FeedThe truth about Ardis’ popularity
August 28, 2006 in Overset
In today’s Word on the Street, Molly Parker speculates about why Mayor Jim Ardis remains popular despite rising disatisfaction with crime and violance in the City of Peoria, a big issue in his race against former Mayor David Ransburg:
It could be that he’s one of those blessed politicians who’s so well liked personally that criticism bounces off his skin like rubber.
Ardis may also be benefiting from the fact that his personality is the polar opposite of Ransburg’s. The former mayor is incredibly intelligent, but suffered from inept people skills. The big difference with these two men is not what they say but how they say it. If Ardis does hang on to the popularity, it won’t be a big surprise if he rides that wave into higher office one day.
I take exception to that. Oh, I agree that Ransburg was (and no doubt still is) aloof and unlikable. But the big difference is that Ransburg was a bald-faced liar. Ardis isn’t.
August 28th, 2006 at 9:13 pm
There is another issue as well: Ransburg is about as unattractive as they come.
Yeah, yeah, that shouldn’t make a difference. But study after study has linked popularity to attractiveness.
August 28th, 2006 at 11:39 pm
ardis needs to lose that tan. not healthy…
August 29th, 2006 at 3:05 am
What I found amazing was that even though Ran$burg looked essentially like the Pillsbury Doughboy, he never giggled when someone poked him in the belly.
I hope that this shows, once and for all, that the mayor and city council have little, or no, effect on crime unless they approve hiring a cadre of new officers… and, the new officers have an interest in really doing their jobs.
August 29th, 2006 at 3:34 am
Crime cannot be reduced by decree. The new mayor and the new council are just right now having go at the first budget that is 100 percent theirs. There will be spending on cameras (I know details I cannot reveal that make it more likely to help than the last batch). Also, the Police Department is asking for more officers.
August 29th, 2006 at 6:45 am
Bill sez: “Crime cannot be reduced by decree.”
I sez: Is that not what Spears is trying to do? Reduce crime by decree?
prego man sez: ” the new officers have an interest in really doing their jobs.”
I sez: That’s some of the problem! Our officers are burnt out and hiring new officers that really want to do their job instead of driving a boat into a bardge. I have talked to many 1st shift officers and they seem harden by the years and don’t really give a shit. Most have second jobs and business on the side and more time and energy is put into that instead of their first job. Second shift officers are usually the younger ones (ya know, the guys with no neck) and it seems everytime I see one, they are on the phone.
I have. in the past, been a big supporter of our Police, but to me, since Stenson left, I have seen a decline.