The Peru Gazette

Three candidates are vying for two seats on the Peru Town Board.  Councilman Jim Douglass is not running for reelection. Incumbent Republican Melvin Irwin has served on the board since January 2018. Republican Dwane Bast and Democrat Nick Weaver have not served on the board.

1. Summarize your educational back ground, primary employment, a little about your family, and your past community involvement. how will/does your background make you an influential board member?

Dwane Bast 

I graduated from Peru Central School in 1982 and subsequently attended college.  I am a proud husband of twenty-five plus years, father of two successful children and grandfather of two beautiful grandchildren. I have been actively involved with Saint Augustine’s Church for 25 years. Previously, I was a member of both the Lions Club and the Kiwanis Club.  Being part of these community organizations has taught me teamwork and goal achievement.  I have owned and operated a small business in the North Country for 18 years; this helps me understand how to be successful and stay within budget.

Melvin Irwin 

My name is Melvin Irwin and I am asking for your vote again this year. I am a lifelong resident of Peru, a farmer, tax payer, a college graduate and a father of four daughters and a husband of Darcy Sutherland.

Nick Weaver 

My name is Nick Weaver. I am a graduate of Peru High School class of 01. I have a degree from CVTech in machining and computer design. I do have some college hours completed in education. I currently live on my family farm with my father who is 80 years old. I definitely grew up in Peru doing activities like sports in school (football wrestling track) and different things like attending the apple fest, Donating to the Run for Jon, and other community events. I was recently inducted into the Peru athletics hall of fame Mainly for being a state champion Wrestler. I make a lot of contributions to the community through the little pizza shop and through my riding club Jesters court. I think what will make me an influencer is my abilities as a business owner and as the president of my Riding club I have already been acclimated to the situation that not everyone is going to agree on everything but still trying to find the best way forward, because ultimately I feel that’s what the job is.

2. Why are you running for election/reelection to the town board

Dwane Bast 

I am seeking election to the Peru Town Board with the goal of maintaining Peru’s reputation as one of the most outstanding small towns in the North Country.  I’m the third generation in our Main Street home.  We relocated to Peru to raise our children, and this decision has had an impact on our family. I want Peru to continue to be the place that feels safe and allows families to grow strong.

Melvin Irwin 

I am running again this year because I feel I have some unfinished business, we’ve got water and sewer projects underway and a lot of possibilities in our recent land acquisitions!

Nick Weaver 

I am running for a board seat because I have always been interested in politics and sorta had it explained to me this is a great starting point. It gives you the ability to see and understand what is going on while still having some major checks involved (the other board members)  to hopefully make a positive decision.

3. What town issues concern you the most?

Dwane Bast 

My main concern is ensuring our town remains affordable for everyone.   I will work to stabilize our costs so that we can keep Peru accessible to everyone.

Melvin Irwin 

The issue that concerns me the most is the amount of money we are spending on state mandated water and sewer projects, we’ve been very fortunate to have succeeded in acquiring several no interest loans but the principal still must be paid! I believe the only resolution is to grow this town to dilute the cost over a larger population.

Nick Weaver 

I’m not exactly sure on any specific concerns the town has but I am very open and willing to discuss them. I like to think I look at most issues from a point of view that most people would find reasonable.

4. Do you have specific ideas on how Peru can attract more residents to our community at a time when the North country’s population is decreasing.

Dwane Bast 

I understand that the North Country and our State have a declining population.  I believe that we can work at acquiring grants to help Peru.

Melvin Irwin 

As previously stated this town needs to grow especially with young families and we are off to a good start we have a youth program that is second to none in this county, we have a vigorous farm market that is beneficial to all businesses in town, we’ve recently acquired a large tract of land fully grant funded , with enormous potential for family activities.

Nick Weaver 

I would say keep going like it always has, Peru has always been a strong, inspirational, and pretty amazing place in the north country. If for nothing else we do things right. We place emphasis on things like education and family values. In turn that is how I try to live my life.

5. Do you think the town board should encourage affordable housing development, especially inside the hamlet water-sewer district? if yes, how could the town board actively encourage this development?

Dwane Bast 

I lack sufficient information on affordable housing in the hamlet of Peru.  I am not currently on the Town Board and in the meetings that I have attended over the last decade, there was no mention of affordable housing.

Melvin Irwin 

I’m in favor of affordable housing and Peru is a Pro housing community but we need to proceed very cautiously here, we’ve seen other towns rush into this and the police records indicate that we need to be cautious!

Nick Weaver 

I think affordable housing is a need in every community, probably  more so now then ever before, but having never discussed it before I would need more information to come up with my answer on this issue. Every community needs some version of affordable housing but its finding the one application that fits the community best and executing it.