ROGER MONROE

The dust has fallen after recent city elections.

I smile when people mention the “non-partisan” races for mayor and city council when everyone knows what party each candidate endorses. So why the games? Rita Ali was elected. She’s an open Democrat. John Kelly was endorsed by the Republican Party. Chuck Grayeb, long-time City Councilman, finished third. Some Republicans claim Grayeb is a Democrat and some Democrats agreed. Some did not. I’ve known Chuck for years and I don’t really know what he is because he supports issues based on his personal beliefs, not what a political party endorses.

In district council races, voters knew party affiliations with all of the candidates. Democrats were winners in Districts one, two, and four. Dennis Cyr, a Republican, won District 5 and Tim Riggenbach, Republican, was unopposed in District 3.

The so-called partisan races included the office of city treasurer. Republican Jim Montelongo won over Democrat Brooke Petty Sommerville, while Democrat Latrina Leary defeated both Republican Anita Meeker and Independent candidate Frank Abdnour for Peoria Township Supervisor, a post my Dad held for 40 years.

Abdnour decided to become a non-political party candidate after losing to Leary in the Democratic primary in 2021 by just two votes. It was a disappointing defeat for Abdnour, who was privately supported by local Democratic leaders. We’re told local Republicans tried to recruit Abdnour, but he rejected the offer. That was probably a mistake. Here’s why:

Long-time Peoria County voters remember when the late George Shadid wanted to run for Sheriff as a Republican in 1976. Republican Ray Neuman and other Republican leaders opted for Deputy Sheriff Fred Oliver. Angered, Shadid joined the Democratic Party and won, becoming the first Democrat to be elected Peoria County Sheriff since 1892. By the way, a Republican served as his campaign manager. Perhaps, Abdnour should’ve accepted the Republican invitation. Leary received 6,054 votes while Abdnour and Meeker together totaled 7,659, a 605 vote difference.

CATERPILLAR CELEBRATES: The world’s largest earth-moving company is celebrating its 100th birthday. In 1925 the Holt Manufacturing Company merged with the C.L. Best Tractor Company and the rest is history. Its equipment is used all over the world and we often see Cat products in movie and TV scenes in the background.

Some of its greatest achievements took place when company headquarters were in Peoria. Along came Jim Umpleby of San Diego and that ended Caterpillar as we know it in Peoria. The new CEO moved operations to a leased building in the village of Deerfield, population of 18,000-plus, in Lake and Cook counties. To the alleged joy of his wife, Deerfield is just 28 miles north of downtown Chicago. An estimated 300 grumpy Cat executives were forced to leave the friendly confines of Peoria. To the surprise of no one, Irving, Texas, is now the world headquarters for Caterpillar.

Caterpillar has a rule once the CEO reaches 65 he is to retire. However, the company’s board of directors waived the policy for Umpleby in 2022. Umpleby turned 65 in February, 2023. He finally stepped down this year, becoming chairman of the board. Joe Creed was appointed the new CEO and that’s good news for Peorians. Creed graduated from Western Illinois and is a board member for Easter Seals. The 49-year-old was praised by former Congressman Ray LaHood as someone who’s bright and has an affection for Peoria and central Illinois.

Creed has been with Caterpillar for 28 years and has been serving as Chief Operating Officer. Umpleby should not expect any Christmas cards from Peoria folks after he torpedoed plans for a new world headquarters building in the city’s downtown.

In February of 2015, CEO Doug Oberhelman announced plans to construct three office towers connected by a three story horizontal office space spanning two city blocks. The downtown campus was to include green space, walking and biking paths and retail options. The 3,200 employees would enjoy such amenities as a fitness center and childcare services. Gov. Bruce Rauner and Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis joined Oberhelman in the excitement for the planned new Caterpillar world headquarters. The Republican Governor was replaced by Democrat JB Pritzker and soon thereafter Caterpillar made plans to move to tax-friendly Texas.

The good news is Caterpillar still has a strong presence in Peoria and the area with buildings downtown, in East Peoria, Mapleton, Morton, and Mossville. Countless local businesses are serving “Big Yellow” with a variety of support products. Thousands are employed thanks to the company. And it contributes in many ways with Dozer Park for the Peoria Chiefs and donations to local charities, programs and schools.

TOUGH TIMES: The Bradley University baseball program has been struggling for several years. As we went to press, Bradley’s record this season is 8 wins and 27 losses. Last year the Braves won 12 and dropped 37. Hired by former university president Joanne Glasser, Coach Elvis Dominguez has not done well over his 17 years on The Hilltop. Two years ago Bradley finished last with a 16-32 record and last year tied for last with Valparaiso. A change may be coming.

A number of Bradley baseball players have reached the Major Leagues such as Bill Tuttle, Jim Robertson, brother Zack Monroe, Kirby Puckett, Guy Hoffman, Lee and Gene Handley, Mike Dunne, Jim Lindeman, Brian Shouse, Mike Tauchman, Bryan Rekar, Rob Scahill. Don Secrist, Roger Smithberg, and Mike Grace.

AMAZING DEVELOPMENT: This past month we had the pleasure of interviewing on our FM 90.7 morning radio show, Denny Sullivan of Pekin. At the age of 54, Sullivan decided to go to Branson, Mo., to see if he could work in that popular entertainment venue. He was hired by singer Andy Williams at the Moonlight Theater. He not only appeared as a look-a-like in a unique way the show opened, but Denny became a very close friend of the legendary singer.

It was the second time we interviewed Sullivan and all of us enjoyed the stories about Williams. Sullivan said millions have been invested in Branson with renovations and improvements. He urged the people of central Illinois to “come on down” to Branson. It’s alive and well as is Sullivan, who’s now 87.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” — Bernard M. Baruch