A FITTING TRIBUTE

A large crowd gathered at the remaining baseball diamond at Glen Oak Park Saturday, June 6, for the ceremony naming it Royce Elliott Field. Park board president Tim Cassidy and Mayor Jim Ardis were among Royce’s family and friends to speak honoring the late comedian. As expected and anticipated, there were lots of stories and laughs. It was a fitting tribute because Royce was not only a celebrated comedian, he had also been an outstanding athlete who played many games on the diamond for Woodruff High School teams and later for Sunday Morning League squads. A large boulder was unveiled by his wife, Helen, showing a beautifully inscribed written tribute complete with a photo of his smiling face. Thanks to the Peoria Park District for making the ceremony arrangements and to WMBD-TV and WEEK-TV for their excellent coverage.

Bah humbug to the Peoria Journal for failing to cover the event, probably because Royce did not drink, use drugs or tell dirty stories spiced with profanity. Now that is news!

THE CULTURE

Critics of Dr. Grenita Lathan, Superintendent of District 150, claim she’s created a culture of intimidation by using the administrative philosophy of “my way or the highway.” The claim has been verified with the treatment of Charter Oak principal, John Witterauer, to referee Quan Chaney, and more, too numerous to list. The latest example comes, from all places, the district’s mouthpiece, Chris Coplan. Coplan sent an unusual memo to district employees at the Wisconsin office that was a personal attack on Dick Schlicksup, a taxpayer who’s critical letter of the district’s budget practices appeared in the Journal. Apparently, Coplan flunked courses on public relations by writing such personal, poison pen venom as, “I’m sure Mr. Schlicksup has never worked for the District and relied on payroll to get him his paycheck….” Further, Coplan wrote in his attack piece, “Obviously he isn’t an expert….” Then Coplan adds insult to injury by attacking taxpayers of District 150 saying to Wisconsin employees, “you deserve more respect from the community.” Just a reminder Chris, you get respect by earning it. Your message was disrespectful to Dick Schlicksup and to those who pay your salary. But, Coplan “won” the favor of Mrs. Lathan with a free trip to Orlando. Sources say he will attend training sessions at the world resort

at taxpayer expense.

GOING, GOING, GONE?

We reported two weeks ago on our morning show on FM 90.7 that Grenita Lathan had gone to Texas for a job interview. At least that was the rumor. The newspaper finally picked it up as well, but Lathan’s chief supporter, Debbie Wolfmeyer, continued her defense by saying she wants to extend the superintendent’s contract. Wolfmeyer needs to review recent election results from taxpayers who live in District 150. Laura Petelle, also a staunch Lathan supporter, was defeated by an empty chair. Her replacement was “smoked” by Dan Adler and Ernestine Jackson, both strong critics of Lathan. They ran on a pledge to dump her. What part of election history does Wolfmeyer not understand? Here’s the real deal that Wolfmeyer needs to defend. If the current board would extend Lathan’s contract and the new board fires her, Lathan could wind up with a buy-out costing taxpayers thousands.

COSTLY CONSULTANT

It always bothers me, and I know others too, when local government feels it’s necessary to pay thousands of dollars to out-of-town consultants to help find ways to save money. The Peoria County Board not too long ago proudly told taxpayers of their cost-saving success. The budget was balanced, the tax rate was unchanged, and they implemented an early retirement program that was termed a financial success.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“When you can think of yesterday without regret and tomorrow without fear, you are near real contentment.”  —Unknown