The Peru Gazette

Christine Crawford is the Peru Republican Party nominee, and incumbent Dianne Miller is the Peru Democratic Party nominee for town clerk/tax collector. In November 2018 and November 2021, Miller was the Republican Party nominee for town clerk/tax collector. This year, Peru’s Republicans did not nominate Miller; instead, they nominated Christine Crawford. Subsequently, Miller attended the Peru Democratic Party caucus, where the party chose her as its nominee. Christine Crawford currently serves as Secretary to Peru’s Zoning and Planning Boards. 

The Peru Gazette posed three questions to the candidates. Christine Crawford responded to the Gazette’s questions as requested.  Dianne Miller composed her own questions.  Christine Crawford’s responses appear first, followed by Dianne Miller’s questions and responses. 

1. Summarize your educational background, brief employment history, a little about your family, and your past community involvement.

Christine Crawford 

My name is Christine Crawford.  I am the daughter of Joseph and Jutta Purtell, one of 8 kids in a big amazing family.  I moved to here in 1985 after a life filled with many adventures around the world with my military family.  I graduated from Peru High School and went on to earn my BA at Franciscan University in Ohio.  After college I took a summer job at St Augustine’s Church and School which ended up lasting almost 18 years. After St Augustine’s School closed I worked for the Peru Town Court for a few years and I currently work in the Town of Peru Codes Office.

I have built a life, a family and a home in Peru, I love this beautiful town we live in and am excited to see what the future will bring.  Building connections and community is important to me.  I am a former Youth Group Leader at St. Augustines, spent many summers helping out at Vacation Bible School and I have volunteered at St Vincent’s Thrift Store for almost 30 years.   More recently I am involved in making areas of the town more beautiful with plants and flowers, including the Town Hall and the Town Park/Disc Golf@theSilo.  I am the owner of Crawford Garden Cottage and an active vendor at the Peru Town Market.  I am the happy wife of Robert Crawford and the proud mom to Lucas, Bridget, Jacob and Cooper.  I enjoy gardening, crafting , reading and nature.

2. How will/does your background make you an effective town clerk/tax collector.  

Christine Crawford 

My years working, handling records and payments give me a strong foundation in managing financial transactions and maintaining accurate records, which are skills I will use as Peru Town Clerk/Tax Collector.  I have always held positions that require extensive interaction with the public and my experience dealing with the public and difficult situations will allow me to maintain harmonious relationships.  My work and life experiences have given me a strong work ethic and organizational skills needed for managing the many responsibilities of a Town Clerk and Tax Collector.

3.   Why are you running for election/reelection? 

Christine Crawford

As an experienced employee of the Town of Peru, I have a deep understanding of what works and what can be improved.  I am committed to bring a leadership style that fosters cooperation and problem solving.   There are many projects in progress and upcoming in our Town and my goal is to bring a fresh, collaborative approach to the Town Clerk position and help create a positive office culture.    I appreciate the chance to tell you this little bit about myself, I encourage anyone who wants to know more to get in touch, I thank you for all of the support and I look forward to getting to know you and serving  you as the next Peru Town Clerk.

Dianne Miller composed these questions, not the Peru Gazette.  

Dianne MIller

Q1: Why are you the best candidate for this position?

Public service, to me has been about people-not politics. When neighbors were sick with COVID, I stepped in to make sure their family was cared for. That spirit of generosity and reliability doesn’t stop at the office door-it’s who I am. As clerk, I treat every resident the way ! would my own family with honesty and compassion. Residents can trust that I’ll always handle town business with the care and consistency t h e y deserve.

Dianne Miller

Q2: Tell us about your experience and background.

I graduated from Peru High School and went to earn my associate’s degree in accounting from Clinton Community College. For the past eight years, l’ve proudly served as town clerk, managing records, finances and day-to-day operations for our residents. Before that, I owned a flower shop for 27 years, which taught me the value of hard work, attention to detail and serving the public with a smile and respect. My husband and I have raised two children and are now blessed with three granddaughters. My life has always been rooted in responsibility, community and care- the same values I bring into my work every day.

Dianne Miller 

Q3: What sets you apart from the other candidate?

I don’t believe in just showing up- I believe in showing up fully. My approach has always been to go above and beyond what’s required, whether it’s making it’s making sure neighbors are, supporting during illness or simply lending a hand when needed. I bring the professional stability of an accounting background and years of proven experience as clerk. Residents know they can count on me for integrity, consistency and compassion. That is what sets me apart.