Haters gonna hate – my take on Peoria’s #1 ranking in Illinois and the online negativity surrounding that ranking
Posted By: Mike Van Cleve // Date: 05/25/2022
It’s no secret I’m pro-Peoria. Last week, Peoria was ranked #1 place to live in Illinois. A reporter reached out to me to ask why I thought the comments online related to the piece were so negative. I have thought about it a lot. I think it boils down to one principle I was taught growing up. My parents and coaches instilled in me the belief that I can either complain, or I can act.
Frankly, I can’t remember the last time I commented on a news article online. The people I know who are making our community better sure don’t waste their time arguing with people online. Why let that kind of negativity in? I am probably going to be quoted in my conversation with the reporter quoting Taylor Swift “haters gonna hate”. Some people just want to bring others down and I’m no psychologist to figure out why some people are unhappy and hell bent on bringing others down. That’s not really the point anyway.
Personally, I don’t have time to worry about whether people think Peoria is or isn’t the best place in Illinois or anywhere to live. I think it is. My wife and I chose Peoria 16 years ago to build and raise our family and we continue to choose Peoria. Henry Ford is quoted as saying “If you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” Whether it’s Baader-Meinhof phenomenon or something else, Peoria is a blank canvas. That’s one of the great things about our community.
So, if you’re like me and you think the healthcare system, innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, thriving art and music communities, cost of living, access to decision makers, 9000 acres of protected park land and recreation opportunities, historic homes in walkable areas is a pretty great reason to love Peoria, I think you’ll enjoy Peoria. #enjoypeoria #peoriaillinois #hatersgonnahate