... wow. A convicted felon can get a FOID card, but he can't run for school board - how does that work?
Today in Judge Shore's courtroom, General Parker set out to fight for his right to run for the school board. Parker argued that he felt the State's Attorney brought this action to "intimidate, harass and cause him personal hardship".
Today the State's Attorney went to work on behalf of the people. It took two (2) judges; in two (2) courtrooms; and a two (2) hour trial to stop General Parker from "doing harm to the public by allowing them to vote for a person who can't hold office".
William Atkins, Lyons' chief Assistant State's Attorney, wanted it to be clear that the motivation of the State does not matter and for Parker to "claim other motivation muddies the issue". Atkins went on to say that the State's motivation is irrelevant and they have prosecutorial discretion. He told the judge they sought this action against Parker "on behalf of the public" - "nobody came forward to object, the State's Attorney had to do the right thing".
Several Parker supporters who were in the courtroom encouraged him to appeal. On appeal, Parker's case would go before the Third Distirct Appellate Court. Third District - isn't that where the Honorable Judge Mary McDade sits? It'll be interesting to see what she thinks about the lower Court's decision.
18 comments:
Peoria politics at it's best. I am sad for Mr. Parker. I think he'd be an excellent and caring Board member. Now maybe Lyon's can get back to releasing that thug who shot two people while holding them up at their business like he did before.
I would have voted for him. From what I read, and I'm not a lawyer, he legally could run for the school board. I'm not understanding why Lyons felt so threatened by him. Parker obviously had a troubled youth, but seems to have turned his life around. Isn't this the example we want to hold out in front of students and say, "Look, you can do this?"
I feel we have lost a great opportunity to have someone on the board who truly cares about Peoria and it's students. A sad day for all of us.
I hope he goes for the appeal and continues to seek a pardon. His adult life seems to have proven him worthy.
As a member of the 9/12 Project, I invited all candidates for the City Council and BOE seats to the Meet the Candidates event on March 16th at the Peoria Theater on Dries Lane. I now understand why General Parker did not reply to the telephone message I left on his phone, but hope he will appeal the decision. If he is successful, he is still welcome to join the candidates on the dais. Best of luck to you, Mr. Parker.
Sounds like the law needs to be modified. A-D
Tell the General to take his case to Senator Koehler(D)and plead to the Governor to pardon him. I am sure he means well, but he should not spit in the face of the general public, do it he right way,and quit expecting people to feel sorry for him
Dear Anonymous, you seem to do what a lot of anonymous posters seem to do on blogs, you assume facts that haven't been entered into evidence. First of all, the discussion with Sen. Koehler took place six years ago when I first petitioned for the pardon and has gone on periodically ever since because my petition still sits on the Governor's desk.
Second, when have I ever asked you or anyone else to feel sorry for me? Really I feel sorry for you if you allow someone in government to tell you who you should vote for and who should be able to run.
Last, how did you figure I have spitted in the face of the general public? You make accusations and claims but don't back them up with anything but assumptions.
I'll tell you as I have told everyone else, the way the law reads, and the asst. states attorney admitted in court that he said it in the paper also(see Peoria Journal Star Feb. 27, 2009 Andy Kravetz and John Sharp), that I can run and am eligible for any other office in the state of Illinois. Just not for a municipal office.
I can exchange dialogue with you and have debate but you make it difficult when you make claims that have no merit or accusations that are disrespectful and erroneous.
I just wanted to add that I had a very pleasant call from General Parker tonight and once again extended the invitation to join our event should he win the appeal. I was impressed with his candor and ability to express himself. I hope you do win, General. I believe we need people who will fight city hall and the establishment to do what is right for the children, and for all of us.
The journal star forgot to tell the part about their reporter being a part of the story in the courtoom.
Ok Ms. Emerge.
Enough about Mr. Parker for now.
I find it hard to believe that you haven't heard the latest buzz. Even more suprising is the fact of it happening a day or two before.
Coach/Teacher/Daddy, slamming his student/athlete/son against a locker while slapping,cursing,and telling him how big a jerk he is.
Not only that but to find out a higher calling called on his behalf to get him off on all of the crap.
There is no way possible that anyone can think that there is any thing that can go on in the schools these days and the students will not find out and even go to someone with it.
Including your own?
This is not the first time coach/teacher/daddy assulted a studente/athlete/son on school grounds. He should be FIRED!
Sounds to me like some mandated reporters did not do their job. Any adult working in education that is aware of this is obligated to report it to DCFS.
Emerge-
You should do a story in this and title it "SMDH III"
Ditto.
And why is everybodys name the same as mine?
I've been out of the blog loop while searching to replace a car, so can someone please explain what "SDMH" means? Thank you.
sorry, should have said "SMDH"
Shaking My Damn Head
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