By: Diane Benjamin
https://www.normalil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/4597
PDF page 36:
Normal is handing out your money to promote Uptown. More interesting is this paragraph claims Trail East and Trail West are still going to happen. Unless they aren’t telling citizens, nothing is happening with either. The latest developer backed out last November: https://blnnews.com/2023/02/22/proof-normals-staff-runs-the-town/
PDF page 66:
The Council will discuss eliminating the Vehicle Use Tax. I hope somebody states the REAL reason. If Normal has excess money other taxes or automatic fee increases would help a LOT more people.
I don’t know why on-line sites just re-print local stories, but one did: https://www.inferse.com/454613/normal-council-narrowly-approves-purchase-of-rivian-truck-suv-wglt/
Since tonight’s meeting could be short, maybe Chemberly Harris and Karyn Smith can explain why Mayor Bike Shop having a personal Rivian makes one “part of a fleet”. Do all part-time employees get a free expensive ride?
Quotes from the article:
Council member Chemberly Harris said because Normal has long called itself an “EV town,” it makes sense electric vehicles would be part of the fleet. With Rivian’s investment in Normal, she said it wouldn’t sit right with her to look to electric automakers outside of town.
Having a Rivian truck and SUV available would allow town employees to carpool on business trips, mitigating gas usage and mileage reimbursement, noted Smith. She said the town also can track how efficient electric vehicles are by maintaining the vehicles.
So have we ever figured out who is driving the other electronic fleet vehicle? Has it arrived yet?
Don’t know
I’m surprised the Council member who cries poor but proudly displays her expensive Louis Vuitton purse for all to see isn’t asking for the keys to a luxury vehicle.
Which is it Ms. Harris: when you cry poor is that to mislead the public and to generate sympathy for yourself or should the citizens be concerned that you do not know budgeting and expenses management – choosing luxury handbags (the wants) vs other expenses (needs)?
Mayor was livid!! I couldn’t hear verbatim. But he approached both Stan Nord and Carl Sila afterwards with vicious commentary. He just can’t handle the truth in his face or being “shushed” at three minutes.
Not a good look kooskoos. Losing your cool is a sign that you’re unprofessional and know what you’re doing is wrong.
Tyrants like to be tyrants. They don’t like to be questioned, because their arrogance and ego won’t allow it.
“Council member Chemberly Harris said because Normal has long called itself an “EV town,” it makes sense electric vehicles would be part of the fleet. With Rivian’s investment in Normal, she said it wouldn’t sit right with her to look to electric automakers outside of town.”
**The mayor, village manager, and staff LOVE to purchase things out of town that they could buy here. Why should this be any different?
Did Brian Day just argue that a court case is final? It seems Roe v Wade was a law and the current Supreme Court came in and threw it out. Just because a group can’t afford to appeal or us enough time to appeal, doesn’t mean it’s valid.