The Peru Gazette

By John T Ryan 

Warning: Some readers and video viewers may find the wording on Mr. Guynup’s shirt objectionable. 

Peru, NY – Following department reports Peru Town Supervisor commented on that the town board’s September 22, 2025 agenda was unusually brief. When he called on Code Enforcement Officer Bob Guynup the evening’s atmosphere changed. Guynup, who resigned his position effective September 30, stood up, removed an outer article of clothing to reveal a shirt labeled, “It’s OK. I’m  on 500 mg. of Fukitol.”

Guynup stated the following: “Thank you. You’ll get me out of here early. I’ve got some things I’d like to talk about. John, please get a closeup this (pointing to his shirt) OK. Thank you. So you asked me to conduct an exit interview and as we read the handbook it says the confidential secretary should be here. She’s here now so I’m OK with conducting it right now. OK. The first thing I’d like to talk about is I filed a harassment charge against Mrs. Miller back in July of 2024. I got a letter seven months later that said that, nah, we’re ok. Seven months ok! What I’m most upset about is the toxic behavior that’s still present to this day in this town hall and it stinks. A lot of people in the town don’t know about it, but it stinks, but they should know about it. OK. And with that anyone who would like to read the letter and my complaint it’s right here.” (At this point Mr. Guynup made a 15-second personal allegation against Mrs. Miller that is not related to her duties as town clerk; hence, the Gazette deleted his allegation from this story and the video.) Guynup continued, “Harassment doesn’t mean nothing. Good night.”  He then put his chair in the rack and exited the building. 

Asked for a comment yesterday, Dianne Miller stated, “I have sought legal counsel and will continue to review this matter with them and may comment at a later date.” 

Today Town Supervisor Craig Randall commented, “The Town Board acknowledges Mr. Guynup’s dissatisfaction regarding delay in its response to a harassment complaint filed by Mr. Guynup with the Town against its Town Clerk. The board did conduct an investigation of the complaint and took appropriate action based on its findings. The timing of its actions overlapped its former Supervisor and current Supervisor. The Town Board regrets that its action taken failed to resolve the working relationship between the two parties.”

In other meeting news: 

Resident John Kelley expressed concern about rising property taxes. Kelly said he owns five properties, and the taxes could exceed $30,000 if increased in 2026. Supervisor Craig Randall explained the budget formulation process, including board workshops when counselors examine each department’s 2026 spending requests. Randall said that his door is always open to answer questions and the workshops are open to the public. The workshop schedule is ported on the town website. 

A Liberty Road resident inquired about the town’s plans to pave the road, citing the presence of potholes. Superintendent of Highways Michael Farrell said Liberty Road isn’t on the 2026 paving schedule, but agreed to look over the road’s issues. There one home on Liberty Road with a second home under construction. 

Farrell also reported that NYSEG has rerouted electric power on both sides of the closed Telegraph Road culvert. He said the town should advertise for bids very soon, but he doesn’t anticipate construction beginning this year.

Luck Brothers won the bid award for a Fuller Road culvert with a bid $274,650. The culvert is between Lapham Mills and Bear Swamp Road—stakes and a ribbon mark the culvert.

Recreation Director Kristen Marino reported that eight Pee Wee and eight Mite teams are participating in soccer. She had to reduce the number of teams because she didn’t have enough coaches, adding that she will still  find a place for every child.  

The board appointed Daniel Hamilton to be a member of the Planning Board. His term of office ends December 31, 2031.

The Golden Apple Club received permission to meet monthly at no charge in the town hall’s lower floor. The club anticipates that about one-half of its meetings will be at other locations.