Richerson Ousted as Peoria Riverfront Musuem Leader

A news conference will be called today to announce the dismissal of Jim Richerson. Losses in 2012 projected to be over one million.

Jim is a nice guy. I wish him better success in his next venture.

PRM Early Warnings About Support for the PRM

Never reported by any of the media was the result of a survey made by The National Citizens Survey in 2009 and paid for by Peoria County taxpayers,  that was summarized by Peoria County Officials as follows:

Under "Policy Questions" it reads, 'Riverfront Museum 65% somewhat oppose or strongly oppose a sales tax increase".

This supports a survey done by the City of Peoria and promptly squelched by then Mayor Dave Ransburg. that was negative to the museum building that suggested "Peoria was more sports minded and beer drinking community".

I have a copy of that survey.

Move to my next two blogs.

Dr. Chester Danehower Says "Stop the Negativity and Let the Museum Shine"

So said the good doctor in  an editorial to the JSEB and printed in today's paper. Start here and read my next blog and my 15 or so factual blogs about the probably impossible financial success of this project.

Note that the quote "33% of the $99 million museum would be all that the public would need to contribute, came from Brad McMillan in an address to County Board members and a subsequent LTE printed in the JS. Actual submissions show that the public so far has contributed over 67% of  the $99 million museum.

Finacial results are not important as the quality of the product as attributed to Museum Director Richerson in the JS when revising attendance figure downward from 240,000 every year to a "possible' 150,000 the first 12 months of it's existence.

If citizen taxpayers need not worry about finances, we might all live in million dollars homes and drive expensive European cars.

Hm.

PRM Fiscal Year Ended June, 30, 2012 - Financial Results Still Not Made Public

Why not?? Start with the facts. When the Lakeview museum people started stretching the truth, (with Caterpillar's support) like Caterpillar blaming the county for delaying the projects start, an IMAX theatre that became a seldom if ever heard of Big Screen, at least in Central Illinois, funds in the banks but $10 million spent BEFORE A SPADE OF EARTH WAS TURNED and the museum was still called  Lakeview, FOIA requests were never answered promptly and possibly not truthfully so I'm speculating why the delay as exposed by the JS and TV media, is a subject of worry to the taxpayers who supported it with their dollars. ( the elite, arrogant, wealthy or not, be concerned and who are ALWAYS  sure they are right, why would the majority of the community who gives a damn, believe the ardent supporters now? Perhaps some strong supporters believe the economy or the flooding is surely the cause of the delay.

I suggest, merely suggestions of what may be going on with the museum Director and Dave Ransburg, supposedly the head of the museum Board of Directors. Side Comment: Remember what Dave was quoted by the JS  when he became head honcho? The JS reported that Dave said he would easily raise the missing, at that time, $10 million, but would raise more. Indeed??

I list the possible reasons for the museum's financial result delay. I'm not saying these are facts, just sheer guesses:

Some money may be missing.
The museum accountant is ?????
The promoters are still trying to collect pledges and then , though late,convert them into actual dollars. (Fact, early on, museum figures showed some $565,000 deemed uncollectible.)
The outside accountants have not signed off on the figures submitted by the museum board for fear of????
Attendance figures, once PROJECTED to be 240,000 per year forever may now be PROJECTED to be as low as 150,000 per year. (In my blogs, I tried to reason with museum promoters, that one member with 4 kids visiting 4 times a year, causes misleading figures. They couldn't figure out how that affected REAL attendance; I'm sure my reader can figure it out if I could.
The economy of the area is so good, the private accounting firm is too busy to????
Previous lies to the public are being reviewed with President Obama as how to turn them into charismatic believable lies.
Some big egos are fearful of result publications and want to delay them until they are traveling away frrom Peoria,
Caterpillar, this is FACTUAL, who first said they would contribute a $51 million Caterpillar Visitors Center at their expense, then reduced that amount to $37 million and then placed Caterpillar Offices off limit to visitors, on the top floor of the $37 million Visitors Center, is laying plans to take over the museum as their NEW WORLD HEADQUARTERS.

All sheer speculations same as One Technology Center, Gateway Center, Cub Foods, new softball fields to take the overflow from Eastside,  25 new baseball fields (JS on 5/24/11, 5/25/11, and 5/30/11), 18,000 families joining the RiverPlex, the emptiness of the old Lakeview Museum Building and the former YWCA building, when the 20,000 potholes on Peoria public streets and the 10,000 potholes in private businesses entry ways and parking lots, untold dozens of empty buildings being quickly sold and occupied, the Peoria Historical Society displaying the thousands of historical items now safely in storage: almost all of the above are purely speculations but need to be submitted with the City's application to be named an All American City, thus  fulfilling Henry Hollings predictions of three or so years past.

Hmmmm.

I plug C.J. Summer's blog the Peoria Chronicle for more on the PRM.

Heidi Heitkamp, Democrat I Support

I count few political Democrats I like. Heidi recently moved to the head of the type of Demo politician I like.

Sorry I'm not blogging much but I have other issues right now. Not financial. (My shares of IMAX were up $1.39 per share, not bragging but I suggested quite awhile back that if you were in the market buy IMAX and CAT, who will soon bloom again) I really would like to turn my history of this community and world issues to someone who is interested. Approimately 8 file drawers, most sorted and labeled in file folders.

In the meantime, go to my search bar to read about ring roads, musuems, ball parks,. highways including the one time "highway to Chicago", Obama, Romney, ObamaCare, poverty, School Dist. # 150, etc.

Thanks for reading me. I never expected eveyone to agree with me.

Moving to Mexico - An Interesting Summation

Sent to me by a friend. Hey, writer, you clear the way with Barak and I'll follow you.   Merle   Dear Mr. Obama: I'm planning to move my family and extended family into Mexico for my health, and I would like to ask you to assist me. We're planning to simply walk across the border from the U.S. into Mexico, and we'll need your help to make a few arrangements. We plan to skip all the legal stuff like visas, passports, immigration quotas and laws. I'm sure they handle those things the same way you do here. So, would you mind telling your buddy, The President of Mexico, that I'm on my way over? Please let him know that I will be expecting the following: 1. Free medical care for my entire family. 2. English-speaking government bureaucrats for all services I might need, whether I use them or not. 3. Please print all Mexican Government forms in English. 4. I want my grandkids to be taught Spanish by English- speaking (bi-lingual) teachers. 5. Tell their schools they need to include classes on American culture and history. 6. I want my grandkids to see the American flag on one of the flag poles at their school. 7. Please plan to feed my grandkids at school for both breakfast and lunch. 8. I will need a local Mexican driver's license so I can get easy access to government services. 9. I do plan to get a car and drive in Mexico, but I don't plan to purchase car insurance, and I probably won't make any special effort to learn local traffic laws. 10. In case one of the Mexican police officers does not get the memo from their president to leave me alone, please be sure that every patrol car has at least one English-speaking officer. 11. I plan to fly the U.S. flag from my housetop, put U.S. flag decals on my car, and have a gigantic celebration on July 4th. I do not want any complaints or negative comments from the locals. 12. I would also like to have a nice job without paying any taxes, or have any labor or tax laws enforced on any business I may start. 13. Please have the president tell all the Mexican people to be extremely nice and never say critical things about me or my family, or about the strain we might place on their economy. 14. I want to receive free food stamps. 15. Naturally, I'll expect free rent subsidies. 16. I'll need income tax credits so that although I don't pay Mexican taxes, I'll receive money from the government. 17. Please arrange it so that the Mexican Government pays $4,500.00 to help me buy a new car. 18. Oh yes, I almost forgot, please enroll me free into the Mexican Social Security program so that I'll get a monthly income in retirement. I know this is an easy request because you already do all these things for all his people who walk over to the U.S. from Mexico. I am sure that the President of Mexico won't mind returning the favor if you ask him nicely. Look how crazy this looks when you put it in writing!!!

Local Events in Peoria

The electors just showed a disdain for politics, 17% turnout, and in many ways, you can't blame them. Few want to take the bullshit handed out by their opponents and the media as witness the lie told about candidate John Kunski who lost to a not exactly truthful, Jim Montelongo, who predicted the riverfront? museum "would be a great success and the dissenters where pretty stupid to oppose it's construction" (See my blog "Councilman Concerned About Museum Opposition" dated 9/15/2010 and easily found on my blog site search bar, upper right hand side).

It appears the lie circulated in a flier by Montelongo and his chief supporters cost Kunski the election Had. Kunski lived in a cave with no outside contacts would he NOT  know that the downtown ballpark was a long way from being a revenue producer. But maybe Kunski's detractors were talking to Roger Monroe "See my blog of 3/24/2008, titled 'Peoria Chiefs Baseball Club''  where Monroe told a "big one"

Lies like this one are reasons why more people don't run for public office and when the "good" ones are elected, the take a bashing from the medias who for one reason or another, have an axe to grind.

I read where the Peoria Public Library Director was fired, no surprise, if you read the blog, "The Peoria Chronicle, and my blogs, widmer-peoria-watch.blogspot.com  We published the reasons he "left" Indianapolis which were known by the board that hired him. It appears more "firing" of some board members should be done by library supporters and the  city who mostly funds the libraries. (Did you by chance note the "increased"?? attendance at the costly Lincoln Branch Library?) That's the site where the "movers and shakers" in this community failed to research what was under the site grounds and had to relocate and rebury, or did they?, the remains of those buried under the expansion site at a rumored cost of $600,000

Actually, most of the increase in library use was free computers. Check it out..

I read where Developer Matthews is running behind, despite a mild Peoria winter, in this someday boondoogle, the renovation of the Pere and would be fined fined $41,000 per month for every month he misses the guaranteed completion date. Will the city actually charge and collect the money? We will maybe find out or maybe not.

I see where the Peoria City Police Super, the Mayor and the SA are going to, this time, really crack down on Peoria gangs..

Hmmmm.

Highways of Vehicle Destruction in Illinois

After passing through Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and Kentucky, where gasoline was in the $3.30's and the highways were smooth, I dreaded entering Illinois where I knew in advance that the prices of gasoline were $3.50's to the $3.70's and the potholes and rough pavement would jolt me back into the reality of vehicle travel conditions in Illinois. Unfortunately, while I commend Peoria on it's prudent use of gas saving yellow flashing turn signals, the street conditions are possible the worst in the country. And with the dollars budgeted and the workers  no where near as effective as those who laid the airplane runways at say, Saipan during WWII, conditions won't change much before next winter.

Much has appeared in print about the dangerous conditions of our bridges. I'm afraid the condition of these bridges will remain dangerous for years to come and air travel will remain the far fastest and safest way to travel any distance, even safer than the railway-railways from Peoria to Bloomington so coveted by some of our most distinguished politicians. (tongue-in-cheek here) or har-har-har.

I drove the 1238 miles in 22 hours but I believe this to me my last trip to Florida or Arizona by vehicle. Next time I seek a warmer climate, it will be by air, the Lord willing. It was good to be back among friends and relatives, catch up on local events and get settled in for a stay.

Widmer Back From a Winter in Florida

Maybe a couple weeks to early but more pressing matters made me leave the clay tennis courts and the balmy days offered in the Sarasota-Bradenton area. New friends are also missed but I hope to see them again.

After reading all the accumulated  Journal Star newspapers, I was saddened to learn of the death of my longtime friend Bill Palmatier, who was an officer at Illinois Mutual and one of my company's best customers. Also, Bill McDaniels passed away. He was the Illinois Mutual Insurance rep who handled our insurance needs for a long time. Also,Jim Hardesty, who played basketball for me at McLean Waynesville and was later a customer. Also Bert Born who was a political supporter of mine. Bert and I also once played wheel chair basketball together for a local fundraiser. Most of you know of Bill's illustrious basketball careers at KSU and Caterpillar.

The deaths of these friends and contributors to the Peoria scene is a sad reality that all our days are numbered and we best make the most out of life while we are here alive on earth.,

I'm sure some of my other friends passed on that I did not hear about or because I did not accumulate all my newspapers. Jim Maloof was a friend as was Art Greenburg. Both helped make Peoria.the leading community in downstate Illinois. This community is fortunate to have enjoyed the benefits of these men of character.

My sympathy goes out to all those saddened by the inevitale course of life's sorrows..

Sequester Meant to Hurt Unemployed While Non-Priority Money Wasted

While unemployment offices are closed in many areas, Obama lets $704,000 landscaping contract remain in effect  for our ambassador to NATO in Brussels to get $704,000 in landscaping starting this year.

Obama intended all along to hurt the little people and blame it on the Republicans. Unfortunately, the basically  honest little people are outnumbered by those who have their hands in Uncle Sam's pocket.

This just one small example of Obama's hatred toward capitalism and his rapid move to Marxism in the United States of America.

Just Your Money - Norhing Important

;Forwarded to me by a friend. I don't have time to verify the numbers but they appear to be reasonably correcrt.

Merle

 I am and just wonder how many I will get back?
>>> AND very happy to be of the 1%.
>>> Someone please tell me what the HELL's wrong with
>>> All the people that run this country!!!!!!
>>>
>>> BothRepublicans
>>> &
>>> Democrats
>>> We're "broke"
>>> And can't help
>>> Our own
>>> Seniors,
>>> Veterans,
>>> Orphans,
>>> Homeless,
>>> Etc.,???????????
>>>
>>> In the last years we have provided direct cash aid to
>>>
>>> Haiti - 1.4 B,
>>> Hamas - 351 M,
>>> Pakistan - 2 B,
>>> Libya 1.45 B,
>>> Egypt - 397 M,
>>> Mexico - 622 M,
>>> Russia - 380 M,
>>> Haiti - 1.4 B,
>>> Jordan - 463 M,
>>> Kenya - 816 M,
>>> Sudan - 870 M,
>>> Nigeria - 456 M,
>>> Uganda - 451 M,
>>> Congo - 359 M,
>>> Ethiopia - 981 M,
>>> Pakistan - 2 B,
>>> South Afrika - 566 M,
>>> Senegal - 698 M,
>>> Mozambique - 404 M,
>>> Zambia - 331 M,
>>> Kazakhstan - 304 M,
>>> Iraq - 1.08 B,
>>> Tanzania - 554 M,
>>> With literally Billions of Dollars and they still hate us!!!!
>>>
>>> Our retired seniors
>>> Living on a 'fixed income'
>>> Receive no aid
>>>
>>> Nor do they get any breaks while our government
>>> And religious organizations pour
>>> Hundreds of Billions
>>> Of $$$$$$'s and Tons of Food
>>> To Foreign Countries!
>>>
>>> We have
>>> Hundreds of adoptable
>>> Children who are shoved aside
>>> To make room for
>>> The adoption of
>>> Foreign orphans.
>>> AMERICA: a country where we have
>>> Homeless without shelter, children going to bed hungry, elderly
>>> going without needed medication and mentally ill without treatment
>>> -etc.
>>> YET.......................
>>>
>>> They have
>>> A 'Benefit'
>>> For the people of Haiti on 12 TV stations,
>>> Ships and planes lining up with food, water, tents clothes, bedding,
>>> doctors and medical supplies.
>>>
>>> Imagine if
>>> The *GOVERNMENT*
>>> Gave 'US' the same support they give to other countries.
>>>
>>> Sad isn't it?
>>>
>>> 99% of people won't have the guts to forward this.
>>>
>>> I'm one of the 1% --
>>> I Just Did =
>
>
>
>


______________________________________________________

Ineptocracy - Term Describing the Administration, Congress and Their Bureaucrats

"A system of government where the least capable to lead are elected by the least capable of producing and where the members of society least likely to sustain themselves or succeed, are rewarded with goods and services that are paid for by the confiscated wealth of a diminishing number or producers."

A message forwarded to me by a friend. Basically true but far more complex that can be printed on the front a a tee-shirt like this one, worn by one of many citizens disappointed in what bad at most political levels is happening in this country. Of course, good things are being done, otherwise ALL of the trillions spent by governments on the environment, social agencies, museums, etc., would all be wasted on the undeserving.

And the world as a whole.

It's called Socialism or worse with it's "good old buddy systems", inherited positions and moneyed or those with arrogant appearances and intentions; greedy and corrupt folks basically at the top but to be also found in the middle and lower classes; those who cannot get a legitimate job due to physical or mental hindrances; those with drug or all kinds addiction; those with a felony record most wish they could erase; plus the criminal inclined, etc., on the bottom.

And the spreading of the wealth with the exception that those doing the "spreading" live like kings and nobles of eras gone by.

In between are the basically honest, hard-working, compassionate and reasonably, or at least partially, educated folks in between. Usually called the middle class.

The system WILL NEVER CHANGE or GO AWAY.  Be optimistic but read history. Facts prove things are getting worse as society appears to be more accepting of all of the above.  It is like prostitution, alcohol, drug abuse, cheating on all levels of society. And a general growing trend that if it feels good it must be acceptable.

Plus an almost total misconception by those teaching at all levels of the meaning of self-esteem and discipline.

If you believe that that those who are elected or appointed to high positions are not beholden to their masters, you are poorly read. If you believe a $10 contribution to a candidate will get you the same attention and favoritism as a $10,000 an up donation, I have the proverbial bridge to sell you. Fact is, the bridge has been sold millions if not billions of times including those who are propagandized into playing all lotteries, etc., and who believe the one out of hundreds of millions playing these mindless gambling games, will be them.

And those who think Obama, most Democrats and too many Republicans, if elected or re-elected, will lead us out the wilderness, proves there is a sucker and a huckster, born every 10th of a second.

So sad.