Peoria’s Sister City Commission is still considering adding the African country of Botswana to its international slate.The Sister City Commission builds relationships between Peoria and different cities around the world. Peoria has sister cities in Ireland, Germany and China. Bob Ingram is a member of the commission. He says Peoria has a strong Irish and German population which makes for good relationships in those countries:“The concern was just that… will we have those same type of similarities and connections with this town in Botswana, given its size and our size. Just making sure that there are enough connections and relationships that would make it a productive and good relationship like we have with the existing cities.”The potential sister-city in Botswana, Africa has a population of about 20,000 and is known for its diamond mine. Commission members are visiting Botswana in October to look at the possible economic, social and geographical similarities.Former Clonmel, Ireland mayor Vera Hewitt is visiting Peoria next month during the annual Erin Feis festival. Hewitt signed the original sister city agreement with Peoria in 1998.
Peoria still considering town in Africa as new sister-city
