A Knight in Dragonland

Probably the most controversial local issue around Pekin lately is the recently implemented impound ordinance. The financial success of this ordinance over the first three months of its existence is described here, and the Times editorial board discusses the issue here.

Like the Times editors, I have mixed thoughts about the ordinance. I can understand shifting administrative costs to the perpetrators of crime, and there are several lines of recourse available to appeal the fees. However, the ordinance punishes those accused, not convicted, of certain crimes, and I think that’s problematic. Isn’t our justice system supposed to pivot around the idea of “innocent until proven guilty”?

On a much brighter and less controversial note, ICC is opening a South Campus on Hanna Drive in Pekin. This is wonderful news for the community. While initially offering vocational training courses (welding, HVAC, mechanical & electrical maintenance), I’m sure that course offerings will expand in the future.