The Community Word

The contest between Republican Darin LaHood and Democrat Kevin Lyons for Peoria County state’s attorney became a hot topic of political discussion after it was revealed LaHood attempted to talk to the father of an alleged rape victim. The revelation was made by Lyons, who’s seeking re-election. The story was widely covered by the PJS and the local electronic media. Who benefited?

Supporters of Lyons believe the story helps the current state’s attorney because LaHood, they believe, used poor judgment in trying to talk to the victim’s father without first getting his permission. LaHood’s supporters feel the Lyons’ news conference actually helped LaHood bring attention to his campaign issue that many in police enforcement feel Lyons is soft on crime. LaHood has been endorsed by every police organization in Peoria County.

Meanwhile, one political observer has suggested LaHood may have been set-up by someone. He said, “How did investigators from the state’s attorney’s office know LaHood was going to the house?” PJS reporter Andy Kravetz didn’t pursue that line of questioning. Instead, Kravetz asked LaHood how he learned the name of the victim. Kravetz then went to the Center for Prevention of Abuse where LaHood is a board member. The intent, apparently, was to infer that the agency may have leaked the name to LaHood.

In the end, I don’t think either Kevin or Darin won any votes with this “sensational” story. It made for good copy for the newspaper and a couple of stories in the electronic media. One thing is certain. The contest between the two men will be heated between now and the November elections. However, I disagree with WEEK-TV’s newsman Tom McIntyre who said, “There’s no love between the two.” Lyons and LaHood are professionals and good people. When it’s all over they will shake hands and each will get on with their lives as all candidates for political office do. After all, look what’s happened between bitter rivals Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. On second thought……………

LYONS-LAHOOD FIASCO PROVES MY POINT

The publicity by the Peoria Journal about Darin LaHood once again demonstrates the newspaper’s political philosophy. The slant by reporter Andy Kravetz definitely was anti-LaHood and former Chicagoan Phil Luciano also took to task LaHood’s behavior. Surprise! Surprise! LaHood, you know, is a Republican, so he should’ve expected the attack.

Republicans remember the way Alicia Butler was viciously and continually attacked by Luciano and “friends” at the newspaper. On the other hand, compare those attacks with the way PJS and Luciano treated local Democrat Jehan Gordon. She lied about her educational credentials and then the newspaper “celebrated” when she finally graduated. So her falsehood and shop-lifting charge quickly disappeared from print.

Republican Jeanette Mitzelfelt was fired as Executive Director of the City Election Commission by Democrat Mary Harkrader without apparent cause. It’s was a dead issue in the local media. Harkrader tried to deny unemployment benefits for the mother of six children and failed. No mention by the Democrat-leaning newspaper. Undaunted, Harkrader appealed the decision to allow unemployment benefits and she lost again. Still, the PJS is quiet. Luciano won’t touch this one nor would Kravetz. But, give credit to Peoria’s state’s attorney Kevin Lyons. He put an end to the wasteful legal effort and the “get Mitzelfelt” campaign. He told them to “throw in the towel.” And they did. Funny how all of this important drama never made it into the PJS or Luciano’s column. Oh that’s right. Mitzelfelt is a Republican.

OTHER POLITICAL NOTES

The leader of the Illinois Senate, Emil Jones is stepping down. The Chicago Democrat visited Peoria many times at the invitation of former Illinois Senator George Shadid. A good Democrat friend of mine claims if Shadid was still in the Senate, he would probably get the nod to replace Jones. I respectfully disagree for several reasons. First, Jones wants his son to replace him. Blood is thicker than political juice. Secondly, Shadid lives in central Illinois. Central Illinois Democrats along with other downstate Democrats need to wake up. Cook County Democrats run Illinois. Like it or not, the capital of Illinois is now Chicago. Shadid would not have been chosen to replace Jones.

Few people know who Al Franken is other than kooks. Franken is a left-wing odd ball who is running for the U.S. Senate from Minnesota. He has written a number of poor selling books attacking Republicans and was a host of a program on the virtually defunct Air American radio network. On a campaign stop in St. Cloud, Minnesota, recently, he was greeted by a crowd of one.

IS PEORIA ANTI-BUSINESS?

Peoria has had quite a reputation or two over the years. It was a major stop on the vaudeville circuit resulting in the famous, “If it plays in Peoria it’ll play anywhere.” Later, Peoria was known far and wide for whores and prostitutes, including “Prairie Alley.” It had a Red Light District and then some, with houses of prostitution on North Washington, South Jefferson and Walnut. It was a flourishing business until the E.N. Woodruff regime, spanning too many years, came to an end with the election of some “good men.”

It seems Peoria has a new reputation, albeit less known. Many feel the city is anti-business. For at least the last two decades, if not more, developers have complained about unreasonable demands made by the zoning department and the zoning commission. One well-known Peoria businessman compared the failure to develop Peoria’s riverfront with what East Peoria has done as evidence of not only zoning road blocks, but a lack of governmental leadership. “Look at development around the East Peoria Wal-Mart,” he said. “There’s all kinds of restaurants while Peoria points only to Hooter’s and the failed River Station.” He then said Peoria dropped the ball when it failed to land the now beautiful Embassy Suites Hotel resting comfortably next to the Bob Michel Bridge in East Peoria. “They wanted to build on the Sears block, but folks in Peoria were lobbying for a museum that would return zero tax dollars. Today and for the past nine years, the land has been vacant returning zero tax dollars.”

Then there’s the Hy-Vee grocery store. Sheridan Village people have been watching the slow deterioration of its shopping center over the years with the loss of Cohen’s, Roger Burke Jewelers and so many others. Good news! Hy-Vee wants to build a large store in Sheridan Village. Bad news! The zoning department and zoning commission want to re-design the store. The last I heard, Hy-Vee said, “There will be no project if we have to meet all of their demands.” Thus, the loss of jobs while Peoria strengthens its reputation as “anti-business.” Hopefully, someone will come to their senses. I’ve said it for years. They need to clean house in the zoning department or at least inject a pro-business philosophy. Perhaps partnering with East Peoria would lead to better attitudes.

MORE PEORIA HISTORY DISAPPEARS DOWNTOWN

As this column was being written, the last of Helen House, the Methodist Hospital School of Nursing dormitory, was being removed. Constructed in 1961, the multi-level structure was the three year home for many young, female students, from towns and cities all over central Illinois. The facility was just seven years old when I arrived as community relations director. I was just the second person to hold that title, replacing former Peoria Journal employee, Frank Stewart, who had worked part-time in that position. Named after the wife of A.G. Heidrich, Sr., Helen House,held many pleasant memories for the students. It hosted “Move Up Day,” a day when students received special ribbons for their caps, symbolizing moving to their next nursing level. I was honored when students asked me to be their featured speaker for one of their annual ceremonies.

When entertainer Danny Thomas made his first visit to Peoria on behalf of the St. Jude Hospital in Memphis and the St. Jude Midwest Affiliate at Methodist, student nurses asked, no demanded, I try to get Thomas to come and speak to them. With the obvious help of Jim Maloof, their request was met. Thomas walked into the large Helen House lounge packed with student nurses and was greeted with screams and cheers. It was an event I’ll always remember along with the many spaghetti suppers and volleyball games. Helen House is gone, but the memories remain.

THE JONATHAN WINTERS SHOW

For the third time, the most creative comedian in history, Jonathan Winters, made an appearance on WOAM’s “Breakfast with Royce and Roger” morning show. Since my initial call to his California home last year, I’ve become a pretty good friend of Jonathan’s. We exchange phone calls several times a month and when asked, he’s always willing to guest on our radio program. Recently, we’ve discussed the possibility of a live appearance on stage in Peoria or East Peoria. The major obstacle is his wife’s health. Winters notes his wife has been battling cancer for 20 years and is currently receiving a series of chemotherapy treatments. Jonathan and wife Eileen will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary on September 11. Congratulations to both of them. Jonathan told me he intends to give her a big kiss “with lots of tongue.” Winters has been a life-long hero of Royce and Roger!

OUR LOCAL HERO

Speaking of heroes, our local hero is Pete Vonachen, who celebrated his 83rd birthday August 31. It seems like just yesterday, but it was actually three years ago when 1,300 people wished Pete a joyous Happy Birthday at the Peoria Civic Center. Royce and Roger were asked to emcee the event that ended with the unveiling of a stunning bronze statue of Pete handing a baseball to a young fan. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the packed room. The statue now greets visitors when they walk into O’Brien Field.

Since then, Pete lost his lovely wife, Donna, to cancer, and he’s now struggling with health issues. After two hospitalizations, Pete is at home slowly regaining his health with the admonition from his doctors and family, “Slow down.” My prayers are with our good friend for a speedy and complete recovery.

Pete is a regular guest on “Breakfast with Royce and Roger.” On occasions, we talk about the Chicago Cubs. One morning I was complaining about the Cub manager making some bad pitching decisions. In response, Pete said, “How many games have you managed in the Major Leagues?” Ouch!

THE BATTLE AGAINST DIABETES

Diabetes is a disease that affects an estimated 24 million Americans, killing someone every three minutes. It’s costing the country and its people $132 billion a year. There’s no cure. Pete Vonachen has it. Royce Elliott has it. And so does my 8 year old grandson, Scott, along with many others in Peoria and central Illinois. Scott has Type I, Juvenile Diabetes. He checks his blood with a “stick” 4-5 times a day. This is usually followed with a shot of insulin for life support. The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) is working to find a cure. In support of its efforts, the 4th Annual “Walk to Cure Diabetes” will be held Sunday, September 7, at Glen Oak Park. Registration begins at 11:30 at the Glen Oak Amphitheater with entertainment starting at noon. The “Walk” kicks-off at 1 p.m. Last year the event raised a record $330,000. I hope you’ll join Scott and me on the walk. If you would like to participate and/or make a donation to JDRF, call me at 397-1458.

THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

“The most satisfying thing in life is to have been able to give a large part of one’s self to others.”

— Pierre Teilhard de Chardin