PeoriaStory

Peoria City Council: controversy again

PEORIA, IL -- Here's a guest column by David Berry:

Peoria City Council Meeting in a Nutshell, May 23, 2017: Beth Akeson vs. “The Road to Nowhere”

Walking up Fulton St. Tuesday night, I noticed neat row of fancy rentable bicycles in front of city hall. These bikes were one of more interesting proclamations at the beginning of the Peoria City Council meeting. The Enjoy Peoria Cycle new bike sharing program was highlighted and it sounds impressive. Mobile app access to this activity is easy and a great idea. Please check it out.
http://www.pjstar.com/news/20170519/peoria-area-gets-bike-friendly-with-new-rental-program.

 McFarland A. Bragg II, who currently serves as the President/CEO of Peoria Citizens Committee for Economic Opportunity, Inc, was honored during the recognition of National Community Service Month. He has served PCCEO in some capacity for 40 years, taking on his current position in 1993. Mr. Bragg advocated for citizens to reach out to their State a Federal representatives and push for the retention of current community programs on budget chopping blocks.

The 120th anniversary of St. Mark’s School was also celebrated. Its pastor praised the institution’s embracing of the immigrant community and commented that it is the most diverse parish in the diocese.

The night moved along quickly, without At-Large Councilman Eric Turner, and 4th District Rep Jim Montelongo joining electronically.

Newly elected Peoria Township Supervisor, Frank Abdnour was briefly quizzed during the “Communications” portion of the meeting. At-Large Rep Beth Jensen noted some issues with the “general fund expenses” and more time was given to Abdnour to gather information.

Interestingly, in his comments, the Supervisor mentioned that the township is looking to raise General Assistance payouts and is exploring a “water bill relief program” for residents. More interestingly, 2nd District Rep Chuck Grayeb mentioned that the Township board is planning to increase its “levy." To this writer’s knowledge, that means a tax hike.

Consent Agenda: $280,000 was appropriated for the construction of two new homes on Berhends Ave, from the IL Attorney General‘s National Foreclosure Settlement Funds. These homes are a continuation of a program that began last year on the East Bluff. At-Large Rep Beth Akeson expressed worry that these homes might be over-priced for the neighborhood and put new owners in financial bind. The properties will sell for and be appraised between $80,000-$90,000.

Second District Rep Tim Riggenbach assured the Council that the homes are part of a concentration of similarly priced homes in the area and blend in well with the neighborhood. The two previous properties sold within 30 days and are a great assert to his District.

This program has not yet expanded to Peoria’s 1st District. Such a workable model needs to be replicated in the city’s most economically underdeveloped district.

First District Rep Denise Moore continued her vigilance on all new city labor contracts, by questioning city staff on the minority makeup of the crew repairing sidewalks in the Harrison Impact Zone.

Her verbal defense of minority hiring is important. Glaringly absent is an actual city ordinance insuring local minority hiring. Moore deftly stated that this minority labor component could come from “Eureka.” She wished residents in the community surrounding the job could be employed in these contracts.

Unfortunately these words rang hollow. As demonstrated in the previous council meeting, legislation can be created instantly on the floor of any session. On May 9, Moore “spitballed” a binding ordinance, defining punishment of narcotic offenses. It was easily done. Considering the ease of law creation in this “home rule” city, why not submit an ordinance mandating a percentage of local hiring on all city contracts. Moore’s lip service creates no lasting change.

Agenda item 17-149 devoted $68,000 to a Community Risk Assessment and Strategic Plan for the Peoria Fire Department. One assumes that this assessment takes into account the wasted training and reduced ALS emergency care that is created by Peoria’s contract with its current private ambulance service.

The City’s long held “growth cell strategy” was hotly contested next. At-Large Rep Akeson took the City to task with a blistering critique of continued expenditures on the construction of a new road between Pioneer Parkway and Townline Road.

Akeson contended this project is “foolish”. Sometimes referred as “the road to nowhere,” this project has been in the works since the beginning of the century and would support no current business or resident, as it lies in open corn fields.

Akeson demanded that existing crumbling roads, i.e. Lake, Willow Knolls and Glen, be serviced instead of chasing future unknown money in the edge of the city. She grilled City staff on the large number of currently vacant commercial buildings to emphasize her point.

In a well-crafted argument she labeled “embracing urban sprawl” as “crazy” and “totally foolish”. Peoria’s heritage neighborhoods are the heart of our community and have countless issues that need addressing before city expansion.

Ironically, 2nd District Rep Grayeb pounded his desk with an impassioned push back, while 5th District Councilman Denis Cyr (who represents the District in dispute) sat phlegmatic. Unfortunately Grayeb’s rhetoric defeated his own argument. He contended that the Federal funds currently offered to this project, might not exist in the future, so the City needs to use it or lose it.

The project is 80% federally funded, with local taxes paying the rest. Grayeb insisted that the shrinking national budget demands we take this money now.

Five minutes later however, under questioning from At-Large Rep Beth Jensen, the City Manager admitted that the source of funds for the vast remainder of this nearly $80,000,000 project is yet unknown. He cited several possible Federal and State revenue streams that might be directed to this project.

If Federal and State budgets are shrinking, as Grayeb states, the city may well be stuck with a multi-million dollar boondoggle, and no way back. Additionally, Mayor Jim Ardis aggressively voiced support for city expansion, calling it a “smart investment.” He added a somewhat oxymoronic statement in this argument: “city growth and expansion does not equal urban sprawl.” The measure passed, with Akeson boldly voting the only “No.”

Peoria’s growth cell policy is thought outdated and wasteful by many. Jensen rightfully moved for more public input on this issue.

New Business:
Denise Moore took this opportunity to address the announcement of the closure of the grocery store Sav-a-Lot on Western Ave. Moore went on a diatribe, stating that competition from convenience stores led to lost sales. She went on to blame residents for not shopping there, then seemed to brag that she sealed the deal to bring in Sav-a-Lot without any incentive or help from the city.

Perhaps that's part of the reason they choose to flee. Peoria uses tax dollars to help private business in many ways. Why not incentives for a full service grocery in an underserved area?

Moore’s speech was a scattershot of excuses for the failure of an accomplishment she has taken credit for since the ribbon cutting.

Grayeb then asked city staff to look into the Peoria’s discrimination ordinances, to better address racism by liquor stores in his district. The request is in response to recent calls to boycott Main Street Liquors. The boycott was accompanied by recent public demonstrations in front of the store. Store staff have been accused of hate speech and discrimination against the black community.

Citizens Address Council: Two well-spoken residents echoed Akeson’s criticism of Peoria’s growth cell strategy. They pointed out the neglect of Peoria’s heritage neighborhoods, in the aspects of crime, vacant buildings and economic development. Quotes like “we can’t tie growth to the past” and pleas to “fix our dying city” were heartfelt and genuine.

Executive Session: Once again the Council adjourned to their secret, non-FOIAable session. The contents of this meeting cannot publicly be known until the council releases the minutes.  - 30 -

Run for diapers

PEORIA, IL -- From a press release:

No Child Wet Behind Inaugural 5k Fundraiser
Peoria, IL— Heartland Doulas hosts their inaugural 5K fundraiser, “No Child Wet Behind,” on Saturday, May 27,  9am -12 noon at Donovan Park in Peoria to benefit Crittenton Centers.

No Child Wet Behind (NCWB) is a nonprofit whose mission is to get diapers to those in need via monetary donations as well as diaper donations.

“The first time I heard that diapers are not covered by government assistance, I was blown away. How could there not be a resource for something so basic, something that families cannot do without? When I read the statistics, that 1 in 3 families suffer from diaper need and that diaper need is linked to child abuse, I was heartbroken. That’s when I knew we had to get involved and help out our community,” organizer Kate Herzel said.

NCWB is just one of a few organizations aiming to educate about and prevent diaper deprivation. Through NCWB, Heartland Doulas will make a sizable diaper donation to the Crittenton Centers as a result of this event.

The family-friendly day will start with a 5k run/walk on the cross-country course at Donovan Park, followed by activities for all ages, including: a Kindermusik demonstration, vendor boutique, Nacho Mama’s Food Truck, live music, and more. All participating organizations will be represented that day, with various ways to give and get involved.

The proceeds of the event will benefit No Child Wet Behind; diapers donations (even partially opened packs) will be accepted the day of the event and after by calling 309-256-6213.

Registration is still open for the 5k and 1mile fun run/walk. You can sign up at
https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/Peoria/NCWB. To learn more about sponsorship and other donations, please visit http://www.heartlanddoulas.com/nochildwetbehind.

###
The doulas of Heartland Doulas have provided a combined 30 years of doula services in Bloomington/Normal, Peoria and surrounding central Illinois areas.
Heartland Doulas.
Kate Herzel, owner (309-256-6213)
Stacy Ash, owner (309-531-8844)
[email protected]
www.heartlanddoulas.com

Historic preservation event - fascinating

PEORIA, IL -- A May 21 celebration of National Historic Preservation Month, by the Central Illinois Landmarks Foundation, was fascinating. The event featured five presentations on historic preservation, efforts otherwise receiving little public attention.

The most massive project is Springdale Cemetery, now on the National Register of Historic Places. Fred Stuber, head of the cemetery's foundation, described the history of the 163-year old burial place of many celebrities of their time, veterans of all wars, and a former governor. Then there was the battle to get it into public hands after it was being looted by a private owner.

It still has many needs, but it just constructed a new entrance, to be dedicated soon. It has room for 50,000 more burials.

The historic Pettengill Morron House, owned by the Peoria Historical Society, also has needs, described by its volunteers.They could use more volunteers, including people who like to garden or take care of the lawn. 

Whiskey City Design repurposes architectural salvage, and is planning classes on re-working wood for children and adults, to train the next generation of workers. 

Wheel Art Pottery, founded by an artist, uses a historic building in the Warehouse District.  The artist organized the popular 1st Friday art tours, holds pottery classes and team building events, and is starting an artists group.

A couple whose website is YAKUPeoria.org owns the Hale Memorial Church at the top of the Main Street hill, and is restoring that building where artists can live and work. They have presented installations, and the building may be open for public tours soon.

A brochure from the Peoria Historical Society announced new Peoria historical tours, in connection with the Peoria Riverfront Museum. They look interesting, especially one for adults only, the Naughty to Nice Tour about Peoria's notorious past, " tales of gambling and mobsters,... and the Bernie Shelton murder."See the website for information and schedules.

The lively event offered refreshments and plenty of time for talking and networking -- a fun event for a rather chilly, gloomy afternoon.

 -- Elaine Hopkins

 

Heartland Festival Orchestra goes ethnic

WASHINGTON, IL -- The Heartland Festival Orchestra's final concert of the season on May 20 was called "New World." European folk-based classical pieces made up the program.

The sort-of star of the evening was an electric cello. Guest artist Patrice Jackson played a jazz-type number, 24K Magic by Bruno Mars, adapted by Jackson. Artistic director/conductor David Commanday termed it modern folk music.

The piece was well played though the electric cello had to be elaborately tuned on stage and seemed to be somewhat temperamental.  Still, the Mars piece was interesting and lively, and the encore "moved from Bach to jazz," according to music expert Ellie Hansen. "Her technique was wonderful," Hansen added. 

The grand event of the program was Symphony No. 9, Opus 95, the New World Symphony by Antonin Dvorak. It's a glorious piece, and the orchestra carried it off beautifully. 

A brief and amusing surprise was the display of two beautiful, hand made ethnic European dresses from Commanday's wife's family.  They would be worn on special occasions, Commanday said.

The orchestra's board president, Jim Kidder, received an award from the Illinois Council of Orchestras. He was named 2017 'Board President of the Year.' He was congratulated on stage, and praised for his leadership of the orchestra.

 -- Elaine Hopkins

Friends of Riverfront Park Files Suit Against the IDNR

PEORIA, IL -- From a news release:

FRIENDS OF RIVERFRONT PARK SUE THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES UNDER FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

            Friends of Riverfront Park, through its secretary, Elaine Hopkins,  has filed a Freedom  of Information Act  lawsuit against the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).  The lawsuit contends that IDNR is improperly withholding documents needed to analyze Peoria’s application  to transfer most of Riverfront Park to a developer for upscale apartments.

            That application is pending with the National Park Service, which must approve it after review by IDNR.

            "We have repeatedly asked IDNR for documents we need to see if the proposed sale of Riverfront Park by the City is legal or not.  IDNR has been stonewalling us for the last 3 months," said Hopkins.  "They claim that the documents are exempt as relating to negotiations for a sale of land, which is demonstrably false.  We had no choice but to sue," she added.

            The lawsuit was filed on May 15, 2017 in Springfield, IL circuit court and seeks expedited treatment because the City must make a decision whether or not to proceed with the sale by June 30, 2017.

            Copies of the court filings are available on request made to Ms. Hopkins at her e-mail address above.

            For further information on the efforts to save Riverfront Park in Peoria from the apartments, see the FORP Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/riverfrontparkfriends

More information: [email protected]

               Also check out the Facebook Page for new photos of Peoria Public School students using Riverfront Park on May 10, 2017 for hiking and learning. - 30 - 

Impeach Trump now

PEORIA, IL -- Still don't believe Trump should be impeached?

OK, he can obstruct justice, but there's more.  Trump is involved with international criminals, according this story, based on Wall Street Journal reporting.

Read it and weep for our democracy.

Do Republicans want tax cuts more than they want to save our democracy?  We shall see.

 -- Elaine Hopkins

Masked Men and Mayors Past

Here's a fresh take -- a guest column:

Peoria City Council Meeting in a Nutshell
by David Berry
5/9/17

PEORIA, IL -- The May 9, 2017’s session of the Peoria City Council was four and a half hours long and action packed. The gallery was filled almost to capacity and many folks stood in the aisles.

A host of important issues filled the docket.

Citizens donned Mardi Gras style masks, as well as a few residents in Guy Fawkes style attire. Former Mayor Bud Grieves gave enlightening input on the IL American Water buyout option, to close out the passionate public input session.

The upcoming debate on city water buyout was discussed in policy session. Issues surrounding possession of small amounts of cannabis were also heavily debated. A non-binding “welcoming city” proclamation was also on the agenda.

Opening proclamations were standard fair. Most notably military veterans were saluted in appreciation of Poppy Days.
https://www.alaforveterans.org/Poppy/

Current At Large Councilman Eric Turner was recognized and the lone vet currently on the council (Turner served in the Vietnam conflict). This writer and all the readers thank him for his service.

Much of the “Consent Agenda” portion was pro forma. Details of this portion can be found in the city transcripts of the meeting.
http://www.peoriagov.org/city-council/council-meetings/

Regular Business
A non-binding resolution declaring Peoria is “Welcoming City” was unanimously passed. This document refers to the city being tolerant of people of all nationalities, faiths and race. The passage witnessed a silent protest from many attendees, who lifted signs demanding an actual ordinance which will state Peoria will not cooperate with Federal Immigration enforcement and the police will not profile people by immigration status. Such an ordinance is soon to be on the Council agenda. At Large Rep. Beth Akeson expressed support for the resolution.

A detailed update on the city’s “Discussion on Race” process was given by City Manager Patrick Urich . He outlined the recent activities of the “breakout groups” that have evolved from the large public meetings, held past. Seven groups of officials and citizens have formed and are currently continuing the discussion including:
1. Improvement of the minority business sector in Peoria
2. Public Infrastructure
3. Health
4. Justice. Specifically improving trust between police and residents. Recidivism and reentry of residents with criminal backgrounds was also mentioned.
5. Asset Development. Specifically tenants’ rights and encouraging home ownership
6. Workforce development. Specifically coordination of various agencies and job readiness.
7. Education

At Large reps Sid Ruckriegel and Beth Jensen were critical of the low attendance of these meetings and pushed for better marketing of future events.

A large portion of Regular Business was devoted to policy discussion of Peoria’s solid waste contract with Peoria Disposal Co. This $7 million dollar contract is the city’s largest. A survey of residents’ views was presented by Public Works Director Scott Reeise. In brief summation: 77 percent of respondents are satisfied with PDC service and have keen interest in more recycling and an extension of the yard waste pick-up season. Notably absent was discussion of the fact that PDC has no minority hiring requirement in the current contract, though it was mentioned during the public comments.

Council members then gave input. Second District Rep Chuck Grayeb showed interest in bringing waste collection “in house”, citing that combining snow plowing with collection would bring savings to the city.
More public recycling bins, alongside trash cans, in high traffic areas, was advocated by Jensen. Third District Rep Tim Riggenbach inquired about the added cost of doubling curbside recycling. Between $2 and $3 monthly was the response.

Perhaps the most important portion of the evening was policy discussion of Peoria’s option to buy back its own water supply from the publicly held corporation, IL American Water. The City Manager gave a detailed Power Point history of the city’s water politics. Most interesting was the account of Peoria’s attempt to use eminent domain to try to acquire this resource, in the 1930s.

The crux of his presentation was the fact that Peoria has the power to review ownership of the Sankoty Aquifer every five years, in perpetuity. “Control of water, equals control of (economic) growth” was a statement used several times.

This five year cycle is up again in 2019. The deadline to announce the city’s intention to peruse a buyback would be November 2, 2018. City officials estimated $600,000 to $1 million would be needed to do “pre-due diligence” on a purchase. Council members then proffered questions and suggestions.

Akeson expessed concern over how a city owned water utility would work and who would manage it.
Interest in starting the due diligence process as early as possible was pushed by newly elected At Large Rep Zach Oyler.

Jensen agreed that due diligence start early and added that this research could be done pro bono by many philanthropic organizations. She also stressed that city residents be well educated on the issue and their feedback be sought.

At Large Councilman Turner cited that revenue from the buyback could come to the city within seven to nine years and even questioned the need of “pre-due diligence.”

Grayeb brought up the cost of the impending EPA fine in connection with ther combined sewage overflow problem and how that may impact the city’s ability to buy.

First District Rep Denise Moore shared her distain  for a city buyback, because of the need to address the more pressing problems of poverty and unemployment in her district.

The Mayor explained his desire to have a binding referendum on this issue.

An ordinance concerning possession of less than 10 grams of cannabis or drug paraphernalia was then hotly debated. Corporation Counsel lobbied heavily for an increase of fines concerning small amounts of cannabis possession.

Jensen brought strong condemnation of Peoria’s hearing officer’s conduct and moved to oppose any new ordinance until this issue is resolved.

Grayeb peppered the City Manager with questions of Colorado’s cannabis policy to demonstrate his view that Peoria is moving in the wrong direction, when it comes to its drug enforcement policy.

The most liberal stance on this issue, was held by Akeson. She suggested that these fines be treated like parking tickets, thus reducing the city’s court and processing costs. This was greeted with applause from the large gallery.

Legislation on the fly was thrown about by Moore. She admitted that she was “spitballing” fine amounts and vigorously disagreed with Jensen’s opinion on Peoria’s hearing officer.

Voting 6-5, the council passed an ordinance making the possession of cannabis or paraphernalia a $125 fine for a first offense. The fine doubles on a second offense. A third offense costs $500 with a subsequent fine of $750.

Citizens Opportunity to Address City Council
Nearly a dozen residents took to chance to speak their minds to the council. Topics ranged from cannabis law to demands for a binding law concerning immigrants’ rights and even arguments, both pro and con, on the water company buyback.

Two citizens were critical of Moore and her statements on the new cannabis fines and the water buyback. One young lady expressed disappointment in Moore’s stance on petty criminal fines, pointing out that minorities are disproportionally targeted for such infractions. Another speaker levied allegations of hypocrisy against Moore, on her water buyback statements. He alluded to Moore’s lack of use of available TIF funds to alleviate poverty in the First District, as well as her vigorous support of new luxury apartments on public park land.

The same speaker seemed to suggest a conflict of interest by Mayor Ardis, because of his position with the Peoria Promise program, which is largely supported by IL American Water. Several speakers voiced support for the decriminalization of cannabis, citing that even the police would support such a move. A male speaker cited a statistic showing that enforcement of petty drug crime in IL is 150 percent over the national average.

An insightful comment came from yet another citizen. He lamented the city’s complaining that it cannot afford the million dollar price tag on research into the water buyback, yet has no problem giving tens of millions in cash and bond money to private businesses such as the Marriott Pere Marquette and Peoria Chiefs. More than one citizen expressed emotional support for further, binding law concerning immigrants’ rights. Concerns of police cooperation with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement)were also raised.

In what seemed to be a coordinated effort three  speakers defended IL American Water stewardship of Peoria’s water supply. An executive of the company pleaded that the city consider the welfare of its employees and touted the company’s support of local charities.

Former Peoria Mayor Bud Grieves ended the night with a bang. In an emphatic defense of a city water buyback, Mayor Grieves told a story from many years ago. During an expensive lunch, executives of IL American Water offered him a $50,000 bribe (AKA campaign contribution) to forclose the city’s purchase process.

The elimination of highly compensated corporate executives will also make the water works even more profitable, Grieves contended. These execs make upwards of $15,000,000 annually.

The council then adjourned to Executive session, where city issues are secretly discussed. Citizens are not privy to these discussions.

Overall this meeting was raucous and charged. The crowded gallery added an element of emotion and reality to usually staid proceedings. - 30 -

David Berry lost his bid for a seat on the council in April 2017 but says he will run again. He's a nephew of former council member Gary Sandberg.

Peoria Public Schools working on Safe Haven policy

PEORIA, IL -- In response to a plea from an activist group, Peoria District 150 School Board members at the May 8 meeting said a policy will be developed  affirming the schools are safe havens for immigrants, refugees and all children.

No child should be unable to learn because they fear they or a parent will be deported, or afraid to attend school for fear of being taken by government agents, they said.

Three of the board's seven members are immigrants or the children of immigrants, board member Bob Davidson-Aviles said. He tearfully told how his own mother had fled Mexico to escape domestic violence.

Now Davidson is a Bradley University professor, and his siblings are attorneys and business people, he said. "None of us would be here" he said, without his mother's ability to flee and live in the U.S.

The board enacts policies to enforce its rules. Board president Martha Ross said children also should not be taken by the criminal justice system or the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. "We will look after all of them so children feel safe in our schools," she said.

A member of NoBanNoWall told the board that the Safe Haven Project aims for policies to stop school resources from being used to deport the undocumented, and not allow immigration officials to enter a school without a warrant signed by a judge and the superintendent notified.

There's no danger of losing government funds as the district does not get any funds from the U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Department of Education lacks a legal mandate to enforce immigration laws, she said.

Her talk is posted below.

Here is a recording of the comments and the board response. 

Download D150 May 8 2017

"We appreciate what you are doing and will do our  best to capture the spirit of it," board vice president Dan Adler said.

"We will draft a policy as strong or stronger than the resolution," presented by the group, board member Dan Walther said.

Other comments included a study by activist Sharon Crews showing the various valuable careers of Manual High School graduates. She called on the board to study the careers of all graduates of Peoria high schools to show the value of public education. Her comments are posted below.

Activist Terry Knapp told how he belongs to groups presenting scholarships to Peoria high school graduates. He questioned how the Quest charter school can brag about $1,500 scholarships to Eureka College, which is a pricey private school at $35,000 a year including room and board.

 -- Elaine Hopkins

 Here is the request from NoBanNoWall:

My name is Hannah Offutt.

I come to you as a representative of the Safe Haven Project.

We are made up of parents, teachers, students, & community members.

We are black, white, Latinx, Arabian, and Asian.

We are Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, and Atheist

We are here because we are concerned about stances taken by our federal government in regards to documented and undocumented citizens and walls being built.

We are here because it is urgent upon us to take leadership and take a stand against any policies that tear up families, promotes hatred of others, and harms our community

Our children must know that No Human Being is Illegal; they must know that schools are safe places for them to learn.

The Safe Haven Project presents to you a policy which will guarantee that Peoria Public Schools District 150, are a safe learning environment for immigrant & refugee students and their families.

The Safe Haven Resolution would prevent any District 150 resources from being used for the purposes of detecting & detaining immigrant children and their families.

It would bar Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) from entering any District property without a warrant signed by a judge and proper notification to the superintendent.

This resolution would work to mitigate the negative impact of draconian immigration policies by providing counseling and referring families to local non-profit advocacy groups.

Furthermore, it would prevent District complicity in any form of registry of religious minorities or immigrant communities.

More importantly, passage of this resolution would send a strong message to the immigrant & refugee community that they have a right to exist, that they have a right to a public education in a diverse learning environment, that they have a right to an equitable place in society.

Right now there are students who can’t concentrate on their homework, because they are afraid a member of their family may be arrested or deported.

There are students who fear they themselves may be discriminated against because they are Latin, or because they wear a hijab, or because they worship a different god.

This resolution would encourage the immigrant & refugee community to fully engage in society and relieve their fears, a bit

To those worried about the loss of federal funding:

The Safe Haven Project, believes this is fake news.

The man who is making these comments has no understanding of the constitution, the 10th amendment, or the concept of local sovereignty.

Several US Supreme Court decisions have held that the 10th Amendment to the US Constitution prevents the federal government from “commandeering” local governments to do its work.

On April 25th, 2017 a federal judge placed an injunction on the current administration’s executive order defunding “sanctuary cities” stating it violated the Separation of Powers clause, as well as the 1st, 5th, & 10th amendment to the constitution (County of Santa Clara v. Donald Trump, et al,. 2017).

Furthermore, Peoria Public Schools receives no funding from the Department of Justice, so there is no funding to lose.

While District 150 receives enormous sums of federal money from the Department of Education, the Department of Education has no legal mandate to enforce federal immigration laws.

Finally, this resolution is in full compliance with state and federal statutes. 

Please support the Safe Haven resolution.

Here is the comment of Sharon Crews:

I have given you data for about 60 Manual grads: 1 from 1969, 9 from the 1970’s, 17 from the 1980’s, 24 from the 1990’s, and 6 from 2000 to 2007. This data is from a limited number of grads who responded to my request on Facebook. Two earned a bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD; one earned a bachelor’s, master’s, and a Superintendent’s Certificate, twelve earned a bachelor’s and a master’s, thirteen earned a bachelor’s at a four-year college, eight earned a bachelor’s at ICC and another college, eight took college classes but did not earn a degree, and six qualified for a license for a particular job.

In general, the current jobs of these grads include accountants, managers and an analyst with insurance companies and clerical workers and secretaries in businesses, government agencies, and educational institutions.

Jobs in education include a middle school principal, a community school manager, a communications director, a preschool teacher, a high school French and English teacher, elementary teachers, a college sociology instructor, adjunct college professors, a retired coordinator for a college program, coordinators and participants in various educational programs, an athletic trainer, and employees in our schools.

Government jobs include a juvenile detention officer, a deputy clerk, and a U.S. Postal Service contractor

In journalism, a digital editor for the Chicago Sun Times, magazine publishers, a podcast host, the owner of a music production studio

A lawyer

In the manufacturing industry, engineering and computer-related jobs

A Burlington Santa Fe locomotive engineer

A fireman, a cosmetologist, private music teacher,

A Baptist pastor and hospital chaplain, a volunteer missionary to Kenya, a counselor for a funeral planner, a director of a school of the arts

A career in the grocery business.

A private teacher of piano, voice, flute;

In the health industry, an office manager and director in health services, a resolutions unlimited psychotherapist, a leader of LaLeche League, and10 nurses

Two with careers in the Marines and three in the Air force

Others served in the Navy, the Navy Reserves, the Army, and the Marines.

I will do a bit of bragging in that Charcy, my cousin and Manual grad, recently was chosen as the 2016 Unity Point Methodist Nurse of the Year. Her husband, also a Manual grad, might well have been one of the first African-Americans to receive a scholarship to and degrees in mechanical engineering and computer science from Bradley.

Sadly, only 25 of these grads stayed in Peoria. Fourteen live in Illinois and 25 are spread out in 15 other states.

Our district would benefit greatly if you would begin such an effort for all four high schools. All that would be necessary is college and current job data. Help could come from the grads who plan class reunions. Minimal help from each school and Wisconsin Avenue could get the job done.

Public schools have been irresponsible in that they seldom do anything to prove that their students have succeeded in college or on jobs. More and more, we are competing with private schools. Test scores are not convincing. How many of Peoria’s past and present leaders graduated from Peoria Public Schools? How many of our own graduated from Peoria Public Schools? How many grads from the last ten years went to college compared to grads from the previous six decades? Is there a change in the career fields from one era to another? It’s time to give credit to Peoria Public Schools and its graduates. - 30 -

 

Rally for safe schools May 8

PEORIA, IL -- From a news release:

Come show your support at this critical school board meeting and encourage turning Peoria schools into safe havens for refugee and immigrant students! The school board meeting begins at 6:30: let's show up early to demonstrate our enthusiasm for this crucial move to protect our students and keep Peoria's families together.

Monday, May 8th
Peoria Public Schools Boardroom
3202 N. Wisconsin Ave.
Peoria, IL 61603

We're currently working to have the Safe Haven resolution on the agenda that evening. We're asking anyone who wants to share their experiences or examples of how this will affect our community to please do so during the comments portion of the evening. 

People are invited to attend the school board meeting or show your support outside. If this resolution passes, it will be a giant step toward keeping Peoria's families together and our students receiving the education they need and deserve. A well-educated populace is a boon to our entire community, and we should see to it that all children have access to education , regardless of their origin.

 

For more information about our Safe Haven Resolution, visit our event page: 

https://www.facebook.com/events/1823404954653592/

 

My take:  You must sign up before the 6:30 pm meeting to be on the list to make a comment to the board during the meeting.  Or have someone submit your name on a comment card.  This is also a good idea to protect immigrants.

And there's a meeting on Thursday, May 11 at 4:30 pm in Room 404 Peoria City Hall where the Peoria Advisory Committee on Police and Community Relations will meet to consider a similar ordinance, to ultimately present to the City Council.  Public comments are welcome at that meeting.

 -- Elaine Hopkins

Protesting unjust fines

PEORIA, IL -- From a news release:

Rally to Stop Unjust Fines
Tuesday, May 9 6 pm
Peoria City Hall
https://www.facebook.com/events/126553077894630/

During the Peoria City Council meeting on April 25th, Peoria's city manager made it clear that there is a serious shortage of revenue coming into the city.

Some of the proposed solutions to this problem were more police patrolling resulting in an increase in tickets for speeding, playing loud music, and being out after curfew. Another suggestion was to consider the idea of taking people who have defaulted on their payments to civil court forcing them to pay those fines in order to avoid more court costs.

However, the most interesting proposal has been to raise the fines and costs for arrests for possession of cannabis and drug paraphernalia.

Statistics have shown time and time again that policies like these have a direct impact on minorities and low-income citizens. Those who need help the most will the most affected by these fines. Many people enter a never ending cycle of payments that puts them behind in their car payments, unable to buy school supplies, pay rent and even medical bills.

Although possession is still illegal in many states, the tides have been turning when it comes to the acceptance of marijuana issues, not only for recreational use but for medical use, with amazing results for many people. These policies are not only unfair for low-income residents, but it goes against public opinion about marijuana use.

We SHOULD NOT try to fund our city through archaic policies that have failed in other cities. Let's put a stop to this. Come and join Change Peoria on May 9th @ 6:00 pm and tell you City Council Members to vote NO on this ordinance.

Attend City Council with Change Peoria
Tuesday, May 9 6:30p
Peoria City Hall
https://www.facebook.com/events/119909021894984/

This is great for people new to Change Peoria, future candidates, and current members alike. I hope to see you there!

Meetings are held on the 4th floor in room 400.

Meetings last between 1 and 3 hours.

On the agenda for this meeting will be a policy discussion on the water company buyout and the marijuana ordinance to fine people with 10 grams or less.

Attend County Board Meeting with Change Peoria
Thursday, May 11 6 pm
Peoria County Courthouse
https://www.facebook.com/events/1992157974338443/

The next time that we can vote in an election will be Spring/Fall 2018. This primary/general election cycle includes many county offices! Commit to attending the monthly board meetings with us if you want to be informed when the time comes to run for County office or to help those who do run.

We will meet for drinks/coffee/food directly after the meeting to discuss the meeting and to get to know each other better.

Thanks,

Ryan Hidden
Change Peoria
#KeepWatchSpeakUp

Facebook.com/ChangePeoria
Twitter.com/ChangePeoria

My take:  These are terrific activities. Thanks to ChangePeoria and Ryan Hidden, who just received the Citron Award from the Peoria ACLU for his activism in founding ChangePeoria.

  -- Elaine Hopkins