Peoria’s crime rates, crumbling infrastructure, cuts in essential services, failing schools, middle class flight and a reputation of failure has convinced Governor Quinn that the City of Peoria is failing.He says he's looking at larger states for inspiration to initiate change here that would intertwine his job as governor with the decision-making of the City of Peoria.
My interest is not in running the City of Peoria, and I think that's one of the misconceptions that people have when they hear 'gubernatorial control,' Quinn said.
But Quinn said he is "exploring" the gubernatorial appointment of Peoria's City Council members, who in turn approve or reject which direction the City goes.
The Governor didn't say how far his interests go, whether he is thinking of appointing the entire City Council or just a few members.
He contends that with a governor in charge, there is just one elected official who can be held accountable by voters as to whether they're doing a good job or not.
Peoria's Mayor, Ardis favors the current system. I think an elected mayor and city council is a good thing, Ardis said. It's important for all the different public bodies to communicate with each other, but I think it's also important that we all keep our own identities. I think an elected mayor and city council is important to keep.
City Council member Gary Sandberg said he's willing to listen to the governor but didn't know if there was a need. If it's just a power play, then I'm against it, but if it's a collaboration approach - I would just have to hear more about it, Sandberg said, . . . it's worth the discussion.
Quinn said he believes there are both positives and negatives. I think it needs a good vetting to talk about the pros and cons, he said, I'm going to keep pushing the discussion. I can't think of another city that has a greater importance on downstate than the City of Peoria.