PeoriaStory

Peoria District 150 Board discusses stadium 'rumors'

PEORIA -- The Peoria District 150 School Board meeting of Sept. 24, which included a public hearing on the budget as well as a general public hearing, touched on a sensitive issue:  selling Peoria Stadium, and replacing it with a new stadium at Peoria High School.

Members of the public brought up the Peoria Stadium issue during the budget hearing, because it is a capital expense, though not on the budget. "The public should be involved in capital development," activist Terry Knapp said.

Activist Savino Sierra questioned why the district would spend tax funds on a new stadium when Peoria Stadium could be renovated. "It's a shame that when so many important things (are needed) we're spending money on a stadium," he said.

Board members responded.  Laura Petelle said "this stadium issue is rumors," and the board wants to eliminate rumors from its discussions.

Board president Chris Crawford acknowledged "there's been speculation that the district will sell the stadium,"  but nothing has been decided.  The board must first "do it's homework" and a decision will be a public process, he said.

Here is a recording of the comments, which were part of the budget public hearing.

D150 Sept24budgetcomments

At this meeting, a committee of the whole, which is a distinction without a difference from a regular meeting, the public comments are limited to two minutes instead of five.  During the public comment section, Knapp mentioned the evaluation system for teachers, an issue in the Chicago teachers strike.

 

Paul Vallas, active in corporate school reform, has said teachers should only work for 10 years, thus relieving school districts from having to give them raises and pay their pensions, Knapp said. (Note: a true statement.)  The city of Peoria once considering bringing Vallas to consult on District 150, Knapp said,  but nothing came of it.

"This is a tragedy that we think of teachers in this way," Knapp said.

In response, Supt. Grenita Lathan and board member Rick Cloyd said Vallas has never been employed by District 150.

Lathan said District 150's evaluation system is designed to "help teachers grow."

But it was used last year to fire several teachers. Two are sueing, and others took payouts to leave instead of sueing.

Here is the recording from that section of the meeting.

D150 Sept24 comments

  -- Elaine Hopkins

 

 

The Sept. 24 candidate forum and news conference

PEORIA -- The Sept. 24 news conference on voter suppression featured a exhibit that many recall:  the notorious 2004 post card sent to Democratic-leaning voters warning them that they might be arrested if they voted. 

That post card helped to narrowly elect Republican Aaron Schock to the Illinois House and launched his political career that has propelled him to Congress from the 18th District in Illinois.

At the candidate forum following the news conference, Schock's current opponent, Democrat Steve Waterworth, challenged Schock to release his tax returns.  That's because a watchdog group, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, has named Schock one of the top 20 most corrupt congressmen, Waterworth said.

Schock is accused of converting $150,000 in campaign funds to his personal use, among other issues.  "We need to know if he's evaded paying taxes on this money from his campaign fund," Waterworth said.

Schock did not appear at the forum, though he was invited.

Schock wants to become governor of Illinois, Waterworth said, echoing speculation in the press. He would be another right wing governor who would try to enact voting rules in Illinois to promote voter suppression, Waterworth said, like Scott Walker in Wisconsin, and others throughout the US.

"In the future, rich extremists would make every election about voter suppression," Waterworth said.

His appearance came at the end of the three-hour event at the Gateway Building, sponsored by the Peoria chapters of the NAACP, ACLU and the Peoria Christian Leadership Council.

It began, after the news conference, with a brief talk by Peoria Election Commission executive director Tom Bride on voter suppression, its origins and current forms.  He urged voters not to be fooled by mail, phone calls, emails or other forms of communication designed to mislead them into not voting.

Then county board candidates in contested races, candidates for county-wide offices and the Illinois General Assembly spoke, finally followed by Waterworth, the only congressional candidate to appear.

Here are some highlights: 

The race for Peoria County State's Attorney features Democrat Jerry Brady, appointed to the post earlier this year, and Frank Ierulli, a former Democrat turned Republican. Both talked about crime prevention in Peoria.  Afterwards in brief interviews, Brady said he is pro-choice on women's reproductive rights.  Ierulli said he is "pro life."

The contest for Illinois State Senate between incumbent Democrat Dave Koehler and Republican challenger Pat Sullivan means both must take stands on controversial state issues, such as the state's budget deficit, pension underfunding and cuts already made that put human services at risk.

Koehler said he voted to cut Medicaid but is having second thoughts as the impact of the cuts become visible. "We can't destabilize our communities for the sake of balancing the budget." he said.

While Koehler talked specifics, Sullivan spoke in general terms. "Our system is broken and should be fixed,"he said. Sounding like Romney, he said, "I'm a business man, we're taxing too much, borrowing too much and spending too much."

Asked about debt restructuring to pay state vendors, Koehler said it should have been done and would save money but Republicans have blocked it. Sullivan said he also supports that method. 

Democrat Jennifer Allison, running for the Illinois House against Mike Unes, a Republican who did not appear, said she would "make sure every teacher's voice is heard," in solving pension problems.

The Peoria County Board and Recorder of Deeds races will be examined in a later post.

 --  Elaine Hopkins

Candidate debates and forums, coming soon

UPDATED Oct., 1, 2012 and Oct 2, 2012. 

PEORIA -- Many candidate debates and forums are now being scheduled for the Peoria area. Voters should attend these events to see the candidates first hand, if they have any uncertainty about them.

Here is a terrific column by New York Times columnist and Nobel prize winner Paul Krugman, who says the real issue in the November elections is whether the USA will maintain the social safety net policies of the New Deal or dismantle them.  Keep his ideas in mind as you watch these debates.

And here's a wise comment by Noam Chomsky on the election.  

Here are some events, and more will be added or updated as they are set up:

League of Women Voters-sponsored events:

Candidates for Illinois State Senate, 47^th District, Democrat Dave Koehler and Republican Pat Sullivan will appear twice.  Audience members are being sought. Contact League president Irene Pritzker, [email protected] if you want to be in the audience, and plan to arrive an hour early. Or watch on TV. 

• Wednesday, Oct. 3, 7 p.m. at the Apollo Theater, 311 Main, Peoria, co-sponsored by WEEK-TV. 
• Thursday, Oct. 18, 8 p.m. at WTVP-TV Studios, 101 State Street, Peoria.   

On  Thurs. Oct. 25,  8 p.m. at WTVP-TV Studios, 101 State Street, Peoria, candidates for Congress in the 17th Congressional District, Democrat Cheri Bustos and Republican Bobby Schilling will appear, in an event co-sponsored by the Illinois LWV.                     

  On Saturday, Oct. 20 at 9:30 a.m. at the downtown Main Peoria Public Library, 103 NE Monroe, a candidate Forum will take place for contested races for the Peoria County Board and county offices.  

 Other events:

Tuesday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m.  Democrats, Greens, Libertarians, and Republicans will hold a presidential debate using surrogates from each party.They represent the four candidates on the Illinois ballot.   Dinner and drinks start at 5:30 p.m. at Lariat Steakhouse, 2232 West Glen Ave., Peoria. The debate starts at 7 p.m.

Here are the participants:

Zach Oyler, President of the Peoria Area Young Republicans will speak to Governor Romney's positions.

Mathew Fields, a private citizen, will speak in support of  President Obama.

Chad Grimm, former candidate for the 92nd Illinois State House, will speak for Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson.

Sheldon Schafer, former candidate for the 18 US Congressional District, will speak for the Green party candidate, Jill Stein.

Two topics will be considered, Health Care then Jobs & the Economy. There will be time for rebuttal as well as questions from the audience at the end of the formal debate.

Dinner will be available off the menu beginning at 5:30 pm. The debate will be structured and moderated.

 

The event will be live streamed on the internet at http://tinyurl.com/9xyu96e

 

Wednesday, Oct. 3, 8 p.m.- The first presidential debate. Drinking Liberally will host an event at  Peoria Pizza Works, 3921 N. Prospect, Peoria Heights, starting at 6:30 p.m.  

And, the Peoria County Democratic Central Committee is hosting two debate watch parties on Wednesday, October 3, 2012.  They will be held at the Lariat Steakhouse on Glen Avenue.  The first debate is at 7:00 PM, featuring Ill. Senator Dave Koehler debating Pat Sullivan. The second debate at 8 PM will be the first presidential debate. 

Other Drinking Liberally events:

Thursday, Oct. 11, 8 p.m.  - The vice presidential debate. The Black Rabbit Corner Bar, 456 Fulton St., Peoria, to watch the debate, sponsored by Drinking Liberally, beginning at 6:30 p.m. for dinner. The debate starts at 8 p.m.  Others being planned by Drinking Liberally:

Tuesday, Oct. 16 - The second presidential debate will be at Peoria Pizza Works, 3921 N. Prospect, Peoria Heights, starting at 6:30 p.m.  

Monday, Oct. 22 - The third presidential debate will be at Peoria Pizza Works, 3921 N. Prospect, Peoria Heights, starting at 6:30 p.m. 

Tuesday, Nov. 6 - Election Day! To watch the returns, go to Peoria Pizza Works, 3921 N. Prospect, Peoria Heights. 

 

What's in your food?

PEORIA -- From a news release, this looks interesting:

 

Subject: What's in your food - GE Labeling Campaign Kickoff Meeting

 

Nationwide the movement to label genetically engineered foods is gaining momentum, with Californians set to vote in the coming weeks. Here in Peoria, we've already educated and engaged more than 350 people! Join us for the official launch of the Peoria campaign at our:

"Let Me Decide" CAMPAIGN KICK-OFF MEETING

 

 

We will be launching the "Let Me Decide" grassroots campaign to label GE foods on Wednesday, September 19th. This is the place to get more information and stand up as a community to say we have a right to know what’s in our food. RSVP now and bring friends to:

"Let Me Decide" CAMPAIGN KICK-OFF MEETING

Wednesday, September 19^th 6:30 – 7:30 PM

Peoria Public Library, Lakeview Branch

1137 W Lake Ave, Peoria, IL

For a just and transparent food system,

 

Brinkley Hutchings

Peoria Field Organizer

Food and Water Watch

e) [email protected]

c) 251-747-7846

www.foodandwaterwatch.org

 

Stopping voter suppression in Peoria

PEORIA -- Here is a news release and a flyer aimed at stopping voter suppression in Peoria.  There's a history of voter suppression in Peoria, and this election year, activists aim to prevent it.

LET ME VOTE! A Coalition of the Peoria Chapters of the NAACP, the ACLU, the Peoria Christian Leadership Council and others.

NEWS CONFERENCE and CANDIDATE FORUM:  Monday, Sept. 24, 2012  

The public is invited to attend a candidate forum from 6-9 p.m. on Monday, September 24 at the Gateway Building on the Peoria Riverfront, 200 Northeast Water Street.  All candidates in contested races for US Congress, Illinois State Senate and House, Peoria County offices and County Board have been invited to attend this event. The audience will be able to ask questions of these candidates.

 In addition, a news conference will be held at 5:30 p.m. to announce the official kickoff of the non-partisan LET ME VOTE! campaign to prevent voter suppression in Peoria.  The Peoria Area League of Women Voters is a partner in this campaign.

 Peoria City Election Commission executive director Tom Bride and Peoria County Clerk Steve Sonnemaker will discuss the history of voter suppression in Peoria, along with ways to prevent it in the forthcoming election.  They will also make brief presentations at the candidate forum.

These events are free and open to the public. Non-partisan voter registrars will be available to register voters.

Refreshments contributed by Laviene Birditt will be available.  Leonard Unes has contributed printing for the Let Me Vote! campaign, with design by Laura Roehnelt.- 30 -

 Here is the flyer: 

No public comments on Dist.150 live stream

PEORIA -- At long last, Peoria School District 150 has decided to live stream its meetings to the web.

But wait! It's still censoring the public comments!

That was the shocker that Scott Donohoe announced during the public comments at the School Board's Sept. 10 meeting.  His wife had just texted him that the meeting stopped with an announcement, obviously planned in advance, that it would resume after the public comments, he said. 

"If you're trying to be transparent, who not live stream what the public is saying?" he asked.

There was no later response from the board members.

But not to worry.  My trusty digital recorder was there, and the comments are posted here.

Dist 150 Sept. 10,2012

Activist Terry Knapp began by mentioning the Chicago teacher strike, which he noted is partly over the "evaluation tool, and how it might be used." It's supposed to be used to improve instruction, not fire teachers, he said.

But 10 tenured teachers were fired in District 150, and were not offered remediation, he said. Then many new teachers were hired to replace them. Now some are sueing, he said, predicting the district "will lose these lawsuits." 

Evaluations can be "rigged to get who you want to get," he said.  Two of the fired were "evaluated by someone who struck a student.  A police report was filed," he said.  "And she's still working as an administrator.  That person should have remediation or be let go." 

Lathan later replied that the teachers were let go under a reduction in force law, not the evaluation agreement with the union.

But that doesn't explain why they were let go when others, many others, were hired. 

Phil Romano, a Peoria High School parent, said that last year a popular principal was removed and "this grant shoved down our throats," even though district officials would not meet with parents.  The principal was replaced by someone with no high school experience, and "everybody has seen the results," the low test scores, he said.  "You promised us results.  They're not what was promised."

The grant provided $2 million for three years, of which $900,000 went to  (consultants), he said.  "You should ask for your money back.  They failed."

"Another $100,000 went to a turn-around officer, not from Peoria.  They failed.  You fire teachers who do great work yet administrators get to keep (their jobs). You can't take (staff members) out of a school and think it would be better," he said.

"Now there is low parent and student involvement, alumni donations are declining, teachers and students unhappy.  This grant is a fiasco.  Throwing money at something doesn't fix the problem. Is anybody going to take responsibility?  No, blame somebody else," he said. "Force out the best teacher in the high school.  You as a board need to step up and do something."

Lathan later replied that the low test scores were just from the 11th grade. "We followed the guidelines of the grant."

Activist Savino Sierra said a scoreboard at the former Woodruff HIgh School is in storage but Manual needs a scoreboard. He also expressed opposition to the proposed new athletic field at Peoria High School.  The district reportedly wants to sell its stadium on War Memorial for commercial development and build a new stadium.

Teacher union president Bob Darling said the board should be asking "what are we getting from new materials and consultants (which produced lower test scores) "A lot of money" has been spent, he said.

A BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois manager, Rick Petermeyer, told the board that the district's health insurance bid specifications were written to exclude his company, though likely his bid would have been lower.

The district's costs dropped 4.8 percent over two years, he said, and a first year bid would have dropped $2.3 million, a 12.79 percent reduction.  But since by policy his company cannot guarantee a ssecond year, as the bid speciications required, his company was ruled out.

The board was scheduled to adopt the bid of United Health Care of the River Valley, on the agenda.

 -- Elaine Hopkins

About that Chicago teacher's strike...don't be duped!

PEORIA -- Trying to decide how to interpret the Chicago teacher's strike?  Read this:

It's a stunning indictment of the Democratic party and its anti-teacher, anti-union stances.

It makes me wonder if some of my friends, who have abandoned the traditional political parties, are right.

It somewhat explains what Gov. Pat Quinn is thinking, as he attacks teacher pensions and retiree benefits. (Though he may be a dupe of House majority leader Madigan, who wants his daughter, Lisa Madigan, to be governor.)  

I believe the national Democratic party has fallen into a Republican trap -- a clever way to alienate the party from its union base of voters and workers.

It's the old divide and conquer routine, spiced with liberal helpings of money, a/k/a bribes. (Rep. Jehan Gordon, D-Peoria, got $100,000 in contributions from one of these anti-teacher groups, and voted to gut teacher benefits.)

Smart local Democrats won't fall for this tactic -- mindful of the old axiom that 'all politics is local.' 

I'll continue to support Obama as the lesser of evils, but if Quinn and the rest continue alienating their natural constituencies, they will learn a hard lesson come election time! 

 -- Elaine Hopkins

Springdale Cemetery Event, Always Fun

PEORIA -- From a news release:

Historic Springdale Cemetery Tours

Prairie Folklore Theatre Presents
The 10th Annual Historic Springdale Cemetery Tour

This year we are exploring the area over near the Savannah with several generations of Peoria Pioneers, early industrialists, an Academy Award nominated screenwriter and Peoria's First Landscape Architect.
Click here for bookmarks to share with friends.

We are also continuing our Friday evening programs Oct 5 & 12 at 6:00pm.

We will host our regular programs on Saturdays and Sundays, Oct 6,7,13,14, at 2:00 and 4:00 pm. We are also offering a school date of Thursday Oct 4, at 9:00 am.

Please call 309-689-8000 to make reservations, e-mail foxtales (at) foxtalesint.com,

Springdale Cemetery Main Entrance 3014 North Prospect Road

Please plan to arrive at least fifteen minutes early so we can organize groups and start on time.

TICKETS: Adults $10.00, $5.00 per child and the Family Friendly Price $20

History comes to life in this interactive tour of one of Illinois’ oldest cemeteries.

Here are more details about the event.

Heartland Festival Orchestra's fiery program

WASHINGTON, IL -- The Heartland Festival Orchestra never ceases to amaze, and always comes up with something new and different.

The orchestra began its fourth season with a concert entitled "Music's Fire," and it was delightfully fiery. As usual, it took place at Five Points Washington, a very nice venue. 

The first piece, Manuel de Falla's Ritual Fire Dance, was accompanied by two wonderful ballet dancers, Allexe Slevin and Lark Commanday.  They wowed the audience with a flawless performance. 

Then the guest soloists appeared in Concerto for Two Guitars, Op. 201 by Mario Castelnuova-Tedesco.

Classical guitar can be dull, but not these two, Brazilians Joao Luiz and Douglas Lora.  They were fabulous.

They also are performing a solo concert at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9 at Eureka College in Eureka, IL.

After their standing ovation, Lora told the audience said "this was the most beautiful time we played that concerto." 

Their encore number was "7 Angis" (Seven Rings), by Brazilian composer Egberto Gismonti, a brilliant piece, and another standing ovation.

One of the delights of the Heartland orchestra is the informality that allows artistic director/conductor David Commanday to interview the guest artists on stage, or comment on a piece.  Then the musicians and staff mingle with the audience during the intermission and afterwards over punch and cookies. Imagine that at a rock concert!  Would never happen.

Finally the orchestra played Georges Bizet's Symphony No. 1 in C Major a familiar piece, beautifully done. The orchestra, which ranges from 35 to 40 musicians depending on the piece, created a lush, georgeous sound for this piece and the other numbers, one of the prime delights of a live performance.

This concert's coherence, with all the numbers fiery in their own ways, made for  a lovely, amazing evening. 

 -- Elaine Hopkins

Obama watch

PEORIA -- From a news release: 

WATCH OBAMA SPEAK on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012 

 

The public is invited to join Democrats to watch President Barack Obama accept his party’s nomination for a second term as president, beginning at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 6 at The Fieldhouse Bar & Grill, 2400 W. Main, Peoria, in the Campustown Shopping Center.

• Cheer for Obama as he sets forth his plans for a second term in this important speech.
• Meet like minded people.
• Sign up to volunteer in local campaigns.
• Obama signs and other campaign gear will be available.

The event is free. Food and drink can be purchased from the Fieldhouse.

 

In addition:  here's a fascinating website from the Progressive Democrats of America, and what they will be doing at the Demo convention.