The Community Word

Everyone was taken by complete surprise when Ray LaHood announced he would not seek an 8th term as 18th Congressional Representative. It was the best-kept secret in a town known for political rumors. Once his retirement plans became known the rumors and speculation started running like a freight train out of control. Truth is, no one knows how this is going to work out, but it could be the largest Republican primary in years. One Republican veteran said, “Aaron Shock has coveted LaHood’s job since he was elected to the District 150 School Board.”

The same could be said about John Morris. At one time it was rumored that LaHood aide Brad McMillan was being groomed for the job. Some are betting Dave Leitch will throw his hat in the ring. Who knows?

In exclusive interviews on “Breakfast with Royce and Roger” on WOAM, Peoria County Republican chairman Rudy Lewis and Tazewell County Chairperson Demetra Demonte expressed shock at LaHood’s decision. They also said some legislators from Springfield will strongly consider jumping into the race, including Democrats. Both predicted that no matter who ran for the job, a Republican would win. Everyone agrees it will be an interesting primary and general election in 2008.

GENERAL WAYNE
DOWNING A REAL
AMERICAN HERO

Much has been written and spoken following the death of Peoria’s four-star General, Wayne A. Downing. General Downing was a guest twice on our morning radio show on WOAM. In preparation for those interviews I did some research about the man. Each time I read about him, I became more convinced he was a true American military hero. Despite his amazing accomplishments, Royce and I found him to be humble and modest with a wonderful sense of humor as we discussed his career and service to our country.

I remember asking him about his experience and credentials as a Jump Master. “What is a Jump Master,” I asked. He said, “That’s when you get paid for having fun jumping out of airplanes.” We all laughed because I think most people have a different definition of what’s fun.

A combat veteran, General Downing was a trusted advisor to presidents.

He was considered one of the nation’s terrorism experts. The Spalding graduate told WOAM listeners that going into Iraq “was the right thing to do.” He also stated he was concerned about Iran and what that country might eventually do. He noted this country must be on its guard for terrorists who are trying to obtain a “dirty bomb” or a small nuclear bomb to use against Americans in this country similar to the devastation on September 11, 2001. Among those “on guard” on our behalf was General Downing. Those who worry about the Patriot Act and “rights,” needed to hear General Downing.

It was ironic that a few months before his death, Peoria County invited General Downing to be the featured speaker at the dedication of the Peoria County World I and II Veterans Memorial. General Downing’s father was one of those from Peoria County who died in World War II.

As emcee for the dedicatory ceremony, I missed the opportunity to introduce the general. That honor went to Congressman Ray LaHood.

When General Downing began speaking a light rain started to fall. Since I had an umbrella next to my chair, I briefly wondered whether I should stand next to him holding the umbrella over his head as he spoke. “No,” I said to myself. “This man is a Ranger, a combat veteran with a Purple Heart and some 12 medals for valor. He doesn’t need an umbrella after what he’s been through.” I made the right decision. Someone else offered an umbrella and General Downing essentially said, “No thanks.”Following the ceremony, this great man sent me an email congratulating me for handling the emcee responsibilities. I treasure that message.

General Downing will be missed by his family, friends and his country. I feel privileged to have met and known him.

DAVID GORENZ
RE-ELECTED DISTRICT
150 PRESIDENT

Dr. David Gorenz was re-elected President of Peoria’s District 150 school board. Unfortunately, one of his first acts was to censor outgoing board member, Alicia Butler. Normally, when a member leaves the board the president allows that member an opportunity to give some farewell remarks. In an unprecedented act of rudeness and inconsideration, Gorenz failed to recognize Butler so comments she had prepared to deliver, went unspoken. I asked Butler to provide this column with a summary of her prepared remarks.

Here are a few highlights of what she wanted to say on her last night on the job on behalf of district taxpayers and their children.

“I was very honored to have been able to have served for the past five years the people of Peoria. I want to thank my constituents who supported me.” Butler said she appreciated all of the teachers and staff who trusted and believed in her. She wanted to thank the students who invited her to many of the school events throughout the district. She also wished success to her successor and thanked all of her supporters, especially her mother. Her planned closing remarks were, “I’m now a private citizen, but my interest in our students and our schools will continue.”

Too bad Dr. Gorenz denied Alicia Butler the opportunity to publicly thank everyone.

MORE HARRASSMENT

It wasn’t enough, apparently, for Election Commissioners Mary Harkrader and Camille Gibson to fire long-time City Election executive director, Jeanette Mitzelfelt. After she was fired, Mitzelfelt applied for unemployment compensation. Seems like a natural thing to do after you lose your job. We learned that Harkrader and Gibson apparently joined in opposing Mitzelfelt’s application. Their effort to deny the wife and mother of six children was rejected after review by the unemployment board. Case closed. Unemployment benefits expired last June for Mitzelfelt.

But wait. Another chapter in the “Kick Mitzelfelt” book is being written. Now there’s a request for denial of payments already made to Mitzelfelt. What the hell is this all about? Sounds worse than torture at Camp Gitmo. I don’t have all the information, but we get the impression that Harkrader and Gibson want another ruling that would reject the previous ruling resulting in Mitzelfelt having to pay back all of her unemployment checks. Give me a break. As I uncover details of this latest chapter, I’ll pass them along. Oh Judge Grawey, the hell one creates with what many consider was a poor decision with the appointment of Harkrader and Gibson to the once smooth running City Election Commission board.

PETITION FOR
REMOVAL OF
HARKRADER & GIBSON

Court papers have been filed and the next date for a hearing has been scheduled for August 13 for the removal of Mary Harkrader and Camille Gibson as Board of Election commissioners for Peoria. The two have been served with summons and a copy of the Petition for Removal.

NEWS NOTES

Long-time Caterpillar executive Henry Holling was honored for his 35 years of service at a fancy retirement party at the Pere Marquette Hotel. The elaborate affair featured former Cat CEO and chairman of the board, Don Fites as emcee. I remember at the Pete Vonachen birthday bash at the Civic Center three years ago when Royce Elliott introduced Holling as “the guy who would give the shirt off Caterpillar’s back to anyone with a good cause.” I wish Henry a golden retirement.

Methodist Medical Center is building a new facility at the corner of Sterling and Richwoods. The trend by hospitals to expand their services in the community continues.

Fox News strengthens its #1 position among cable news networks. The latest survey shows the #1 cable news program is the O’Reilly Show with 2,748,000 viewers. The Hannity-Colmes Show is next with 1,741,000 followers. Former Democrat activist Chris Matthews on MSNBC is in 14th place with a paltry 397,000. CNN’s Larry King is in 6th place with just over one million viewers.

You won’t read this in the PJS, New York Times, etc, but the federal deficit in 2005 was reduced by $108 billion by the Bush administration. It’s estimated 6.24 million more jobs will be created over the next ten years if President Bush’s tax cuts are made permanent. However, Democrats running for the White House have already announced they will seek to end the tax cuts. The Heritage Foundation claims allowing the tax cuts to expire will result in a tax increase of $2.4 trillion for families, seniors and businesses. Under Bush the country is enjoying record unemployment at 4.5% and the stock market set new records.

More jobs have been created under George Bush than under any other President, Republican or Democrat. Too bad Republicans don’t ask for hearings on the country’s economy. Oops. Forgot. They’re too busy trying to smear Gonzales or Harriet Meiers or Karl Rove. How about another hearing? We’ve already had over 100 by Democrats in the House and Senate.

They had a big bash at the Peoria Civic Center to celebrate the facility’s 25th anniversary, Friday, July 27. Trouble is no one seemed to care. A little over 50 people attended and most of them were officials. The draw? Free popcorn and soda. Big deal. Dr. Peter Couri Jr. is the new chairman of the Civic Center Authority Board. They don’t talk about it publicly, but still on the board’s agenda is the desire to sell naming rights for the Civic Center just like they did in Bloomington and every other sports center in America.

Congratulations to the board of the Heart of Illinois Fair! They made some entertainment changes and attendees apparently approved. Attendance was up. Meanwhile, rumors continued about the departure of long-time Fair executive director Eileen Frye. It was not a pleasant farewell, some say.

Speaking of rumors, another new face has joined Jennifer Davis for the Word column in the PJS. This time it’s Karen McDonald, daughter of community activist Mimi McDonald. They change columnists more often than Royce Elliott changes clothes.

Much has been accomplished at the Greater Peoria Airport, but there isn’t much director Ken Spirito can do to help travelers who receive poor service elsewhere. Some people flying Air Tran tell me they sat on the runway at Atlanta for two hours waiting to take off. Forty other planes were ahead of them. Other travelers told me they flew from Las Vegas to Peoria on Allegiant Air without air-conditioning. “We almost died in the heat,” the traveler said.

Good luck to broadcast veteran Sandy Singer who leaves Peoria for Nashville. Sandy started his broadcast career in Chicago as a voice on the old Tom Mix Radio Show. He worked at radio stations around the country and even performed as a magician in California. Working at WEEK radio, yes, radio, Sandy used to play a piano while introducing songs as a D.J. During his career he developed personal relationships with many of the big name entertainers from Gordon Jenkins to Frank Sinatra.

One of Sandy’s favorite stories is about Barbra Streisand and Omar Sharif. A reporter asked Sharif his thoughts about Streisand. According to Sandy, Sharif said, “She wants to be a beautiful woman.

She’ll never be either.” Funny. By the way, did you know you can buy Omar Sharif cosmetics?

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

“The two hardest things to handle in life are failure and success.”

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“The thing I hate about an argument is that it always interrupts a discussion.” - G.K. Chesterton, writer 1874-1936