I’m kind of burned out on the blog at the moment. So, while I recharge, please feel free to discuss whatever is on your mind.
I’m kind of burned out on the blog at the moment. So, while I recharge, please feel free to discuss whatever is on your mind.
“We all want progress, but if you’re on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive.”
C. S. Lewis
In other words — don’t drink the Kool Aid.
So with River Station, the restaurant, closing can we begin to talk about River Station the Amtrak depot?
I am so sick of driving to Bloomington and then learning that the train will be over an hour and a half late….. Bring back The Rocket!!!
Billy: No, I think it means if you make a mistake, admit it, make the necessary change and get on the correct path. Perhaps one could apply Lewis’ quote to some community decisions that have led us down the wrong path and no admission of mistakes and so we continue on the wrong path. Just my two cents.
Would be wonderful to have Amtrak in Peoria but it isn’t going to happen. First off freight has the right of way and that is a major freight way through Peoria. Also, where do you go from there? The parking is all gone and everthing is straight uphill from the station. There would have to be some changes before Amtrak could come into Peoria on that end. But that’s not to say it can’t, just would take alot of doing.
I’m thinking that the phrase “drink the Kool Aid” should be banned from the local blogosphere until further notice.
I hope that the D150 school board members use his/her individual honor and integrity to collectively elect Martha Ross as the D150 Board President for the 2008-2009 school year! 🙂
The old Rocket route between Peoria and Chicago is unsignaled and has, especially from Utica eastward, heavy (and increasing) industry with switch engines working daily in several locations. In order to support rail passenger service, long passing sidings would need to be put in (the line was double-tracked when Rock Island had it) so as not to interfere with freight activity, signals installed, and the track would need to be upgraded to a minimum of 60mph in most areas (though 79mph would be preferred) and stations would need to be built. The tens of millions it would cost to restore rail passenger service on this route is the likely reason Amtrak is not considering it in their study.
Peoria’s best bet is probably restoration of the Prairie Marksman route via TP&W and an East Peoria station (preferrably closer to the commercial district at Main and W. Washington Streets). Of course, the TP&W will need some considerable upgrading, but that would take less $$$$ than the old Rock Island Rocket route.
Yes, Karrie!! I agree!!! Martha Ross for School Board President!
Thank you Karrie and ImaSwede for realizing that Martha should be Board President. We have to be more vocal about it than just blogging. It is imperative to call the school board members and let them know how you feel. It may not do any good but at least they will be forewarned that they are making a huge mistake. This is an unprecedented three year term. Do you think Hinton wants to have Martha or David as president? She will ask questions and spend time researching and reaching out to the community. Gorenz is just a yes man. When is the last time he reached out to those who have opinions that differ from his. He is a major disappointment not only as a president but as a school board member. Those of us in district 3 should be alarmed with his narrow mindedness when it comes to all our children.
Are you kidding? Come on…you guys are kidding right? Ross as school board President? “She’d ask questions?” I’m surprised she can read. Yes Hinton wants her as President. She’d be his lackey. There goes the kool aide.
CJ – could your burnout have anything to do with a 3 day weekend of sunny temps in the mid ’70’s?
Personally, I wish a board member that has exhibited some leadership and independance of thought would step forward and put their hat in the ring… but in the absence of that it seems only fair that Martha Ross should take her rightful place in the Presidents chair.
I don’t believe Mr. Gorenz deserves another year. Can anyone name one notable achievement that has taken place within D150 during his tenure as President of the Board? Do we all need to be reminded of the events of the past year and a half?
In his own words, from last Board meeting – “If we keep doing what we are doing, we’ll keep getting what we’re getting”. Well, we did it, we got it, we don’t like it, and it is time for someone else to show us their stuff!
My vote, (if I had one Lol) would be for Ms. Ross or Stowell/Parker/Butler… all members who have at one time or another exercised sound judgement and an ability to think independantly of the Hinton agenda. After all, isn’t that the purpose of a Board of Education?
“Hey, boys and girls, do you know what time it is?”
R.I.P. Bozo.
COme on David, what’s a few million dollars if we can get good rail service; they waste BILLIONS on unneeded highways. With gas at $4+ per gallon we need to stop pinching pennies when it comes to public transportation.
Mouse,
The fact is, all forms of transportation bring forth certain advantages so we shouldn’t be forced to choose between all necessary forms of transportation infrastructure. The convenience of getting in your own car and going where you want to go is superior to any form of public transportation.
That motor carriers, bus lines and private automobiles can share paved roads makes highways the priority by our federal, state and local governments. That should be understood by all, however, congestion in the big cities made public transportation viable even when gasoline was cheap. Now that gas is expensive and becoming more so, the viability of public transportation, particularly rail, has increased.
Chicagoland is a huge (and growing) area of 9.5 million residents. The advantages of commuter trains linking that city’s downtown with its suburbs now extend to outlying cities such as Bloomington-Normal, Champaign, Decatur, Fort Wayne, Galesburg, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lafayette, Lansing, Madison, Milwaukee, Peoria, Quad Cities, South Bend and Springfield, etc.
But let’s not forget that the nation’s Interstate Highway System and other paved road networks remain vitally important to the nation’s economy, especially where people and freight flow is not as concentrated.
I certainly prefer government spending on rail passenger service rather than some highway improvements (the proposed Rt. 29 four-lane upgrade for example), but the nature of government being what it is, it’s more likely they’ll spend it on both. Given existing Peoria – Chicago routes for road vehicles, I think a better case can be made for rail passenger service, but the best route, which is probably costliest to ready for it, may not be the one favored by Amtrak.
Just to go on record as supporting the candidacy of Martha Ross for President of the Board of Education. For the Board to continue to pass her over for the office and to allow Gorenz to have an unprecedented 2d and 3d terms, is just wrong. As long as this practice continues, Hinton will have carte blanche to do as he jolly well pleases.
To emtronics….what do you think Gorenz has been for the last two years. I guarantee you that Hinton would much rather have Gorenz rather than Ross. I did find your “I am surprised she can read” comment one of the most disrespectful I have read on Peoria Chronicle. I have always respected the contributors. Sure I have read other comments but none this personal and vicious. I have always respected your integrity. You may not agree with supporting her for president but it did not warrant such an ugly comment. Thank you.
k.power: Give me a break and if that is the most disrespectful comment you have ever read, then I question your reading skills on these blogs. Ms. Ross is my representative on the Board and I don’t think she is qualified at all and I have had to deal with her in past numerous times. (I’m not alone in that opinion either as I picked it up from some professionals) I don’t agree that Gorenz is a good choice either but we have little choices. For her to have the position “just because” is not right. I stand by my comment and if it hurts you, well, then in the words of Billy Dennis: “You need to harden up!”
Remember, Ms. Ross votes against every discipline matter against students no matter what happened. My guess is that some of the commenter’s on these blogs that complain about and point out every flaw of District 150 neither live in nor support the District. I know a few here do but do you k.power?
Now lets all hold hands and sing…..
Kumbaya…..Kumbaya….
Thanks Emtronics…I do live in Peoria and have been a long time supporter of Peoria Public Schools. I have admired your support of #150. If every one was as committed to the district as you are we would be much better off. I remember your son when he was on the Scholars’ Cup Team in sixth grade and followed his phenomenal academic achievements until he graduated. You were such a supportive parent.
I have not always agreed with Martha either. However, I guess I just thought it was unkind to say I doubt if she can read. I think I can be an effective advocate for our children without hardening up to such comments. I do think we are on the same page to work together. I still maintain that Gorenz will not be a better president than Ross. Shall we just say we agree to disagree. Thanks…I just hardened up!!
Ms. Ross votes in favor of suspensions, but never for an expulsion. Do you mean to tell me there is never a kid in 150 who does not deserve to be expelled? She has to have more common sense than that to get my support. Stowell, even tho he is prejudiced against a certain religious faction, is the way to reign Hinlton in.
Time out!
Mrs. Ross has explained publicly – both in the PJS and in front of the cameras at BOE meetings – why she does not vote for expulsions. To paraphrase her words, until their is some place for these (expelled) kids to go, she will not vote in favor of any expulsions. Without a place for them to go, they will be on our streets and in our neighborhoods doing what? If they have misbehaved to the point they have been recommended for expulsion, do we really want them let loose on the city and in our neighborhoods? I can only speak for myself, but I don’t.
Ok k.power. Yes I said; “I’m surprised she can read…” and I will concede she can read. Still, I just happen to be a fly on the wall at a few functions and to hear her talk when she thinks no one is around, well, it was sad indeed. I wish I could say more but can’t without revealing how I was the fly on the wall.
Either way, the Board needs some changes and anything is better than the status quo that we have now.
Also, thank you for your kind words. You must know me, I just wish I could place you. 🙂
Kid: Now it sounds like you are drinking C.J.’s Kool Aid.
“superior” form of transportation?? For whom? For many people it isn’t even an option.
David,
Following up on Mouse’s comment, I’m pretty surprised to hear you characterize the car as THE superior form of transporation. In certain circumstances, that may be true, but certainly not always, and for some people, not usually.
I’m getting ready to move to Peoria soon, but I’m currently in Chicago on the north side of the city. I can promise you that for many urban and suburban dwellers here, the CTA or Metra is in fact the superior method for getting to work and many other places. Less unpredictable than traffic, less costly (consider gas as well as parking), and frankly, relaxing or working on the train is greatly preferable to sitting in my car. Even if the train took longer than driving, the difference would have to be quite considerable before I’d drive. I don’t even have to get to the larger enviornmental and societal issues for this decision to be an easy one.
While you can’t compare Peoria directly to Chicago on this issue, I think it’s important to show people in Peoria that public transporation (and walking, biking, etc) doesn’t have to be a last resort, and that people with access to cars do actually get around via other methods as well. I think in these times it’s imperative to get this message out and start improving public transportation, as well as infrastructure and private development that is friendly to pedestrians and cyclists.
Although I understand that the concept of “fair play” is way beyond the understanding of most of the school board members, one can always hope. Emtronics is correct, we have to change the status quo – it isn’t just not working, it is failing miserably.
Let us hope it is not the same old ugly, dirty, politics-as-usual game the BOE plays tonight – you know, the back room deals and thinly veiled threats – and pray we finally get a change in leadership. It is in the best interest of our kids and our city. We have a right to expect much better than they have given us.
Emtronics: Howdee. Martha Ross and every other school board candidate meets the qualifications to be a school board member according to the site (we previously had that discussion and you are personally qualified to be a school board member too. You shared that you would never run for that office — that is okay too.)
So in addition to the present qualifications, what additional qualifications are you looking for in a school board member to make that person ‘qualified’? Just trying to understand — thanks for your help.
Like I said before….An orangutan is qualified. So what? I do think it takes some extra skills to be Board President but hey, I could be wrong about that. Like you said, even I could be on the Board that still doesn’t make me Presidential material. I think it takes some leadership skills and IMO, Ross has none.
But most posters here are District 150 experts so you never know; Ross could be an excellent Board President. Be careful what you wish for.
Emtronics: “Still, I just happen to be a fly on the wall at a few functions and to hear her talk when she thinks no one is around, well, it was sad indeed. I wish I could say more but can’t without revealing how I was the fly on the wall.”
Was she talking to herself?
Emtronics: Not to beat a dead horse — So, in your opinion, Ross doesn’t have the leadership skills necessary to BOE President.
What specific leadership skills are you looking for in a BOE President?
Who on the current BOE Board possesses the leadership skills you described?
What is an example of superior leadership from the BOE and/or the administration in the time period 2006 – 2008?
Just trying to understand … because I feel that many commentors are talking about some of the same issues but the discussion usually gets too personal before the content of any particular issue is vetted.
Again thank you for your willingness to communicate.
Kramer,
Yes, in general, the automobile is the superior form of transportation, as it is the tool of travel for most. It’s a situation created by those two-lane roads built in the 1920’s and 1930’s (putting many an interurban and local passenger train out of business) and then the freeways, built since the 1950’s, which encouraged urban sprawl and decentralization. High gas prices may in the long term reverse this trend back in favor of centralization (“New Urbanism”), which makes public transportation, and rail in particular, more viable in many metro areas. The infrastructure for cars is already in place, however, so we must recognize that it is here to stay.
Let me reveal my reasons for saying this – there are politicians who would love nothing more than to impose huge [gas] tax increases on us and use the projected revenue for public transportation. I oppose this. New transit options, particularly rail, should come from a combination of private/public sources with public support at the polls. I think most new rail transit systems have been approved by popular referendum, but that could change.
There is no need to demonize the automobile or even petroleum-based fuels. They are here to stay. An economical alternative has not appeared. Rail transit will grow in popularity but it will not replace the private automobile.
kohlrabi: In one case Yes! She was and in another she was talking with a “friend”.
Karrie: Linda Dailey was a Board President and is an excellent example.
Read my comment on CJs newest post about this issue. We need someone who sees the seat for what it is, not as a throne. We don’t need a Queen Ross.
When I was a mentor at Blaine-Sumner back in the middle 90’s, I was shocked one day when I came in and witnessed 2 police officers with two bloody kids in handcuffs. I later talked to the principal and he told me what I saw was not unusual.
I then visited Linda Daley in Leitch’s office, Linda was Board President, and told her what I witnessed and what I was told by the principal, (I believe his name was Ken Sutter) she said “we do not have problems with discipline in #150”.
Ivory towers? They are the major reason the District has developed a questionable reputation.
I was also on the committee formed to investigate expulsions in 1994. I agreed that expulsions would be an absolutely last resort. Once expelled, where would these basically parentless kids go?
Alternate schools, alternate rooms within the school or special classes are much better than booting a kid unless the kid is a threat to teachers and classmates.
I believe the district is trying to educate all kids, keep them in school even if they are sleeping at their desks, albeit, it is late in the game.
In discussing whether more counselors help defuse the anger (the right ones would) in many troubled kids, Martha Ross said “Counselors may be the answer if programs are carefully planned. Suspending students without providing remediation isn’t the answer.” (JS 1/28/05)
As to who is president; I believe Martha Ross understands the community problems better than Gorenz. Over 70% of the 14,000 students will be black this fall and 70% of them below poverty level. Actually, who is president isn’t going to make major changes in a system that is succeeding too slowly.
Talk to a man named Doug Willmann who came from Seattle where he worked as a youth counselor. He said “If you want to raise the educational levels of students, you have to have a safe environment”. His comments along with Martha’s made sense to help reduce school violence. So did Ron Tyler and Michael Lockett who was principal at Greeley Alternate School. (JS, 1/28/05)
Read my archives on all my observations on my many classroom visits over the years.
like the new addition to sidebar. Go Cubs!!