The five candidates elected to the Peoria City Council last month took their seats as at-large members at last night’s meeting. Re-elected members Beth Jensen, Zach Oyler and Sid Ruckriegel are joined by newcomers John Kelly and Rita Ali.
Ali told those attending the meeting, she wants to build a stronger city by empowering people. “Strong people build strong economies. Strong people build strong schools. Strong people create safe neighborhoods. Strong people find common ground to accomplish great things together.”
Kelly says he will work for more widespread economic prosperity in Peoria. “I hope that in my service here, we can move our city more toward a growth stance. With the growth, my goal is also a general prosperity, not a
concentrated prosperity. “
Kelly and Ali replace Eric Turner, who retired after 24 years or six terms on the council, and Beth Akeson, who served eight-years or two terms.
CLEANING UP THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Peoria residents will see new community garbage containers in neighborhoods this summer. The city council last night approved the purchase of 200 dome-topped trash cans. The city will ask neighborhood associations for suggested locations for some of the containers.