LaSalle Insider

I’m sure by now most if not all of you know we voted not to renew with IVAC this year.  That no vote (which I supported) saves us $13,225.00 this fiscal year. I believe it was the right thing to do but let me tell you my reasons.

First let me say that not renewing is no reflection on the ambassadors and volunteer help  of  IVAC. These individuals do a great deal of good and donate much time to the cause.  Many are business owners themselves and are appreciated for what they bring to their respective communities.

The no vote from my perspective is due to the fact that our Mayor insisted on an economic directors position for his administration.  As you know I was not supportive of this decision by the Council but was outvoted.

The initial passage of this position came with the understanding that we would review it in one year.  This was done recently and no criteria was used to determine whether the position was worthwhile to continue or not.  Instead we were told that Don was doing a good job and we should extend the position for three more years.  Again I opposed the vote due to the fact that no information was forthcoming as to whether the position had accomplished anything worthwhile.

Fast forward to last Monday night where we were asked whether we should renew with IVAC or not.  Last year at this time I thought we should not have due to the fact we had an economic director on staff and we were in (and still are) a tight financial situation given the current economy.

My feelings haven’t changed this year.  We now have Director for the next three years and IVAC is going through a transition with a change in their Director.  It will be sometime before things are settled with IVAC’s operations and I still feel we are in an economy where expansion by major businesses is not going to be taking place.  The prudent step is to wait for a year and revisit the idea.  It also gives us a great opportunity to rate the job Don is doing for the city.  Hence my no vote to renewal at this time.

I want to add that I commended the Mayors of LaSalle and Peru on Monday for their investigation into the IVEZ (Illinois Valley Enterprise Zone).  The board that oversees this  is called the ZMO or Zone Management Organization.  This group is made up of the current mayors of LaSalle, Peru, Oglesby,Village President of North Utica and the LaSalle County Board  Chairman.  Recently Mayor Grove and Mayor Harl raised questions as to what the expenses were to administer this program currently done by IVAC.  They have not received any real answers from IVAC. They have also suggested that other entities should be allowed to compete for the chance to administer this program perhaps at a fee lower than what IVAC is currently receiving.  I applaud their efforts to investigate and look forward to finally getting answers back from IVAC concerning this matter.

Finally, with all this talk about IVAC and new business development I want to suggest to Don that he not lose focus on those businesses already here.  We should thank these companies for coming here and STAYING here.  We need to attend to their needs  and not forget that they are vital to our survival as a city.  From one city official to all of you businesses out there….THANK YOU!

At our last council meeting I discovered in the bills a purchase from Connecting Point computer Centers for almost $3,000.00.   The bill was for three laptop computers and cases as well as some other computer ware. When asked about the purchase the Mayor responded that Don (our economic director) got a great deal and he decided to buy them without any council discussion.  The Mayor along with our Superintendent of Public works and our Economic Director were treated to new laptops.

Please understand that the Mayor as well as our Public works director already had computers.  These were upgrades for them.  Don had been using his own laptop since he was hired so it was felt that we had to get him a city  owned laptop.  I still have some unanswered questions….

1 Why laptops when desk tops are cheaper and serve the same purpose…and before you tell me that they are mobile let me tell you that the mayor leaves his in his office at city hall.  Besides we have survived with desktops just fine.

2. Why wasn’t this discussed on the floor before the Mayor decided to buy…what was the rush?  We just discussed a $1,000. add on to a construction project the meeting before with the full council.

3. Why three?  couldn’t we survive with one or two and give Don one of the remaining computers we already had?

4.Why wasn’t this shopped around for the Council to get some competitive pricing? The mayor said they used Connecting Point because we dealt with them before…so what?

Its amazing to me that the mayor can make some strides in reducing unnecessary spending one week and then go on a shopping spree with your money the next.  He hasn’t learned yet that the checkbook belongs to the taxpayer not the Mayor.Before he buys again he should ask himself one question that we are faced with personally everyday in this economy…is this a want or a need?  If its a want…forget about it.

Here we are on the eve of the Fourth  of July and it would do all of us well to pause and reflect just how far we have come as a Nation.   We truly stand as the last great super power and I for one think the world is a better place because of that fact.   I know the current regime in Washington D.C. does not agree with me but than their is very little if anything I agree with them on.  The world needs a country which stands for freedom and the pursuit of each individuals happiness without fear of government controlling every action one takes.  Those who disagree are the same that believe that the Constitution is a “living document” and subject to various interpretations….THEY ARE WRONG!   The founders put in the ability to change aspects of the document by use of the amendment process.  That is the only way any changes can and should be made to our most perfect document.  Thank God we exist as a country that is a beacon to those who want a chance at freedom and to be the best they can be!  This current crop of negative thinking leaders in Washington will begin their exit from office starting in this Fall’s elections.  I have faith that by 2012 we will right our Ship of State and once again be the model for all countries to follow.  God bless our men and women in the military and thank them for doing their job so well in spite of the lack of leadership in D.C.   Please have a safe and happy Holiday!