Peoria Pundit

“Build the Block” beat “Block the Block.” I’m sad, but not surprised. I take pleasure in the fact that we put up a good fight.

I was rooting for Beth Akeson in the 3rd District. When the votes were counted, she was down by 16 votes. If there’s not a recount, she’s insane. That’s about a half-vote per precinct. I didn’t want Tim Riggenbach to win because of his enthusiastic support for the tax increase referendum was all I needed to know about his support for essential services first.

I continued to support Barbara Van Auken, not because I agreed with all her votes, because I didn’t and she knows which votes I’m talking about. But she is a friend, she’s supported me when others did not. And I think those who backed Curphy Smith because Van Auken didn’t give them the 9-1 vote the wanted (as opposed to the 10-1 we sometimes get) were fooling themselves. In the end, her large margin of victory is a sign that her constituents agreed with me and weren’t distracted by side issues.

I didn’t have a favorite in the race for city treasurer. Half of one is the same as a half dozen of the other.

It’s for the best that Jim Ardis won as mayor. I’ve been POd a bit at some of his votes. But on ballance, he’s the best mayor we’ve had since I first attended  a council meeting back in 1980.

And as for the fifth district race … I really don’t give a rat’s ass. Almost none of the people who live up there give a rat’s ass about people who live south of War Memorial Drive, and I’m just returing the favor.

It’s done. Done. Over. We have to move on and rebuild our relationships with each other. This election has turned  friends into enemies. It is important that we ALL grow the Hell up a bit and realize that politics is not anything worth losing friendships over.

And now some site news: I’m moving on. Well, actually, I’m moving back. I started blogging exclusively on The Blog Peoria Project because I wanted to resurrect the site using the original domain name, which I had ignored for several years, except to keep it running. But I keep running into site issues. Peoria Pundit gets more than 1000 unique visitorts a day and even more hits and page views. It’s too much for the structure of the site, especially with the host I’m using.

So I’m going to blog at the old site from now on, which should reduce loads on Blog Peoria.

More news will follow.

UPDATE: You 5th District people have no sense of humor. And for that, I am sorry. Anyway, I’m closing comments on this site, as I am now blogging here again.

You’ve heard the numbers. You’ve heard the arguments. It now boils down to a simple “yes” or “no” vote on an election day (April 7th) ballot referendum.

At issue is are you, a taxpayer, willing to pony up roughly $17. per resident per year to construct and maintain a fully interactive, state-of-the-art regional museum  on the former Sears block in downtown Peoria?

After taking months to absorb the entirety of the facts, fallacies and feelings I have come to the conclusion that your answer should be a Hell, yeah. More specifically, A vote of YES to the final ballot question of:

To pay for public facility purposes, shall Peoria County be authorized to impose an increase on its share of local sales taxes by one quarter of one percent (1/4%) for a period not to exceed twenty (20) years? This would mean that a consumer would pay an additional twenty-five cents (.25) in sales tax for eery $100. of tangible personal property bought at retail. If imposed, the additional tax would cease being collected at the end of twenty (20) years, if not terminated earlier by a vote of the county board.

Below I have outlined my reasons in no particular order:

It’s not just about the numbers: Museum advocates and  foes have bandied numbers back and forth to the extent that it will make your head spin. Many people realize that creative use of statistics can substantiate anything you want them to, on either side of an argument.  The reality is, the whole project from a money standpoint, as in any large commercial endeavor is nothing more than what we call in the real business a SWAG – a sophisticated wild-assed guess.  If anyone really knew how this thing would fly financially before it was built and operational they would have made a killing on Wall Street and be living on a private island.  What museum foes have been ignoring is that for many, it is not about the numbers. It  is about the opportunities the museum will offer  to present and future generations of Peoria children. It will spark curiosity and imagination and broaden their understanding of our history, our universe and humanity’s place in it. These are intangible benefits that can not be bought or appraised. They are what Mastercard would consider, priceless.

The cost per taxpayer will not be burdensome:The referendum calls for a sales tax increase of 25 cents on every $100.  Others have estimated it to be $17. per year per resident – or the cost of 4 happy meals or a carton of cigs. In short, nothing. No doubt someone will debate this point. If you do, I just hope I never stand in line behind you at Aldi’s as you throw a few packages of Ho-ho’s, Marlboro’s or National Enquirers in your cart. (Not that I would do that!) If you are not a big consumer of goods, you will be on the low end of the $17. per year estimated average.

Corporate CEO’s are every bit as capable of petty vindictive thought as the common worker:  Caterpillar has stated in no uncertain terms that if this referendum doesn’t pass they are OUT.  All investments pledged by them will be withdrawn and any and all plans for a Caterpillar welcome center will cease. Now some people don’t give a flying rats butt if that is true or not. That bravado will be shortlived however, if in fact those yellow feathers are so ruffled that they start moving corporate function out of state. You think times are tough now? That event would make 2009 seem like Happy Days.

Let’s stop choking on East Peoria’s dust: Admit it, it’s embarrassing. I have never been able to figure it out. Why do they get all the chocolate chips  and we get graham crackers? You never hear a fuss or a fret. Just one day you’ll be driving over the Murray Baker bridge, look over to the right at some swanky hotel and exclaim wtf! Where did that come from? It’s not just East Peoria, either. It’s Springfield, Chicago, St. Louis, even Bloomington. Peoria is worlds ahead of comparable sized cities in terms of culture and history but why is that not reflected in our amenities?

If you can’t beat them, join them: No one hates government waste and controls more than I. As I sit here typing this post, I am watching Breaking News of President Obama  signing the multi-billion dollar Omnibus bill, chalk full of pork and hundreds thousands of earmarks. Frankly, it makes me sick. Is this the future of our country?  I wonder how many museum opponants who find the spending of taxpayer money so repulsive have contacted their Congressional representative and urged them to vote NO on the massive spending and bailouts? This obscene spending by  the current  Admin and congress will have far more reaching consequences and long lasting affects on our future than by comparison, this relative pittance of $40 million dollars.  Additionally, it gives us local control which should translate to less waste. Numb at this point to government spending,  I choose to regard it as our own private stimulus package.

Consider it a gift to our children, and our children’s children. The long awaited Spring Break is a mere few weeks away. As usual, Diane will log on to travelzoo.com  and start looking for bargain hotel availabilites within driving distance of Peoria.  We will make a quadrenial pilgrimage to a destination with cool things to do. Our children have been fortunate enough to have visited pretty much every relevant museum in Illinois and adjoining states. I love museums.  The existance of the Peoria Riverfront Museum will open up opportunities for ALL children, and not just children with parents that have a wander-lust and the means to travel about. In today’s uncertain economic climate, “stay-cations” have become all the rage. As a result, I would suggest the timing for this museum could not be better.

Schlepping about Northwoods Mall and Shoppes at Grande Prairie doesn’t cut it after K-garten: Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE these Malls. Unfortunately, as winter drags on, many Peorians feel that this is pretty much their only entertainment option. The kids get out of the house,  run up and down the aisles like maniacs, and will undoubtedly arrive home with some useless trinket that will be cast aside within minutes. Those moments can be fun, but are intellectually void and subliminally suggest to children that shopping is an acceptable substitute for boredom.

Can you imagine Peoria without the Civic Center? I can’t. In a few years the Museum will have a similar relevance to our perceived quality of life. 

The Museum Plans are AWESOME!:  Some of the criticism has revolved around the plans themselves, and not merely the existence of a museum. Have to say, they look great to me! Highly interactive and something for everyone. This post would be too long if I included a description of the plan, but please visit the site to familiarize yourself with the highlights. Of special note should be the African American Hall of fame – offering an amazing opportunity for young children to identify with and aspire to the accomplishments of  great African-Americans.

I realize that this may be an unpopular stance to take in the Peoria blogosphere. I have nothing but admiration and respect for Karrie Alms  and feel that if more people were like her, we wouldn’t have the systemic dysfunction that is prevalent throughout all levels of our government. She is truly a hero.

I understand her concern that many families cannot afford this expense, but it is my contention that those are the same families that will benefit from the Peoria Riverfront Museum the most. You may not be able to offer your children material wealth. You can, however, through this referendum, offer them something much greater- the gift of enlightenment and curiosity about their world, of wonder and humility. Lead them into a world that extends beyond  drugs, gangs and poverty. Ignite a fire within each child that will help them realize their full potential. Our children deserve it. Don’t let a box of ho-ho’s and a double cafe latte stand in the way. C’mon Peoria, lets not screw it up.

Who is Curphy Smith? I wondered it myself, and after hearing the question raised in the blogosphere decided to go to the source.  I called the dude and asked to interview him.  He agreed to meet me at my house and arrived promptly at 4:30.  He passed his first test. Our dogs did not bite his ankles. Damn good omen!

Curphy is a clean cut good looking guy with a genuine smile, great handshake (I’m into that!) and a GQ kind of hair cut that relies on either wax or gel… that was one question I didn’t ask. Below I share my burning questions to Curphy and his answers. Enjoy!

Diane:  Hmmm.. Curphy. What is the origin of your name? Is it ethnic? A nickname?

Curphy: Ha. Everyone asks me that. It’s my legal name. It was the surname of one of my great grandparents.

Diane: You are running for Second District council. Please forgive my ignorance, but can you describe the second district for me?

Curphy:  The approximate boundaries are from Moss Avenue to War Memorial, West of Knoxville and meanders around to East of the Interstate. It is a very diverse district with a wide range of household incomes and it includes the heart of Peoria. It would be hard to drive through one end of the city to another without traveling through the second district.   The second District is unique because we have to balance the economic needs of the District with historic preservation. I want to see the district progress. Things seemed to have stopped and I want to see it re-invigorated.

Diane: Can you please describe your background and how specifically you can apply your skills to the needs of the 2nd District?

Curphy: Yes, I am the VP of a bank in charge of commercial lending. With Bob Manning leaving the council, there will be a need for someone on the council with financial expertise. My experience  is in business plans, balance sheets and P&L’s – typical financial stuff. I have the ability to separate “fluff” from “facts”.  All of these skills are  key to sound economic development. I have also served on the city traffic commission. I am very knowledgeable about traffic calming measures.  There are many options available for neighborhoods that are experiencing traffic problems. I plan to put a program in place that will offer solutions to neighborhoods that are dealing with traffic issues. As Chairman of Heartland Community Development Corporation, I have helped small businesses get loans. These are just a few of the things that I can bring to the table.

Diane: Wow, I’m impressed. (Seriously, I’m impressed! ) So what is your management style?

Curphy: Being a banker, it is imperative that I do my due diligence behind the scenes before making a public statement. I will always do my homework and be very methodical and analytical in my approach before making a decision.

Diane: I’m sorry, can I get you some water or coke or something?

Curphy: No, thanks. I’m fine.

Diane: Have you been really busy campaigning? What kind of things have you been doing?

Curphy: As I said, I am big on due diligence. I have spent a lot of time interviewing key city personell and elected officials, and learning the issues thoroughly.

Diane: Really? Like who?

Curphy: Today I interviewed Police Chief Settingsgard. I have toured fire stations, met with the Public works, most of the council members, the Mayor, Representative Gordon, Senator Koehler, Representative Leitch and Congressman Schock. I have also met with many neighborhood associations and plan to knock on every door in the district by election day!

Diane: You HAVE been busy. Speaking of Schock… I gotta ask… how’d you score the gig with him?

Curphy: I asked him and he said “yes”.

Diane: That’s great! You know you are getting some heat for that…

Curphy: I am my own man. I work hard and bring a lot to the table. I am not trying to ride on any one’s coat tails. I am proud and honored to have Congressman Schock’s support.

Diane: I agree. So are you saving some time for your family?

Curphy: Yes. I still go to all our kids soccer games. We have 7 year old twins and a 5 year old. I just  had a father/daughter date with our daughter. We saw “High School Musical III”  (as he stares at a HSM DVD on our kitchen table). Friday nights at our house are sacred – that is movie and pizza night!

Diane: Ah, yes. Your family has the HSM bug too I see!  Hmm.. door knocking. That must be interesting. How is that going?

Curphy: I’m surprised at how many people don’t realize there is an upcoming election. Many say  they are glad to have a choice. The response I am seeing is overwhelmingly positive… so far no doors have been slammed in my face.

Diane: Yeah, that would be weird.  OK, another burning question… what is your opinion on the downtown museum, or would you rather not say?

Curphy: I’m happy to answer that. I am for a downtown museum from a quality of life standpoint, especially in the downtown area.  As long as the facts that we rely on are accurate, I would be fully supportive of what the people decide as expressed through the referendum.

Diane: Fair answer. So, I’m curious.. do you read the blogs?

Curphy: Off and on. They bring up some good points. I refer to them if I ever want to get another viewpoint on an issue. CJ puts out some really good stuff.

Diane: Hmppf. Is there anything else you would like to say that I haven’t covered?

Curphy: I would  like for the voter to know that I have a thorough understanding of sound economic development. I would like to see our neighborhoods friendly to business and vice versa. I would like to see an equity of city services in our neighborhoods, and it would be my goal to build relationships between neighborhood business communities and the large economic anchors such as Bradley University, Methodist Hospital, Peoria Next, OSF, etc.

Diane: Has anyone else told you that they think you look like Jim McConoughey, or is it just me?

Curphy: No, they haven’t, but thanks. Some people say I look like Ryan Reynolds.

Diane: Who is Ryan Reynolds?

Curphy: Google him.

Diane: OK. Final question. Cubs, Cardinals, or White Sox?

Curphy: Cardinals.

Diane: This interview is OVER!

Tale a look at this alarming article from Elaine Hopkins:

Experts who have examined this budget, a public record, are shocked. They suggest that the omissions may have been crafted so that the Illinois State Board of Education would accept the budget without questioning it.

The errors also call into question the figures the administration is using to justify closing and consolidating Peoria schools.

They found that the district spent a total of $150.8 million last year in its education and operations funds combined, an increase of $3. 2 million over the previous year, and $10.5 million more than it budgeted. Why?

Well, consider that a suddenly discovered budget shortfall is being cited as the reason for closing both Woodruff and Peoria Central high schools and creating a new high school next door to Central. Because this new school would not be burdened its predecessors’ academic records, they won’t face possible takover.

The question is this: Are the people running District 150 so mathematically challenged they lost track of $10 million, or are they playing games to create the conditions that would cause the powers that be could throw up their hands and not fight against the merger of of existing schools into one.

This is a good post from Elaine, who once as a reporter for the Peoria Journal Star.

I told you that I wouldn’t be having much time for blogging. But I am reading the blogs, and two recent posts stand out.

C.J. Summers is writing about how District 150 just might be violating desegregation laws by redrawing school boundaries.

And Merle Widmer lays out all the facts about the Caterpillar/Museum Square tax hike.