Peoria Pundit

News and Media from River City

Local: Voters need a choice, so Gov. Quinn should pardon mayoral candidate General Parker

Posted in Local with tags , , , on March 2, 2009 by Billy Dennis

Let me make something very clear: I am probably going to vote for Jim Ardis.

I think the incumbent Ardis has done a better job that any of his recent predecessors. I’m a bit miffed at some of the votes he’s taken in favor extending TIF’s undeveloped green fields, and with his recent support for District 150 school closings. But he lived up to his promise to making resident’s safer.

So I’m probably going to vote for him.

But I want the option of NOT voting for him. Politicians do a better job when voters have the option of tossing them out on their ear.

And right now, challenger General Parker is the only alternative.

But because of convictions on his record, it’s doubtful he could serve. If he wins, Ardis could easily challenge the results and probably win. And Peoria County State’s Attorney Kevin Lyons is sending threatening letters to Parker telling him to drop out.

So, the best thing that could happen would be for Pat Quinn to issue Parker the pardon he has been seeking. Parker isn’t trying to hide anything, as far as I can tell, so it’s not like Peorians are being mislead about his past. And I rather doubt the guy is out stealing cars. He’s no threat to anybody.

Frankly, I find the idea of a council candidate selling $5,000 “platinum sponsorships” far more offensive and a much better threat to good government than having a former juvenile delinquent running for mayor.

And I have a libertarian disdain for the idea of kicking underdog candidates off the ballot. Early voting has started, and kicking Parker off the ballot would nullify votes already cast.

Gov. Quinn can be contacted here.

21 Comments »

Local: Welcome to Peoria politics, Mr. Parker

Posted in Uncategorized with tags , on January 12, 2009 by Billy Dennis

The Peoria Journal Star needs to do a better job of pacing itself. Without a primary, the election for mayor of Peoria won’t happen until April … three months away.

With today’s Word on the Street, I’m thinking the PJS may have blown it’s wad when it comes to attempts to toss dirt on General Parker. Granted, when one files lawsuits against the city, then tried to run for office, things in one’s background that are aren’t generally known do tend to become known. This includes a dispute over rent in today’s paper (been there). This includes the criminal record mentioned in earlier news articles (haven’t been there).

So, what’s the Journal Star going to write about as the election nears? The issues? Ha! What do issues have to do with elections? Campaigns are all about parsing the words and deeds of candidates to show that they aren’t perfect.

I know how the Journal Star operates, especially it’s editorial board. Sometime during the next three months, there WILL be an attempt to make Mayor Ardis out to be a heel and General Parker to be, well, less  objectionable than he has been presented to be so far.

3 Comments »