Liveblogging: Peoria City Council 1
The meeting started approximately 6:20 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was lead by Boy Scout Troop 1, from Peoria Christian School.
New Public Words Director
Proclamation: Henry Holling retired from Caterpillar. He’s their lobbyist. Former assistant to the city manager. Mayor Jim Ardis is really piling it on. “He’s just an unbelievable role model.” Barb Van Auken and George Jacob will speak too. BVA: What he’s done went beyond what his job required his to do. “Henry Holling is one of the most exceptional people I’ve met in my life,” Jacob says. “His heart has always been in Peoria.” Holling: 42 years ago, administrative assistant to the city manager. Says that “municipal government is where it all starts. … The foundation that makes government works.” He is full of praise for this council for working together.
6:31 p.m.: WALK TO CURE DIABETES will be held September 16. The speaker is a Father of three children with JD. Founded a support group here in Central Illinois. Walk draws 3,000 people. Raised a half million in two years. Will raise probably $300,000 on Saturday. One of many good causes in Peoria with similar fund raiser. 750 kids in central Illinois with JD. Many injections and many pin pricks a day for kids. “It’s a very intense lifestyle for families”
6:36 p.m.: Diversity Week. Peoria Bar Association. Designed to promote diversity in the legal profession. Cliff Mitchell, senior member of the city’s legal team. Three other members of legal team were there too. Seems driven by the city legal staff.
6:39: Knights of Columbus Tootsie Roll Drive: Sept. 21-22, benefits the mentally disabled. Ninety percent of funds collected remain in the Peoria area. Council members Pat Nichting and Bill Spears are on the floor, too. Both are members of the K of C.
6:43 p.m.: Recovery Walks 2007. Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery and Proctor Hospital will host on Sept. 29. Helps raise money for tuition for recovering substance abusers in program. Sept. 29 at the proctor campus.
Ardis to audience: “We appreciate your patience as we go through these proclamations. We don’t have a whole lot of ways to recognize people in our community (who have worked on behalf of the community).”
My two cents: I didn’t think the proclamations were too long this time, actually. I’ve sat through for longer and more tedious.
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 
[...] know almost nothing about Holling. I found this paragraph about him in this liveblogging post: Proclamation: Henry Holling retired from Caterpillar. He’s their lobbyist. Former assistant to [...]