Following the revelation that the Build the Block campaign had their campaign literature printed out of state, it was revealed that third district candidate Tim Riggenbach did the same thing. Beth Akeson called a press conference today to reiterate her commitment to supporting third district businesses:
Beth just doesn’t understand. We have to buy things out of state, and out of the country so those people can have the money to buy all the debt we are going to issue for the school district, the city, the museum, etc., etc. Then those places will own us, since we won’t be able to pay it back because everybody will be unemployed, and we can be their happy slaves. Or, we could leave, town, but, I forgot, it’s better here, so we stay and be slaves. Um, gee, that didn’t have the ending it was supposed to, did it?
Non-issue in my mind….cheap attention grabber. There are bigger issues in this district race than where the political ads were printed.
Peo Proud,
No argument that there are bigger issues in the Third District. The issue is how can one approach the bigger issues if they cann’t deal with the little ones easily. Somehow Beth has not only ran an issues and vision directed campaign, but did it using local sources. Does the choice have to be either or? Not with Beth. She can deal with details for she understands the value of details in everyones lives, but just as easily, represent the Third District with values, priorities and a vision that is inclusionery in purpose, transparent in process such as the development of the Heart of Peoria Plan. At the very same time that Beth was working and leading that energetic endeavor, her opponent was voting to expand the toxic hazardous waste site adjacent to Peoria.
I value Beth’s capacity over her opponents direction on the issues facing the Third District and the City of Peoria.
OOOPS Beth! Signs were printed out of town? From the looks of it, probably Beth’s biggest expenditure. I know for sure there are local suppliers who can print corrugated signs…not exactly a specialized service. It’s really sad that this kind of thing should be the focus right before the election.
Pat-
Signs are the least expensive portion of a campaign-10 % to be exact. We were unable to get the corrugated signs locally- please pass on the local business able to make large quantities competitively priced and when I run for re-election I will give them a call. Thank you for your help.
Beth Akeson
Even so, Beth, it seems a little disingenuous to call a news conference to complain about your competitions out of state vendors, when you yourself have used an out of state vendor.
Anon,
My opponent accepted PAC money and endorsements from local union PACs and the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce PAC. These PACs receive money from members. The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce website has an “about us” page and they articulate their mission and vision. The first sentence says “The Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce is a champion of local business” please read the rest here: http://www.peoriachamber.org/goto/mission
Do you think spending money in Iowa is championing local business?
I received no money from PACs and yet 90% of my campaign spending stayed in Illinois. There is a disconnect, and it needs to be addressed.
Disingenuous describes my opponent’s actions.
Beth Akeson
Disingenuous to say the least.
Actions speak louder than words.
Beth has proven her commitment to Peoria as well as the third district by patronizing businesses in Peoria as well as her district. I have personally participated in discussions with her throughout the campaign about the importance of utilizing local businesses … long before the discovery about the Build a Block printing issue hit the Journal Star last week. Beth walks the walk and has felt it was important to support local businesses from the beginning.
Is she trying to grab attention just before the election … no. She is simply pointing out that her opponent felt no obligation to use Peoria businesses as he put together his marketing campaign. Should we, as Peorians, be concerned about that? You bet. This a perfect example of decision making skills that may not always best serve the City of Peoria. We can all profess to care about our community – but when push came to shove, only one candidate decided to spend 90% of her campaign funds with Peoria businesses … Beth Akeson.
Is this the only reason one should vote for Beth? Absolutely not. But it’s a good example of her commitment to Put Peoria First!
Whoever wins I just hope that person does not respond in a sarcastic or snobbish manner when their constituents ask questions or express concerns.
In the past, I have wondered about Beth’s priorities since she does not live in a “transitional” (ie dangerous, questionable, do we invest here?) neighborhood, as do many of us who are proponents of central Peoria. We believe that the central area must attract people and must thrive if the city is to survive. We believe that schools are a crucial part of this.
In comparing Beth with her opponent, however, I must say that she is the preferable choice.
Now, as for the second district……
So it is okay for Beth to buy out of state and not okay for Tim? What kind of logic is that?
Sure……. the ‘sign thing’ is ridiculous……..there are more important things to worry about…..etc.
You people are the biggest group of hypocrites I have ever seen. Riggenbach supports the museum. One of the biggest selling features of this project was supposed to be its ability to create local jobs, etc. All you YES VOTERS know what I am talking about. Well!?! What is it going to be? Keep the jobs, ALL THE JOBS in the area, or do we start outsourcing already? Today the signs! Tomorrow…who knows!!!!
Sandberg is a terrible dresser, but he makes an excellent point. No issue is too ‘small.’ Not when there is so much at stake presently.
The Peoria Chamber of Commerce is as out-dated and out of touch as the current Peoria City/County Councils [with a VERY few exceptions].
We’ll I bet Beth drives an American made car too. Ha, Ha, Ha, she pulled up to the debate at Junction City in a foreign car! It is all campaign %^*&^&*&^. I am a union worker and notice these things !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think this point of what is an American made automobile deserves clarification or at least consideration.
Is an American made car or truck one that is 100% assembled in the USA regardless of part origin. Or is it a car/truck where 100% of the parts are made in the USA and assembled in the USA.
I think most cars/ trucks with Ford GM or Chrysler names on them are a mix of Non USA parts assembled in the USA or Canada.
Where is the true 100% American Car these days.
Wacko-
“So it is okay for Beth to buy out of state and not okay for Tim? What kind of logic is that?”
Tim Riggenbach received over 7,000 dollars from local PACs and spent that money OUT OF STATE. Beth Akeson received Nothing from local PACs. Nonetheless, 90% of Akeson’s campaign expenditures happened at LOCAL businesses.
I hope my logic is clear.
BucketHead-
“I am a union worker and notice these things !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
I hope you have taken notice of Riggenbach’s hypocrisy.
While possibly as irrelevant as the topic of her press conference… The Akeson campaign has spent 90% of its money in the district, probably the same 90% that she donated/loaned to herself. She made a point about where Riggenbach’s money has come from but did mention that the only person donating to her campaign is, well her. I honestly don’t care who wins this race, but if you’re going to call your opponent out on his finances you should provide full disclosure of your own. I don’t think there is anything wrong with self-funding a campaign but it does raise a red flag about what kind of support, or lack there of, one has.
Eddie(or Buckethead)- I drive a General Motors car- made in Arlington Texas- USA
Beth
Best of luck to Beth and Tim in the election-let’s hope it is decided on the real issues and that the loser will help the winner to be successful in representing us. You bloggers can make chicken salad out of chicken____ without blinking an eye or cracking a smile.
The fluff in between doesn’t really matter to me. I am sure that if you dissected both Mrs. Akeson’s and Mr. Riggenbach’s lives, you would find little issues here and there. The issues that do resonate with me are those that are really important for those within the third district. Mr. Riggenbach has 25 years of financial experience through his work with the local banks. He also has political experience through his work on the county board. It was also my understanding that he did have interest in being considered for Aaron Schock’s Illinois State Rep. seat in Springfield. If he wins, will he remain on top of the problems within the 3rd district, or daydreaming about future positions he could be running for?
Mrs Akeson has some political experience as an advocate for the local neighborhoods. I have learned that she was a tireless worker on the HOP Commission and never made a decision without doing her homework. I have also heard on these posts and from other areas in the city that she may be hard to work with… now does that mean she was impossible to work with because she didn’t care for others opinions….. or that she was not a push over and would not just vote to “get along”?
There are just two questions of a few questions I have to have answered before I make my final decision. Thanks.
Get ready for another “Yes-man” once Riggenbach hits office. Not quite what we need.
bravo11-
You have completely missed the point.. Bravo!
Sara J.
I couldn’t agree with you more. Do we want someone who is backed by Ardis and willing to vote for all his ideas w/o serious discussion and contemplation, or do we want a representative who will do her research, come with serious questions, and, in the end, vote for what is best for Peoria?
Riggenbach will be a yes-man, no doubt. Nice guy, but not one to question, let alone rock the boat when necessary, but nice guy.
Recently, our “leaders” have proposed more projects that we as a city can afford. They do not ask citizens for their views, but come to us after the decision has been made and ask us to fund their projects. Is this what we want in our leaders?
Beth will be a new voice for the Peoria City Council. How fortunate we would be to have someone of her calibur reprsenting the citizens of the third district.
Councilman Sandberg – point taken. I’m unable to vote for either candidate in the third district but value your (and others) opinions on the difference between the two. I hope that we get several new faces on the council and that they are independent thinkers. If that means moving from 10-1 votes to more 9-2 or even 8-3 votes I’m for it. While I remember a bad period of time where most votes on the council were 6-5 (including some crucial votes regarding spending priorities), overall, I think many of the decisions made were better, more vetted in public, and more vigorously debated in public (and that’s definately a positive thing) than has been the case recently.
Keep on keeping on Councilman.
I am glad you brought to light the self-funding issue. Honestly, I initially thought it would be better to self fund the campaign and not ask for donations.
My campaign team felt conflicted. On one hand, if you self-fund you open yourself up to the criticism that you are leveling, and, on the other hand, you benefit from not being linked to special interests.
My team felt it was important to get donations from supporters- and we certainly have. Most encouraging are the donations we have received from a diverse group of individuals. We have received donations from people who I never expected would take the time to send a donation or from those who I know are hard pressed for cash. The bottom line is, we have grass roots support and are also unencumbered by special interest.
My concerns for the third district are real- I most certainly would like your support if you are a third district resident. Please go to my website at http://www.bethakeson.com, call me at 696-7530, email me at bethakeson@comcast.net or stop in at campaign headquarters at 3217 Prospect.
Beth Akeson
The above post is a response to 11bravo
Cuddles O’Biggles:
Elaine Hopkins, a retired PJStar reporter and supporter of Beth Akeson’s wrote an article at her blog ….
http://peoriastory.typepad.com/peoriastory/2009/03/candidate-forum-the-baus-versus-the-stus-.html
Baus = Business_As-Usual Party vs. Shake-Them-Up Party analysis.
You may find that this information will be usual to make your decision.
Full disclosure: I am a supporter of Beth’s and I reside in District 1. I support Beth because she does her homework, is inclusive and will serve the people. She had already done this in her work on the Heart of Peoria Commission and in helping District 3 residents with the Glen Oak School siting and HyVee Market issues. And Elaine and I are on opposites sides of the museum issue.
3rd Dist resident:
I agree that the third District would be fortunate to have Beth as your councilperson.
You wrote:
“Recently, our “leaders” have proposed more projects that we as a city can afford. They do not ask citizens for their views, but come to us after the decision has been made and ask us to fund their projects. Is this what we want in our leaders?”
I agree that our leaders do propose more ‘icing and sprinkles’ projects for the ever decaying and deteriorating cupcake of the city’s older neighborhoods. Additionally, they wish to spread the debt cancer from Peoria to all of Peoria County with the museum project.
Sometimes, citizens views are asked for and actualy ignored. In the case of the museum project, with the involvement of Peoria County becoming involved in the 11th hour, the following situation demonstrates, in my mind, lack of leadership in listening to the voices of the citizens of Peoria County. Two competing strategic goals — finding a regional funding mechanism for the museum and to partner with citizens for success.
The museum group asked the Peoria County Members (PCM) for $6M then $24M and now $40M. Thankfully, PCM said no to the $24M price tag — a 7 cent per $100 Peoria County property tax rate increase which at $40M would be a 13 cent increase.
Why? Because it would have been contrary to a long standing practice of PCM to not raise taxes. Additionally, how would it have looked at election time to explain PCM “YES” vote for a museum vs. a yes vote for funding street repairs?
http://www.peoriamagazines.com/ibi/2009/mar/the-how-what-and-why-a-sales-tax-referendum
PCM voted first to support the concept of the museum and then a short time later to support looking for a regional funding mechanism via a legislative change in Springfield. SB2077 was introduced in Feb. 2008 and remained stalled along with other bills because of a politcal feud between Blagovich and Madigan.
On 5/29/08 SB2077 passed the House and was sent back to the Senate to have a concurrence vote. This would mean the Senate would have to concur with the House amendment. On 5/30/08, the Senate voted NOT to concur with the House amendment, sending the bill back to the House to either remove the amendment or the bill would be dead. Representative Leitch moved to recede the amendment, but that motion was referred to the House Rules Committee, effectively killing SB2077.
As the General Assembly and Governor continued to fight over the budget last year, the session moved on past the proposed closing period of the General Assembly. Representative Leitch took over the sponsorship of Senate Bill 1290 and amended it to include the sales tax language with a modified version of the administrative rules language. (SB 1290 was originally a bill that amended the Counties Code for a different purpose). The bill was passed out of the House (a second time) on 7/16/08. Senator Koehler and Senator Risinger then signed on as co-sponsors and put the amended SB1290 on the veto session calendar for a concurrence vote, since SB1290 was passed in the Senate back in 2007 in a completely different version. The concurrence vote was held during the veto session and signed by the Governor in November 2008.
Information Source for above two paragraphs: Patrick Urich’s email to me.
My point — during the intervening months, Peoria County conducted the first ever Peoria County National Citizen Survey – Feb 2008 with results reported in April 2008.
As for background information … you and other taxpayers may find the results of the Peoria County Citizens survey and the accompanying minutes to be of interest.
http://www.peoriacounty.org/countyBoard/survey/
During the first quarter of 2008, Peoria County conducted its first National Citizen Survey. We elected to administer the survey to gauge citizen opinion of the quality of life and the quality of services in Peoria County. One of the County Board’s strategic goals is to partner with our citizens for success. The survey helps us achieve this goal by enabling us to better understand citizens’ perceptions and desires for the community. The survey was sent to 3000 randomly selected households within the county.
Peoria County intends to use the results of the survey not only as a benchmark against which to measure our progress in the future, but also as a tool to further align our Strategic Plan and annual work plans with initiatives of importance to the citizens we serve. Peoria County is determined to administer this survey annually as a tool of performance measurement and, more importantly, to help identify service areas in need of improvement.
There are four different result links — makes for some interesting reading.
http://www.peoriacounty.org/co…..ts2008.pdf
page 45 of 66 is Question 16a: Policy Question 1 –
The Peoria Riverfront Museum project – with a focus on education, history, arts, and sciences – has fallen short of its public and private fundraising goals. To what degree
would you support or oppose a voter referendum to increase the sales tax rate by .25 percent (for example, from 8.0% to 8.25% for the City of Peoria) to fund the
remaining cost of constructing the museum?
Strongly support — 11% Somewhat support — 24%
Somewhat oppose — 20% Strongly oppose — 45%
S U M M A R Y R E P O R T – pages 1 and 3 of 5
DATE: April 14, 2008
TO: County Board
FROM: Jenny Zinkel, Director of Strategic Communications
Policy questions
Riverfront Museum (page 31): 65% somewhat oppose or strongly oppose a sales tax increase
Minutes – MANAGEMENT SERVICES COMMITTEE – April 22, 2008 – page 2 of 4
Ms. Zinkel discussed the results of “The National Citizen Survey” conducted by the
“National Research Center, Inc. The descriptions embodying the results of the survey
are as follows:
• Number of people receiving survey: 2846
• Number of responses: 905
• Percentage of response: 32%, average is 25 – 42%
• Level of confidence: 95%, no greater than plus or minus 3 percentage points
around any given percent reported
• Survey results were weighted to reflect demographic profile of all residents in
Peoria County.
Committee members and Staff briefly discussed the results of the survey. Ms. Zinkel
said that Mr. Urich has made it very clear that it is “not” an option for the County to
disregard the results of the survey.
********************************
So much for the County not disregarding the results of the survey. After all, a promise had been made to look for regional funding for the museum project for the museum group and the labor unions.
So much for partnering with our citizens for success. So much for regarding responses to the open ended questions and the top desires of citizens.
Even though taxpayers in Feb 2008 participated and gave their opinions and they were disregarded. Peoria County administration continued to advocate for legislation in Springfield. The public facility purposes legislation was introduced in July 2008. There was plenty of time to honor and regard the taxpayers’ voices in the intervening months– didn’t happen. Did anyone read the responses regarding a museum at the riverfront? http://www.peoriacounty.org/co…..ns2008.pdf
What is wrong with this picture? Riggenbach has been the chair of the Finance and & Legislative Committee since 2005 per his conversation with me.
It would have required tough and true leadership to have said — we made a commitment to two Strategic Goals which now, upon receiving new information from Peoria County citizens are in conflict with each other. As PCM we need to listen to our citizens and not continue with a referendum for funding the museum. Instead, full steam ahead and the introduction of SB1290 in July 2008 and you know the rest of the story.
Elaine wrote if you want more of the same then you would want to vote for Riggenbach as part of the Business-As-Usual Party.
Beth will provide open, inclusive, transparent leadership for all District 3 residents.
Thank you Ms./Mrs. Alms. I will take that into account.
Smear smear smear. Basically, “wacko” just called CJ’s blog “chicken —-“.
CJ may be biased, but the posts on this blog are the best researched writings I read, whether electronically or in print. “wacko” is just plain wrong on this account, and saying so doesn’t amke it true.
As for where a campaign spends money, you are dang right that makes a difference. It makes a HUGE difference to those folks that own and work at those businesses.
You got to note the irony that one candidate took money from the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce, a group of local business that promote local business, and didn’t spend the money locally at those businesses.
What does that mean?
For me the logic says…
It means he is a best thoughtless and, at worst, doesn’t really care about local business.
It means,at best, the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce got duped and, at worst, it is REALLY bad at what it should be doing (promoting local business).
One thing I guarantee.
Whether it is the City council, the County Board or a referendum for a new tax, the citizens of Peoria will get what they deserve on election day.
Cuddles O’Biggles: You are welcome. Karrie preferred or Mrs. Alms is second choice.
What point is that Rayman? Please don’t stop at being a drive by poster, why don’t you stay a while and add something of value next time.
11Bravo-
The point you missed is the reason why Mrs. Akeson held the press conference. You call it irrelevant, when, really, it’s very relevant.
Read what Anon E. Mouse had to say a few posts up. Right on the money Anon E. Mouse.
Beth,
Just wanted to point out you should have a YOUR bases covered before you go talking about someone else. It actually reminds me of a thought I had when your husband’s practice built their new facility in “suburbia” on a green field site instead of an urban site in The Heart of Peoria.
pat-
i’m going to repeat what i said earlier for emphasis…
Tim Riggenbach received over 7,000 dollars from local PACs and spent that money OUT OF STATE. Beth Akeson received Nothing from local PACs. Nonetheless, 90% of Akeson’s campaign expenditures happened at LOCAL businesses.
HER bases were covered. Why dont you hound Riggenbach for a minute? Hes the one that should be receiving criticism.
Rayman, she’s guilty of the same offense of which she accuses Riggenbach. Spin it as you might, there is only a distinction of scale (purportedly), with the only real difference being Beth’s bad judgment to try to exploit it via a press conference. Those spotlights suck when they hit a mirror.
Its not the same because Riggenbach received money from PACs. Mrs. Akeson did not. He took money from local businesses, and used that money to invested in an Iowa-based business.
Tell me, how this is the same offense? clearly its quite different.
Im not trying to spin anything.. Its the truth and it tells volumes about Riggenbach’s character.
I disagree. You are quibbling about the source of the money when the issue Akeson attempted to exploit was where it was spent. While the source of Riggenbach’s money may add irony, it does not add culpability.
He didn’t hold a press conference to try to point a finger at his opponent. That’s what I’m criticizing.
How many of Riggenbach and his wife’s cars in the last five years were American made? And how many foreign made/
How many of Akeson and her husband’s cars in the last five years were American made? And how many foreign made?
Signs and brochures are small potatoes compared to cars.
his wife is swiss. and he’s foster parenting two Jamaican boys, sheesh.
Guy is import in all facets. Someone needs to seriously help him with his priorities.
Lessee, bank vice president of a bank not innudated by bad loans.
family man, fostering.
church man.
public official for many years.
competent.
Out of state sign buyer. Does this mean Beth buys (local, of course) the pitchforks and stakes? WHO’S WITH ME!!!!!
11Bravo,
Just because Beth has self-funded a portion of her campaign does not mean she has little support. I have been working on Beth’s campaign and have witnessed the large number of people supporting her by showing up at the candidate forums, helping get mailings out, walking neighborhoods with her, and lending their various talents to her campaign.
I myself have donated thousands of dollars worth of graphic design services to her campaign. I designed almost all of her campaign materials free of charge because I believe in her vision for Peoria and very much want to see her elected.
If that is the case than Beth (and possibly you) might be in violation of Illinois State Board of Elections rules governing in-kind contributions. Any contribution in excess of $50 is to be reported and as of her last report there was nothing filed related to graphic design work. And certainly no in-kind contributions in the range of “thousands of dollars worth of” as you claim.
11Bravo — The reporting period goes through April 6, according to the State Board of Elections website. You may be jumping the gun a little.
There are stricter guidelines for reporting when a candidate is actively participating in an election. A Schedule A-1 has to be filed within two days of receipt of any contribution, including in-kind, greater than $500. An in-kind contribution of “thousands of dollars” that hasn’t been reported would fall within that category.
11Bravo,
I have been asked to provide a value to the campaign and am in process of doing so. I have only recently finished my work for Beth so I could not provide a value until I finished. Excuse me if I am not as prompt as you would like me to be. I do not work professionally as a graphic designer anymore. I work as a full-time mother with 3 young children, 2 of whom have been sick this week.
Tessie, I honestly could care less. I am not turning anyone in for anything, merely pointing something out. You were the one flaunting your in-kind contribution.