I have been suspicious of the electronic voting machines since they were introduced in Peoria County. I was never satisfied that the paper trail could be accurately traced back to actual votes, not to mention all the potential voter information that could be gathered. It has seems to me that a free and open election can not be guaranteed using the electronic voting systems. Although I am sure that no vote tampering has occurred, I think it is way too easy for someone to do, and it seems I am not the only one with this opinion.

 I attended last night’s (May 02) Peoria Council Meeting to see the outgoing Morris and Grayeb, and to welcome the incoming Montelongo and Spain. Other than Fire Chief Kent Tomblin, this was the first I had witnessed the swearing in of any government official. (I’ve caught most of the Presidents that I’ve been alive for in news bites) I didn’t really know what to expect, so when I walked into the council chambers and found the area in the middle of the “horseshoe” was packed with chairs and people siting them, I was slightly shocked. Each council person was allowed twenty guests, and that was who the chairs were for. This left room for any of the general public, like me, that wanted to witness the ceremony in person. Grayeb and Morris both received recognition for their dedicated public service. Each then gave a farewell address, highlighting areas they wish the new council to stay focused on. Even though I didn’t always agree with either Grayeb or Morris, I will miss their presence on the council.

On Tuesday April 17^th, Many communities placed referendums on their respective ballots concerning, among other things school districts, libraries, and parks. In the city of Peoria, we had two referendums, both non-binding. The first was whether the city should issue $35 mil in bonds to upgrade the public library system. The second was to advise the state of Illinois whether it should ban smoking in all indoor public places. Both referendums passed overwhelmingly. My question is are any referendums really legal?

“Republic: a government in which supreme power resides in a body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by elected officers and representatives responsible to them and governing according to law.”

Peoria City Council: Status Quo is a Go.

The citizens of Peoria say they like what has come from the council in the last four years by retaining Sandberg, Turner, and Jacob. In the two vacated seats newcomers Montelongo and Spain will be seated. Overall, I think this will be as good as a council as we currently have with the potential to be better.

District 150 School Board: Butler is top dog(not that one)

I was only able to attend two forums in which I heard from the school board and park president candidates. I did get to talk to most of the candidates a little more in depth after the formal pats of the forums ended.

Park Board President

 With the upcoming local General Election less than two weeks away (April 17), I’m ready to make my endorsements for Peoria City Council. There are other elections that I am still deciding who to vote on. Before I give my endorsements, I would like to give a little history. For those who don’t know, I was a candidate for Peoria City Council, but I lost in the primary. I spent time with all the candidates at the forums and other events during that time. After the primary, I attended three more forums to see how candidates positions might have changed. Many of the candidates took time to let me question them one on one in hopes of gaining my endorsement. I got to know the candidates personally, and I like them all (this surprised my in a few cases). Without further ado, here are my endorsements: