PEORIA, IL -- The Feb. 8 candidate forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria revealed a lot about four relatively unknown candidates, and the sales tax referendum as well.
Of the two candidates in the Democratic primary vying to run against incumbent Cong. Aaron Schock in the 18th Congressional District, the man from Quincy, Rob Mellon, is apparently the more progressive.
Asked about reproductive rights for women, he said he is "pro life," but afterwards he clarified that by saying he is not opposed to abortion in instances of rape, incest or the health of the woman. "I' m personally pro-life," but "I support the Constitution" he said, referring apparently to the Roe v. Wade decision.
His opponent, Darrel Miller of McLean County, said he is "pro life."
On other issues, Mellon followed Democratic party talking points on income inequality, voter suppression, gerrymandered districts, such as the 18th District, and the Affordable Care Act.
He would like to see single payer and Medicare expansion, whereas Miller mentioned reforming 'entitlements,' code for cutting benefits like Social Security.
Miller would join the 'No Labels' group in Congress, and vote to allow members to bring measures to the House floor over the opposition of the leader.
Mellon termed the present system basically corrupt, given the money in politics, and said Schock uses his leadership PAC to live like the 1 percent.
"Schock has raised millions and can use that money like a celebrity," he said."It's corruption," though it's legal the way the laws are currently set up, he added.
Here is a recording of their comments.
18th Cong Dist
Peoria School Board District 3 candidates incumbent Laura Petelle and challenger Sue Wolstenholm split on several issues including confidence in Supt. Grenita Lathan. Petelle said she has confidence, but Wolstenholm does not have confidence in her.
She criticized Lathan for creating an environment of "fear" in District 150 so that teachers and principals and other staff members are afraid to voice concerns.
Lathan has moved principals and closed schools," she said, and the discussion over the fate of Peoria Stadium is taking place "behind closed doors."
She called for more transparency and communication with the public, and an independent investigation of credit card expenses by the District 150 administrators.
Petelle said she is proud of the progress District 150 has made during her term, including a balanced budget, expansion of gifted programs and vocational programs, and routing difficult pupils out of regular classrooms. She would protect Peoria Stadium, she said.
The board looks at the credit card expenses, she said. (If true, that may be violation of the Illinois Open Meetings Act, though her opponent didn't pick up on it.)
Lathan was brought in to make difficult decisions, Petelle said, and has her support. "We've begun to clear the decks," and we're "holding people accountable."
She mentioned "13 years of bad mismanagement" before Lathan arrived. "She has been an extremely good steward of District resources."
She mentioned District 150's new anti-bullying policy, which includes cyber bullying, as the best in Illinois.
Wolstenholm said the Charter Oak decision "was handled wrong from the beginning." She mentioned errors in the report from the lawyers. She said her son at Von Steuben school was afraid to use the restroom because of fear of fights.
Here is a recording of their discussion.
D150 Board Dist 3
The 1 percent school sales tax referendum is needed, Interim Comptroller/Treasurer David Kinney said, though he also gave reasons why is may not receive voter approval. He spoke as an individual, not as a District 150 employee or a board member of the IVC School District
It would send money to all school districts on a per pupil basis. District 150 has 49 percent of the student age population in Peoria County.
It can be used only on school facilities, including fixed items such as smart boards and modern science labs, he said. District 150 could use it to aircondition the remaining schools, repair roofs and make building repairs.
The District likely would receive $9 million a year. It could also be used to abate property taxes, he said.
The three reasons to oppose it include a higher sales tax in Peoria County, though experience shows that people likely don't consider sales taxes when they shop. Other reasons to oppose it include lack of trust in school boards, "particularly in District 150," he said, and lack of knowledge about the issues, e.g. "ignorance."
His recorded comments are posted here.
Sales tax ref
My take: Mellon is the preferred candidate for Congressional District 18. He's more progressive, less likely to join the right wing groups in Congress. Wolstenholm is preferred in District 3 for the Peoria School Board. She accurately understands the problems in District 150 and seems more responsive to public concerns. The sales tax referendum should be supported, as it's a cheaper way to modernize and maintain schools than property tax-supported bonds, the alternative for school repair and modernization.
-- Elaine Hopkins
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