Today’s News: Getting in on the debate
Some links, mostly from the Journal Star:
- Good Word on the Street, today. Somehow, I strongly suspect that John Sharp isn’t buying City Manager Randy Oliver’s denial that he’s looking for a job elsewhere. It seems that Oliver and his wife not only do not have a house here in Peoria, they also have been doing a bit of traveling, taking copies of the city’s glossy “annual report” with them. Oliver’s denial seems sorta like the time one of my bosses caught me making copies of my resume on the company’s laser printer. ‘Um, they’re for my family, ’cause they are interested in what I do.’ OK, I made up that analogy, but it applies. Also, Karen McDonald discusses how the Three Amigos are trying to out family-values each other in the 18th District congressional race. She also talked to Peoria County Circuit Judge Richard Grawey about whether or not he plans to run for Congress. And Sharp managed to sneak the URL “peoriapundit.com” in the column. Kudos!
- Speaking of kudos, kudos to Peoria Heights Mayor Mark Allen for partipating in the public debate over at C.J. Summer’s site. There’s some question about the composition of the task force being set up to study the feasibility of building a walking/biking trail alongside the Kellar Branch, rather than ripping out the rail line and building the trail in its place. Every politician I meet says they read the blogs. Almost none of them join in the discussion, though. When I ask why, they hem and haw, but most say they worry that anonymous commenters will treat them poorly. That’s a shame, and it’s one of the reasons I insist on at least a modicum of civility here.
-  Lawyers can talk about how Illinois’ new smoking ban is complaint driven, police chiefs can talk about how other crimes are higher priority, but sooner of later some zealot in government will state or municipal government will figure out a way to terrorize local businesses into full compliance. When they passed the seat-belt law, the state police said they would not be pulling over people just to heck seat-belt use. That didn’t last long. And don’t Peoria police officers routinely conduct stings of local businesses to make sure they don’t sell to teenagers? I predict that within five years, members of the Peoria Police Department will be sending plain-clothed officers into bars and restaurants to ticket businesses and patrons alike.
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 
While I’m a non-smoker and cigarettes killed both my mom and my father-in-law, I share misgivings about this whole smokeless law stuff.
For one thing, if a law is not enforced, how much of a law is it? When was the last time you heard of someone getting busted for not registering with Selective Service at 18?
For another, the Peoria live usic puyb scene, not altogether that healthy as it is, may be a casualty of this law if it is enforced.
Oops. Make that ‘live music pub scene’.
Another casualty of the ‘ready…FIRE!…aim’ aspect of E-mail.
Who watches Randy Oliver pack his suitcase?
Even more intriguing… who reports this?
Bill: Thanks for the props. It’s nice to read them on those rare occasions when they appear! I’m happy to discuss any issue with anyone. My problem always seems to be that I don’t know when to shut up!
Hope you and yours have a very Happy New Year.