The Peru Gazette

The Post-Standard reports

The PostStandard reports

 AGENDA  PERU PLANNING BOARD Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Peru Town Hall 

  1.     CALL meeting to order. 2.     ROLL CALL  3.     APPROVAL of September minutes 

  4.     OPEN floor to Public Hearing Read more »

The Press Republican reports

The Press Republican reports

The Watertown Daily Times reports

By: Donald McBrayer

The regular Town Board Meeting was held on October 5th, 2009. Board Members Peter Glushko, Thomas Powers, and Brandy McDonald were present, as well as Deputy Supervisor Cortland Forrence (who chaired), and Town Attorney Donald Biggs. Read more »

The adirondack almanack reports

The adirondack almanack reports

By Christa Reyell

On Sunday afternoon, October 11th, St. Augustine’s Parish members and Peru Community members will come together for St. Augustine’s Parish 3rd Annual Walk of Faith sponsored by Catholic Daughter’s of the America’s Court St. Monica 2598.  The Walk of Faith Planning Committee would like to invite you to walk with us on Sunday afternoon at St. Patrick’s Oratory (Mother Cabrini Shrine). 

Walk begins at 12:30. St. Patrick’s Oratory (Mother Cabrini Shrine) and ends with a reception for walkers at St. Augustine’s Parish provided by St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273.  Walk the entire distance or only a portion, it is your choice. Rest points and transportation will be provided for walkers along the route. At rest points, water (donated by Frosty Springs Bottling Company) and apples (donated by Forrence Orchards) will be available for walkers. This event is free. However the day of the event, donations will be accepted for the North Country Mission of Hope and the Jamaica Project. 

Walkers can meet at St. Augustine’s Parish Center parking lot between 11 and Noon to catch a bus ride to St. Patrick’s Oratory (Mother Cabrini Shrine) on the Patent Rd. If you drive to St. Patrick’s the day of the event, after your walk you will be able catch a ride back to your car.

Hope to see you there!

The Press Republican reports

The Clinton County Court has announced that the sentencing of former Town of Peru Supervisor Donald Covel originally scheduled for October 5th has been rescheduled to November 18th at 1:30 p.m.

The PostStandard reports

By John T. Ryan

Reporting town government news is a continuing focus of the Peru Gazette. We believe that the foundation of our democracy rests on the reporting of government actions by a free press.

Accordingly, we invited all the candidates for Peru Town offices to provide a brief biography and an explanation why they are seeking office. We hope their responses assist our readers in deciding how they will cast their ballots.

The Gazette thanks all the candidates for accepting our invitation. Their responses will remain online until Election Day.  

Peter Glushko 

My name is Peter Glushko and I am a candidate for Peru Town Supervisor from the Republican and Conservative Parties. I have served the Town 11 ½ years as a Town Board member, beginning in 1998.  I held the office of Deputy Supervisor for three years beginning in 2002.

I graduated from St Joseph’s College in Philadelphia, PA in 1972 with a BS in Accounting. I served as a US Air Force officer from 1972 through 2005, when I retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. I earned a Masters Degree in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Management and Leadership from SUNY Plattsburgh in 1986. I earned a second Masters Degree in Teaching from SUNY Plattsburgh in 2001 and I am a certified Pre-K through 6th Grade teacher.

My wife Karen, my daughter Elizabeth and I moved to Peru in 1983 and I have been active in the community ever since. I joined the Peru Lions Club in 1985 and have twice been Club President. I also served the Peru Community Church as the Finance Committee Chairman and Treasurer.

I am a member of the St Augustine’s Knights of Columbus and was recently elected  Chancellor of that organization.

It is because I want to continue to be involved in our town’s future and feel that my considerable managerial, leadership, financial and educational, and town government experience could be put to good use in bringing respectability and effectiveness back to Peru Town government operations that I seek the office of Town Supervisor.

Thomas Powers 

I’m running for the office of Town Supervisor because I believe in our town and its capability to improve our life style and our children’s.  I was born here, and have had a Peru address my entire life.  I retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1999 with just under 25 years of service.  My entire life has been one of service.  I believe in the meaning of “public servant” to be exactly that, “serving the public”.  But to serve the public and be a “public servant” you must first be accessible and have the time to devote to our town and our residents.  To that end, I’ve continually reviewed all of the town’s insurance policies.  This has resulted in saving hundreds of thousands of tax payers’ dollars.  Often I have had to be the dissenting vote to force fellow councilors to discuss an issue with the hope of promoting effective changes; sometimes with success, other times just to plant a thought for the future. 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.  The voters should decide projects like this, not just 3, 4 or 5 individuals.  There is no value in change merely for the sake of change.   Effective change is achieved through working with others for the benefit of all the citizens of our great town – without personal benefit or taking it personally.  Visit WWW.PARTNERSFORPERU.ORG for additional information. 

Kathleen Flynn

My name is Kathleen Flynn and I have been the Town of Peru Town Clerk/Tax Collector for the past seven years.  I have lived in Peru all my life and, with my husband John, we are raising our three teenaged children Morgan, Will and Maddison.  My father Bill Kivett, two brothers, Pat and Mike Kivett, and sister Kelly Crowley have all raised their families in this community.

I have a Bachelor of Science Degree from Plattsburgh State University in Psychology.  I was appointed as the Deputy Town Clerk/Tax Collector in July of 2002 to the late JoAnn Stafford.  Sadly, Mrs. Stafford passed away and I was appointed as the Town Clerk/Tax Collector in September 2002.  I have been endorsed by the Republican and Conservative Parties as their candidate; and I am eager to serve another four years.
  
My experience and knowledge in this position will allow me to assist the new administration and will provide for a smooth transition to the newly elected Town Councilors and Supervisor.  I have always worked very closely with the various town department heads and, over the years, developed an understanding of their administrative requirements. I am familiar with the various responsibilities of the people working in the Peru Town Hall and will continue to work with those people to ensure the town operates smoothly and efficiently.  I am familiar with all the procedures and reporting requirements of this office and possess the tools necessary to successfully complete the next four years in this position.

I appreciate all of the support that I have received these past years. My dedication to our town is very deep, and I am proud to be in the position that I am in.  Thank you for this opportunity to allow me to get my message out!  Please make every effort to get out on November 3rd. I am looking forward to serving all of  the citizens of Peru for another four years, and I would really appreciate your support. 

Sincerely,

Kathy Flynn
Peru Town Clerk

Lana Knight

My husband, George and I are the proud parents of two great kids, Gabrielle (19) and Corey (17).  We have always been a community-minded family, and I have dedicated much of my time to various types of volunteer work in and around the town of Peru. 

 I have a strong professional background having worked in the banking industry as a supervisor for over eighteen years.  I believe very strongly in treating others with respect and in listening to any concerns they have.

I am a Notary Public for the State of New York (14+ years) and I would be happy to serve the Peru community with greater operating hours: Monday though Friday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday Evenings 5 to 8 p.m., Saturdays by appointment. 

John H. Lawliss, born and raised in Clinton County, graduated from Mount Assumption Institute, and served four years in the US Navy during the Korean War.  Retired after 33 years of service in the NY State Police as a Major, Troop “B” Commander and then served four years as Clinton County Sheriff.  Married to the former Gail Prevost, we have four children and nineteen grandchildren. I have been active in church and community affairs for many years and have served this town as town justice for the past four years. I have the experience in the criminal justice system, the knowledge, temperament, sense of fairness as well as the time and energy to continue to work as your town justice.

With your support on election day I will continue to serve this community to the best of my ability
 
Thank You
John H. Lawliss 

Dennis Reid

 I have been a resident of Peru for 37 years. My wife Sally and I felt there was no better place to raise our son, Jonathan.

My experience comes from 23 years with the Plattsburgh Police Dept.  I retired as a Sergeant and was the training director for the Zone 9 Police Academy.  I worked part-time for the New York State Park Police for 19 years. I have a two year criminal justice degree. I am a graduate of the 116th session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

As a member of the Park Police I was introduced to the Town Justice System.  I found the system weak, and many of the Judges inexperienced and lacking knowledge of the court. 

Although prior law enforcement background is not the only prerequisite for becoming a town justice, it brings to the court a person who has knowledge of penal law and criminal procedure law, and familiarity with the court system. I am running for the position of town justice to bring experience and knowledge of the proceedings to the court.  We have been fortunate in the town of Peru to have had two knowledgeable justices.  With your vote I hope to continue making the Peru Town Court a fair and equitable court, where both sides will be heard and fair decisions rendered.

I have recently retired from my second profession and will be able to direct my efforts to making the Peru Town Court my priority.  Your support would be greatly appreciated.

VOTE FOR ANY TWO CANDIDATES

Anthony “Tony” Andrews

Hello.  My name is Tony Andrews and I am one of two Democratic candidates running for a four-year position on the Peru Town Council.  I am thirty-four years old and I have been a resident of Peru for twenty seven.  In 1982, I attended the former St. Augustine’s School in Peru for four years.  Fast forward sixteen years later, I graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio with a B.S. Degree in Education.  For seven years, I worked in Delaware as a fourth grade teacher and as a customer service representative in a small homeschooling bookstore.  Presently, I am working at Community Bank N.A. in Plattsburgh as a teller.

In pursuing a position on Peru’s Town Council, I believe my experience in the professional world, along with my dedicated work ethic, would make me an ideal fit for the position of Councilman.  I have an open mind to hear different ideas and I am coming to the table with new ideas of my own.  My goal, if elected, is to help clean up the past and to produce a new future.  A brighter future that Peru richly deserves.  Your support will be greatly appreciated.

James T. Douglass
 
I am running for the position of councilman for four years in the town of Peru. My wife Jackie and I have one son Connor age 12 and I have  three grown children and two grown step children and we have eleven grandchildren. 
I served as a councilman in the town of Black Brook for 20 years. I also served as an assessor for 8 years. I have 30 years of experience in management with Grand Union and Hannaford.
I feel with my experience and knowledge in town government I can serve the town of Peru. I am retired and can dedicate my time and effort as a councilman.  I will work for unity and fair government for all the residents in the town of Peru.
I would greatly appreciate your support and VOTE ON ELECTION DAY. I would ask you to call me on any concerns or issues you have in our town government. I am a people person and very approachable.

Fred Hoffman 

The stars have aligned for Peru to seize the moment, rise above adversity and regain standing as the North Country model community of the future.  Four citizens of vision are needed to fill the seats up for election.  We face unprecedented challenges today and need leadership to guide us through tomorrow.  The STAR Property Tax Rebate is gone, we are in uncertain economic times and the town board topic of the day is increased spending.  I recognized the challenge and requested citizens representing the fabric of our community to rise to meet the challenge.  They all replied:  Fred, why don’t you do it, you have the time and experience to serve us well.  

My youth emphasized integrity, ethics, community and embedded them into my identity.  Dad always said:  “If you fail to feed and nurture the community that nurtures your family, then all will soon be lost.”  My family has experienced tragedy I pray you will never experience in your lifetime.  Tragedy has one upside; it forces you to re-evaluate your priorities in life.  I relieve my pain by focusing on serving my community.  I don’t wish to be remembered for fame and fortune, I wish to be remembered for the contribution I was able to make to health and welfare of my community and return to the day when we can all consider ourselves an extended family.  Ask me for a home visit, I’ll listen.  Please make an informed decision November 3rd.  Visit WWW.PARTNERSFORPERU.ORG  for current election news. 

Garrett Mastic 

I walk the streets daily and speak with hundreds of Peru citizens who feel their homes are at risk from runaway taxes.  These citizens are my extended family and I refuse to fail them.  They’re hard working people scratching away at two and three jobs to earn what they have today.  Over our grandparents lifetime their taxes have more than quadrupled. 

The Mastic name is respected and woven into the fabric of Peru culture.  Our identity represents commitment to hard work, fair play, and dedication to our neighbors.  My belief is NY State Town Law, Referenda, and Advisory Section applied as intended will lead us to ethical and fair government.  A Town Board Member’s vote must represent the majority view and be placed above any personal agenda or selfish desire.  This elevated state of responsibility requires a great deal of thought and consideration before voting decisions are made affecting the lives of Peru citizens.  

You know the Mastic name, we don’t play political games, parlay votes for special interests, or support pet projects favoring the exclusive few.  I’m your non-partisan public servant working hard for all citizens in a fair and professional manner.  I’ll never forget that you’re my boss and the best interest of the community is Priority #1. 

We must overcome today’s fiscal challenges together, bring business to the community and protect Peru’s heritage for our children.  Ask me for a home visit, I’ll listen.  Please make an informed decision November 3rd.  Visit WWW.PARTNERSFORPERU.ORG for current election news. 

Hello! My name is Don McBrayer

I am running for one of the Four-Year Town Council positions.

I have been a resident of Peru for 25 years. My wife, Kara (formerly Kara Froehlich), grew up here, and we are proud that our children, Adam & Natasia, still call Peru “home”. There is no better place on earth to raise a family than Peru.

Now that my kids have grown, I have extra time on my hands. It has always been my intention to get involved with activities that serve a purpose and contribute in some way to the betterment of society. I truly believe that everyone has an obligation to contribute to his or her community. To do that each of us has to determine what we have to offer, determine how best to apply it, and concentrate it where it is needed most. I have technical skills, business skills, personnel skills, a strong sense of civility, temperance in the face of conflict, integrity, and stamina. Where this is needed most right now, right here, is in our town government.

On top of attending every Town, Planning and Zoning Board meetings I am:

• Owner/Operator “D&K Carpet”
• Owner/Operator “Don Yo! DJ Related Services”
• 3rd Degree Member of the KofC
• North Country Chamber of Commerce
• Champlain Valley Classic Cruisers
• Peru Zoning Board
• Peru Republican Committee
• Peru Applefest Committee
• Administrator for www.PeruTown.com <http://www.PeruTown.com>  
• Administrator for www.PeruParish.org <http://www.PeruParish.org>
  

To learn more see my site at www.PeruCouncil.com <http://www.PeruCouncil.com> 

Greetings from Susan Polhemus

I am running for a Council position in the Town of Peru. I have lived in Peru for 10 years before that I was in Grand Isle, VT for 11 years. I was born and raised in Plattsburgh. My family lived on Boynton Ave from the day I was born to the day I left for college. I have been married to my husband, Kirk, for 20 years and have two children. Mary is 19 and a sophomore at Plattsburgh State. Ben is 17 and a senior at Peru Central. I am the Accounting Manager for Lake Champlain Transportation Co.

I come from a hard working middle class family. I am the hard working middle class. I work hard to provide for my family. I raised my children to be honest and polite. These strong morals and hard work are needed in making the Town of Peru thrive. I have 28 years of accounting experience, 10 years of budget experience and 6 years of management experience. I will not make a decision until it has been thoroughly researched and all facts presented.  I know I can not make everyone happy but I will do my best to find the answer that everyone can accept. I have decided instead of complaining on how things are handled at the Town Hall I had to join them and help manage the Town’s affairs. Hope you agree with me with your support on Nov. 3^rd.

VOTE FOR ANY ONE CANDIDATE

KREGG M. BRUNO 

Hello, I am Kregg Bruno, and I’m running for the position of Town Councilman.  My wife Bonnie (Benson) Bruno and I have been married for over twenty years.  We have two children: Christopher (19) entering his second year at Tompkins Cortland Community College and Katie (16) a junior at Peru Central School.

My entire life has been spent in the Peru community.  While a student at Peru Central School, I joined the football and wrestling teams, and I succeeded in becoming the first New York State Champion wrestler from this area.  Later, while attending Potsdam State University I became an All-American athlete. 

Currently I am a coach for the Peru Wrestling team, as well the sole propriator of Bruno’s Painting Plus.  While working in the field of construction for the past twenty years, I have been fortunate to work in many of your homes, and I trust my work ethic and honesty have fulfilled your needs.  

The experiences I have had in the Town of Peru have instilled in me a belief in fair play and integrity.  Therefore, showing respect to others and working to achieve a common goal for the betterment of our Town is well within my abilities. If I am honored to become your Town Councilman I will carry this philosophy as Town Councilman hoping to bring a spirit of good will into our Town government.

Your support is greatly appreciated.    THANK YOU KREGG BRUNO

Lynn Patno 

Everyone faces challenges in their lives.  What defines us is the path we choose to overcome them.  My greatest challenge was Cancer, an unwelcome teacher that helped me to focus on my true priorities.  I now experience everyday as a gift and dedicate my time toward improving the lives around me.  This motivation and method of reasoning will add balance to board.  When elected, I promise to serve with integrity and in the best interest of the taxpayer.  First and foremost, I’m a people person and people come first in my life! 

I’m also proactive and believe active civic participation is essential to the success of Town Government.  Years of observation brought me to one realization.  There is a significant gap between Town Board rhetoric, news articles and the Town Board’s official records.  Tax payers deserve to know where their money is spent and they deserve accurate accounting.  I am now, more than ever before, compelled to become active in our town government.  I will no longer sit as the silent observer.  All Peru’s citizens are entitled to representation.  I am running to contribute a new perspective and add thoughtful reasoning to the discussion.  With over 30 years’ professional experience, I have learned to listen, remain focused and keep balance. 

Please make an informed decision November 3rd.  Read Peru’s 2006 New York State Comptroller Report at WWW.PARTNERSFORPERU.ORG to learn more about the Town Board’s performance. Thank you for your support. 

Geoffrey Spear

My name is Geoffrey Spear and I am a candidate for the 2 year unexpired term for Peru Town Council.  My family initially moved to Peru in 1966 where I grew up attending and graduating from Peru High School in 1980.  I am a graduate of Plattsburgh State University and I hold a Masters Degree in Education from Springfield College.  Over the years I have worked in higher education as a coach, instructor and assistant admissions director at college level.  Presently I am the assistant Men’s Soccer Coach at Plattsburgh State University.  

My family consists of my wife and our four children.  My wife Dr. Anne-Marie Spear is a prominent dentist with a practice in the village of Peru.   My four children all attend Peru Central School, where they are active members in school and community functions.

I have chosen to run for Town Council because I feel it is time for me to give back to a community that has given so much to me and my family.  With a sense of community, citizenship, and a strong work ethic instilled in me by my parents, I would like to give back to the citizens of Peru.  It is my aim to be a voice for our citizens in my decision making and actions for the Town of Peru.  In closing I would like to say that I feel I have the listening skills and common sense approach to decision making that make me an excellent candidate for town council.  I look forward to your support on Election Day.

To the residents of Peru: My name is Mike Farrell and I am currently Peru’s Superintendent of Highway. I am currently finishing up my first year and with your support I am looking forward to another four years. Being Superintendent of Highways has many challenges. Whether it be plowing snow off the road, sanding because of ice, dealing with plugged culverts, high water, road deterioration, putting asphalt down, mechanical issues, and dealing with the taxpayers on any issues that come up.
         The Highway Superintendent puts in a lot of hours. It requires a dedicated person to attend all state schools, county highway meetings, town board meetings, work shops, budget meetings, mining schools, General Supervisory, and Drug and Alcohol school. The highway department has been on four 10 hour days since mid March and  I have taken only one Friday off since the ten hour schedule has been in effect. I have also put in several Saturdays and a couple of Sundays to stay ahead of problems the highway department deals with on a daily basis.
         I have 27 years of experience in road construction and maintenance. I also have almost a year under the belt as the Superintendent of Highway and I have had my own plowing business for 15 years. I feel I have always demonstrated leadership ability, whether it was being the fire chief, vice chairmen of Zoning Board of Appeals, Keeseville Elks, American Heart Association, or my annual walk in the Autism walk with my autistic son Heath. 

Thank You, 

Mike Farrell, Peru Superintendent of Highways

James D Reed 11 Ratcliff Dr. Peru NY 518-643-8149  Jreedp38@charter.net

Education AAS Avionic Systems Technologies, NCO Leadership academy 

Worked at Pratt& Whitney as a Supervisor lead technician.  Plant manager for Hydra-Fab USA producing hydraulic  tilting system for Amtrak’s high speed train.

An approved Volunteer for Plattsburgh Aeronautical Institute (PAI).

Volunteered for many years at St. Augustine’s Church for their annual Applefest. I was on the St. Augustine’s Church school board for three years. Volunteers at NYSSRA in support of youth ski racing at Whiteface and Gore Mt.

Platform:

I can save the taxpayers money in this time of need by working within the budget.  I intend to evaluate the conditions and safety of the roads by prioritizing and taking the necessary corrective actions as needed.  I intend to make the highway department more efficient by doing more maintenance in-house with a full-time mechanic rather than outsourcing the maintenance to other garages.  I am also willing to listen to residents’  problems and issues by having an open door policy to all the people of the Town of Peru.

Retired US Air Force with Twenty years of service. Desert storm Veteran. My work experience has been varied with the last twenty plus years being in supervisory positions. I enjoy working with people and have always been successful in solving problems and getting maximum production under stressful situations.

Deacon George Benson, Deacon Jon Votraw, Rev. Alan Shnob

By John T. Ryan 

Jonathan Votraw of St. Augustine’s Parish in Peru was ordained a deacon by Bishop Robert J. Cunningham on Sunday, September 19th at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Ogdensburg.  Votraw was one of twelve men from the Diocese of Ogdensburg ordained by Bishop Cunningham.  Votraw joins Deacon George Benson in service to St. Augustine’s. Rev. Alan Shob, Pastor of St. Augustine’s Parish, was present to vest Deacon Votraw with his alb and stole signifying the office of deacon.

The newly ordained deacons began their course of study in 2005.  Their course of study include theology, scripture, canon law, public speaking, spirituality, liturgy and homiletics which were taught both online and at Wadhams Hall in Ogdensburg.  The St. Augustine’s Parish community held a reception to honor Deacon Votraw on Sunday, September 27th.

The PostStandard reports

AGENDA TOWN BOARD REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 5, 2009 7:00 PM
Read more »

Daily Review.com reports

The PostStar reports