Peru mayoral candidates participate in a second forum

Swimming pools, roundabouts, and development- some of the topics Peru voters wanted to know about just days before the election.

The four candidates answered questions before an audience of 110 Sunday during a forum moderated by the League of Women Voters at the Peru Public Library.

Former Mayor Don Baker reminded people of what he was able to do during the 40 plus years he spent in office including the Illinois Valley Regional Airport and the hydroelectric plant.

Newcomer Mike Hart made his case by running the numbers from the city’s budget stressing the importance of funding police pensions and keeping a watchful eye on department spending.

Mayor Scott Harl says he found the office in good shape but thinks he would be leaving it in better shape and he has added business and industry to town.  His other challenger, Jim Giordano says he’s worked in both the public and private sectors and understands infrastructure funding and development and the process for grant funding.

One question early in the forum stumped them all- it was about work to the columbarium at cemetery- none of the candidates say that coming.