look at the possible buy out of the water company. Advisory referendum aside, is there a more basic service than water? With two new members who ran on a "basic services" theme, one would have expected more deliberation and at least one more vote in favor of a continued buyout study.
The identity crisis is understandable as this Council is very young. As Ardis becomes more commanding in his leadership, count on Council to follow. As always, the exception will be Sandberg. This is a good thing, as every voice should be heard even if the voice is, at times, a bit loopy.
What is the attraction to the Mayor's job? On the face it doesn't seem like he wields that much power. Ardis is just another vote on the Council, but he will be the target of every unhappy citizen. However, if one wants proof that Ardis reigns one only needs to look at the recent appointment of George Jacobs to the council.
Jacob, a beer distributor, used connections to overturn laws and had an amendment added so that he (and some bloke in Lake Bluff) could immediately hold public office. After submitting his name for consideration and even after being chosen for the job, Jacob still has yet to attend a council meeting. Jacob is also related by marriage to Fourth District Councilman Jim Spears. Moreover, Jacob will not be able to vote on any alcohol related issues. Alcohol issues come to a vote at nearly every meeting. To say the least, Jacob has at much going against him as for him.
Most politicians would avoid this sort of controversy especially as it became apparent that Jacob faced notable criticism early on - even before being sworn in. The sole voice howling in the wind against Jacob was Sandberg. "Too many conflicts of interest, too many opportunities for abuse." Other council members were silent on the issue. The real vote was taken in executive session. The lack of debate is proof that the Council felt the open seat was Ardis' seat to fill, and they would rubber stamp his pick. Which is exactly what happened. Regardless of the vote, no one on the Council seems to be a staunch supporter of nor strongly opposed to Jacob- which is troubling. It was an important decision and should have merited strong feelings one way or the other.
It appears that this Council craves a strong leader and given one, they will happily follow. Ardis is not just Mayor but Shepard, and with one notable exception, his sheep are thus far obedient.
*
Friday, June 10
Leitch's Biggest Campaign Contribuitor
*
And the winner is....
Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois (A.B.D. I. PAC)
P. O. Box 396
Springfield, IL 62705
Transfer In
$2,000.00 on 3/5/2004
Source: Illinois Campaign Disclosure
Chump change Bill Dennis? I don't think so.
And the winner is....
Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois (A.B.D. I. PAC)
P. O. Box 396
Springfield, IL 62705
Transfer In
$2,000.00 on 3/5/2004
Source: Illinois Campaign Disclosure
Chump change Bill Dennis? I don't think so.
And another thing...
*
Written by Stormin Norman, who commented on the Peoria Pundit site:
Since the end of Prohibition, Illinois law has required wineries and distillers to sell their products to distributors who then sell to retailers, i.e., wineries and distillers are barred by law from selling directly to retailers. With the recent Supreme Court decision to strike down state laws prohibiting interstate wine sales, we should take the next step and tell our lawmakers to fight for consumers by eliminating the middleman (Jacob) when it comes to the sale of alcoholic beverages. Quit lining the pockets of the alcoholic beverage distributors and pass those savings back to the consumer. The day when a Walmart semi trailer is parked at an Anheuser-Busch brewery loading dock will be a welcome sight for imbibers and free market advocates. So how difficult does it now become to change these archaic laws, when the people who would be affected by them hold government positions? Once again, government 'for the people' loses out...
*sigh* My hero!
Written by Stormin Norman, who commented on the Peoria Pundit site:
Since the end of Prohibition, Illinois law has required wineries and distillers to sell their products to distributors who then sell to retailers, i.e., wineries and distillers are barred by law from selling directly to retailers. With the recent Supreme Court decision to strike down state laws prohibiting interstate wine sales, we should take the next step and tell our lawmakers to fight for consumers by eliminating the middleman (Jacob) when it comes to the sale of alcoholic beverages. Quit lining the pockets of the alcoholic beverage distributors and pass those savings back to the consumer. The day when a Walmart semi trailer is parked at an Anheuser-Busch brewery loading dock will be a welcome sight for imbibers and free market advocates. So how difficult does it now become to change these archaic laws, when the people who would be affected by them hold government positions? Once again, government 'for the people' loses out...
*sigh* My hero!
Did I forget to mention....
*
Jacob is Fourth District Bill Spears' in-law. I know. Could this appointment get any sleazier?!
Jacob is Fourth District Bill Spears' in-law. I know. Could this appointment get any sleazier?!
Thursday, June 9
Jacob: Playing Dumb, or Really Dumb?
*
Bill Dennis interviewed new city council pick Jacob today, in an effort to clear the cloud that is already hovering over him. He denies that strings were pulled to get him on the council, despite Ardis' and Leitch's statements to the contrary.
Basically, we are to believe that the only wheel greasing here was expediting the elimination of a stupid, archaic law. Lets say that this is true. I know, it's hard, but try.
Boys and girls, next time you are trying to get rid of a stupid, archaic law.. Lets say trying to allow your backyard fence to be five three quarters feet high instead of six, call your state rep. Tell him, "Dan, the wife and I are installing the fence this weekend. The dog keeps running away. We are afraid Rover is going to get creamed by a car. Springfield is already working to get rid of the dumb fence law, can't you make it go away sooner?" Cover your ears as your state representative cackles in your ear. (Frankly, you would be lucky to get this far. You would probably be speaking to an intern at best, because your Representative is likely to be on a lobbyist sponsored trip to France with the more beloved of his staff.)
Boys and girls, now try the same experiment after you land a job at your father's big, profitable company as president and organizations you head make sizable donations to your representative's campaign war chest... You get the picture.
We are told that the only greasing done here was getting rid of a bad law sooner. It is debatable as to if the original law was bad, but nonetheless, THIS WOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED FOR AN ORDINARY CITIZEN.
This is just the type of crap we dumped Ran$burg for, and it is the very same crap Ardi$ promised would not be part of his "New Generation of Leadership."
The new council cried "foul!" when City Manager Randy Oliver promoted Pat Landes to Assistant City Manager without first discussing it with the Council or posting the job. Ardi$ posts a job with absolutely no intent of hiring anyone other than Jacob, as evidenced by the timing of his pick (while Blago's signature was still wet).
We voted for a new, open local government where the average, ordinary citizen was to have a platform equal to the big guys. If Ardis wanted Jacob so badly, he should have just said so. "Yes, I have someone in mind. Someone who I feel has top notch business and civic experience, but I'm waiting for legislation currently under way in Springfield to be enacted before announcing my choice."
Kudos to the Peoria Pundit for interviewing Jacob and hearing the man out. Jacob knows strings were pulled. If he doesn't, he doesn't have the brains to be on the Council. I'm also concerned by Jacob stating, "Back in February the Council wasn't even a twinkle in my eye." Ardis had numerous candidates who had been active in local government and civic affairs for years. Yet, if we are to believe Jacob, he wasn't tuning in a mere four months ago.
Bill Dennis interviewed new city council pick Jacob today, in an effort to clear the cloud that is already hovering over him. He denies that strings were pulled to get him on the council, despite Ardis' and Leitch's statements to the contrary.
Basically, we are to believe that the only wheel greasing here was expediting the elimination of a stupid, archaic law. Lets say that this is true. I know, it's hard, but try.
Boys and girls, next time you are trying to get rid of a stupid, archaic law.. Lets say trying to allow your backyard fence to be five three quarters feet high instead of six, call your state rep. Tell him, "Dan, the wife and I are installing the fence this weekend. The dog keeps running away. We are afraid Rover is going to get creamed by a car. Springfield is already working to get rid of the dumb fence law, can't you make it go away sooner?" Cover your ears as your state representative cackles in your ear. (Frankly, you would be lucky to get this far. You would probably be speaking to an intern at best, because your Representative is likely to be on a lobbyist sponsored trip to France with the more beloved of his staff.)
Boys and girls, now try the same experiment after you land a job at your father's big, profitable company as president and organizations you head make sizable donations to your representative's campaign war chest... You get the picture.
We are told that the only greasing done here was getting rid of a bad law sooner. It is debatable as to if the original law was bad, but nonetheless, THIS WOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED FOR AN ORDINARY CITIZEN.
This is just the type of crap we dumped Ran$burg for, and it is the very same crap Ardi$ promised would not be part of his "New Generation of Leadership."
The new council cried "foul!" when City Manager Randy Oliver promoted Pat Landes to Assistant City Manager without first discussing it with the Council or posting the job. Ardi$ posts a job with absolutely no intent of hiring anyone other than Jacob, as evidenced by the timing of his pick (while Blago's signature was still wet).
We voted for a new, open local government where the average, ordinary citizen was to have a platform equal to the big guys. If Ardis wanted Jacob so badly, he should have just said so. "Yes, I have someone in mind. Someone who I feel has top notch business and civic experience, but I'm waiting for legislation currently under way in Springfield to be enacted before announcing my choice."
Kudos to the Peoria Pundit for interviewing Jacob and hearing the man out. Jacob knows strings were pulled. If he doesn't, he doesn't have the brains to be on the Council. I'm also concerned by Jacob stating, "Back in February the Council wasn't even a twinkle in my eye." Ardis had numerous candidates who had been active in local government and civic affairs for years. Yet, if we are to believe Jacob, he wasn't tuning in a mere four months ago.
Jacobs and Ardis: Lie Early, Lie Often
*
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.
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.
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