PEORIA HEIGHTS -- Recreational Trail Advocates, pushing for the Kellar hike and bike trail through the Heights and north Peoria, and the candidates who agree with them, met on March 2 for a candidate forum.
There were no naysayers at this event, held at the Paparazzi Restaurant.
Peoria Heights mayor Mark Allen said, "it's imperative that the trail happen as soon as possible. A private group is trying to make it happen."
If that doesn't work, he said, Peoria Heights will proceed with filings at the US Surface Transportation Board. "Peoria Heights is ready to take the lead."
His opponent, former mayor Earl Carter, also expressed support for the trail, as did several other Heights candidates for office.
One of the most astute comments came from Peoria city treasurer candidate Gary Shadid. The Kellar Branch rail line is "functionally obsolete," he said, and should be turned into a trail.
Shadid's opponent, Pat Nichting, cited his own long advocacy for the Kellar trail. "I've never seen an issue so stagnant," he said, of the Peoria City Council's inexplicable lack of enthusaism for the trail. "Three members of the Surface Transportation Board are holding it hostage."
Former Peoria mayor Jim Maloof, a trail backer, attended the meeting and added, "they're holding it hostage because the city of Peoria has not come out for it."
Nichting responded that with Ray LaHood now US Secretary of Transportation, along with Senator Dick Durbin and the "change of leadership" in Washington, the trail may be built.
Clyde Gulley, seeking reelection to Peoria's First District council seat, said he once opposed the trail but has changed his mind. He's for it now, he said.
Fifth District candidate Gloria Cassel-Fitzgerald also expressed support for the trail. "I do not believe in letting anything sit like this," she said. Her opponent, Dan Irving, agreed, saying "it's time to get the trail going."
Both candidates for the Third District, Beth Akeson and Tim Riggenbach, also voiced support for the trail, as did Second District candidate Curphy Smith. His opponent, incumbent Barbara Van Auken did not appear at the event.
Mayoral candidate General Parker said he supported the trail, and mentioned his connection with "the president," Barack Obama. He was an alternative Obama delegate to the Democratic National Convention. His opponent, incumbent mayor Jim Ardis, did not attend.
Parker, whose candidacy has been called into question because he was convicted of a felony years ago for stealing a car, said he will not drop out of the race for mayor. He hopes to receive a pardon from Gov. Pat Quinn, he said. If he wins the election he still cannot serve in office unless he is pardoned.
Two candidates for Peoria Township Supervisor, incumbent Joseph Whalen and challenger James Polk, also expressed support for the trail.
-- Elaine Hopkins
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