African-Americans at-large

Usually I'm not one to expect that just because a candidate is African-American that they should automatically be expected to speak directly to the interest of that community. However, I think that hard working folks in inner city Peoria are dealing with such dire situations (what with all the crime and joblessness), that they deserve some kind of honorable mention by all candidates, especially those of the African-American persuasion.

They are all African-American; from North Peoria; and running at-large for the Peoria City Council. They have all made initial statements, but to date, only one of the three candidates have even come close to possibly touching upon anything that may be close to the problems that currently plague Peoria’s African-American community. The only problem is that he is an incumbent and many feel they have learned their lesson.

Gloria Cassel-Fitzgerald, is retired from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. She has been inducted into the local African American Hall of Fame Museum; she has run for 5th district city council, at-large city council, and the District 150 BOE, all unsuccessfully.

To most Peorian’s in the inner city, Cassel-Fitzgerald is best known because of ACT Bending & Steel, a tubular products manufacturing company her father founded in 1970. The family business, which was once located on South Adams Street, was one of the longest running and most successful black businesses in Peoria, before going bankrupt in 2001.

Fitzgearldisms: “I think Peoria needs new ideas. I think my background would bring that.” “I’m known throughout the city.” “There will be people that will vote for me.” “We need to do what is best for the whole city.” Source

A former principal in Absolute Risk Management, Andre Williams sat on the Board of the Community Construction Outreach of Peoria (CCO). From COO's website: "COO is a community-wide, non-profit organization made up of owners, construction and business leaders, trade organizations, and civic and community organizations whose vision is to create “A community transformed through leadership, increased economic opportunity, innovative education, and diversity.”

Mr. Williams, a pastor, is originally from Peoria, but just returned to Peoria, from Atlanta, about 4 ½ years ago.

Williamsisms: “I want to help us develop a vision on who we want to be 20 years from now, 50 years from now.” “We’re four times the size of East Peoria, we should think more regionally and that our competition is St. Louis, Indianapolis and Chicago.” Peoria …should focus on having “one conversation,” not “two different conversations about economic development.” “The fact is, we all live in the same place and we need to all work together and move toward one conversation.” Source

One of the originators of the idea for the parental responsibility ordinance, Eric Turner is the incumbent in this trio. In the past, Turner’s stated goals and objectives included the development of neighborhoods by cleaning up streets, rehabbing housing and creating a focused approach to upgrading communities.

Turnerisms: “Cracking down on crime while ensuring citizens feel safe with their police department.” “… a vibrant City center surrounded by clean and safe neighborhoods for all citizens.” "The problem is, we haven't had a property tax increase in 14 years." "The park district and school district have raised taxes almost every year. If we have had ongoing tax increases, we wouldn't have as much deep of a deficit as we do now." In support of the liquor license fee increase proposal..."This is where the major market is at." This one-time-a-year fee is really not that much." Source