I agree with Anon E. Mous. The design is flawed. For better results, please fix the design plan, and then hold the referendum.

I can recall my old town once having a tax referendum for a new library. The referendum failed. After the results, taxes were raised, and the library was built anyway.

It is silly to think Cat would do this. But that is the tale being told. Hopefully, this will shut them up.

I understand that Caterpillar is sincere in its desire to improve the quality of life for all Peoria residents. I have a one year old son at home, and we are excited that Caterpillar is supporting family friendly institutions such as the museum. For that, you have my deep respect and admiration.

If I can find any fault with Peoria, I will blame the corrupt and inept city politicians for allowing this city to remain a “one company town.” I also do not like watching established neighborhoods rot while the city concentrates on annexing prime farmland and new subdivisions in the Dunlap and Mossville areas.

I am in favor of the museum project; however, I would vote “NO” on the referendum for one reason alone: The flawed design plan.

http://www.nomuseumtax.org/plan-flawed/

Have you read this web page, Mr. Johnson? Current design plans resemble a crappy shopping mall from the 1980’s. Why the lack of “new urbanism” in the design plans. Is Caterpillar interested in a vibrant downtown, or not? I would gladly vote “YES” if the design plans were changed.

ALL: Taxes will increase regardless of whether the museum is built.

For the record, I didn’t say the possibility Cat might move is an option being discussed openly by anyone from Cat. But I did say it’s a possibility that is quite often mentioned by public figures — in an out of office — when they are trying to encourage support for this project, as well as others.

The impression I am left with is that Caterpillar is perhaps telling politicians it is a possibility, perhaps because would like people to be in a constant state of unease regarding the company’s plans should the government or the voters say no to things like this.

I simply thought I would give you — as a spokesman for the company on this matter — an opportunity to “fight far” and say authoritatively whether Caterpillar is spreading this information.

That didn’t happen, as I didn’t get a yes or no answer. I heard a “maybe.”

I believe if you research the records of the discussion on this issue, would Caterpillar consider moving its world headquarters if the referendum fails, you’ll find that no one from Caterpillar Inc. has ever threatened such action. Furthermore, I do not believe you’ll find that anyone from the company has ever even mentioned this as a possibility.

Please understand that I work on the 1st floor of the Admin Building. That’s a long way down from the 7th floor, and there’s a lot that’s discussed up there that I’m not privy to, so in all honesty, I don’t know the answer to your second question. For what it’s worth, I can tell you that I’ve never been involved in any such discussion, and from my perspective, it’s ridiculous for folks to propose that this would even be considered.

As a company, Caterpillar has invested considerable time and resources attempting to move this project forward. Sure, there would be many Caterpillar people that would be very disappointed after all that’s been invested to date, if the financial commitements that have been extended to the community to build this project are not utilized. But the company has many other challenges and I’m certain the disappointed staff members will find a way to move ahead regardless of how the referendum is decided.

Mark L. Johnson
Project Manager
Caterpillar Inc.

Let’s put ALL our cards on the table. Certainly you are aware that some people backing cited the possible Caterpillar might move its world headquarters is this referendum fails.

Your comment hear doesn’t address this possibility. So I will ask.

Yes or no: Would Caterpillar consider moving its world headquarters if this referendum fails? HAS this possibility been discussed?

“They hinted between the lines that it was not the end of the road. (paraphrasing) …”

I don’t know how many times it has to be stated, Mr. Owens and Mr. Banwart have both stated it repeatedly, so I doubt my posting this statement on your blog will do much more in the way of convincing folks of our sincerity on this issue. But if the referendum fails, Caterpillar believes the people will have had their chance to speak on the issue and if there is not a majority of support, then our continued support for the project will be terminated as well. Finished, kaput, done, I can’t make it any clearer.

What anyone else proceeds to do with the site is up to them, but don’t be expecting any financial support from Caterpillar.

Mark L. Johnson
Project Manager
Caterpillar Inc.