PEORIA, Ill. — Anger and frustration over Peoria’s problem with violent street crime reached a fever pitch during this week’s City Council meeting.
Passions were perhaps stirred somewhat by Tuesady’s tragic mass school shooting in Texas.
According to 25 News, council members debated at length Tuesday night over a measure to send $25,000 in federal “American Rescue Plan” funding toward a charity called Cure Violence Global to conduct a study on curbing violent crime in the city.
The vote came out as a 5 to 5 tie, failing the measure.
Council members who voted against the funding proposal were upset at the impromptu nature of the matter.
Those critics included Council member Zachary Oyler, who didn’t like the lack of proper background material, notice and the lack of an agenda item on the matter.
Council members Andre Allen, Elizabeth Jensen, Denise Jackson, Timothy Riggenbach, and Mayor Rita Ali all voted yes. Oyler, Chuck Grayeb, John Kelly, Sid Ruckriegel, and Kiran Velpula voted no. Dennis Cyr was absent.
It’s unclear whether the funding item will come up again in a future meeting.
