Posted on March 31st, 2007 by David P. Jordan
Friends of the Rock Island Trail, Inc. (FRITI) filed on March 28 with the Surface Transportation Board a motion/petition/request that rehashed old, failed arguments but also made many laughable misstatements of fact. Among them:
FRITI: “[Removal of the Kellar Branch] would eliminate the responsibility Peoria maintain 24 street crossings…”
FACT: I count 18 grade crossings on the […]
17 Comments »
Filed under: Overset
Posted on March 31st, 2007 by Billy Dennis
The dispute over whether Peoria School Board member Alicia Butler does or does or does not have the degrees she claimed from Bradley University needs to be resolved. On one hand, we have Bradley University’s registrar’s office saying that she does not have either bachelor’s or master’s degrees. On the other, there’s evidence she attended […]
16 Comments »
Filed under: Statehouse & Capitol
Posted on March 31st, 2007 by Billy Dennis
9. This question is designed to challenge candidates’ sense of honor and sense of history about Peoria: Without asking someone or looking it up, can you tell me where the original Pizza De-Lite Restaurant was located? Bonus points if you can tell me where Don’s Donuts was located. Exact addresses are not necessary, just the […]
7 Comments »
Filed under: Local
Posted on March 31st, 2007 by Billy Dennis
8. Can you name five businesses that have pulled up stakes and moved across the river or up north within the last four years? Bonus points if you can give me their stated reasons for doing so.
Dan Gillette: O’Neill Trucking.
George Jacob: Amerhart (inability to expand at the current location), Fleming packaging (Pekin incentives), there are […]
9 Comments »
Filed under: Local
Posted on March 31st, 2007 by Billy Dennis
7. Under what circumstances are you willing to vote against the wishes of a neighborhood organization or the vocal wishes of a majority neighbors on an issue of zoning change, building permit, liquor ordinance, etc.?
Ryan Spain: I believe Peoria’s strong neighborhoods are the heart of our community. As I have been out walking the neighborhoods […]
7 Comments »
Filed under: Local
Posted on March 30th, 2007 by Billy Dennis
Tech blogger and Java guru Kathy Sierra has canceled a public appearance over concerns her life in danger. It seems she’s been subject to more than a few death threats and comments of a violent and sexual nature.
First: Sickos who post this sort of crap can and should be prosecuted. Making violent and sexual threats […]
3 Comments »
Filed under: Citizen Journalism
Posted on March 30th, 2007 by Billy Dennis
WEEK has invited me to appear on their News 25 at 9 on My59 on Monday, April 16, to discuss the city council elections.
1 Comment »
Filed under: Watchdog
Posted on March 30th, 2007 by Billy Dennis
Jim Montelongo has replied to the questionnaire and his answers are not included in all posts. The last batch of three will appear tomorrow morning.
I learned a lot about these candidates and I’m in a better moon about the future of Peoria. As a result, I’m ready to make my endorsements for the at-large race. […]
No Comments »
Filed under: Overset
Posted on March 30th, 2007 by Billy Dennis
Jeanette Mitzelfelt has filed a lawsuit against the City of Peoria and the Peoria Election Commission. She says she was discriminated against when she was fired as executive director of Peoria Election Commission. The proof? The guy the hired to replace her was a guy and was younger than she is. Here’s the trouble with […]
1 Comment »
Filed under: Local
Posted on March 30th, 2007 by Anon E. Mouse
A year ago, today, I was wheeled into Operating Room #14 at Saint Francis Medical Center. I remember that as I stepped out of the wheelchair and up onto the table, the anesthetist helped hold my gown in an attempt to maintain my modesty. I looked at her and chuckled. I knew […]
12 Comments »
Filed under: Overset
Posted on March 30th, 2007 by Billy Dennis
6. Are you willing to say “no” to Caterpillar at any time during your term? Can you think of a circumstance in the last 20-30 years in which the city SHOULD have said “no?”
Gloria Cassel Fitzgerald: I am willing to say “NO” to any corporation that makes decisions that are not in the best interest […]
13 Comments »
Filed under: Local
Posted on March 30th, 2007 by Billy Dennis
5. What should the city be doing that it isn’t to combat litter?
Dan Irving: We need to continue to focus on litter control. I think the Plant Pride, Not Litter program has created awareness and we need to continue reminding people. Litter to me is a common sense thing that people should care about. If […]
2 Comments »
Filed under: Local
Posted on March 30th, 2007 by Billy Dennis
4. Can you name anything the City of Peoria spends money on that it shouldn’t? I’m asking for specific line items, programs or projects. I’m NOT asking about “efficiencies” like being frugal with paper clips or cutting back a little on travel.
Patti Sterling Polk: Without having access to all internal documents and data I can’t […]
13 Comments »
Filed under: Local
Posted on March 30th, 2007 by Billy Dennis
Congratulations to the St. Louis Cardinals‘ head coach for being named No. 3 on Maxim Magazine’s list of top ten Biggest Baseball Egos. La Russa came in ahead of Keith Hernandez and below Ricky Henderson.
Way to go, Tony. Keep up the good work.
2 Comments »
Filed under: The Sports Page
Posted on March 29th, 2007 by Billy Dennis
Here’s a crazy idea: Use historic preservation rules to preserse things that are really historic. What fanatic thought up this radical idea? Sara Patridge, who has been working like a madwoman to keep the Peoria Park District from wrecking everyting old and beautiful at Gen Oak Park — the People’s Park — and turning this […]
5 Comments »
Filed under: The Wire
