The Peru Gazette

Comments Received

Comment received 11/4/09 from John larocque

You and your “staff/assistants” are outstanding journalists and community contributors. Thank you so much, once more.

From Glushko elected, Two Democrats elected to Board, Flynn re-elected, 2009/11/04 at 11:40 AM

Comment received 11/4/09 from Gina Gilbert

Thank you for all you do. I couldn’t find the results for all of Peru anywhere else. You are amazing!! Thanks again!

From Glushko elected, Two Democrats elected to Board, Flynn re-elected, 2009/11/04 at 10:59 AM

Comment received 11/4/09 from Donald McBrayer

I wish to send a sincere congratulation to Sue Polhemus and Jim Douglas on their win. They both showed real integrity during the campaign, and I have come to consider them friends. Good luck and God Bless.

From Counselor Positions, 2009/11/04 at 8:04 AM

Comment received 11/3/09 from John Larocque

I agree with Joanne. This local and congressional news coverage is superb. Thank you so much for being here for all of us.

From Voter update - as of 6 p.m., 2009/11/03 at 8:59 PM

Comment received 11/03/09 from Joanne Kennedy

Nice Job! I’ll be checking to see the results. Thanks for all your work keeping us updated!

From Voter update - as of 6 p.m., 2009/11/03 at 7:54 PM

Comment received 10/24/09 from Don McBrayer

Don McBrayer
http://www.perucouncil.com | donyo1@charter.net | 24.176.137.3

I’ve been saying this for years. Spring water flows over many things before it goes into your plastic container — Remember where the bear poops!
My dog contracted Giardia a few months back. We believe he got it by drinking out of one of those babbling postcard-looking streams along one of our nature trails. It’s a horrible disease – a protozoan that coats the lining of the digestive track, robbing all nutrients from the host. Google it for a good Halloween scare.
Greg Timmons recently gave me a thorough tour of Peru’s water processing facilities. I was very impressed. Are town water is processed in a way that is modern, extensively monitored, and very effective. Greg explained to me the chlorination process and the byproduct issues related to it. We also discussed the new activated carbon media that is coming online, and he feels confidant Peru water will be better than ever.
I drink town water all the time – It’s clear, clean, safe, and makes a mean glass of lemonade.

From Unmonitored spring water is not safe for you and your family, 2009/10/24 at 8:27 AM

Comment received 10/21/09 from Rodney Brown

Wonderful things are happening in Peru behind the scenes: the Little Ausable River Trail and Heyworth Park are projects that will provide family activities in the heart of Town. Much credit goes to Adele Douglas for administering the grants that allow the projects to move forward with little cost to the town, Town employees for providing the labor and expertise to keep the costs down and ensure that the improvements are made in the best interests of the Town, and the Town Board for approving the projects in the first place. Thank you all!

From A progress report on the Heyworth Village project, 2009/10/21 at 9:55 PM

Comment received 10/19/09 from Connie Bobal

Thanks, John, for taking me home to Peru in Autumn….Love this time of year.

From Autumn leaves are falling rapidly, 2009/10/19 at 10:22 AM

Comment received 10/17/09 from Donald McBrayer

Don McBrayer

As always, fantastic photos. I love this time of year best, and your photos captures my reasons why perfectly.

From Autumn leaves are falling rapidly, 2009/10/17 at 8:28 PM

Comment received 10/16/09 from Garry Douglas

Someone who thinks the town board shouldn’t make major decisions shouldn’t run for Supervisor. Peru needs vision, long-term thinking, teamwork and leadership, now more than ever. Saying you care about “quality of life” but then ignorantly harping about one of the forward-looking projects that can be part of positioning Peru to be healthy, family friendly and attractive to future growth is bizarre. I have never before expressed an opinion about my town’s politics but I’ve had enough. Let’s get back to the sort of quiet, thoughtful, progressive leadership we had in Peru until four years ago.

From Town Supervisor, 2009/10/16 at 6:25 PM

Comment received 10/6/09 from Donald McBrayer

I want to thank John Ryan on the behalf of all the candidates running for office this year. John, your Gazette is a valued asset to this community, and I hope everyone in Peru takes the opportunity you have graciously provided to read about who’s running. This is a critical election this year, and every vote is extremely important. To everyone in Peru: Please study your candidates carefully, and PLEASE VOTE ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3rd.

From Town Counselor 4 yr., 2009/10/06 at 9:41 PM

Comment received 10/6/09 from John P. Larocque

Peru Candidates Superb

As citizens of Peru, we are very fortunate to have a wonderfully dedicated group of people seeking election.  They are Lana Knight for Clerk, Jim Reed for Highway, Jim Kirby for Justice, Kregg Bruno, Tony Andrews, and James Douglass for Council, as well as Bob Cronin Write-in for Supervisor.  These are people who realize fully that our town is highly politicized and publicized; yet, they have a vision for Peru that creates a town of fairness and harmony.

The people of Peru need these candidates to be our representatives of honesty and integrity in government. All our taxpayers and citizens are entitled to fair representation, regardless of political persuasion. Peru deserves Lana Knight, Jim Reed, Jim Kirby, Kregg Bruno, Tony Andrews, Jim Douglass, and Bob Cronin Write-in for Supervisor.  I can assure you that they will bring fresh, fair new outlooks to our town.  They will provide democracy in our local government, and they will generate a new satisfaction in Peru’s residents.  These candidates are excellent human beings, and they are truly superb choices for the citizens of Peru!

From Candidate profiles - The candidates tell you who they are and why they are seeking office

Comment: 10/5/09

Mr. Ryan
Thank you so much for allowing everyone to get their messages out.
Sincerely
Kathy Flynn

From Candidate profiles - The candidates tell you who they are and why they are seeking office, 2009/10/05 at 11:10 PM

Kathy Flynn comments 10/5/09

Adele
Thank you so much for pointing out the facts regarding the grant that the town board secured for the Town of Peru. The truth of the matter is that town residents do hope for a better community. One that can be utilized in a positive, cost effective manner. Your assistance to our town is invaluable. As time progresses and the trail becomes a reality EVERYONE that was involved in this decision will be patting themsevles on the back. You have assisted our town in many ways. The most recent being the comments that you made. Thank you so much for being an employee and caring citizen for our town. From Town Supervisor, 2009/10/05 at 10:56 PM

Comment received 10/5/09 from John Robert Kokoszka

Jim Kirby is a well known individual in the North Country. He is well known because he was born and raised here; and he is respected and admired by the people of this area. He is running for Town Justice. “Why,” you may ask? He is a hard-working soul with straight-talking views that shape the world in which we live. He can succeed at any job he sets his mind to, and his common sense is what we need in a Town Justice setting in Peru. Other people may say they are great, but Jim outclasses them with his judgment and his keen desire to lead the people of Peru to fair and just rulings of their cases. Jim welcomes your support in the upcoming elections.

Comment received 10/05/09 from Adele Douglas:

I’d like to make a comment on Tom Powers’ precis for the position of Supervisor.

Tom states that “The Town Board should put high expense projects, like the trail walk, on a referendum vote.  This project will cost the taxpayers hundreds of thousands dollars and benefit very few.”

Regarding the trail costs: Yes it’s an expensive project ($655,000), which is why the Town chose to apply for, and was awarded, a grant for 80% of the cost of development and construction ($525,000). The 20% balance, which the Town must pay, will in large part be made up by in-kind services, for the Highway Department will construct the trail, this, plus fund raising, leaves the amount of cash the Town must put towards this project at about $20,000 per year for three years.

Tom did vote “yes” on the resolution authorizing the implementation and funding of this grant.

Regarding who will benefit from the trail: Well, anyone who can walk, run, ride a bicycle or is in a wheel chair will be able to use and benefit from the trail.  More particulary, the Little Ausable River Trail:

• Will encourage healthy lifestyles.  People who have access to sidewalks and trails are more likely to be physically active.
• Will provide Peru’s x-country teams with a safe, off road, training route.
• Will give kids of all ages a safe, off-road, place to ride their bikes.
• Will help preserve and interpret the historic A. Mason and Sons Lumber Mill site and D&H railroad, and
• Will provide opportunities for nature appreciation and interpretation, as well as protection, along riverbank, wetland and forest ecosystems.

Regarding a referendum vote: I believe the Town Board took the following into consideration when determining whether or not to pursue the development of a trail system:
For the survey that was conducted among Peru residents for the Comprehensive Plan over 600 questionnaires were completed and returned.  There was a wide range of questions regarding how the Town should develop.  These are the ones that relate to the trail:

“Is there additional need in the Town for the following types of land use?”
Given a list of 22 choices, from senior housing to a variety of retail and commercial uses, the highest rating was given to: Public Recreation Areas. 75% of respondents said additional public recreation areas were needed in Peru.

When asked “what additional recreation opportunities are needed in the Town”, 70% of respondents said that dedicated bicycle paths were “needed”, this was the most popular response after a community/teen center.

Would residents be willing to pay for a trail? More than 50% of respondents said they would be willing to pay additional property taxes or user fees to “establish a recreation trail for walking and biking”.

Finally, the trail project has been deliberated, agreed upon, and progressed for six years now.  Tom’s endless negative comments serve no purpose other than to create animosity.

Comment posted September 6, 2009

Thanks for the article about Oscar’s. We often stop there on the way up the Northway. It certainly was a bad fire. Sure hope they rebuild.
Jean Schiffler

From Fire ravages Warrensburg landmark - Oscar’s Smokehouse, 2009/09/06 at 8:50 PM

Posted September 3, 2009

Michael J. Ryan
ryanclaims@charter.net | 68.191.10.146

When is enough enough? If the dispute between Members of the town council and now Zoning board against the covels was a fight any reasonable person or people would have stopped it by now. How much damage do they want to inflict at some point you must have some respect for your enemy and understand you won. To cause further injury is simply inhumane. You at this point are making yourselves look bad. I have stayed out of this frey however someone has to point out that further attacks on the covels is going to far. Let it go you won move on!

From Zoning Board able to act on two of six applications, 2009/09/02 at 9:07 AM

Posted July 28, 2009

This is a public road. Enforcing the speed laws is one thing, but restricting traffic on the road is going too far. Walt Russell

From Town Board reacts to yellow line complaints, 2009/07/28 at 6:08 PM

Posted July 15, 2009

This was a wonderful tribute to Rocky.
What an awesome job by the Peru Fire Dept.!
D Currier

From Peru firefighters honor their deceased chief, 2009/07/15 at 3:02 PM

Posted July 3, 2009

Nice photos on the website John.
Bob Washbourne

From The Town of Peru has a redesigned website, 2009/06/26 at 9:27 PM

Posted June 26, 2009

WHAT A GREAT WEBSITE AND UP TO DATE ~THANKS Donald McBrayer AND John Ryan FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK ON THE TWO WEBSITES ~THANKS FROM BRANDY MCDONALD

From The Town of Peru has a redesigned website, 2009/06/26 at 12:08 AM

Posted May 30, 2009

rich
hockeyeast@yahoo.com | 64.19.80.101

Those are very nice photos. Great Job!

From Spring is very beautiful in our small town, 2009/05/29 at 10:38 PM

Posted May 21, 2009

What great photos. Thanks for sharing.
Joann O’Callaghan

From Spring is very beautiful in our small town, 2009/05/21 at 6:08 AM

Posted May 20, 2009

Wow John! Those are great photos.     From Spring is very beautiful in our small town,

2009/05/20     Don McBrayer

Posted May 18, 2009

Comment from Bobbie1217 Time May 15, 2009 at 8:59 am      It’s wonderful to see that Peru has a mode of online communication with it’s residence. In reference to the “Open Burning” one might also keep in mind what the “County” laws are and then the State laws and if you reside within the APA you may also have to consider those laws as well. This “Open Burning” issue is not a simple fix to vote one must consider all laws. Then once a vote is taken and passed one must be responsible and state if in favor of “Open Burning” that it’s done so at each person’s own risk, that would include being sued by your neighbor if your smokey burning trash trip triggers breathing issues which incurr medical expenses, or better yet sparks fly and catch their land on fire. Let’s face it folks, not all the bulbs in the package are a full 100 watts when it comes to understanding the laws and how it can truly effect them. If not passed then who will “police” the town of Peru and implement fines for unlawful burning?! Best of Luck to you all! Former Peru NY resident Bobbie Thompson             From Do residents know their burning may be prohibited, 2009/05/17 at 9:58 PM

2009/05/17

Posted May 15, 2009

Great food, great service, great job all round. Continued success.

Joann O’Callaghan

From Pasquale’s - one of the most popular stops in town, 2009/05/15 at 8:56 AM

Posted April 27, 2009

Best of luck to Cortland on his next endeavor. Cortland has been a solid Councilman for Peru; professional, involved, reasonable, always keeping the best interests of Peru residents and businesspersons in sight. Thank you. Rodney Brown

From Forrence April 30 resignation on Town Board agenda, 2009/04/27 at 9:41 PM

Posted April 6, 2009

Once again, John, and all you wonderful contributors of photos and writings, thank you so much for this fantastic website.

Sincerely,
john larocque

From 10K+ AND COUNTING!, 2009/03/30 at 8:34 AM

Posted April 6, 2009

Interesting stats, esp. on Essex county…….
What’s up with that?
The well-to-do still buying second homes in the mountains?
I do wonder………..perhaps more of the AIG bonus folks still have lots of cash the rest of the country lacks.
Bernie Madoff spent time up here with his buddies, taking them for all they were worth, too.
Curious/challenging times, indeed!

From Home sales continue their decline, 2009/04/04 at 7:47 PM

Posted March 28, 2009

Kudos on a job well done!!! It’s about time that someone in this area actually reports events and news that are pertinent to Peru.

You have reports that we can’t get from any other source. I am glad to read real local news, not Vermont or New Hampshire.
Or “local” news that has such a biased spin put on it, that the truth and facts are so distorted that the reader only gets the viewpoint of the paper, radio, or TV station.
It is refreshing to read a story presented in a professional and ethical manner. Maybe the Press Republican, WIRY, and WPTZ should take a look at the differences between their spin and your reports.

Again I would like to congratulate you on a great job!!

Thank you
Ben Kirby

From Insurance costs to be cut - Will the lowest bidder get the contract?, 2009/03/28 at 8:24 PM

Posted March 28, 2009

It is unfortunate that the draft open space plan is not available for landowners who are currently out of town. We asked for a copy so we could send in our comments but were told it is not available on line yet. Maybe the Gazette can post a copy???!!!

From Listen, learn and voice your opinion about protecting Peru’s open spaces, 2009/03/28 at 10:05 AM

Posted March 19, 2009

What a wonderful article and awesome photographs. It is proof that we can make a differance.

From Local mother and daughter share mission experiences, 2009/03/19 at 4:53 PM

Posted January 29, 2009

I am writing in response to two issues raised by Mr. Cronin during the Town Board’s January 12, 2009 meeting. On behalf of the Town Board, I would like to thank Mr. Cronin for expressing his concerns on Town Budget issues. The Board is always interested in hearing the thoughts of our taxpayers. The first issue Mr. Cronin addressed was one of the Town’s mileage reimbursement policy for employees. No one who works for the Town of Peru gets paid to drive to work. Employees do receive mileage reimbursement at a rate this year of 44 cents per mile for any use of a private vehicle for travel while performing Town business. This use of private vehicle is only authorized when no Town vehicle is available for use. The mileage reimbursement request is submitted by each claimant via the Town voucher system through which all Town vendors receive reimbursement. The voucher is reviewed during the last regular Town Board meeting of each month and if the request is considered valid by a majority of the Board, reimbursement is rendered. This mileage reimbursement procedure has been in place for the entire eleven years I have served as a Town Board member. The Board did not approve a $2000 voucher for a new projector for the Planning and Zoning Department at a prior meeting. The Board did request a voucher be filled out to encumber the $2000 that was budgeted in 2008 for the Planning/Zoning Department. This voucher was to remind us that that amount was not to be automatically rolled over into the 2009 Unallocated Fund Balance but was instead to be held until a final purchase for 2008 was made. That purchase was to be the projector that had been specifically budgeted for in 2008 but, because of the changeover of accounting software, was delayed until the accuracy of the new system was verified. The projector‘s final cost to the Town was actually less than $1500, which was a considerable savings over the normal retail price of such a unit. Installation was performed by Town personnel, realizing even more savings. The unit has already been proven to be very effective in improving the clarity of information presentation during the monthly meeting of the Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals. The Town Board does not condone or expect budget monies to be spent “just because it is in the budget.” Funding for budget line items is put into the annual budget only after justification is given to the Board for that funding by department heads and after a majority of the Board agrees to that funding. Finally, it is important to note that the Code/Zoning Department actually received more in receipts than was budgeted and spent less than was budgeted for 2008. That is always a good situation for the Town and the taxpayers. I hope I have provided a bit more clarity concerning these two issues raised by a concerned taxpayer. Again, I thank Mr. Cronin for his expressed concerns and for his compliment concerning the 2009 Town Budget.               Peter Glushko             From Farrell makes his first highway superintendent report, 2009/01/29 at 7:01 AM

2009/01/29

Posted January 14, 2009

Comment Re: The electric power was out, but Christ’s light was present, 2009/01/15 at 7:48 PM:

This is beautifully written! I attended Christmas Eve mass at a different church, but heard about the power outage at St. Augustine’s that night. This is really an insightful way of perceiving the lack of electricity. Great job, Rachael!  Signed- Rachael Taft

Posted January 12, 2009

Comment Re: The electric power was out, but Christ’s light was present

What a wonderfully written letter! I went to the morning Mass Christmas day, so I missed this, but I feel like I was there, just reading the letter.

Cheryl Carte

Posted January 12, 2009

Comments re: The electric power was out, but Christ’s light was present, 2009/01/12

This was a beautiful story by Rachel and I agree with her regarding having no distractions because of the lights being out.

I told Fr. Alan afterwards that I received more out of this Mass because there were no distractions and one couldn’t look around. I told Fr. Alan that I felt it was like it was 2000 years ago and he asked why? I told him, “back 2000 years ago, one attended a Mass or Service with no lights–only candlelights and it reminded me of that time. He said he hadn’t thought of it that way. Maybe there should be more power outages for Mass.

Sandi Andrews

Posted December 17, 2008
Comment: I appreciate Peter Glushko’s response to my inquiries about three of the annual town board appointments. They beg the question about how much was actually paid to the town attorney and the others for this calendar year, versus how much was budgeted for those services. Also, is it acceptable for an applicant for the director of the youth commission to also be coaching a travel sports team outside the town during spring and summer sports season? Another issue involves the lack of concern for establishing a legitimate venue for the town’s skateboarders. They are treated as “untouchables,” as their sport is yet to be recognized as legitimate here in Peru, contrary to the rest of modern America. These riders were given hope that they would soon have a place for skateboarding, yet that was two years ago. Should the director of youth not be coordinating such a site, when he certainly has the time to coach outside the town? The skaters of this town are also citizens in what is purported to be a democracy, yet their representation has been rejected as unworthy of the town’s concern. Their parents are voters and taxpayers, yet the support from the town for their children is terribly missing. Would a new applicant for youth director be considered legitimate should that applicant be a skateboarder advocate?
John Larocque

Posted December 16, 2008
“Board continues to cut costs - open burning law may be coming” 2008/12/14
Comment: I support an open burning law for Peru, only if some compensation is made for leaves, lawn mower debris, and branch disposal. The site on Barney Downs Road will work, as long as it is free to Peru residence use. I would oppose allowing non-Peruvians from using the site, or charges being applied. Any organic dumping site should be set up for composting, and allowed access for fertilizing material to be removed. This would require monitoring and limited access hours which might be recouped through small fees applied to the purchase of composted material.
Don McBrayer

Posted December 14, 2008
Comment: I am writing in response to the questions raised by John LaRoque in a December 6 posting to Perugazette.com about the annual appointments made by the Town Board.

Mr. LaRoque was correct in stating that these paid positions appointed by the Board annually “cannot be legally guaranteed and secured by the same people each year.” The Board considers these positions before the Board’s Organizational Meeting, usually the first meeting of the year. The Board then votes at the Organizational Meeting and it takes a majority vote of the Board to approve the appointments. Usually, if the person or persons who are in those positions are performing their job well, then the chance is very good that they will be reappointed for another year, but not “guaranteed”.
Anyone can request, in writing, consideration for one of the annually appointed positions in the Town. This should be done before the Organizational Meeting, not the night of the meeting as was done last year. Consideration will be given to any and all requests for appointments received in a timely manner.
Finally, I do object to the insinuations that Mr. LaRoque made throughout his comments. The amounts budgeted this year and next for the three positions he singled out (there are a few more than just three positions appointed annually) is not “well over one hundred thousand dollars but is under that stated amount and can be verified by actually reading the Town’s budget documents. I have addressed Mr. LaRoque’s concerns earlier in my comments about supposed “guarantees” and I hope that the air has been cleared of any misconceptions that exist about the annual appointment process and the three appointed Town positions in question.

Peter Glushko
Town Board Member

Posted December 8, 2008
From “Stephen Cahill found driving his vehicle near Plattsburgh, 2008/12/08 at 9:51 AM”
Comments: John, I think you reported this first. I just finished looking at the Press Republican and I didn’t see an update on Steve’s disappearance. Great website!! Joann O’Callaghan

John, this a wonderful website! I check this site first before I look at other media websites. Keep up the good work!
Joann O’Callaghan

We are relieved that Steve has been found. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. The O’Callaghans

Posted December 7, 2008 - “From A huge craft fair is in town today, 2008/12/06 at 7:55 PM”
Comment: John, Thank-you for taken a photo of me and my daughter at our first craft fair in the area. We recived many nice comments about our maplebirdseye jewelry boxes and helped us spread the word about our Kitchen Cabinet Business in Peru. Leisa, Ashley and Steve Kaczmarczyk of AppleTree Woodworking

Posted December 6, 2008
Comment: John LaRocque wonders about the upcoming town board 2009 Annual Appointments…………..
When and how are they made?
Who can and cannot apply for them? How can one apply for them? Can one be denied this application consideration?

The Youth Commission paid positions cannot be legally guaranteed and secured only by the same people each year. They are appointed annually. Appointed means just that - appointed each year. They are not legally guaranteed through some vague “in all years past this is how it was done.” These people are not members of CSEA. They serve at the wishes of the town board, yet they are also legally accountable for their actions in their capacity as public servants.

The same must apply to the town legal counsel, n’est-ce-pas?

When those three positions are finanacially considered, they entail well over one hundred thousand dollars per year.
So, the question must be raised: how are these appointments legally made every year, and how may others be considered for these paid, appointed positions?

Posted December 5, 2008 “The Gazebo is beautiful at night, 2008/12/03″
Comment: Those are beautiful photos of the gazebo decorated for Christmas. Thanks for sharing. Joanne Kennedy

Posted November 26, 2008
Comment: “Open secretarial position, political signs and wood boilers enliven board meeting ”
Shared services agreements do require that the cooperating municipalities carry Workers’ Comp Part B coverage.
Dan Case

Posted November 22, 2008
Comment: “Peru Hardware has been at the center of Peru for 60+ years”
That is a terrific, historical and personal, story!
John Larocque

Posted November 11, 2008
Comment: “Peru Lions Club Election Day Spaghetti Dinner”
“The members of the Peru Lions Club wish to thank the many businesses and individuals who contributed to the success of the 17th annual Election Day spaghetti dinner at the Peru Community Church.

A special thanks goes to Boy Scout Troop 49 and Girl Scout Troop 4270 and their adult leaders for helping to set up, serve and clean up at this event.

The money that was raised will help support the work of the Peru Lions Club in our community.

Roy Perry
Peru Lions Club”

Posted November 1, 2008
Comment: “A scary time in downtown Peru” Hey what a great website! It certainly makes me miss home! I will check back frequently. The photos of Halloween are fantastic, of course, since it is my brother! Love ya Bill, great job!
Michele Downs Kelley

Posted October 29, 2008 by John T. Ryan
Comment: “About Us” Hi John, I just found this site and enjoyed the pictures of the North Country. Makes me homesick! I’ll be watching for updates this winter.

Connie Bobal

Posted October 25, 2008
Comment: “Family Court Judge Candidates’ Forum on Monday, 2008″
I was recently informed that candidate William Meconi has declined to participate in the Forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters, but that the Forum will continue as planned with the entire Forum devoted to questioning of candidate Timothy Lawliss. This is the second forum in a row that William Meconi has declined to participate in. This should raise questions regarding why Mr. Meconi refuses repeated opportunities to answer questions relative to his ability and qualifications for the position of Clinton County Family Court Judge.

Rodney Brown

Posted October 23, 2008
Comment “Elm Street home not insured - an appeal for help!”
As someone who has known and loved this family for years, I know that they not only poured every dime they had into this house… but also their hearts, souls, blood, sweat and tears. It was their dream house. I beg of each one of you to pray for them, and please contribute if you can. Every little bit helps. God Bless.

Sharon (Mayville) Black

Posted October 22, 2008
Comment“Elm Street home not insured. An appeal for help!”
We are so sorry for your terrible loss.
I have sent your letter on to some of my contacts who will, we pray, also be able to help you out, at least a little bit.
Sincerely,
John Larocque, 2008/10/22 at 10:01 PM

Posted October 20, 2008
Comment: What a terrific human interest story!
“Good will extended to our visitors” John Larocque

Posted 10/18/08
Letter to the Editor
LETS NOT FORGET
THOSE WHO
CARED

By Ken Bergeron
For those of us who can remember those teachers who made a difference in our lives by giving a whole lot more than what they were paid for and are now retired. Let us now think of their struggles to keep health insurance during a time that they need it most.

There is a move within the 16 school district area of Clinton and Essex counties to negotiate away current health insurance plans which covers our retired teachers when they are in most need of it. For some new teachers it is simply an issue of increasing salary or benefits and current insurance plans for retired teachers are subject to contract negotiations.

Thanks to Superintendent A. Paul Scott and the Peru School Board the central school district of Peru has opted to stay with the current retirement plan.

However, school boards change from term to term and different board members feel differently about retirees. What we can do is to discuss this topic among community voters and consider this when going to the polls to vote for school board members. In the mean time our gratitude goes out to our current Superintendent Scott and the School Board for their stand on retiree health insurance.

Posted October 17, 2008
Comment: Hi John, I want to thank you for the work you are doing in keeping the people of Peru informed with current events that directly affect us.
Keep up the good work.
Don McBrayer

Posted October 15, 2008
Comment:
Dear John,
I believe it will be David Hislop and Carlene Heipel that will be presenting the Highway Dept. fuel bills, unless of course Carlene Clark has decided to come out of retirement. I miss her charm and wit.
My best,
Betsy Thompson

Posted September 8, 2008
Comment: Congratulations to our apple orchardists. In many ways, the orchards provide a large part of the identity of Peru, and certainly form a large part of our landscape. Our family supports or apple orchard industry whenever we can. I urge everyone to buy local and eat an apple! Rodney Brown

From Peru is definitely “Apple Country”, 2008/10/07 at 9:35 PM

Posted September 7, 2008
Comment: Great new additions.
Thanks for all your work here. John Larocque (Mr. Larocque was commenting on the Planning Board and Zoning Board agendas being published here).

From Contribute or comment!, 2008/10/06 at 8:25 PM

Posted September 5, 2008
Comment: Elizabeth Thompson here, fomerly a Peru Town employee now residing in Fredericksburg, VA . Love the gazette it’s great to be able to keep up with all things Peru, as I’m planning to return to the area in the near future.
Best of luck with your publication.

Posted September 2, 2008
Comment: FIRST I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU FOR THIS GREAT WEB SITE ABOUT THE TOWN OF PERU AND THE TIME YOU SPEND DOING THIS ~~I AM SURE YOU WILL GET ALOT MORE GREAT COMMENTS FOR THIS GREAT SITE ABOUT PERU ~~AS A COUNCILMAN FOR THE TOWN OF PERU I CAN’T TELL YOU HOW MUCH I APPRECIATE THE PERU GAZETTE~~THANKS FROM BRANDY MCDONALD

Comment John Larocque comments regarding the Youth Commission scheduling its meetings for the convenience of its members. Mr. Larocque brought up the issue at the Town Board’s August 25th meeting.
Time September 28, 2008 at 8:48 pm

I apologize to lisa gonyo, who does a fine job, as a volunteer, like so many others in the youth commission programs. As for their meetings and actions, they are publicly-funded by the town, and they need to abide by open meeting laws of new york, which they clearly do not:

PUBLIC OFFICERS LAW, ARTICLE 7
OPEN MEETINGS LAW
Section 100. Legislative declaration.
101. Short title.
102. Definitions.
103. Open meetings and executive sessions.
104. Public notice.
105. Conduct of executive sessions.
106. Minutes
107. Enforcement.
108. Exemptions
109. Committee on open government.

§100. Legislative declaration. It is essential to the maintenance of a democratic society that the public business be performed in an open and public manner and that the citizens of this state be fully aware of and able to observe the performance of public officials and attend and listen to the deliberations and decisions that go into the making of public policy. The people must be able to remain informed if they are to retain control over those who are their public servants. It is the only climate under which the commonweal will prosper and enable the governmental process to operate for the benefit of those who created it.
§101. Short title. This article shall be known and may be cited as “Open Meetings Law”.
§102. Definitions. As used in this article: 1. “Meeting” means the official convening of a public body for the purpose of conducting public business, including the use of videoconferencing for attendance and participation by the members of the public body. 2. “Public body” means any entity, for which a quorum is required in order to conduct public business and which consists of two or more members, performing a governmental function for the state or for an agency or department thereof, or for a public corporation as defined in section sixty-six of the general construction law, or committee or subcommittee or other similar body of such public body. 3. “Executive session” means that portion of a meeting not open to the general public.
§103. Open meetings and executive sessions. (a) Every meeting of a public body shall be open to the general public, except that an executive session of such body may be called and business transacted thereat in accordance with section one hundred five of this article. (b) Public bodies shall make or cause to be made all reasonable efforts to ensure that meetings are held in facilities that permit barrier-free physical access to the physically handicapped, as defined in subdivision five of section fifty of the public buildings law. (c) A public body that uses videoconferencing to conduct its meetings shall provide an opportunity to attend, listen and observe at any site at which a member participates.
§104. Public notice. 1. Public notice of the time and place of a meeting scheduled at least one week prior thereto shall be given to the news media and shall be conspicuously posted in one or more designated public locations at least seventy-two hours before such meeting. 2. Public notice of the time and place of every other meeting shall be given, to the extent practicable, to the news media and shall be conspicuously posted in one or more designated public locations at a reasonable time prior thereto. 3. The public notice provided for by this section shall not be construed to require publication as a legal notice. 4. If videoconferencing is used to conduct a meeting, the public notice for the meeting shall inform the public that videoconferencing will be used, identify the locations for the meeting, and state that the public has the right to attend the meeting at any of the locations.

From Speakupwny.com

Your right to know: The Open Meetings Law
By Lee Chowaniec
Jul 1, 2006, 12:08
Regarding NYS Open Government Laws, the Committee on Open Government is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Freedom of Information Law. The law provides for government and private sector transparency by granting the public the right to examine public records and to attend and hear deliberations of public bodies.

The following is taken from the published writings of the Committee on Open Government:

The Open Meetings or “Sunshine” Law went into effect in New York in 1977. Amendments that clarify and reaffirm your right to hear the deliberations of public bodies became effective on October 1, 1979.

In brief, the law gives the public the right to attend meetings of public bodies, listen to the debates and watch the decision-making process in action.

As stated in the legislative declaration in the Open Meetings Law (section 100): “It is essential to the maintenance of a democratic society that the public business be performed in an open and public manner and that the citizens of this state be fully aware of and able to observe the performance of public officials and attend and listen to the deliberations and decisions that go into the making of public policy.”

What is a Meeting?

Although the definition of “meeting” was vague as it appeared in the original law, the amendments to the law clarify the definition in conjunction with expansive interpretations of the law given by the courts. “Meeting” is defined to mean “the official convening of a public body for the purpose of conducting public business.” As such, any time a quorum of a public body gathers for the purpose of discussing public business, the meeting must be convened open to the public, whether or not there is an intent to take action, and regardless of the manner in which the gathering may be characterized.

Since the law applies to “official” meetings, chance meetings, or social gatherings, are not covered by the law. Also, the law is silent with respect to public participation. Therefore, a public body may permit you to speak at open meetings, but is not required to do so.
What is Covered by the Law?

The law applies to all public bodies. “Public body” is defined to cover entities consisting of two or more people that conduct public business and perform a governmental function for the state, for an agency of the state, or for public corporations, including cities, counties, towns, villages and school districts, for example.

In addition, committees and subcommittees are specifically included within the definition. Consequently, city councils, town boards, village boards of trustees, school boards, commissions, legislative bodies and committees and subcommittees of those groups all fall within the framework of the law.

Notice of Meetings

The law requires that notice of the time and place of all meetings be given prior to every meeting.

If a meeting is scheduled at least a week in advance, notice must be given to the public and the news media not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting. Notice to the public must be accomplished by posting in one or more designated public locations.

When a meeting is scheduled less than a week in advance, notice must be given to the public and the news media “to the extent practicable” at a reasonable time prior to the meeting. Again, notice to the public must be given by means of posting.

When Can a Meeting be Closed?

The law provides for closed or “executive” sessions under circumstances prescribed in the law. It is important to emphasize that an executive session is not separate from an open meeting, but rather is defined as a portion of an open meeting during which the public may be excluded.

To close a meeting for executive session, the law requires that a public body take several procedural steps. First, a motion must be made during an open meeting to enter into executive session; second, the motion must identify “the general area or areas of the subject or subjects to be considered;” and third, the motion must be carried by a majority vote of the total membership of a public body.

Further, a public body cannot close its doors to the public to discuss the subject of its choice, for the law specifies and limits the subject matter that may appropriately be discussed in executive session.

Based on prior experience, the town board majority will probably ignore the above violations of the law, yet the objection has been made, and they have been put on notice of this violation.

John LaRocque

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