ROGER MONROE

With the filing for the June primary completed by the 5 pm Monday, March 14, deadline, political observers noted some surprises. The biggest was news that Andrew Rand did not seek re-election to the Peoria County Board. Rand represents District 4. More importantly, he’s been chairman of the board for four terms. That could be a record. Rand, a Democrat, as most members of the board are, is considered fair and balanced. In a recent conversation, Andrew said he’s decided to cut back on his work schedule that includes CEO duties at Advanced Medical Transport of Central Illinois. We wish him well and commend him for his leadership.

There are a couple of other surprises producing infighting in both Republican and Democrat parties, thanks in part to the way Democrats in Springfield designed boundaries after the 2020 census. Peoria Congressman Darin LaHood is facing Republican opponents in his new district. Two live in Rockford and the third is in Minooka. Cheri Bustos in the 17th District opted to retire, opening the gates for seven Democrats to file and two Republicans, including Esther Joy King, who was narrowly defeated by Bustos two years ago.

Peoria County Board member Phil Salzer will face fellow Democrat Jounes Tarrifou in his re-election bid in District 7.

Republicans will choose between incumbent Rachel Reliford and newcomer Daniel Kelch in District 12. In District 2, long-time District 150 member Martha Ross is running in the Democrat primary against Camille Coates. Republicans Chris Watkins and Jason Buckley work in the Sheriff’s office and both want to be elected to replace the retiring Brian Asbell. These contests are unusual. Incumbents typically are unopposed in a primary. Party chairmen don’t like to see battles in their primaries. That’s why there are no contests in the primary for incumbents in the offices of county clerk, treasurer and regional superintendent of schools.

Democrats control the county board and have for decades. They will keep their majority margin when the votes are counted in the November election. With the retirement of Rand, members will elect a new chairman. It’ll be a Democrat. Look for District 5 representative Jimmy Dillion to succeed Rand. He’s the son of West Peoria Mayor Jim Dillion.

Remember you heard it here first.

Heddington Oaks … Going, Going, Gone

Heddington Oaks and West Peoria have something in common. The county’s $42-million dollar nursing home is located in West Peoria. While the city is alive and vibrant, the nursing home isn’t. It’s a colossal failure and county taxpayers will be paying for that now shuttered building for years. You may recall the historic Bel-Wood Nursing Home had problems such as a leaky roof and the need for a sprinkler system. Those were the major issues. The county administrator and others claimed, falsely, it would be cheaper to build a new facility rather than make repairs. They were wrong then and wrong today. They were wrong on estimates that started at less than $31 million. They were wrong to stay in the healthcare business. Among those promoting the $42 million nursing home were the “wise” editors at the Peoria Journal. I served as chairman of the Health Services Committee for several years. The committee had legislative oversight of Bel-Wood. Later, I suggested the county needed to consider getting out of the business. Instead of reviewing the pros and cons, a PJS editor engaged in a personal attack, which is common when unable to argue intelligently.

This review is necessary because the latest news is Unity Point Health of Des Moines, Iowa, has made an offer to buy the Heddington Oaks building. The offer of $8-$10 million is confusing. That’s like saying “I’m going to buy that Cadillac for $8,000 to $10,000.” What’s the price? Adding to the confusion is the alleged pending sale of Methodist, Proctor, and Pekin hospitals, owned by Unity Point Health to Carle Clinic Foundation. Does Carle want to expand behavioral health care as part of its considered purchase of Unity’s three hospitals? There’s a lot of “balls in the air” between three or more organizations and not a lot of clarity.

District 150 Trying to Rewrite History

The intellectually challenged District 150 school board continues to try and rewrite history by renaming more city schools. Add five more to Woodrow Wilson and Thomas Jefferson on the list of dropped schools. The names of Calvin Coolidge, William Harrison, Teddy Roosevelt, George Washington, and Charles Lindbergh have been removed and replaced by names 87% of city residents have never heard. Someone asked, “How can they do that?” My answer is, “They can because they have the votes.” School Board President Greg Wilson said the names were being removed because they all had ties to slavery and racism. One audience member lambasted Wilson as she read an unflattering list of alleged transgressions in the public record about Wilson, who admitted, reportedly, the woman’s account was accurate. The assault on America’s founders and leaders continues, sadly, and doesn’t improve a single student’s life or future.

Quote of the Month

“It’s a great sign of emotional maturity when you can point your finger at another person’s behavior, yet also realize that there are three more fingers pointing back at you.” — Kianu Starr