The Peru Gazette

Policy promotes safety of law officers as well as victims

Click here for the Sun Community News story 

Click here for the Adirondack Daily Enterprise story 

Downtown Plattsburgh event promises fun for all ages on Saturday, Dec. 2

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The Town Of Peru Town Board will hold a Public Hearing on the 2024 Preliminary Budget on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at 6:00 PM, at The Peru Town Hall.

Dianne E. Miller

Town Clerk

Town of Peru

Local physicians promote benefits of walking, health education 

PLATTSBURGH, NY (10/23/2023) – Members of the public can enjoy the bright colors of fall and take steps toward a healthier lifestyle during the upcoming Walk With a Doc. The walk, offered by the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) Family Medicine Center (FMC), will take place this Saturday, October 27 at 10 a.m. outside the YMCA on the Oval.

Alyssa Sethi, DO, a Family Medicine Resident, is leading the event. As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, she will discuss the importance of getting screened and offer important information about the disease.

Good walking shoes and weather-appropriate attire are recommended. In case of inclement weather, the group will meet at the food court of the Champlain Centre Mall and walk inside. It is free and open to all.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), walking provides numerous benefits to overall health. It helps decrease the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular disease while improving mental health.

Walk With A Doc takes place on the fourth Saturday of every month at 10 a.m. Funded by The Foundation of CVPH and its generous donors, the CVPH program is one of 418 nationwide and 32 countries worldwide.

No registration is required; however, first-time participants must complete a waiver. For more information, contact CVPH Family Medicine Residency Coordinator Heather Lacey at (518) 314-3868 or hlacey@cvph.org.

Click here to view the VTDigger report 

By John T Ryan

Peru – October 23, 2023 Most people recall studying bees in school; however, the Peru Primary and Intermediate School students have a unique opportunity. There’s an active bee hive in the school’s front yard, and studying bees is being integrated into the schools’ curricula. The hive is one art teacher Kathy Cantwell’s ten hives, and she’s thrilled about it being at the school. 

5th grade teacher Beth Dubay recalled how the bee program got started.” In 2018, I applied for the New York State Master Teacher Program, which includes researching a topic way above your teaching level. Even though I’m deathly afraid of bees, they intrigue me, so I started researching them. One day, my co-teacher and I tried to figure out why bees make hexagonal hives rather than circular hives or some other shape. We asked Kathy if she had some paper we could use to construct a hive. When we told her about the bees, she said, “I’m a beekeeper!” And so, the bee program began—Kathy’s the beekeeper and bee expert while Beth works at integrating bee study into the school’s classrooms. Once “deathly afraid” of bees, Beth would like to become a beekeeper. 

Kathy Cantwell explained why she thinks the program is important. “This a unique opportunity right now because so many people are interested in the environment. They want something hopeful and positive. Learning about bees and caring for bees benefits all aspects of the environment. When a culture takes good care of its women and children, the culture improves. And when civilization takes care of bees, the whole civilization improves. There are so many aspects of it.” 

Beth Dubay gave specifics.” The 6th-grade teachers introduce topics such as bee venom therapy, pesticides that endanger bees, colony collapse disorder, and the history of bees. The bees have also been a part of the school’s Ag Day.” Kathy added, “The 4th graders help with that. Every grade has gotten involved. The 5th graders paint sunflowers. The third graders planted 150 crocus plants each of the past three years. My vision is to have every lawn in the school covered with crocus in the spring.” Flower nectar is essential to a bee colony’s survival. 

Both teachers emphasized that the bee education program has been a school-wide effort. Kathy commented, “Everybody’s been very supportive. I haven’t heard any negative feedback. We did a lot of work in preparing. We worked with the board of education, lawyers, the superintendent, fellow teachers, buildings and grounds. The Champlain Valley Bee Association has been very supportive.” The teachers applied for and won three program grants and a local business made a generous donation, meaning the program operates with no or little cost to the school district. 

Kathy Cantwell expressed her feelings eloquently: “What I hope the kids get out of this is that they will start thinking through the lens of a bee, looking at the environment differently. They look at how to be stewards of the environment because it greatly impacts the entire world.”

Examination of Returnable Container Act Fraud Will Help Prevent the Loss of Millions in Revenue and Hold Offenders Accountable

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced a statewide multi-agency effort to help prevent returnable container schemes that defraud the state of millions of dollars each year. This new effort will help uncover practices that prevent bottles and cans without deposits from being redeemed, thus reducing funds that support crucial environmental and other state initiatives.

“New York’s highly successful Bottle Bill is an unfortunate target for unscrupulous criminals looking to make big bucks from the state’s nickels,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “This newly launched effort will help foster coordination among state and local partners across the many jurisdictions included in Bottle Bill enforcement to help recoup lost revenue, hold violators accountable, and eliminate the competitive disadvantage experienced by companies that play by the rules.”

This new effort will bring together the expertise of multiple state agencies, including law enforcement and technical expertise from the State Department of Taxation and Finance (DTF), Department of Agriculture and Markets, State Liquor Authority, and others to work collaboratively on collecting and interpreting data, auditing records, inspecting and certifying redemption and counting equipment, investigating complaints, and preventing or prosecuting fraudulent activities.

New York’s Returnable Container Act, known as the Bottle Bill, is one of the State’s most efficient and successful recycling programs. The Bottle Bill improves litter control, provides relief to overburdened municipal recycling systems, and increases beverage container recycling in New York. Recyclables collected through this program are readily returned for manufacturing of containers and other commodities. The law requires a deposit of at least five cents on containers for carbonated soft drinks, beer and other malt beverages, mineral water, soda water, wine products and water that doesn’t contain sugar. A deposit is required on glass, metal, and plastic containers that hold less than one gallon or 3.78 liters.

The Bottle Bill captures an average of five billion beverage containers each year with 250,000 tons of plastic, glass, and aluminum recycled. Since the law went into effect, redemption rates averaged 65 percent, well above the recycling rate for most other packaging and products, and beverage container litter was reduced by 70 percent. These beverage containers are no longer littering roads or waterways and get recycled into new packaging and products.

Since the Bottle Bill was amended in 2009, four cents of each unredeemed nickel are remitted DTF, generating approximately $117 million in revenue for New York State in 2022 alone. Most of the funds collected go to the State’s General Fund; of these monies, there is currently $23 million dedicated each year to the State’s Environmental Protection Fund. Bottle Bill sales data is often held confidential, but some estimates of the impact of fraud and underreporting of deposits reach tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars.

DEC and its State and local enforcement partners have successfully prosecuted redemption container fraud cases in the past, including a 2018 DEC and New York State Attorney General investigation of North Bergen Beverage that revealed sales of tens of millions of beverage containers without initiating deposits, depriving the State of an estimated $4 million. Bottle Bill fraud can take many forms, such as transshipping of filled beverage containers from non-deposit states; the fraudulent redemption of empty beverage containers from out-of-state and double-redemption schemes; reverse vending machine tampering; and deposit initiators not registering with DTF and not reporting, or under-reporting sales. It is hoped that as the work evolves, this process will reveal areas where laws, regulations, policies and/or procedure can be modified to strengthen the State’s ability to prevent fraud.

Sherry Dobbs, Jessica Ewald, Everett J. Ezero, Ron Foster, and Micayla McGinn Wilson

The school honored the new members during half-time of Friday evening’s Apple Bowl Football game and at a dinner on Saturday evening.

Sherry Dobbs – 1955 – Athlete

Sherry Dobbs Senior could be described in multiple ways.  He was a free spirit who loved Peru, the orchards and the Adirondacks. His kids would say he liked to play farmer at the Hart Orchard. Dobber was also a prankster and could always make you laugh with a story.   He was also a philanthropist with his time and money.  He was always willing to help people in need, visit a sick friend, and assist many local churches when projects needed to be completed.  Sherry also founded the Carol Dobbs Memorial Science Scholarship which it funded many students’ ability to take college courses in High School. As well as providing money for students attending college to study sciences.

Most people in Peru wouldn’t know he was an outstanding three-sport athlete in Soccer, Basketball and Track and field.  

As an athlete, he was all-conference in Soccer in 1954 and 1st team all-conference guard in basketball in 1954 & 1955.  He was the team captain of the 20-1 team.

As the point guard, he was vital in assisting Chuck Kinney, who holds the NYS record for 98 points in a single game.  Dobber always joked he had the unofficial NYS State assist record with 33 assists in a single game.

After serving in the Marine Corps, Sherry played soccer at SUNY Plattsburgh before entering the Department of Corrections.

Sherry was civic-minded as he served on the town board and the Lions Club of Peru. Sherry was a true-blue Peru native who loved his town and the sports at Peru Central School.

Jessica Ewald – Athlete – 2009

Jessica Ewald was a three-sport standout at Peru Central School in the early 2000s. Her humble, team-first outlook on athletics enhanced her admirable leadership qualities throughout her playing days. Her outstanding work ethic endeared her to coaches, teammates and opponents alike. These qualities were instrumental in determining that Jessica was an exemplary representative of Peru Central School both on and off the field of play.

Jessica was a four-year starter on the varsity soccer team and was selected as a CVAC All-Star in her senior year. She was a two-year starter on the varsity basketball team, where her defensive tenacity was typically on display against the opposing point guard. Finally, she was a three-year starter on the varsity softball team. In softball in her senior year, Jessica was honored as the CVAC Most Valuable Player as voted by CVAC coaches.

A tribute to her leadership skills and a reflection of the respect her peers afforded her, Jessica was elected as team captain in all three of the aforementioned sports in her senior year.

In recognition of her exploits on the field and in the classroom, Jessica received many honors. Among them were the 2008-2009 Warrior Award given to Peru’s top female and male athletes each year; the Ray Holmes Scholar-Athlete Award, and induction into the National Honor Society,  which was the result of being a high honor roll student in each academic quarter in grades nine through 12. She continued her education at the University of Buffalo, graduating with a Bachelor’s in Geology.

In the words of Miss Cathy Phillips, the Athletic Director at Peru during Jessica’s tenure there, Jessica was a “quiet, polite, creative, hardworking, tenacious young lady who was extremely loyal to friends and teammates.” 

Jessica now shows loyalty to her family, with whom she lives in Colchester, Vermont. Her family includes four children, two of whom are twin girls. Regarding those girls, Jessica’s dad, Larry, said, “I never wanted girls to play on the high school football team in fear of them getting hurt. But, I have a granddaughter who I think could play…she is a bruiser!” Those of us who have known Larry for years hope it happens!

Everett J. Ezero – Athlete – 1959

Everett J. Ezero graduated from Peru Central School in 1959.  While at Peru, He participated in six different sports: soccer, baseball, track, basketball, wrestling, and football.  He succeeded in all sports, giving 110% at every practice and game.  He was also a Future Farmers of America throughout all four years of high school.

Sports and years Everett played.

• Soccer- 1-2
• Basketball 1-2
• Wrestling 1-2-3-4 – Sectional Champ in 1959 and captain of the team.  He was undefeated in 1959.
• Track 1-2-3-4 – Ran the 100-yard dash
• Baseball 1-2-3-4 – Won the championship (CVCC) in 1959
• Football 4 – Played one year of football because it was the first year it was offered in Peru.

After high school, Everett married Diane McNierney in 1965.  Together they had two children, a son and a daughter. His daughter Lynn is also in the Hall of Fame.  Everett was an employee of the Dept of Transportation in Plattsburgh for 30 years and then drove a school bus for Peru after retirement.  He currently resides at 709 Union Road, Peru, NY, and travels to Florida in winter.

 Ron Foster – Athlete – 2001

Ron was a two-sport standout in football and wrestling as a student-athlete at Peru Central. His dedication to physical preparation for his athletic endeavors provided the impetus for his great success on the field and the mat while at Peru.

Ron was a 3-year starter in football, playing running back and linebacker. His stellar football career concluded in his senior year of 2000 with numerous honors. His outstanding leadership abilities led to his election as co-captain of the team. He earned the prestigious honor of being chosen as the CVAC Most Valuable Player for the 2000 season. Furthermore, he was chosen the Offensive Player of the game in the North Country Super Bowl as he rushed for 162 yards and a touchdown. Finally, he was named to the Allstate Class B first team as a linebacker. 

While his football exploits were impressive, it was on the wrestling mat that Ron truly excelled. He was a three-time Section Seven champion while being named the 1998 tournament Most Valuable Wrestler. He was chosen as the team’s co-captain in his senior year and also claimed titles in both styles at the New York State Freestyle and Greco-Roman championships. He earned a silver medal in both styles at the Empire State Games in the summer. Ron concluded his highly decorated high school wrestling career by finishing sixth at 171 lbs. at the New York State High School championships in Syracuse.  Ron was a first-team all-star his senior year, finishing with a 27-5 record his senior year and a career record of 93-29

Ron parlayed his high school successes in athletics into a scholarship offer for wrestling at division one Binghamton University. He now lives in Delmar, New York, with his wife, Christi, and his two young daughters, Emily and Sophia.          

Micayla McGinn Wilson  – 2008 – Athlete 

Micayla McGinn-Wilson was a four-sport varsity athlete in outdoor track, indoor track, soccer and basketball.  As an outdoor and indoor track athlete, she won Section VII Championships in the 800m, high jump, 1600m relay and 600m run.  Micayla also earned a Section VII State qualifier, placing 5th in the 800 meter and 8th in the high jump.  Micayla tied the Section VII high jump record in 2006 and set the record in 2008, which stood until 2023.  It still stands as the school record.  

As a varsity soccer player, she was a starter throughout her sophomore-senior years and earned the title of Division I All-Star in 2006 and 2007.   She was a varsity basketball player throughout her sophomore-senior years.  While playing sports, Micayla was inducted into the National Honor Society and National Arts Honor Society and obtained a Regents diploma with advanced designation.  

Her athletic awards were Outdoor Track MVP in 2006 & 2007 and “Hall of Fame” in 2008 for the 400m, 800m and high jump.  Micayla was awarded the ‘Most Outstanding Athlete’ known as the “Diamond Award,” as well as “The Warrior Award,” “McDonald’s Award,” and “Vince Lombardi Award”.

Micayla continued her athletic career at Xavier University, being awarded a partial Division I Scholarship for her sophomore-senior years and an academic Scholarship all four years.  She competed in Cross country, Indoor track and Outdoor track all four years.  While at Xavier, she volunteered in medical Mission trips to Russia, Guatemala, Tucson, AZ and Fort Collins, CO.  Micayla graduated Cum Laude with a Master’s in Occupational Therapy.

Micayla resides in Colorado with her husband, Keith, and their puppy, Mesa.  She is an Occupational Therapist and active hiking, rock climbing, paddle boarding, and skiing.  She has traveled to 48 states with a goal of planting foot in all 50.  She and Keith hope to hike all National Parks and the 46 peaks of the Adirondacks when visiting “home” in the North Country.         

Certified diabetes educators to offer information about lifestyle management of Type 1 diabetes

PLATTSBURGH, NY – A three-part Diabetes Self-Management Education Program sponsored by the University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital (CVPH) begins Thursday, November 2 at the main hospital.  The program, led by certified diabetes educators Ann Watts and Catherine LaPier, takes place in Auditorium C from 5 to 8 p.m.

This program is designed specifically for those with Type 2 diabetes, according to LaPier, who added that the goal is to foster a better understanding of the disease, its management and treatment.  “Education about diabetes is an important part of living with it,” LaPier said.

Watts said the classes will include practical information focused on successfully managing the disease.  Each participant can bring a support person to the program. The impact of food and activity on blood sugar will be discussed, the importance of glucose level monitoring and how to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle. “We will also explore medication options as well as preventing, recognizing and treating complications,” she said.

A physician referral is required for the CVPH Diabetes Self-Management Education Program. Insurances will be billed. However, all government and private insurance will cover the cost. Some may require a copay, which the hospital will bill.

The CVPH Diabetes Self-Management Education Program will be offered periodically throughout the year and at different times of the day to provide ample opportunity for those interested to attend.

For more information, call Watts at (518) 314-3921 or speak with your health care provider.

Decorations bringing all of the local ‘Swifties’ to Fuller Road

Click here for the MYNBC5 story 

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Funding included for Plattsburgh International, Floyd Bennett and Adirondack Regional airports

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Click here for the Press-Republican story 

OCTOBER 23 @ 6:00 PM

1. Call Meeting to Order

2. Pledge of Allegiance

3. Roll Call 

4. MOTION:  Acceptance of Minutes for the Public Hearing October 12, 2023 and Regular Meeting of October 12, 2023.

5. Community Input.

6. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:   To Possibly Award Bid for Forestry Attachment for 312 Excavator.

7. DISCUSSION:  Light at Route 22 and Elm St.

8. DISCUSSION:  Other Business.

9. DISCUSSION:  Public Comments on Agenda Items Only.

10. RESOLUTION/DISCUSSION:  Pay October 2023 Bills.

11. MOTION:  Adjourn to Executive Session.

12. MOTION:  Return from Executive Session. 

13. MOTION: Adjourn Meeting.

Two Peru Town Board seats are open. Kregg Bruno is seeking reelection on the Democratic Party line. Eric Duquette is seeking election on the Republican Party Line. Since neither the Peru Democratic nor the Peru Republican Party nominated opposing candidates, they do not face opposition.  

The Peru Gazette is grateful that they took time to respond to our questions and thanks them for being involved in local government. 

Kregg Bruno 

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

Currently I’m a small business owner, Bruno’s Custom Tile Works, and also a member of the Peru Town Board.  I have lived in Peru for 34 years and been active in youth sports at the Town level as well as High School coaching. My knowledge of running a business will help with the many bids that the Town has to procure to get work done.

2. Why are you running for reelection to public office? 

I’m running for reelection to continue to help the Board make Peru the best place to raise a family in a great community.

3. What Town issues concern you the most?

Biggest issue are infrastructure of roads and bridges along with water and waste water concerns. These are big ticket items that affect the taxpayers the most.

4. The Town recently completed a multi-million dollar sewer system upgrade and faces an even more expensive upgrade to the wastewater treatment plant. About only 550 hamlet users will bear the cost of both projects. Do you have specific ideas how Peru can grow its sewer system user base? 

I hope that the community keeps growing to help with the financial need of the water and sewer districts.

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

Affordable housing and senior housing is a big concern for me. I think we need to take better care of our residence that have helped build this great community.

6. Peru’s two major housing developments (Buttonwood and Orchard View, i.e., Washington Street) are at a standstill. Do you have ideas how to get these projects moving and similar projects moving? 

The issues with housing development seems to fall more on all the restriction from the State Department, such as DEC and Army Corp of Engineering.  They have very strick guild lines making developments expensive to produce. 

Eric Duquette

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

I graduated from St. Johns Academy in 1984 and completed a 4-year apprenticeship through Canton ATC Program in coordination with the Local #1042 Carpenters Union Division. I am currently self-employed and own Duquette Building and Remodeling. Based here in Peru. I have been in business since 1991. Along my ride for the past 37 years has been my wife, Heidi Duquette. We have two children. Our oldest child is our daughter named Lindsay who is married to Casey Blair. They have two children named Owen and Leeland. Our second child is our son named Adam who is married to Olivia Duquette. Over the years I have been involved with various charities, fundraisers, and helping my local church. As a builder, I have also developed a 12-lot subdivision and worked closely with town officials. Having a long running background in building and development, I feel I have a wealth of knowledge and experience to bring to the town of Peru.

2. Why are you running for election to public office? 

I have co-owned and operated a business for the past 12 years with my wife Heidi, in the town of Peru. In doing so, I have become encouraged to help promote growth and ensure that our well-grounded community continues to flourish.

3. What Town issues concern you the most? 

Most recently, balancing the budget and addressing school and land taxes are top on my list of concerns.

4. The Town recently completed a multi-million dollar sewer system upgrade and faces an even more expensive upgrade to the wastewater treatment plant. About only 550 hamlet users will bear the cost of both projects. Do you have specific ideas how Peru can grow its sewer system user base? 

As a developer, a beneficial way to grow our sewer septic base is to bring in new developers and work effectively with our existing developers. Encouraging an influx of new housing, businesses, apartment complexes, senior housing, etc. will most likely need sewer and water. Therefore, our sewer and water base will increase and should lessen the cost to our existing users.

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

I would be interested in revisiting the idea of affordable housing. It would be very effective to research other towns that have already worked on and completed such projects.

6. Peru’s two major housing developments (Buttonwood and Orchard View, i.e., Washington Street) are at a standstill. Do you have ideas how to get these projects moving and similar projects moving? 

Unfortunately, there are variables that I don’t know of that could be contributing to the standstill on some of these developments. Could it be the market, higher material costs, difficulty in bank lending, possibly? Visiting this issue is important and high on my list as well. We need to reach out to those developers and get this feedback.

Two candidates are competing to be Area 5 Legislator, Rick Hazen on the Democratic Line and Kevin J. Randall on the Republican and Five First Lines. They were kind enough to respond to four Peru Gazette questions. 

Rick Hazen

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

Name:  Richard “Rick ” Hazen, Age: 69, Party: Democrat
Occupation:  Retired Professional and Active Community Volunteer
Education: I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Management and Forestry at Paul Smith’s College.  I also attended High School at Mount Assumption Institute, and have taken multiple professional trainings including Ethics, Emergency Management and Firefighting/EMS Safety.

Civic organizations: Clinton County STOP DWI Board (Promoted to Chairman) for 30 years, Volunteer Firefighter (Promoted to Chief) for 43 years (District 3 and Morrisonville),            Speaker at Victims Impact Panel since 1994, Creator of Project Prom at Area Schools teaching the dangers of drinking and driving, Plattsburgh State Hockey Off Ice Official and Event Support Staff Support Manager, Board Of Directors at Keeseville Elks, 2072, (Past) Chairman of the Clinton County Firefighters Haunted house for 20 Years, Proud recipient of Clinton County Firefighter of the Year in 2000, Presented the 2018 Ruth King Valor and Community Service Award, Town of Schuyler Falls Democratic Party Committeeman.

Military service (if any):  Although I have not served in the military, I have the deepest respect and love supporting our active military and veterans and their families.

Family (spouse, children): I am a dedicated husband to my beautiful wife, Sandra of, almost 50 years, and we have a wonderful son, Matthew, and Daughter Melanie. We are also proud grandparents of a grandson Shawn Hazen.

2. How will your background and/or successes assist you as a Clinton County Legislator ?

I am confident that my experience and expertise in the business world, and as a voluntary public servant of over four decades makes me the most qualified candidate for this position.

3. What County issues concern you the most and how will you address these issues?

  I am worried about the future of SUNY Plattsburgh and what will happen if it was to close. I think another MAJOR issue facing our community is I feel we need to focus on what we can do to grow our area by ways of creating good paying jobs, and lower taxes at the same time. It is a shame that the Northern Tier has lost three major employers just to mention a few such as Nova Bus,Star-X,and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals in the early 2000’s.We  need to attract industries that proudly display MADE IN AMERICA labels. This would be something Clinton County residents could be proud of. At the current moment people cannot afford to live here and we need to look at ways to make our community attractive to new businesses. The North Country Chamber of Commerce as well as other such agencies can work on ways to welcome and attract environmentally friendly production lines and services. This would positively impact everyone not only in Area 5 but the entire county. As Legislator I plan on working on these issues every possible way I can. 

 4. New York State’s population is declining, including here in the North Country. Many of our most talented young people leave the area for college or technical school and don’t return . Do you have any ideas how we can keep our young people in the area ?

I think most of our younger generation is looking for technical jobs in computer science as well as higher paying jobs. Traditional we have not had IT type companies here as Global Foundries or GE. And with that its very hard to lure the young people to stay. I believe most of the young people are not interested in going into manufacturing type jobs that we tend to attract here. This is a major problem and something I really want to address and research if I get elected.     

Kevin J. Randall 

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

 I am 58 years old, married to my amazing wife April of 30 years and have two wonderful children. Chelsy is a Plattsburgh City police officer and Kevin is a Union Pipe fitter/welder.

I graduated from Saranac Central High School and attended Clinton Community College where I studied Criminal justice. 

I was hired by New York State Department of Corrections and served for 31 plus years primarily at Clinton. I continued my education by achieving Training instructor certification through (DCJS) Department of Criminal Justice Services & (MPTC) Municipal Police Training Council. Areas: Penal Law, Corrections law, Firearms, Chemical agents, Unarmed defensive tactics, NY State and National certification as Fire instructor #1 and many General topics. I was promoted to Sergeant and then to lieutenant Watch Commander. I served in those ranks a combined 8 1/2 years where I learned management skills. I retired in 2021. 

I was elected Town Supervisor of Schuyler Falls in 2020 and to a second term in 2022 where I serve presently. My residents enjoy the second lowest tax rate in Clinton County. I’ve learned budgeting, project management, grant writing, managing multiple departments and most importantly how to serve the people I represent. My door is always open and my cell is listed on the Town Website. 

I’ve been a member of Morrisonville Fire Department for 36 years. I have served as firefighter, Training officer, mentor in the youth program and multiple officer positions including Fire Chief. I am still an active member. 

2. How will your background and/or successes assist you as a Clinton County Legislator? 

My unique background and experience set me apart from my opponent, I will use my experience as your next County Legislator. Four years as Schuyler Falls Supervisor have given me the knowledge and experience to represent you at the County, State, and Federal levels. I have made many friendships and valuable connections working with these individuals. Applying for grant funds for projects, I’ve gained the trust and respect of many. Among them Congresswomen Stefanik, Senator Stec and County administrator Mike Zurlo. Across the aisle Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand and Assemblyman Jones. While working with these elected officers I’ve obtained over 9 million dollars in grants in four years. My government experience will continue to help families living in Area 5 district.

3. What County issues concern you the most and how would you address these issues?

I believe Taxes, affordable housing and new business growth are my biggest concerns. While approving budgets I will always consider the cost vs benefit to the tax payer. Budgets should be fair and balanced. New Businesses help lower taxes for the residents. I look forward to working with Rob Timmons and all the county legislators addressing concerns in my district, making sure they have a voice, and they are heard. 

4. New York State’s population is declining, including here in the North Country. Many of our most talented young people leave the area for colllege or technical school and don’t return. Do you have any ideas how we can keep our young people in the area?

The Opportunity of good paying jobs, available technical training/education, reasonably priced homes and lower taxes are a must to sustain a community and state. We have seen a declining population in New York. We should work hard to retain our current businesses, bring in New Businesses, encourage private investment in housing, improve education opportunities and curb any wasteful taxpayer expense. These polices will change the dynamic, entice our young people to remain here, bring people into the area and allow our longtime residents to remain in their homes!               

Robert B. (Rob) Timmons is seeking reelection to office on the Republican Party Line to represent Area 7 in the Clinton County Legislature.  The Democratic Party did not name a candidate; therefore, Timmons is running unopposed.

The Peru Gazette is grateful to Mr. Timmons for responding to our questions and we thank him for his willingness to serve the public.

Robert B. Timmons

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

I am a lifelong resident of Peru, the son of Loretta and the late Bob Timmons. I graduated from Peru Central School in 1985 and graduated from Paul Smiths College in 1989. I was a volunteer firefighter with the Peru Fire Department for ten years. I live in Peru with my wife Michelle (Duprey), we have two daughters Lacy and Allie.  I have been a Clinton County Legislator since 2016.

2. What County Legislature committees do you serve on? Do you chair any committee (s)? 

I am currently serving on the boards of Cornell Cooperative extension and Clinton County Soil and Water. I am the Chair of the Finance Committee and serve on the following sub committees, Personnel, Economic Development, Buildings and Grounds, and Plattsburgh International Airport.

3.  What County issues concern you the most? How are you addressing these issues?

The county issues that concern me the most are making the County airport a thriving, true international hub that serves the entire north country. We just secured a new airline, Breeze; we are working to fill flights with them so they will add more destinations and help our airport to continue to grow. Another issue is keeping county infrastructure safe and in good condition; we just did a huge infrastructure upgrade for energy use to save money on power costs. I am also working to keep the tax levy at an affordable rate for the taxpayers. 

4. New York State’s population is declining, including in the North Country. Many of our most talented young people leave the area for college and don’t return. Do you know how to keep our young people in this area? 

I think the answer to keeping young people in the area is to increase our job opportunities. We need to be innovative and look outside traditional jobs to find the opportunities that our younger population is looking for. This is our hope for the C-BIG (County Business Innovation Gateway) property. We are in the process of building the road and utility infrastructure in order to sell parcels of land to companies to employ local workers.

5. The news media generally doesn’t cover the County Legislature’s meetings. Do you have any ideas about how you can regularly inform your constituents about the Legislature’s ongoing business?

Our legislative meetings are open to the public and all are welcome. The Press Republican attends most of our regular session meetings and reports on important issues.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my personal information and thoughts about our county. We are in a great financial state, and I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of the Towns of Au Sable and Peru to make our county one that we are all proud of. 

Two candidates are competing for the Clinton County Clerk position. Brandi Lloyd on the Democratic and Working Families lines and John Zurlo on the Republican and Conservative Party lines. They were kind enough to respond to four Peru Gazette questions. (Please Share)

Brandi Lloyd

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

I graduated from Chazy Central Rural School in 1992 and from Clinton Community College in 1994. In 1996 I received my Bachelor of Arts from SUNY Plattsburgh and married my husband, Matt Lloyd. Matt and I raised our son, Ben, in Mooers. I enjoyed being a member of the Mooers Elementary Parent Teacher Group throughout Ben’s time there. I am also a member of the Mooers Beautification Committee. In 2013 I was appointed as Town Clerk/ Tax Collector. Shortly afterwards, I joined the Town of Mooers Democratic Committee as well as the Clinton County Democratic Committee. I was appointed Deputy Commissioner at the Board of Elections in 2016 and I continue to serve in this position currently. Five years ago, Matt donated his kidney to me after I suffered from kidney failure. We, as a family, are huge advocates of organ donation and living organ donation. Share your spare!

2. How would your background and/or successes assist you as a Clinton County Clerk?

As Deputy Commissioner at the Board of Elections, I have gained experience and knowledge that will greatly assist me in my role as County Clerk. I have been responsible for coordinating and supervising a team of election inspectors and coordinators, ensuring that all tasks are completed accurately and on time. This experience has honed my ability to effectively delegate responsibilities, manage resources, and maintain a smooth workflow. My experience in managing a team of inspectors while balancing the day-to-day operations of the BOE will be instrumental in ensuring the efficient functioning of the County Clerk’s office. In addition, as Deputy Commissioner I have been able to interact with a diverse range of individuals, including voters, candidates, as well as hundreds of election inspectors, which has enhanced my communication and interpersonal skills. My ability to communicate effectively and build positive relationships will be crucial in providing excellent customer service and fostering collaboration. My experience as Deputy Commissioner has equipped me with the necessary skills, knowledge, and expertise to excel as County Clerk.

3. What are your three main goals for the upcoming term of office? 

The DMV have become increasingly frustrating for residents in our community. It is time for change and time that we address these issues to improve this vital government agency.  Once elected, I will concentrate all efforts on investing in additional staff to provide office hours more compatible with those we serve. Secondly, I will prioritize the adoption of modern technology, working towards the option of online appointment scheduling to help reduce the burden on both staff and customers. Third, improving the overall in-person experience for our customers by installing a take-a-number system while offering an appropriate seating area. Improving the office of the DMV is a reflection of our commitment to efficient governance and the satisfaction of those that visit the DMV.

4. If new resources were available, what one area of county clerk services would you feel most needs additional resources?

If new resources were available, I would immediately use them to improve the DMV. As your   County Clerk I will prioritize ensuring the processes of the DMV are more accessible to the public and evolve with the ever-changing needs of our county’s residents in the future. This goal will be achieved by continually updating the County Clerk’s website, providing more online services, and ensuring information is always readily available to you. My office will be accessible to you, and I will be there five days a week to listen to you and work to ensure we are always meeting your needs. 

John Zurlo

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

I Taught Business Education and chaired the Business Department at NCCS for 34 years; was the Town of Champlain Tax Collector for 22 years; was the County Legislator representing Area One for 6 years and have dutifully served as the Clinton County Clerk for 28 years.

I have been married to Mary Hickey from Dannemora for 57 years and have two adult sons, John and Michael.

My community involvement has been very extensive having served on the Board of Directors of CVPH Medical Center; St. Mary’s Mission Center; St. Michael’s College Alumni Board and the North Country Cougar Youth Hockey Board. I am a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 3525; a 60 year member of the Elks Club; the Northern Tier Salvation Army Coordinator; Lector and Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary’s and St. Patrick’s churches and the recipient of the Chamber of Commerce Irishman of the Year Award and the Woodman of the World and Dewitt Clinton Masonic Award for outstanding community service.

2. How do your background and/or successes assist you as a Clinton County Clerk? 

My educational and business background serves me well in my position as County Clerk. My years as a teacher enable me to lead and treat people with courtesy, respect and kindness. My experience as a former business owner allows me to understand the concerns and problems of my constituents. My business background and experience also allows me to perform my banking and financial transactions in the Clerk’s office with utmost efficiency. 

3. What are your three main goals for the upcoming term of office?

1. (A) Modernization

In the next four years I plan to continue to modernize the office by back-filing more records enabling the public to do additional research and online genealogy study.

(B) Map DigitizationMany of our survey maps go back to the 17 and 18 hundreds are in badly need of repair or must be rebuilt. This is an extremely costly expense that would have to be funded by grant funds so this expense is not borne by the county tax payers. I will explore the availability of grant funding for this expense. 

(C) Customer Service

Another goal is to continue to provide maximum service delivered in a courteous, efficient and productive manner both in the Motor Vehicle Department and the Clerk’s office. 

4.  If new resources were available, what one area of county clerk services would you feel most needs additional resources?

As I said earlier, if new resources became available, I would repair and rebuild our late 1700 and early 1800 survey maps. This is a very costly expense that cannot be borne by the tax payers. In an effort to accomplish this I will apply for grant funding.

I have been honored to serve as your County Clerk and would like the opportunity to again serve you in this capacity.

John Zurlo

October 18, 2023 – From Sunny Eappen, MD, MBA, President and CEO, The University of Vermont Health Network

As you may know, the UVM Health Network has been negotiating with UnitedHealthcare, the nation’s largest for-profit insurance carrier, for well over a year in an effort to remain in-network for its commercial insurance plans. In order to maintain coverage for as long as possible for our patients throughout these negotiations, we extended our United contract with outdated reimbursement rates that do not cover the costs of the care we provide.

Earlier today, we announced that, as of March 1, 2024, UnitedHealthcare will no longer cover care provided by the UVM Health Network as in-network for its commercial plans. This will impact approximately 2,660 subscribers and their families in Vermont and northern New York.

This is difficult news to share, but as a non-profit health care system, we must be able to receive reimbursements from insurance companies that cover the cost of providing patient care. Despite our best efforts during lengthy negotiations, United was not willing to sufficiently cover these costs. Both parties agreed to extend coverage a little longer to give our patients time to transition to a new health care provider or in-network insurance carrier. With the 2024 open enrollment period quickly approaching, we encourage all of our affected patients who wish to continue receiving in-network care from us to explore other health insurance options.

To be clear, this termination only affects UnitedHealthcare commercial plans, which are plans either provided through an employer or purchased by individuals. For more information and for a list of plans not impacted, please visit UVMHealth.org/UnitedHealthcare. For information related to specific insurance coverage, affected patients should contact UnitedHealthcare directly.

Another important thing I want to emphasize: As a non-profit safety net health care provider, we will always provide emergency care to anyone who walks through our doors, regardless of what insurance they have or whether they have insurance at all. We also work with patients to determine if they are eligible for free or discounted care through our Financial Assistance Program or our Health Assistance Program. Click here to learn more.

I wish there had been a different outcome for our patients who have UnitedHealthcare coverage and are affected by this change. To help ensure we can meet our mission now and in the future, we must negotiate reasonable, responsible insurer contracts that allow us to meet our patients’ needs. We remain focused on providing high-quality, equitable care for everyone we serve.

Thank you for your continued leadership and partnership.

Sincerely,

Sunny Eappen, MD, MBA
President and CEO, The University of Vermont Health Network

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