As most people know, there has been a decade long debate on whether to tear out the rail line over the Keller Branch and convert it to a recreational biking/walking trail or not. Last week, the Surface Transportation Board (STB), the federal agency that has jurisdiction over railroads, ruled against the adverse discontinuance of the line. Thus, the Keller Branch shall remain an operating railroad.
I ran into Alicia Butler at the last Peoria City Council meeting. We were discussing the issue of whether the city should be able to give historical landmark status to structures under the jurisdiction of a separate governing body. Then she said something that got me thinking. She was surprised Peoria has not yet gone to only having one taxing body with full jurisdiction over everything. This would mean no more park or school boards. Would this be a good idea?
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)