Sorry about that

I’m sorry my column was missing in last month’s issue of the Community Word. Despite my wife’s hospitalization and subsequent admission to a nursing home rehab unit, I still managed to write another “award winning” column. I say that with a smile, of course. Seriously, the column was written and emailed to the editor. For some reason it wasn’t included. [Editor’s note: that email is still floating somewhere out in cyberspace!] Thanks to those people who called, wrote and stopped me while Christmas shopping to express their disappointment. The thoughts were appreciated.

DEEP APPRECIATION

Speaking of appreciation, I want to say thank you to all of the employees at Restmor, the Apostolic Christian nursing home in Morton. When my wife left the hospital after three weeks, she needed special rehabilitation services and she got them at Restmor. Special thanks to Rhonda, the physical therapist who helped Nancy accomplish so much. Her struggles continue, but she came home a few days before Christmas. We thank everyone for their prayers, cards, letters and flowers. Jonathan Winters, who lost his wife a year ago, has been a real morale booster for me.

Due to our circumstances, I called on Echo Valley Meats to provide our Christmas dinner. What a wise choice that was. The ham dinner with all the trimmings was delicious.

CHRISTMAS PAST

Some people are happy when Christmas is over. Not me. Peter Marshall, who served as a Congressional chaplain, wrote a moving piece titled, “Let’s Keep Christmas.” If you can find it, you’ll want to read it every Christmas.

In the meantime, congratulations to WSWT-FM. They started playing the holiday sounds 24/7 beginning in November. You could hear the station in many shops, stores and
offices throughout central Illinois. Even the religious stations couldn’t compete with the music of the season. They offered too little too late. HAPPY NEW YEAR! While I didn’t get the chance to say Merry Christmas to readers last month, I can say Happy New Year in this first issue of the Community Word in 2010. I wish everyone a healthy and prosperous New Year.

As has been my tradition, I like to salute the top city or county official of the past year. My choice for 2009 is Peoria City Clerk, Mary Haynes. Mary has held that elected position for many years, serving under a variety of Mayors during her tenure. She has performed her duties efficiently and with distinction. I’ve never heard anyone ever utter an unkind word about her inside or outside City Hall. Simply put, Mary Haynes is a class act. She deserves to be recognized for her community service.

On the negative side of my 2009 Recognition List, I put District 150 board member Laura Petelle at the top. Petelle cast the deciding vote to close Woodruff High School though she was on the board for less than three months and a resident of Peoria for less than five years say critics. The night of the historic vote Petelle opened her not so historic remarks by saying, “This sucks.”

MORE 150 TROUBLE

There it was in black and white. Peoria School District 150 paid its law firm nearly $600,000 last fiscal year. Critics of the school district have for years suggested the board seek bids for legal services as do many taxpayer-supported entities. Some have suggested hiring a full-time in-house attorney with municipal experience. Both ideas are worthy of consideration. But, for whatever reason, historically District 150 has been using the legal stable of Kavanagh, Scully, Sudow, White and Frederick. Just think how many attorneys could be hired for $600,000. Given the district’s financial problems, it would make sense to at least consider seeking bids or hiring an in-house lawyer.

One thing is certain; the district is going to need plenty of legal assistance in 2010. First on the agenda is defending everyone named in the discrimination lawsuit filed by the Benassi & Benassi firm on behalf of a group of Trewyn teachers and staff members. Don’t be surprised if another discrimination lawsuit is filed. And then remember the closure of Woodruff High School is being carefully examined for legal action.

SCHOOL BOARD RACE

Voters in District 3 have a chance to let the District 150 school board know what they think about the decision to close Woodruff High School, Kingman and Irving schools.

Primary day is Tuesday, February 2. There is a race for the seat of retiring District 3 board member Dr. David Gorenz. Former Peoria County Board member Jeff Lickiss was a last minute filer after a number of people approached him to seek the spot. Others on the ballot are Ernestine Jackson and Chris Crawford. Rumors say Crawford is the “chosen one” of the Chamber of Commerce. Jackson’s education views are well known in the community. Lickiss is the best choice. His experience on the County Board makes him an easy choice. No one works harder. No one gets better informed on issues and Jeff won’t accept administration advice because it’s, well, administration. Lickiss is not a “yes” man. The board needs someone like him. When I spoke with Jeff, he said he’s strongly opposed to closing schools. Now that’s a novel idea missing from current board members.

At the end of a recent school board meeting, Laura Petelle approached Crawford who
was seated in the audience. She reportedly said, “Well, are you still interested in running for school board?” Crawford allegedly said, “Yes, I’m in.” Petelle then said, “Come on and I’ll introduce you to other members of the board.” Seated near Crawford listening with a smile on his face was Jeff Lickiss.

STRANGE BEHAVIOR

The 2nd Ward Republican Club has been meeting for years each month. It’s been a tradition for Republican candidates for various offices to introduce themselves and spend a few minutes discussing their thoughts about issues. Republicans usually respectfully listen regardless of candidate loyalties. At a recent 2nd Ward meeting (though it’s no longer called such) school board candidates Crawford and Lickiss made presentations about their views. In the audience was State Representative David Leitch who decided to unceremoniously challenge Lickiss, interrupting his presentation. Leitch, who usually uses good judgment, didn’t this time. According to some observers, it was uncharacteristically rude behavior by Leitch.

OTHER RACES

Peoria County Sheriff Mike McCoy should win the Republican nomination against former school board member Vince Wieland. McCoy has done an outstanding job as sheriff while also making significant community contributions.

Attorney John Vespa should win the Republican nomination for the 10th Judicial Circuit covering five counties.

There’s a race in the Democratic primary for District 5 of the Peoria County Board between Rachael Parker, who currently serves on the board of School District 150, and Bud Sous, who’s seeking reelection. Sous should win. No Republican in his right mind will run in the heavy Democrat district.

COINCIDENCE

OR CONSPIRACY?

Have you noticed many of the same characters who sought the closing of Woodruff High School are now the same people calling for establishment of a charter school? The same amount allegedly saved with the closing of Woodruff is being sought for opening the charter school. Is all of this a coincidence or has it all been a carefully planned conspiracy? How in good conscious can people destroy a functioning and viable high school, a part of the community since 1937, and then seriously consider opening a totally new school? Oh yes, some of these same people are on the district’s search committee for a new superintendent. I guess that’s just a coincidence, too.

If that doesn’t cause you to scratch your head, consider the apparent decision by District 150 to turn over title of the Woodruff building to the Public Building Commission. Meanwhile, the district is spending loads of money to prepare Central High School to accommodate the influx of Woodruff students. Someone needs to hold administration and the board accountable. How much has been budgeted for the changes including busing and security? How much has actually been saved by closing Woodruff compared with costs for changes at Central, Manual and even Richwoods?

NO STRIKE

As the Community Word went to press, I learned teachers were not going to strike against District 150. My sources say district negotiators have withdrawn a number of demands including control over class sizes, teacher transfers and course reimbursements. No word on salaries. The no strike decision is good news for everyone, especially students and their families.

FAMILY PRIDE….

Congratulations to our oldest son, Dr. Dan Monroe, John C. Griswold Distinguished Professor of History at Milliken University. Dan has been appointed to the Illinois Historic Sites Advisory Council for a three year term. He specializes in American history and is a frequent speaker and lecturer on the life of Abraham Lincoln. He’s author of three books: “The Republican Vision of John Tyler,” “At Home with Illinois Governors: A Social History of the Illinois Executive Mansion,” and “Shapers of the Great Debate of the Civil War: A Biographical Dictionary,” with co-author Dr. Bruce Tap. Dan is currently working on his fourth book, which he says is a study of
everyday life in the antebellum U.S. He received the Heligenstein Award for Teaching Excellence at the University of Illinois and was a Fellow at the Virginia Historical Society and Lincoln Legal Papers. His literary talent and teaching skill came from his mother. I thought I should clarify that.

WOAM FOR

SALE….STILL

It’s no secret, WOAM, 1350 on the AM dial has been on the sales block for a few years. Earlier this year it’s “sister” station, WPMJ-FM, was sold for $620,000. The latest asking price for WOAM was $415,000. Unfortunately, the price doesn’t include studios or even a building. They’re gone and I doubt there will be any takers at that price given the little that comes with it. That’s just my opinion. The building, by the way, has been purchased by Floyd Rashid.

While WOAM went silent October of last year costing listeners “Breakfast with Royce and Roger,” the old but dynamic guys have not been totally quiet. Ongoing efforts to return to radio airwaves by the two long-time friends may produce results in 2010. Negotiations have been taking place with an area station for an afternoon gig from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. We’ll keep you informed. We can tell you this much. Jonathan Winters has agreed to be a regular guest on their program. Now that’s exciting.

STRAIGHT NEWS

Peoria lost one of radio’s last great news editors. Ralph Smith, who handled news for many years on WIRL, has died. Ralph was a dedicated newsman. There are none today. He was just a fine guy. Our condolences to his family.

Shame on the state lottery for taking a beautiful Christmas hymn, “Joy to the World,” and making it into a crass gambling commercial.

And shame on Caterpillar for offering financial help to start a new school while looking the other way during the closing of Woodruff, an anchor for Peoria’s north side neighborhoods.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

”Minds are like parachutes—they only function when open.” —Thomas Dewar