Ewert’s last gasp

As is usual on a Saturday, there’s not much news in the Journal Star.
That doesn’t keep them from charging a $1 for a single copy.

• Ewert’s plan to save Peoria’s Fire Station

  In his last official act as interim city manager, Bern Ewert displayed, once again, his unwillingness to follow the explicit instructions of the majority of the council when the instructions conflict with the wished of the pro-economic development crowd. He was asked to investigate the benefits of selling the Gateway building. But the pro-economic development crowd didn’t like that idea, so he developed a plan in which the city continued to own it.

  If the city can make money by selling the building and ridding itself of the costs of operating the convention center, then it must do so, because providing a services for convention goers is not an essential city service. Protecting residents lives and property is.

  I am at a loss to explain why so many people think Ewert was God’s gift to city government.

  Bah. Perhaps the new city manager will follow instructions better.

• Sharon Elms takes $20,000 hit

  I’ve visited this nursing home. I’d rather send my parents to live in a box in the alley than send them to this place.

• Woodruff passes up East Peoria

  My beloved Warriors whup the Red Raiders to capture the Silver Horseshoe.