Three Peoria Park Board trustees are running unopposed this election, but the president’s post is a contest between incumbent Tim Cassidy and current board member Robert Johnson. I had the opportunity to meet both men at the Uplands Residential Association’s candidates forum this past Thursday. They are both very friendly, personable, and passionate about the park district’s mission.
Johnson made headlines a few days ago for saying that the Junior League’s Children’s Museum plans would be scuttled if the Peoria City Council approved landmarking historical structures in Glen Oak Park. He later retracted that statement. He is critical of Cassidy for voting against a land-sharing agreement with Peoria Public Schools so they could build a school on the edge of Glen Oak Park. Even though the Letter of Intent the Park Board signed with the school board was non-binding, Johnson feels that the Park Board broke its word, leaving the school district on the hook for the properties it purchased. He believes the Park District is “land rich and facilities poor”; thus, he would like to see more facilities, preferably through partnering with other governmental bodies, such as the library board.
Cassidy wants to maintain the Park Board’s present course. He doesn’t want to reopen old wounds by revisiting the school-in-the-park issue; he thinks it’s important for the sake of the community for that issue to be final and off the table. And he points out that the park district’s tax rate has gone down under his leadership.
I have several concerns with Johnson. First, if he were elected, it’s likely that the school siting issue would return. That issue only lost by one vote, and Cassidy was that swing vote. If Johnson wins, he would have to appoint a replacement (subject to the board’s approval) for the seat he currently holds on the board. He will almost certainly appoint someone who is favorable toward siting a school adjacent to Glen Oak Park, setting the stage for a renewed battle. Secondly, Johnson’s favor for new facilities would be ill-timed, considering the debt the park district has accrued recently for the zoo expansion. And thirdly, he speaks disparagingly about the lawsuit that is pending against the park district over violations of the Open Meetings Act. I feel that that lawsuit is a serious issue that should not be treated lightly or with contempt.
We don’t need any more building programs in the near future, and the last thing our community needs is to pick at scabs like the Glen Oak School site controversy; that issue needs to be put to bed. Therefore, I’m endorsing Cassidy.
Cj,
I went up to Johnson after the Uplands forum. He came to me saying he recognized me from somewhere. I reported to him that the person from the audience did not ask the correct question regarding the disconnect between the various forms of gov’t and the park board. I reported that the lawsuit he referred to was brought up by citizens because of the violation of the open meetings act and that the historic commission ruling was also brought up by citizens. I noted that the disconnect was with their constituents not other forms of gov’t. He did not answer the question to my satisfaction and quickly moved on.
given the choice is between really bad, and even worse, I guess you made the right call. Terrible shame some people from outside didn’t contest this election.
I find it odd and somewhat amusing that I’ll be voting to keep the Park board as it is.
Robert Johnson meant what he said about the Children’s Museum. He later said that wasn’t exactly what he meant to say- that’s only because he was called out on it. It was a flat out lie, meant to stir up the crowd, but it backfired on him. The reality is that it will minimally affect it, that is unless this ends up being drawn out in the court system, thereby putting a halt to any change pending the outcome.
I think the PPD overall does a decent job and may get a little too much criticism, but Tim Cassidy speaks about how they can save the historic structures without being landmarked- that may be true, but he would’ve never said that had the pressure from the preservation board not been put on his shoulders. If the structures are not “landmarked”, I hope he stands by his word. Time will tell.
Cassidy is the class of the Park board with Jim Cummings a close second. I hope they will both be successful in the upcoming election.
Time has told us already. Look at the condition our parks are in today. Glen Oak is, well it is in bad shape. Bradley Park is leased out to Bradley. Still has some nice green space. The biggest money hole is the RexPlex. All this brought on by the same board that has been there for years. Some choices. One here is wondering if Johnson is a liar. He probably won’t win his election but Butler on the school board has lied, or at least she won’t defend herself and she’ll probably be re-elected. No wonder nothing seems to get done in this town.
I just can’t seem to forget how Cassidy shoved that Rec-Plex down our throats no matter how much Peoria residents objected. Too bad the average Peorian has such a short memory.
C.J.
Thanks for the endorsement. Win or lose it means something from someone who obviously has a grasp of the issues. Two thoughts.First, I am serious about the historical landmark issue: I will push for a Park District ordinance to protect Park District owned historic landmarks and it remains my belief it is a Park District issue, not the citys. Second, whats the deal with the Mouse?
Tim Cassidy
Tim, thanks for your kind words. I’m glad to hear your support for preserving the landmarks in Glen Oak Park. I hope a majority of the board feels the same way.
As for the Mouse, I get the impression he doesn’t like you. 🙂
Good luck on Tuesday.
CJ: I echo your endorsement and for the same reasons.
Thanks for helping
I couldn’t vote for anybody involved in the pro-trail criminal conspiracy.
You’re not voting then, eh Vonster?
What are you saying? They’re ALL in on it?
Perhaps people like Alexis Khazzam and others want a biking/walking trail because it would improve the quality of our community … have you ever thought of that? Everyone seems so skeptical – so eager to find a devious, self-serving motive. Alexis is not the only one who wants that trail. Many Peorians would appreciate having Peoria move into a more health-conscious environment. Maybe if more Peorians left to community now and then, they’d realize that many cities around our country have trails such as the one proposed – and (to Merle Widmer), they are used OFTEN by those who are interested in health, exercise and improving their lifestyle. Let’s be grateful that there are those out there willing to voice their approval for the trail. We would all benefit in the long run.