About the Peoria Chronicle

The Peoria Chronicle is a compilation of news (including some original reporting), analysis and opinion about Peoria, Illinois, published by C. J. Summers. To a large extent, this site is a supplement to the mainstream media, providing some more detail/context on certain stories. But the best part of having this site is the feedback I get — the comments you leave — that allow us to have a discussion on these issues.

About Me

I’m a fourth-generation Peorian, married with three children. My paternal grandfather worked for the newspaper of record, the Peoria Journal Star, as the national advertising manager before retiring in 1975. His father was a streetcar conductor in Peoria. His father-in-law was a plumber. Some other occupations my ancestors have held in Peoria: restaurant owner, furniture store owner, school teacher, Caterpillar worker. There’s nobody famous in my family; we’ve all had pretty ordinary jobs. As a result, my perspective on news and local events (as I see it) is that of the “common man.”

Also because of my deep roots here in Peoria, I love my home town, and I want to see it be the best it can be. That’s why I’m an advocate for things like the Heart of Peoria Plan, fixing up older neighborhoods, and focusing on basic services.

Standard disclaimer: The views expressed by me on The Peoria Chronicle are my own, and do not reflect the views of my employer, my friends and co-workers, or any of my relatives, for that matter.