Council tidbits
No fireworks. Just a few items:
- Council member
Gary Sandberg isn’t worried about the lien the city put in his house over an unpaid bill for a clean-up of environmental violations. He ssys he has no intention of ever selling the house. - Each newly sworn-in council member addressed the public. Sandberg chastised previous councils for paying to much attention to meeting the needs and wants of the wealthy at the expense of the poor and working class. He was critical of the city for trying to squeeze money out of the poor (thinking perhaps of last week’s decision to use a collection agency that will add a 30 percent surcharge to what is owed the city, or perhaps he was thinking of the city Hotel, Restaurant and Amusement tax, which was supposed to be used to build the Peoria civic center, but has been used for at least two expansion projects).
George Jacob warned that the city has got to address the problem of the “two Peorias,” one wealthy, one not. He thinks the Eagle View TIF on Peoria’s southern corridor will help. I’ll note that out of the at least 200 people who attended this meeting, I counted a half dozen or so black faces, not including Councilman Clyde Gulley and PastorTimothy Chris , who have the invocation, and city communication director Alma Brown.- New council member
Jim Montelongo — believed to be the first Hispanic member of the council — pledged work with both progressive and essential-services-first council members. He doesn’t see any value in spending money on projects that exist simply to put money int eh pockets of rich developers. But the city also must provide for some entertainment and cultural events.Ryan Spain also addressed the council, but in all honesty, I didn’t take notes and nothing he said really struck me as inspiring. Sorry, Mr. Spain. Emtronics and his son (Spain’s roomie) were Spain’s invited guests. No doubt Em will devote some 1,500 words to the brilliance of Spain’s address. - And both outgoing incumbents
John Morris andChuck Grayeb spoke too. Morris continued to be the cheerleader for the city. Grayeb complained again the city didn’t buy the water company. I’ll miss Morris, who was always upbeat and ready to talk. Less so for Grayeb, who I never warmed to, probably because he was always making himself out to be somehow smarter, more moral, etc., that those with whom he disagreed. - Sandberg held his infant granddaughter while he took the oath. She was quiet and well-behaved and charmed City Clerk Mary Haynes, who wondered if she should be searing in her instead of grandpa. I guess it skips a generation or two.
Billy Dennis is a former reporter and editor at small daily and weekly newspapers in Illinois and Missouri. He comments on media, news and politics. He also owns and operates 
Billy…good summary. Question for you since you’re more connected than I am on the Sandberg issue. Why did everyone think this was such a big deal and what was with the email from the City Manager indicating that he had to pay the lien before Tuesday? Was there a requirement that it be paid prior to swearing in or all a misunderstandiing? As I understand it, once the lien is filed, there is no further action (usually) until or unless the property goes to be sold. Is there some requirement that Councilmembers can’t owe money to the City when they are being sworn in??? The whole issue kinda fizzled out and never grew legs….any insight on how/why?
Mr. Smartypants Sandberg: your lien can be foreclosed upon by the city, the amount you owe them collected by the City from the sale of the proceeds taken and the balance given to you-probably the only way you will be able to sell a purple house, so it may be in your best interests that the game be played that way. I doubt the City has that much guts.
As stupid as some in the city are, they would not go thru a foreclosure for $110.
I’m no expert, but this is what I found in the candidates handbook:
QUALIFICATIONS: Qualified elector/registered voter. [65 ILCS 5/3.1-10-5]
Must not be in arrears in the payment of any tax or other indebtedness
due the municipality; must not have been convicted in any court
located in the United States of any infamous crime, bribery, perjury,
or other felony. [65 ILCS 5/3.1-10-5]
This may be the reason the question came up.