ROGER MONROE
After an absence of three years, the annual Peoria Journal Christmas Sing returned Tuesday, Dec. 13, without the involvement of the local newspaper. Apparently, Ebenezer Scrooge, new owners of the Peoria Journal Star, had no interest in continuing what they started in 1947. This writer mentioned on “Breakfast with Peoria and Friends” the need to restart the tradition. A call to song leader and vocalist Lee Wenger got the proverbial ball rolling since he also was eager to again lead the songfest with his wife, Denise Adams, at the piano. The early challenge was a location. My first two calls were met with, “Not interested,” to a failure to get even a response. That ended with a call from former Congressman Ray LaHood, who suggested the Peoria Riverfront Museum. Enter Executive Director John Morris and the show was on.
Veteran Christmas sing attendee Mike Olson said close to 120 people joined in the singing as Wenger and his wife led everyone in voice for a total of 24 carols and contemporary songs of the season. The background included a 50-foot blue spruce tree shining in the night with 35,000 lights outside the lobby and a beautiful tree inside decorated by Gold Star Mothers in remembrance of loved ones who died in service to their country, a sacrifice making possible events like the community sing.
The rain and wind didn’t help attendance, nor did local media. The Peoria Journal ignored its once community treasure as did virtually every radio and TV station. WEEK did a couple of interviews with Lee Wenger, but that was it, except for a conversation with Greg Batton on WMBD radio and numerous interviews and public service announcements on “Breakfast with Roger and Friends” on FM 90.7. But, the tradition will continue in 2023 and it’ll be bigger and even better.
A TIP OF THE HAT TO PPD TRUSTEES
The trustees of the Peoria Park District voted unanimously to reject a multi-million dollar proposal to construct an entertainment venue on 18 acres of land in Donovan Park. The proposal was presented for the second time to trustees by members of the recently formed nonprofit Pavilion in the Park organization. And for the second time they were met in opposition by members of Friends of Open Space and neighbors of the once popular golf course. Supporters said the planned Pavilion could have a $13-million economic impact on the community.
It appeared to some that the park district’s Executive Director Emily Cahill seemed to favor the proposal after appearing on local television newscasts. She noted times change and that new ideas and plans should be considered.
AUDITOR WAR AT TAXPAYER EXPENSE
With the help of Judge James Mack, fired County Auditor Jessica Thomas has a “leg up” on Peoria County officials, including State’s Attorney Jodie Hoos.
Hoos had the support of 70% of the people who voted Nov. 8 to close the auditor’s office. Taxpayers said, in essence, close the office and fire Thomas. Now Thomas admits she lost the fight with voters, but is insisting she be paid for the next two years remaining in her term of office.
Most people, I think, believe when an office is to be legally closed, the occupant doesn’t have the authority to determine when. Judge Mack thinks he has that authority and has ruled county taxpayers, must pay her $100,000 salary for an office that seems to be closed unless you have an appointment. County observers tell me there’s a sign on the auditor’s office door that says you have to make an appointment to see Thomas.
There are other stories floating around the Courthouse about the office. Many are asking if Judge Mack conducted some kind of inquiry before his ruling that funding levels for Thomas and her office should remain the same until a higher court decides her termination date.
While I’m not a lawyer, common sense and more than 50 years experience in government leads me to believe it was inherent in the ballot question that dismissal of Thomas and the office should be immediate. If not, county officials would have set a date. They didn’t.
It’s like a father telling his son, “Jimmy cut the grass,” and the son says, “Tomorrow or can I wait for two years?” Jimmy adds, “Dad while you ponder my question or ask Mom her thoughts, can you advance me the money for cutting the grass?” If Judge Mack was Jimmy’s son, based on his ruling, he would apparently tell the boy, “Let me think about it and here’s $25.00 for when you decide to cut the grass. If you don’t cut the grass, your mother will sue to get our money back.” Two days later the father goes to the garage to find out if the mower was used and finds the door locked with a note that says, “Garage closed. Open by appointment only.”
NEW COUNTY BOARD LEADERSHIP:
As we predicted, Jimmy Dillon of West Peoria, has been elected chairman of the Peoria County Board. He replaces Andrew Rand who chose not to seek re-election to the board. Democrats, holding a slight majority once again, voted for fellow Democrat, Sharon Williams, to be vice chair. That angered Republican Brian Elsasser and some other Republicans. In the past, Democrats usually named a Republican as vice chairman, but not this time.
Dillon, by the way, was approved by everyone, Republican and Democrat, except for Elsasser, who has been on the board longer than any other Republican, but was shut out for committee chair and vice chair assignments. Some Democrats look at him as a non-team player.
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
“You’re never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”
— C.S. Lewis