PeoriaStory

Animal issues: can a no-kill shelter be developed in Peoria?

PEORIA -- With the Peoria City Council dumping management of the Peoria City/County Animal Shelter into the lap of the Peoria County Board, an opportunity has occurred to improve animal care and management.

The shelter reportedly now kills more than 5,000 unwanted animals a year, a huge number.  A group of animal advocates connected with Peoria Area Voices for Animals met on Dec. 28 to discuss how to improve this situation.

The ultimate goal is a no-kill shelter.  For that to occur, a transition needs to take place involving the recruitment of many people to provide foster care for unwanted cats and dogs until they can be placed in permanent homes.  At at the same time the unchecked breeding must end with an aggressive spay/neuter program, these advocates said.

Other places in the US have accomplished these goals, they said, and Peoria can with the right leadership.

Ways to limit unchecked breeding also include licensing backyard breeding businesses and requiring them to vaccinate and computer-chip their animals, namely dogs.  Fines could be imposed for non-compliance.  The goal is to make this type of breeding unprofitable.

Low cost spay/neuter clinics, some of which already are taking place, could help other people, especially cat owners.

The group said opponents are likely to include some veterinarians, who would see their business drop, and kennel club members who object to government regulation.  But this would help limit the oversupply of dogs, at least in Peoria County, the advocates believe.  

A business tax on breeders would also provide funding to help run the shelter.

Additional funding for a no-kill shelter might be available from Maddie's Fund, a California-based organization that gives out millions in grants.

The first step is to contact County Board members to see what they are planning.  Luckily this is an election year. Stay tuned.

  -- Elaine Hopkins

UPDATE 1/3/10: The Peoria County committee involved with the animal shelter meets at 4 p.m. on Wed. Jan. 6 at the Peoria County Courthouse, in the County Board room on the 4th floor.

Animal shelter meeting Dec. 28

UPDATE 12/27/09:  Note change of meeting place!

PEORIA -- Want input on what should happen at the Peoria Animal Shelter? Animal advocates will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 28 at the Peoria Barnes & Noble Bookstore, now Panache, at Sheridan Village.

The city of Peoria recently dumped the animal shelter costs into the ditch for Peoria County government to pick up.  The county says it's willing to take the responsibility, but state law does not require much of counties. 

So -- here's chance for the county to show the city how the shelter should be run, by turning it into a no-kill shelter and getting grants from Maddie's Fund to do that.  This should be the first item on the meeting agenda.

   -- Elaine Hopkins

This says it all

Here's a terrific piece by one of the sharpest national commentators Juan Cole on his blog, that everyone should read:

It's at: http://www.alternet.org/politics/144755/the_ten_worst_nightmares_bush_inflicted_on_america

Title: The Ten Worst Nightmares Bush Inflicted on America

Notice my comment, just posted. If you have other ideas, post them or email me.

 -- Elaine Hopkins

Gay hate crime denied, not investigated

PEORIA -- It's been nearly a month since a Nov. 27 attack against two men at a Peoria night club. Witnesses have said this was a hate crime against men thought to be gay, but the Peoria County sheriff's office and State's Attorney apparently have not investigated this aspect of the crime.

Here's a letter from PEER -- People Entitled to Equal Rights-- that outlines what happened. 

The Peoria Journal Star has refused to publish this letter, citing fears of liability, a PEER member said. 

At a recent League of Women Voters candidate meeting, sheriff Mike McCoy, who is running for reelection on the Republican ticket, was asked about this incident, but blew off the question. 

He needs to be asked about this again until some answers are forthcoming. 

If this was a hate crime, as alleged, the public needs to know.  Consider what would have occurred if this had been a racist crime delivered with hate remarks against African-Americans!   There would be community discussion, raising awareness and sensitivity, as is taking place now in Canton, where the police chief is alleged have made racist remarks -- words only, without any crime.

But hate words often lead to crime. Remember Matthew Shepherd? Let's hope this incident does not sink without a trace.

-- Elaine Hopkins  

League candidate meeting reveals the issues

PEORIA -- Candidates in three of the most interesting local races for the Feb. 2 primary election  attended the League of Women Voters forum on Dec. 12, and as always, the event revealed a lot about the issues and candidates.  I was out of town and unable to attend, but I have a recording of the meeting, which the Journal Star ignored.  Here's what happened: 

Peoria County sheriff: The Republican race pits incumbent sheriff Mike McCoy against challenger Vince Wieland. No Democrat is stepped forward to run.

McCoy is still addressing two recent incidents, a jail break and charges against his son, a deputy, after an accident that was not handled properly. 

Opponent Vince Wieland, a top officer in the Peoria police department, is a former Peoria School District 150 board president who moved to Dunlap before his term ended, and resigned as the board faced a leadership crisis.

Wieland stated, "I will lead by example with honesty, ethics and integrity.  I will secure the jail and no form of nepotism will ever be practiced." 

McCoy stated that he has been endorsed by the Republican party, the Peoria mayor and police chief, and even Cong. Aaron Schock, who was Wieland's ally on the school board. He stressed his experience, and added, "I accept responsibility for things that have happened."

Both men expressed support for concealed carry of guns, with McCoy adding that people must be properly vetted and trained.

Congress:  Two Democrats are seeking the nomination to run against Republican Cong. Schock for the 18th District seat, Carl Ray and D. K. Hirner.

Hirner of Springfield lives across the street from the district, but is running as an insider because of her long experience in government as a top aid to two Missouri governors. "I know how to govern," she said, adding her address doesn't matter since she shares the values of the voters.

She attacked Schock, saying she would focus on her constituents instead of spending time in photo shoots and TV interviews as Schock as done. She defended her former job as executive director of the Illinois Environmental Regulatory Group, a trade association for businesses regulated by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. She never was a lobbyist, she said.

Carl Ray of Washington, IL. said his familiarity with the district matters. "I know what's here and what's been here," he said.  He stressed his experience as a husband and father with sick family members, and attacked Schock's vote against S-chip, health insurance coverage for children.

It became apparent that Ray leans to the left while Hirner is a moderate.  Ray, a Gulf War veteran, opposes more troops in Afghanistan. Hirner implied that she supported Pres. Obama's decision to send more troops. 

Peoria School District 150 School Board, District 3: Three candidates are seeking one seat on the board, offering voters a clear but difficult choice.

Ernestine Jackson is a long time school activist, attends most meetings and said that as a teenager she helped integrate the Peoria schools. Her husband, attorney Don Jackson, is head of the NAACP in Peoria and has served as state president.

Jackson stressed the need to work closely with city officials and others to solve the district's financial problems that include a $9 million deficit. She suggested cutting personnel, especially highly paid consultants and contractors, including the law firm that could be replaced with an employee.

School consolidation should be done carefully, she said. "I believe in neighborhood schools."

Chris Crawford, a native Peorian who left then moved back two years ago, said he brings a fresh perspective to the board. He's said to be the candidate recruited by the Chamber of Commerce. "I plan to be an advocate for the taxpayer," he said. "You can't just throw money at a problem."

Jeff Lickiss was a Peoria County Board member from 1996-2000. The county also had deficit problems when he took office, but when he left the board its problems were over, he said, because new and effective leadership was hired. He suggested a new superintendent for the district might be an MBA instead of an educator.

"You have to get the budget under control," he said. "There should be no new programs while the district is in debt." 

All three agreed that year round school is a good idea, but expressed concern about a longer school day. "The mind can only endure what the butt can tolerate," said Lickiss, who teaches paramedics.

  -- Elaine Hopkins  

 

Free in Chicago. Yes, really!

CHICAGO -- There's a marvelous free exhibit at the Illinois State Museum's Chicago Gallery, in the state of Illinois Building at 100 W. Randolph.

It's called "The Urge to Embellish,"  and it's filled with amazing objects:  historic crazy quilts, delicate all-lace dresses, a wonderful cigar store Indian, a wreath made of human hair and worn to the funeral of Abraham Lincoln. And so much more.

This small gallery can be seen and savored in about an hour, or less.  The explanations beside the objects will open your eyes to new insights about the nation's past.  For example, why were cigar store Indians everywhere in times past?  Answer:  many people were illiterate but understood the symbolism of the idea that Indians introduced Europeans to tobacco.

This exhibit runs until Dec. 30.  It's open M-F 9-5 p.m.  The Illinois Artisan's Shop is next door, and filled with lovely objects made by Illinois artists, for sale. That shop also has great markdowns after Christmas.

If you're in Chicago, don't miss this small museum. 

 -- Elaine Hopkins

County Board's landfill decision: a more detailed account

PEORIA -- Tracy Fox attended the meeting of the Peoria County Board, as it made it's decision on Dec. 10 to try to keep hazardous materials out of the future city/county landfill.  (See previous story below.) Here is her account of the meeting:

"The County Board’s Health & Environmental Issues committee approved the resolution banning delisted waste (with the original EAF dust wording) 5-1 with only Merle Widmer against. The board voted in favor 15-3 with only Merle, Brad Harding and Bob Baietto voting against. 

The most interesting point was when Brad Harding asked Assistant State’s Attorney Bill Atkins if he was bound to vote on the landfill committee in line with the county board. Atkins said no, but there was a moral obligation. Both Mike Phelan and Allen Mayer jumped all over that and were quick to interject that Brad served on the committee at the pleasure of the chair and would jeopardize his assignment if he didn’t toe the county board line.

 

Baietto had clearly given the issue some thought and felt that having served on the committee he knew nothing unsafe was going in. He gave a three safety nets speech … net 1 = landfill committee who would never endanger public health, net 2 = IEPA and net 3 = citizen watchdogs esp. Tom Edwards.

I think his points were valid but we just weigh risks differently than he does. Lisa suggested afterwords that we get net ponchos to start wearing to all the meetings … really hilarious at the time but maybe you had to be there.   It was also interesting that Ryan Spain’s plan has now morphed into a large effort to learn everything possible about special waste with experts from IEPA and industry as well as representatives of the various companies being brought in every month between now and August.

Brad tried to get the board to defer the motion until he had really been educated and reported back. He also promised that he would come and do a special update every month to the Facilities and HEI committees. I guess 15 other folks with a vote saw it as too little, too late like I did."

                    --Tracy Meints Fox

Landfill fight shifts to County Board

UPDATE 12/11/09:  The PJStar reports that the County Board has agreed to keep this haz waste out of the landfill.  See the story at: http://www.pjstar.com/news/x962894882/Peoria-Board-OKs-landfill-pact

PEORIA --  The Peoria County Board's Health and Environmental Issues Committee, meeting at 5:30 p.m. Thus., Dec. 10 in the County Board room, in the courthouse at Main and Jefferson, may be the last stand for the latest landfill fight. It may also play out at the meeting of the entire board, at 6 p.m.

Environmental activists hope to keep delisted hazardous waste out of the Peoria City/County Landfill No. 3, when Peoria Disposal Co. takes over its management. 

PDC has won the contract to construct and manage this landfill after No. 2 fills up. The activists want the delisted waste ban to be written into the final contract, instead of left up to the Landfill Committee to decide. They're asking the public to contact board members today about the issue.

A close vote failed to stop it at the Dec. 8 meeting of the Peoria City Council.  Here's an account of that meeting by Tracy Meints Fox, used with her permission: 

"The landfill contract was introduced by Ryan Spain outlined the process to date (emphasizing the many opportunities for public comment), the special benefits of PDC's proposal (real estate donation, recycling drop-offs, household hazardous waste, perpetual care fund) and then spent most of his time talking about the revenue streams coming to the city under the new contract.

Tim Riggenbach did not add anything to the discussion. Clyde Gulley asked about the lack of revenue projections on the landfill gas (which does seem strange given that they can predict everything else out to 25 years).

Barbara Van Auken asked about the delisted wastes. Dave Barber then announced the landfill committee intended to discuss it at their January meeting and the discussion circled around a bit with Gary Sandberg asking several pointed questions about approvals of delisted wastes in the past (which I think he may have been confusing with special wastes) and then stating that he was against both delisted and special wastes going into the landfill at all. Tom Edwards, Joyce (Harant), Joyce (Blumenshine) and I as well as a very articulate new Sierra Club member then addressed the council. Brian Meginnes spoke for PDC, reiterating that they did not intend to put the delisted waste into the landfill and were fine with the amendment.

Ryan Spain interjected a bit about the EPA having approved it and reiterated the landfill committee's intention to take the issue up in January with representatives from the IEPA there to explain the situation. The discussion then circled back to how to ban delisted wastes and we provided copies of the county's resolution.  Randy Ray compared the copy I provided to one he had in his folder before it was distributed to the council.

After a bunch of paper shuffling, making copies, etc. Van Auken introduced the resolution as an amendment to the contract and Sandberg seconded. Clyde Gulley voiced the opinion that he would not be voting for the amendment because he didn't know enough about delisted, special and non-special wastes but indicated he supported the idea in theory.

Discussion then went to other problems with the contract. Sandberg pushed especially hard on the lack of the trigger for the transfer station option. Dave Barber emphasized that the committee retained all control and there was a bit of arguing over the word "shall" in the context of building the transfer station. Randy Ray the city attorney weighed in but no one other than Gary was convinced it was a problem.

When the votes came in, the amendment failed. Voting for were Van Auken, Eric Turner, Jim Montelongo, Tim Riggenbach, and Bill Spears. Voting against were Mayor Jim Ardis, Sandberg, Spain, Gulley, Dan Irving, and George Jacobs. The contract itself passed 10-1 with only Sandberg voting against.

After the meeting, Chris and Brian were like "do you even know what happened in there?" and "see you Thursday." They must have laughed their butts off all the way home."

   -- Tracy Meints Fox

My take:  What's with Sandberg, that he would vote against both the amendment then the contract?
And what's with the PCC, when PDC is agreeable to banning this waste anyway?

 -- Elaine Hopkins

Ehrenreich witty, charming as she talks about the poor

UPDATE 1/9/10:  Ehrenreich has a fabulous account of her visit to Macomb in today's Financial Times.

MACOMB -- Barbara Ehrenreich, author of Nickle and Dimed and other best sellers, apologized to Western Illinois University students if they were required to read her book.

In a witty, charming 50-minute speech at WIU, Ehrenreich, a grandmother, obviously sympathized with the college generation who applauded when she said there should be amnesty for student loans.

Being a college student is a full time job in itself, she said, and students should not be forced to work long hours or be burdened with huge loans. 

Ehrenreich said poverty in the US has been stigmatized as the fault of the poor, who have made "poor choices" or are lazy or promiscuous.  But in reality, she said, poverty results from low wages. "It's a shortage of money because of inadequate pay."

She described her experiences working in low wage jobs, as depicted in Nickle and Dimed. That was important research, she said, because instead of just interviewing people in those jobs, she felt their weariness and understood their plight in a way that could not be communicated in interviews.

Low wage workers are treated badly, suspected of drug use and theft by employers, she said. They're asked to take drug tests, though research proves that's a waste of money, she said. It's done to intimidate them, "it's a ritual of humiliation to get you in the mood for a (low wage) job."

Low wage jobs, contrary to what people may believe, are challenging, she said. "Every job takes skill, intelligence and concentration and deserves our respect," she said, to applause.  

Low wage workers often are ripped off by employers who require them to work "off the books," and they are charged more for shelter and food, she said. They are "kicked downhill" instead of being helped. They're charged more for credit, medical care and other items. Homelessness is criminalized.

Her book Nickel and Dimed took place "in the good old days before the Recession," and "when anybody could find a job."  It's much worse today, she said. "Now the middle class is losing jobs. Stereotypes of poverty don't work any more." 

The so-far overlooked results of the Recession, she said, include:

1. More women turning to sex work, stripping and prostitution.

2. Urban hunting -- shooting and eating squirrels and raccoons in cities such as Detroit.

3. Suicide, including homicide of family members.

4. Surrendered medical care - people skipping doctor appointments and medication.

5.  Crowding, as people double up for shelter.

She suggested cutting pay rates at the top and paying more to low wage workers, to applause.

"Could we stop the meanness, the persecution of people already having a hard time?" she asked.

"Stop kicking people when they're already down. This is not liberal or conservative, Republican or Democrat. This is fundamental morality."

The Bible has over 3,000 references on helping the poor, she said, but not one on abortion or gays or stem cells.

"There is so much that needs to be done," she said. "We can't fund raise for everyone that is sick. You have got to hold politicians' feet to the fire."

 -- Elaine Hopkins

Downstate Story new edition

PEORIA -- For a good read, try Downstate Story, the literary magazine affiliated with this blog, PeoriaStory.  Here's a news release:

Ten new short stories by Illinois and Midwestern writers, illustrated with original art, are featured in the 2009 edition of Downstate Story, Peoria's only literary magazine. 

The downstate Illinois writers in this issue are Pepper Bauer of Mapleton; Maria King Carroll of West Peoria; A. R. Braun of Pekin; John Pollard of Peoria; and Connie Stepe of East Peoria. 

Illustrations are by Braun, who illustrated his own story; Ed Levene of Peoria and Amy Frasca of Champaign. Other writers are Marie Anderson of LaGrange; Elaine Tuman and Kent McDaniel of Chicago; Arlynn Presser of Winnetka and Dick Bentley of Amherst, Ma.

Published by Downstate Story, Inc., an Illinois not-for-profit corporation, the magazine aims to present original fiction by Illinois writers and writers with ties to Illinois and the Midwest as a quality alternative to today's mass-market publishing.  It costs $8 and is available at bookstores and gift shops, or can be ordered from the publisher or website.  

The publication makes an interesting gift from the region, and is easily mailed.

In Peoria it's available at the Lakeview Museum shop. It also can be ordered from the website.