I really don’t have any say in the Peoria library expansion issue, since I no longer live in Peoria. However, my parents live in Peoria, and we visit them often. Plus, I’m an opinionated S.O.B. that likes to insert my two cents (even when it’s not wanted). Thus, my blog.
It actually would be very convenient for me personally if a library branch was built at Expo Gardens. That site would be in easy walking distance from my parent’s home. However, that site makes absolutely no sense given the fact that the Lakeview Branch is just about a mile down the road.
The advisory library referendum asked about funding a new branch for NORTH Peoria. Expo Gardens lies at the demographic CENTER of Peoria’s population. The new branch should be built north of Pioneer Parkway at a minimum, and probably closer to Route 6.
It seems to me that Mayor Ardis, Bill Spears, Pat Nichting and others are “drinking the Kool-Aid” of their special interests. They all voted for the advisory referendum, and the results seem pretty clear.
Related to the discussion of the library issue in the local media, I also have a point to make about journalistic integrity. Please compare this post written on June 11 by local blogger Peoria Illinoisan with the first section of this June 16 Word on the Street column written by Karen McDonald. Notice some similarities? I certainly did. I think Miss McDonald should give credit where credit is due.
6 responses so far ↓
1
Billy Dennis
// Jun 17, 2008 at 10:36 am
Honestly, a LOT of people noted the same thing after Ardis said what he did. I don’t think she stole the idea. I just think she had the same reaction a lot of people did — one based on a desire to see the new library be built no matter what the cost.
2
Knight in Dragonland
// Jun 17, 2008 at 1:13 pm
I fully concede that Karen McDonald likely came up with the idea independently and was completely unaware of PI’s post. That said, I was never impressed with Karen McDonald’s work ethic when she was on the Pekin beat. Her articles frequently contained factual errors or misrepresented the issues at hand.
Billy, I have no problem with the Mayor and City Council saying that, given the current economic climate, maybe Peoria better pull back on spending plans. For example, the compromise put forward to delay expansion of the Lakeview branch until after the new north branch is built seems completely reasonable to me.
My problem is that they’re playing politics with the siting issue. They’re using the library to try to get rid of a local eyesore (Elliot’s, care of Nichting), or they’re playing the political opposite of “not in my back yard” (Ardis, Spears) and putting forward locations like Expo that make zero rational sense except as a kowtow to local interests or developers.
Also, Ardis’ excuse for ignoring the advisory referendum really rings hollow when you consider the fact that he had essentially the same amount of voter support for his mayoral candidacy. I’ve lost a lot of respect for Ardis and Spears over this issue. They’re playing games for their own political self interest at the expense of Peoria as a whole.
3
PeoriaIllinoisan
// Jun 17, 2008 at 6:17 pm
For the record, I agree with Knights original assessment.
Maybe not, but it’s fun to pretend… but I *do* believe that the Journal Star article related to Museum Square and the removing of the artwork which cost $500 a pop and was promised to stay up between 3-5 years was a direct response to my post, and subsequent follow ups by CJ & Jonathan Ahl. I wouldn’t normally be so full of myself to say that except for the opening lines-
“First, here’s what the newly painted black fence that wraps around the empty Downtown museum block is NOT:
A symbolic message about the continuing struggle to build the long-delayed and funding-impaired $135 million regional museum and Caterpillar Inc. visitor’s center on the site.”
http://peoriaillinoisan.blogpeoria.com/2008/06/08/cat-takes-control-of-sears-block/
http://www.pjstar.com/homepage/x858457585/Painted-fence-a-sign-of-hope
As far as the Library goes, I’m a big proponent and I think the voters spoke. Yes, I understand it was non-binding, but why ask the public if you don’t care what the public thinks!?
4
Billy Dennis
// Jun 21, 2008 at 10:58 am
Library proponents came to the city council to get the referendum on the ballot. Then the library proponents began a $100,000 public relations campaign to get passage.
5
Knight in Dragonland
// Jun 21, 2008 at 9:49 pm
And the city council approved the ordinance to put the referendum on the ballot by a 10-0 vote.
6
Billy Dennis
// Jun 21, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Yes. The ADVISORY referendum.
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