Peru First Ward: Tieman and MacLeod compete for seat on City Council

As Election Day approaches Tuesday, April 6, Peru residents will not only decide on mayor, but also they will be voting to decide who will fill four aldermen seats.

These positions work hand-in-hand with the city government and play an integral role in the decision making of Peru. Aside from voting during council meetings they serve on committees, attend various meetings and serve as a connection point between residents and the city government.

The First Ward is one of three contested races on the Peru council. Bob Tieman and John MacLeod will vie for the opportunity to represent First Ward voters for the next four years.

Tieman’s opponent MacLeod was unable to provide answers, citing prior obligations.

Tieman was born and raised in La Salle and he and his wife MaeLee later moved to Peru in October of 2018.

Tieman graduated from La Salle-Peru High School in 2001 and is back in school finishing a degree in accounting.

According to MacLeod’s campaign Facebook page in a post from his previous campaign in 2019 he is 45, has two daughters and has resided on Seventh Street for 11 years.

While he hasn’t held any form of office before, Tieman is a board member with the La Salle Business Association, an active volunteer through LBA and has also helped with various fundraising efforts through the La Salle Knights of Columbus.

Tieman’s decision to run for First Ward alderman came from an inner want to make a difference for his neighbors and community, he said.

“It stems from my sense of civic duty and drive to do good for the community,” Tieman said. “I want to do whatever I can to keep making Peru a great place to live and this seemed like a good way to do that. At the end of the day, if I can do a little good for my community then the time spent and the effort put out will be worth it.”

MacLeod’s page said he understands the city needs to put more work into roads and infrastructure and would like to see the return of a city pool. He said he is working on a plan to fix these issues and save the city money at the same time.

Tieman said he wants to see Peru thrive and in order for that to happen there needs to be open communication streams between local government and the residents. Tieman believes the Peru government needs to do more in the community and more for the community.

“Growing up, I can remember complaining, ‘There’s nothing to do,’ " Tieman said. “I think bringing back the Taste of the Illinois Valley and having the live music at Centennial Park are both good starts, but I’d like to see even more community events.”

Tieman mentioned he is far from a politician and doesn’t want to make unrealistic campaign promises and tell people what they want to hear in order to earn their votes. He said he is a person that likes to gather information and think hard before he makes any plans moving forward.

Tieman said if he is elected he would then get a view from the inside at what the current state of Peru is and then be able to formulate a plan of action and to do his best to put it into action.

“I’m a normal guy that wants to do right by his community and I am asking for the votes of my constituents so that I can do just that,” Tieman said. “I will work for them and do my best to make Peru a better place for all of us.”

According to MacLeod’s post he is not running for office to make friends on the council but rather to make Peru a better place. He said he will be the residents’ voice, hope and listener and will get people the answers they want.