*
Will the wonders ever cease?
Last week George Jacob, Councilman, businessman and republican extraordinaire thought businesses should be fined MORE for hiring employees away from the City.
The heatwave broke.
Yesterday the JPStar editorial shrews published an opinion piece that was both well thought out and made sense -- it spoke out against TIFs for doctor's parking garages. Moreover, Bailey wrote a column on the expense and effort given to weddings which actually made me laugh.
Then it rained.
*Looks over shoulder for the second coming.*
Happy Fourth of July.
Monday, July 4
Friday, July 1
Replace Aaron with Alma
*
Aaron Schock has announced that he is leaving the District 150 School Board. He denies that his exit is due to his full time job as 92 Dist. State Representative. Come on Aaron, all those trips back and forth to Springfield have got to be exhausting. Moreover, State Reps serve a two year term. Believe it or not, this means Schock will soon have to start campaigning again. With an unexpected $19 million deficit, and Peoria Public Schools tanking, now is the ideal time for Schock to get the Dist. 150 monkey off his back. Frankly, where the School Board is concerned, who wouldn't want to jump ship?
Alma Brown not only wouldn't jump ship, but in the darkest days the Peoria Public School System has known, she tried to hop on board. Brown ran and lost against Gorenz for School Board last April. Brown also applied for the last School Board vacancy, which was ultimately given to Gorenz. I like Gorenz. I also like Alma and think she would be a great addition to the School Board.
Alma Brown serves as Public Relations Director for the City of Peoria. She knows the ins and outs of local government. She has a relationship with both the Mayor and City Council. Brown could do a lot to bridge the relationship between these two bodies of government, which presently run completely independent of one another.
Alma Brown has a well known name and a reputation for being pleasant under pressure. Go to City Hall any time, and you will be hard pressed to find her not wearing a smile.
Alma Brown also happens to be African American. Given known racial tensions/accusations the school board has suffered in the last few years, it simply can't be overlooked that having a smart, calm black woman serving would be a huge plus. Alma Brown's present position requires her to work well with all different types of people - regardless of race, political leanings, or socio-economic factors.
Frankly, I was amazed that Brown didn't have more of a showing in the last election. However, Dr. Gorenz would be stiff competition for anyone. Gorenz had a huge "in" as he was already serving on The Board. It also may not have helped that both Gorenz and Brown are Republican. (Not supposed to matter in such elections, but please, who are we fooling?)
The decision process for Schock's vacant seat sounds very familiar to the process used to fill the City Council's recent vacant at-large seat. God help us if we have another big name and no experience (or even previous interest) fill the void. Hopefully the school board will pick someone who is obviously willing to do the hard work required, someone who can heal old wounds, and someone who knows how to run a campaign.
We have all these things in Alma Brown.
Aaron Schock has announced that he is leaving the District 150 School Board. He denies that his exit is due to his full time job as 92 Dist. State Representative. Come on Aaron, all those trips back and forth to Springfield have got to be exhausting. Moreover, State Reps serve a two year term. Believe it or not, this means Schock will soon have to start campaigning again. With an unexpected $19 million deficit, and Peoria Public Schools tanking, now is the ideal time for Schock to get the Dist. 150 monkey off his back. Frankly, where the School Board is concerned, who wouldn't want to jump ship?
Alma Brown not only wouldn't jump ship, but in the darkest days the Peoria Public School System has known, she tried to hop on board. Brown ran and lost against Gorenz for School Board last April. Brown also applied for the last School Board vacancy, which was ultimately given to Gorenz. I like Gorenz. I also like Alma and think she would be a great addition to the School Board.
Alma Brown serves as Public Relations Director for the City of Peoria. She knows the ins and outs of local government. She has a relationship with both the Mayor and City Council. Brown could do a lot to bridge the relationship between these two bodies of government, which presently run completely independent of one another.
Alma Brown has a well known name and a reputation for being pleasant under pressure. Go to City Hall any time, and you will be hard pressed to find her not wearing a smile.
Alma Brown also happens to be African American. Given known racial tensions/accusations the school board has suffered in the last few years, it simply can't be overlooked that having a smart, calm black woman serving would be a huge plus. Alma Brown's present position requires her to work well with all different types of people - regardless of race, political leanings, or socio-economic factors.
Frankly, I was amazed that Brown didn't have more of a showing in the last election. However, Dr. Gorenz would be stiff competition for anyone. Gorenz had a huge "in" as he was already serving on The Board. It also may not have helped that both Gorenz and Brown are Republican. (Not supposed to matter in such elections, but please, who are we fooling?)
The decision process for Schock's vacant seat sounds very familiar to the process used to fill the City Council's recent vacant at-large seat. God help us if we have another big name and no experience (or even previous interest) fill the void. Hopefully the school board will pick someone who is obviously willing to do the hard work required, someone who can heal old wounds, and someone who knows how to run a campaign.
We have all these things in Alma Brown.
Thursday, June 30
IMHO: Luciano is a Deadbeat Dad
As if we needed proof. Phil Luciano's column in today's JP Star is more insulting and stupid than usual. It doesn't deserve a response, but my boss is out of the office and it's fun to put a sexist ass in his/her place. Luciano headlines his column, "Moms belong at home." Phil believes that military women should be exempt from long deployments because the burden is too hard on their children. He writes, "Their sense of sacrifice is patriotic and commendable. And it's also unnecessary. Moms don't belong on the front lines. They belong at home." Really? This sacrifice is unnecessary? Huh. As women make up 15 percent of the armed forces, what would happen if they didn't shoulder this load? Hey, Phil, can you spell DRAFT?! Why should mothers be forbidden from harsh duty and not fathers? Because, Luciano writes, "whom do kids run and cling and cry to? Mommy."
Yeah, maybe your kids, Phil. Your column certainly illuminates the type of father you probably are... Cold and lazy.
One of the brightest spots of women entering the workforce is that fathers have been allowed (perhaps forced) to be better, more nurturing parents. At one time most fathers didn't feel comfortable giving children affection. Perhaps fearing that their testicles might dry up and fall off, many fathers told injured sons, "Big boys don't cry" and told daughters suffering skinned knees, "Go see your mother." To be considered a good father, one only had to be a good provider.
Today most parents are providers. As children today are likely to have parents who are both employed full time, Dads have had to pick up the household slack. Today good fathering includes the ability to push a stroller, change diapers, and prepare a bottle of formula. Moreover, a good Dad is no longer allowed to lay around scratching himself in the Lazy Boy lounger when childhood mishaps occur. I took an unscientific poll this morning of some kids. I asked, "If you fell down and hurt yourself, who would you go to, Mom or Dad?" All said that they would pick whomever was closer except one. The lone dissenter/cute drama queen chose Dad because, "He would let me wear as many band aids as I wanted and he would give me candy."
Phil also alludes to his belief that the death of a mother would be more damaging to a child than the death of a father. He overlooks the fact that while the roles of fathers have changed considerably, the salaries of women have consistently stayed far lower than those of men. Thus, a child who loses a father is far more likely to live in poverty than a child who loses a mother. But hell, since Mom gives better hugs and makes an awesome meatloaf, when she's not working two jobs that is, lets disqualify her from military service.
Luciano's column is not only sexist against women, but it is insulting to the many loving, nurturing Dads that play a bigger role than ever before in their children's lives. Luciano's belief "that there is no stronger bond than that between a mother and her children" is a slap in the face to every man that has kissed away a child's hot tears, chased away monsters from under the bed, built forts, and played equally well with both G.I. Joe and Barbie in their everyday roles as Dads.
Yeah, maybe your kids, Phil. Your column certainly illuminates the type of father you probably are... Cold and lazy.
One of the brightest spots of women entering the workforce is that fathers have been allowed (perhaps forced) to be better, more nurturing parents. At one time most fathers didn't feel comfortable giving children affection. Perhaps fearing that their testicles might dry up and fall off, many fathers told injured sons, "Big boys don't cry" and told daughters suffering skinned knees, "Go see your mother." To be considered a good father, one only had to be a good provider.
Today most parents are providers. As children today are likely to have parents who are both employed full time, Dads have had to pick up the household slack. Today good fathering includes the ability to push a stroller, change diapers, and prepare a bottle of formula. Moreover, a good Dad is no longer allowed to lay around scratching himself in the Lazy Boy lounger when childhood mishaps occur. I took an unscientific poll this morning of some kids. I asked, "If you fell down and hurt yourself, who would you go to, Mom or Dad?" All said that they would pick whomever was closer except one. The lone dissenter/cute drama queen chose Dad because, "He would let me wear as many band aids as I wanted and he would give me candy."
Phil also alludes to his belief that the death of a mother would be more damaging to a child than the death of a father. He overlooks the fact that while the roles of fathers have changed considerably, the salaries of women have consistently stayed far lower than those of men. Thus, a child who loses a father is far more likely to live in poverty than a child who loses a mother. But hell, since Mom gives better hugs and makes an awesome meatloaf, when she's not working two jobs that is, lets disqualify her from military service.
Luciano's column is not only sexist against women, but it is insulting to the many loving, nurturing Dads that play a bigger role than ever before in their children's lives. Luciano's belief "that there is no stronger bond than that between a mother and her children" is a slap in the face to every man that has kissed away a child's hot tears, chased away monsters from under the bed, built forts, and played equally well with both G.I. Joe and Barbie in their everyday roles as Dads.
Wednesday, June 29
Please, go ahead, help yourselves
My e-mailbox has been filled with requests to use, publish, and distribute the "Teens, let them eat Prozac" post. If I wish to stay employed, (and with a mortgage, I kind of do) I simply can't let my identity be known. However, please feel free to use the post any way you like - as long as your objectives are pure. I promise I won't sue, and that will have to suffice.
Lie of the week: "We would like to thank you for your past support."
*
Has anyone else received telemarketing calls from charities where the caller states, "We at such and such organization would like to thank you for your past support, and we were wondering if we could once again count on your generosity as we continue our search to find the cure for such and such?"
The problem: You're not sure you've ever heard of the particular charity, let alone remember donating to them.
In the last couple of weeks I have received such calls from Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Fire Fighters Benevolent Fund, The Leukemia Society and the Optimist Club. These may all be good, worthwhile causes. However, I have never given money to any of them.
Don't get me wrong. I have my soft spots and causes. I'm forbidden from watching late night T.V. because we simply can't afford to sponsor yet another child in Indonesia or Africa. Those infomercials always get to me... The orphans, with no clean water, little food, huge emaciated eyes, distended belly, and flies gathering.... Just a second, gotta go call Save The Children.
Okay, Back now.
I'm convinced there is a bit of a scam going on here. These cold calling charities are attempting to make you feel obligated to give money based on past support - that never existed. Essentially they are saying, "You've already proven you are kind and generous, do you want to prove otherwise?" They are counting on both your generosity and your addle brain. It's not only dishonest but insulting. As a rule, I never give money solicited over the phone. I don't know if the person on the other end is in a dank boiler room collecting a commission on each donation, or a real volunteer.
I doubt this type of call/approach is illegal, (although I am on the National Do Not Call List) but it sure is disappointing to see charities employ such a slimy tactic. Why should I trust them with my money to help the less fortunate when they lie so easily?
*
Has anyone else received telemarketing calls from charities where the caller states, "We at such and such organization would like to thank you for your past support, and we were wondering if we could once again count on your generosity as we continue our search to find the cure for such and such?"
The problem: You're not sure you've ever heard of the particular charity, let alone remember donating to them.
In the last couple of weeks I have received such calls from Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Fire Fighters Benevolent Fund, The Leukemia Society and the Optimist Club. These may all be good, worthwhile causes. However, I have never given money to any of them.
Don't get me wrong. I have my soft spots and causes. I'm forbidden from watching late night T.V. because we simply can't afford to sponsor yet another child in Indonesia or Africa. Those infomercials always get to me... The orphans, with no clean water, little food, huge emaciated eyes, distended belly, and flies gathering.... Just a second, gotta go call Save The Children.
Okay, Back now.
I'm convinced there is a bit of a scam going on here. These cold calling charities are attempting to make you feel obligated to give money based on past support - that never existed. Essentially they are saying, "You've already proven you are kind and generous, do you want to prove otherwise?" They are counting on both your generosity and your addle brain. It's not only dishonest but insulting. As a rule, I never give money solicited over the phone. I don't know if the person on the other end is in a dank boiler room collecting a commission on each donation, or a real volunteer.
I doubt this type of call/approach is illegal, (although I am on the National Do Not Call List) but it sure is disappointing to see charities employ such a slimy tactic. Why should I trust them with my money to help the less fortunate when they lie so easily?
*
Sunday, June 26
Teens: Let them eat prozac.
*
I spent the weekend haunted by the death of someone I never knew. The obituary listings last Friday included a story of a young woman, a teenager, who committed suicide. She was stunningly beautiful. Her list of causes and activities would lead one to believe she certainly had a life worth living. The article didn't report why she killed herself. She and her family are entitled to their privacy. I can't help but wonder what horrible pain made her feel that death would be a comfort. No doubt, the devil has a name and it is clinical depression. Depression to a teenager, I know from personal experience, seems like a never ending spiral downward. Society is woeful in addressing teen depression. Most kids will have to endure meaningless and insulting platitudes as, "This will pass, no one has to be a kid forever, it gets better."
What kind of therapist would be able to make a living if s/he told his patients, "Ah, chill out, in four years or so, you'll be happy."
Adults say these things because there are no easy answers. The type of cruelty that kids and teens hurl at each other would never be permitted in adult society. That's why God made lawsuits. Adults don't have to put up with harassment, sexual or otherwise, and there are attorneys anxiously awaiting your call if you want proof. If you don't want to pursue legal action, you have the right to update your resume and seek other employment. Yet, our kids are fodder and defenseless for all types of abuse. It isn't surprising that useless platitudes do little to soothe them. Moreover, given their experience, why should they believe life will get better?
My childhood was abusive and extremely lonely. Based on my life experience, it seemed perfectly reasonable that life would continue to, well, suck. I pinned hope on the moment I was released from the hell known as high school and could leave home. I got as far away as Greyhound could get me. A good decision. What I didn't know is that I had signed on for a life of poverty. Poverty was certainly easier to endure than my childhood, but incredibly stressful. I didn't have any reason to believe the gods were going to suddenly embrace me and make living worthwhile. If fate was willing to let an innocent kid suffer, why would fate be any friendlier to an adult?
I remember talking to my best friend one night long distance, "You know Cathy, I'm gonna give this life thing until I'm 21, and then that's it. I've given it a fair shot." At the time I was 19. I wasn't particularly upset, it seemed like a very logical statement.
Cathy's reply to me, "No Pol, our babies are going to play together!"
Flash forward sixteen long years later... I have everything I ever asked for. Marriage, family, wonderful friends, a comfy income, nice home, a purposeful and interesting life. None of these things seemed remotely possible when I was sixteen and my complexion resembled road kill.
As an adult you possess both the right and power to change your life. Of course, power given too young is a dangerous thing, but being absolutely powerless is a recipe for depression. If I had a teenager, I hope I could give him or her as much control over their lives as they could handle. As long as they are responsible, and their grades are good, does it really matter if they make their bed everyday or dye their hair blue? (Hint to any power seeking teen out there... Try anonymous blogging, it's a great way to relieve angst!)
Heartbreak is especially painful as a teen. Any parent who believes a teen can't fall in love -true, real, and important love- is a fool. Those who toss out, "There are more fish in the sea" or, "You'll get over it" are courting disaster. Anyone who utters anything about hormones or puppy love outta be smacked. I hope I would be able to look my teenager in the eye and say, "I know you really, truly love John/Joan. I can see you are in pain. What I can do?" As a teenager you don't know for a fact that you will ever fall in love again, making the loss even more unbearable. Most adults who divorce fall in love again, but that doesn't make the divorce a less painful or traumatic event.
Society is in the dark ages regarding depression. If you are diabetic, few people think less of you for injecting insulin. Your body doesn't make enough, medication is necessary. During depression the brain fails to produce enough of the right neurotransmitters that make life worth living. Yet, these sufferers are often made to feel inferior if they seek therapy or antidepressants.
In the course of a meaningful life everyone will experience deep, profound sadness and loss. Like back pain, all humans will likely suffer from clinical depression at one time or another. The strong, smart, mature, and powerful will seek out help. True friends, a loving family, and an educated society will gladly give it.
To any suffering teenager out there, it does get better, I promise. A crappy score on the ACTs, flunking a semester of college, an unexpected pregnancy, parents who don't (and never will) "get it", or losing who you thought was the love of your life are all survivable.
At some point your life will become your very own.
Expedite the transition by getting help.
*
I spent the weekend haunted by the death of someone I never knew. The obituary listings last Friday included a story of a young woman, a teenager, who committed suicide. She was stunningly beautiful. Her list of causes and activities would lead one to believe she certainly had a life worth living. The article didn't report why she killed herself. She and her family are entitled to their privacy. I can't help but wonder what horrible pain made her feel that death would be a comfort. No doubt, the devil has a name and it is clinical depression. Depression to a teenager, I know from personal experience, seems like a never ending spiral downward. Society is woeful in addressing teen depression. Most kids will have to endure meaningless and insulting platitudes as, "This will pass, no one has to be a kid forever, it gets better."
What kind of therapist would be able to make a living if s/he told his patients, "Ah, chill out, in four years or so, you'll be happy."
Adults say these things because there are no easy answers. The type of cruelty that kids and teens hurl at each other would never be permitted in adult society. That's why God made lawsuits. Adults don't have to put up with harassment, sexual or otherwise, and there are attorneys anxiously awaiting your call if you want proof. If you don't want to pursue legal action, you have the right to update your resume and seek other employment. Yet, our kids are fodder and defenseless for all types of abuse. It isn't surprising that useless platitudes do little to soothe them. Moreover, given their experience, why should they believe life will get better?
My childhood was abusive and extremely lonely. Based on my life experience, it seemed perfectly reasonable that life would continue to, well, suck. I pinned hope on the moment I was released from the hell known as high school and could leave home. I got as far away as Greyhound could get me. A good decision. What I didn't know is that I had signed on for a life of poverty. Poverty was certainly easier to endure than my childhood, but incredibly stressful. I didn't have any reason to believe the gods were going to suddenly embrace me and make living worthwhile. If fate was willing to let an innocent kid suffer, why would fate be any friendlier to an adult?
I remember talking to my best friend one night long distance, "You know Cathy, I'm gonna give this life thing until I'm 21, and then that's it. I've given it a fair shot." At the time I was 19. I wasn't particularly upset, it seemed like a very logical statement.
Cathy's reply to me, "No Pol, our babies are going to play together!"
Flash forward sixteen long years later... I have everything I ever asked for. Marriage, family, wonderful friends, a comfy income, nice home, a purposeful and interesting life. None of these things seemed remotely possible when I was sixteen and my complexion resembled road kill.
As an adult you possess both the right and power to change your life. Of course, power given too young is a dangerous thing, but being absolutely powerless is a recipe for depression. If I had a teenager, I hope I could give him or her as much control over their lives as they could handle. As long as they are responsible, and their grades are good, does it really matter if they make their bed everyday or dye their hair blue? (Hint to any power seeking teen out there... Try anonymous blogging, it's a great way to relieve angst!)
Heartbreak is especially painful as a teen. Any parent who believes a teen can't fall in love -true, real, and important love- is a fool. Those who toss out, "There are more fish in the sea" or, "You'll get over it" are courting disaster. Anyone who utters anything about hormones or puppy love outta be smacked. I hope I would be able to look my teenager in the eye and say, "I know you really, truly love John/Joan. I can see you are in pain. What I can do?" As a teenager you don't know for a fact that you will ever fall in love again, making the loss even more unbearable. Most adults who divorce fall in love again, but that doesn't make the divorce a less painful or traumatic event.
Society is in the dark ages regarding depression. If you are diabetic, few people think less of you for injecting insulin. Your body doesn't make enough, medication is necessary. During depression the brain fails to produce enough of the right neurotransmitters that make life worth living. Yet, these sufferers are often made to feel inferior if they seek therapy or antidepressants.
In the course of a meaningful life everyone will experience deep, profound sadness and loss. Like back pain, all humans will likely suffer from clinical depression at one time or another. The strong, smart, mature, and powerful will seek out help. True friends, a loving family, and an educated society will gladly give it.
To any suffering teenager out there, it does get better, I promise. A crappy score on the ACTs, flunking a semester of college, an unexpected pregnancy, parents who don't (and never will) "get it", or losing who you thought was the love of your life are all survivable.
At some point your life will become your very own.
Expedite the transition by getting help.
*
Thursday, June 23
Wide Lawns, Narrow Minds
*
I returned from Denver Monday. I was shocked as to how Denver differed from the picture I had created in my minds eye. I envisioned a pretty city, complete with crisp mountain air and architecture that complimented the natural habitat. Boy, was I naive. Denver is an ugly, wasteful town. Don't get me wrong, the people were nice enough, but as far as conservation/environmentalism goes, these folks are as behind the times as you can get.
There is a serious air pollution problem in Denver. The local weather reports include a daily "brown cloud" rating. During my stay young children, those who suffer from asthma, and the eldery were told to stay indoors because the pollution was so bad. A program does exist to reduce the amount that people drive in order to reduce harmful emissions. On certain days those with a particular license plate number -say those ending in with an odd digit- are asked to refrain from driving and carpool or lower themselves to using public transportation instead. It is a voluntary program that is largely ignored.
There has been a housing boom in the last few years and the architecture can only be described as regrettable. I admit, I envisioned log cabins. In reality, Denver and the surrounding suburbs have about three or four different houses... Repeated four million times over.
Denver is essentially located in a desert. Therefore it suffers from a perpetual drought. Anything green, other than pine trees, likely survives only because water is pumped in. Residents are asked to water their impractical yet expansive lawns only on certain days. Watering days are determined by house number. One only need to check the newspaper to see whose turn it is to water. In theory the program is mandatory, but it too is largely ignored. Denverites have huge lawns that they water daily, even at high noon, when the water will not to penetrate the soil, but evaporate into the hot, dry, high altitude air. Automatic sprinkler systems are the norm, and aim is far from precise. I've never seen so many sidewalks get a good soak. I asked a resident why they watered this way during a drought and was told, "The homeowner's association will fine me if my grass dies."
I smiled as our airplane approached Peoria. Most of the lawns are a sad shade of light brown. I didn't need to read the front page of the Journal Star to know we are in the midst of a moderate drought. There is no panic, only common sense. Water is precious and expensive. Lawns are ornamental. Midwesterners will not waste. We are frugal. Many of us are only a generation or two off the farm. There is no need for a program to restrict water usage. We already get it. We know the difference between a want and need. (Well, at least those of us who don't live in Weaver Ridge.) My trip from the airport occurred in the early evening. I didn't witness a single sprinkler in use.
It is very, very good to be home.
*
I returned from Denver Monday. I was shocked as to how Denver differed from the picture I had created in my minds eye. I envisioned a pretty city, complete with crisp mountain air and architecture that complimented the natural habitat. Boy, was I naive. Denver is an ugly, wasteful town. Don't get me wrong, the people were nice enough, but as far as conservation/environmentalism goes, these folks are as behind the times as you can get.
There is a serious air pollution problem in Denver. The local weather reports include a daily "brown cloud" rating. During my stay young children, those who suffer from asthma, and the eldery were told to stay indoors because the pollution was so bad. A program does exist to reduce the amount that people drive in order to reduce harmful emissions. On certain days those with a particular license plate number -say those ending in with an odd digit- are asked to refrain from driving and carpool or lower themselves to using public transportation instead. It is a voluntary program that is largely ignored.
There has been a housing boom in the last few years and the architecture can only be described as regrettable. I admit, I envisioned log cabins. In reality, Denver and the surrounding suburbs have about three or four different houses... Repeated four million times over.
Denver is essentially located in a desert. Therefore it suffers from a perpetual drought. Anything green, other than pine trees, likely survives only because water is pumped in. Residents are asked to water their impractical yet expansive lawns only on certain days. Watering days are determined by house number. One only need to check the newspaper to see whose turn it is to water. In theory the program is mandatory, but it too is largely ignored. Denverites have huge lawns that they water daily, even at high noon, when the water will not to penetrate the soil, but evaporate into the hot, dry, high altitude air. Automatic sprinkler systems are the norm, and aim is far from precise. I've never seen so many sidewalks get a good soak. I asked a resident why they watered this way during a drought and was told, "The homeowner's association will fine me if my grass dies."
I smiled as our airplane approached Peoria. Most of the lawns are a sad shade of light brown. I didn't need to read the front page of the Journal Star to know we are in the midst of a moderate drought. There is no panic, only common sense. Water is precious and expensive. Lawns are ornamental. Midwesterners will not waste. We are frugal. Many of us are only a generation or two off the farm. There is no need for a program to restrict water usage. We already get it. We know the difference between a want and need. (Well, at least those of us who don't live in Weaver Ridge.) My trip from the airport occurred in the early evening. I didn't witness a single sprinkler in use.
It is very, very good to be home.
*
Wednesday, June 22
Want diversity? (Wink. Wink. Nudge. Nudge.) Jacob says, "Head North!"
*
I enjoyed watching the repeat of last night's council meeting on Channel 22 this afternoon. Better entertainment than Desperate Housewives, by a long shot. It was the first time in quite awhile I felt cable was worth having.
Baby Boy Aaron Schock gave a well rehearsed and glowing speech about the State Budget. Huh, I thought that the Journal Star reported that he voted against it?
I wish I could have been there in person, I'm sure the heated exchange between Sandberg and Oliver regarding basketball hoops was electrifying. This stupid debate over kids playing basketball in the street and whether yet another ordinance against it is called for sucked up more time than any other issue. Sandberg and Oliver took caddy, verbal swipes at each other until Daddy, I mean Mayor, Ardis reigned them in.
However, my favorite part was the swearing in of Jacob. He looked to have had a few before the meeting. He stumbled through his promise to up hold the constitution, etc. The poor guy actually stuttered through his own name! Maybe he was nervous. Even better was his acceptance speech, which amounted to a sad string of over used cliches. Jacob had the nerve to say that Peoria was a great community because of its diversity. Diversity. Yeah, right. The guy lives as far north in Peoria as one can get. People don't live in literal spitting distance of Dunlap for diversity, George, and we all know it. I felt a bit bad for Jacob, and I'm gonna try to lay off him a bit after this post because he doesn't seem, well, particularly smart. I think this may be - to a large degree - why he was chosen. I suspect he will be Ardis' and Spears' well connected lackey. In the congratulatory speeches Turner said that he had been friends with Jacob for over ten years. Spears actually held Jacob's son on his lap at his seat in the horseshoe in a manner nothing short of odd. Oh, and of course, Sen. Shadid was there, beaming away. So, allow me to recap the Who's Who of Jacob's Good Old Boys Club:
Rep. Leitch
Sen. Shadid
Tim Elder, Board Chairman of the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce
Tim Elder, Director of Public Affairs at Caterpillar
Bill Spears, Fourth District Councilman and BROTHER IN LAW (Who didn't abstain from voting for him by the way.)
But I'm sure the Council and Ardis are right. Despite being given his business by Daddy and doing nothing more for the community than writing checks (coaching your own kids hockey team doesn't count), I'm sure Jacob is an outstanding guy and will be a wonderful and effective addition to the council.
He began his first session by abstaining on a liquor vote.
*
I enjoyed watching the repeat of last night's council meeting on Channel 22 this afternoon. Better entertainment than Desperate Housewives, by a long shot. It was the first time in quite awhile I felt cable was worth having.
Baby Boy Aaron Schock gave a well rehearsed and glowing speech about the State Budget. Huh, I thought that the Journal Star reported that he voted against it?
I wish I could have been there in person, I'm sure the heated exchange between Sandberg and Oliver regarding basketball hoops was electrifying. This stupid debate over kids playing basketball in the street and whether yet another ordinance against it is called for sucked up more time than any other issue. Sandberg and Oliver took caddy, verbal swipes at each other until Daddy, I mean Mayor, Ardis reigned them in.
However, my favorite part was the swearing in of Jacob. He looked to have had a few before the meeting. He stumbled through his promise to up hold the constitution, etc. The poor guy actually stuttered through his own name! Maybe he was nervous. Even better was his acceptance speech, which amounted to a sad string of over used cliches. Jacob had the nerve to say that Peoria was a great community because of its diversity. Diversity. Yeah, right. The guy lives as far north in Peoria as one can get. People don't live in literal spitting distance of Dunlap for diversity, George, and we all know it. I felt a bit bad for Jacob, and I'm gonna try to lay off him a bit after this post because he doesn't seem, well, particularly smart. I think this may be - to a large degree - why he was chosen. I suspect he will be Ardis' and Spears' well connected lackey. In the congratulatory speeches Turner said that he had been friends with Jacob for over ten years. Spears actually held Jacob's son on his lap at his seat in the horseshoe in a manner nothing short of odd. Oh, and of course, Sen. Shadid was there, beaming away. So, allow me to recap the Who's Who of Jacob's Good Old Boys Club:
Rep. Leitch
Sen. Shadid
Tim Elder, Board Chairman of the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce
Tim Elder, Director of Public Affairs at Caterpillar
Bill Spears, Fourth District Councilman and BROTHER IN LAW (Who didn't abstain from voting for him by the way.)
But I'm sure the Council and Ardis are right. Despite being given his business by Daddy and doing nothing more for the community than writing checks (coaching your own kids hockey team doesn't count), I'm sure Jacob is an outstanding guy and will be a wonderful and effective addition to the council.
He began his first session by abstaining on a liquor vote.
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Monday, June 20
Father, I mean, Manning Knows Best. What will it cost to prove the voters wrong?
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I want to send a sincere, non sarcastic, "thank you" to councilman Bob Manning who has volunteered to voyage into Illinois American's books to see if we are making a huge mistake by not spending a bunch of more money we don't have to possibly buy the water company voters don't want. Councilman Grayeb thinks we are "allergic to money." Chuck, perhaps 82% of voters have philosophical opposition to buying a private company that you - and the rest of the council - should respect.
For the price of a tank of gas, a cheap hotel, and a food allowance, we will find out once and for all whether or not the Council is foolish to not buy the water company that the voters don't want to own. Hey Bob, there has been a lot controversy involving the travel of politicians these days. My advice: bring a tuna fish sandwich and sleep in your car.
Bill Dennis of the Peoria Pundit points out that Manning's experience as a financial guru/C.P.A. is already paying off. Funny, I thought we employed a professional staff for just this sort of thing. The City of Peoria Finance Department has a yearly budget of $1,357,932.00. $751,234 of that goes to pay personnel. Another $415,659 of that goes to employee benefits. So you would think the city would have a C.P.A. or two qualified to look at Illinois American's books.
Ah... yes, we do! His name is James R. Scroggins, C.P.A., Finance Director and Comtroller extraordinaire for the City of Peoria. Mr. Scroggins prepares the annual budget for the City, which is not a line item budget, despite Council's repeated requests for one. We have at least one more C.P.A. on staff, Mr. Charles R. Oliver, who the citizens of Peoria pay over a hundred grand every year. The whole idea behind having a professional staff is that employed but non voting professionals are more likely to study data and present objective findings to the Council. This also explains why we pay consultants to do common sense thinking for the council as well.
I admire Manning's resolve, but I will question the results. Manning has gone on record as saying that the water company would be a good thing for Peoria, if we can afford it.
"Affordable" in this modern era is subjective, to say the least.
*
I want to send a sincere, non sarcastic, "thank you" to councilman Bob Manning who has volunteered to voyage into Illinois American's books to see if we are making a huge mistake by not spending a bunch of more money we don't have to possibly buy the water company voters don't want. Councilman Grayeb thinks we are "allergic to money." Chuck, perhaps 82% of voters have philosophical opposition to buying a private company that you - and the rest of the council - should respect.
For the price of a tank of gas, a cheap hotel, and a food allowance, we will find out once and for all whether or not the Council is foolish to not buy the water company that the voters don't want to own. Hey Bob, there has been a lot controversy involving the travel of politicians these days. My advice: bring a tuna fish sandwich and sleep in your car.
Bill Dennis of the Peoria Pundit points out that Manning's experience as a financial guru/C.P.A. is already paying off. Funny, I thought we employed a professional staff for just this sort of thing. The City of Peoria Finance Department has a yearly budget of $1,357,932.00. $751,234 of that goes to pay personnel. Another $415,659 of that goes to employee benefits. So you would think the city would have a C.P.A. or two qualified to look at Illinois American's books.
Ah... yes, we do! His name is James R. Scroggins, C.P.A., Finance Director and Comtroller extraordinaire for the City of Peoria. Mr. Scroggins prepares the annual budget for the City, which is not a line item budget, despite Council's repeated requests for one. We have at least one more C.P.A. on staff, Mr. Charles R. Oliver, who the citizens of Peoria pay over a hundred grand every year. The whole idea behind having a professional staff is that employed but non voting professionals are more likely to study data and present objective findings to the Council. This also explains why we pay consultants to do common sense thinking for the council as well.
I admire Manning's resolve, but I will question the results. Manning has gone on record as saying that the water company would be a good thing for Peoria, if we can afford it.
"Affordable" in this modern era is subjective, to say the least.
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Yoo Hoo... Oh Willy...
It's been 12 days without a post from my favorite blogger, Willy Nilly, and I'm going through withdrawal. If anyone knows this guy (gal?) please tell him/her that detox is painful and I'm getting the shakes.
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