The Peru Gazette

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Multi-agency search and rescue efforts end in tragedy

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A look back at the historic buildings in now-defunct property

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Scholarship was started in 2016 after a $1.3M donation from the late Stephen Flanagan

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Clinton County upgraded to COVID HIGH status 

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Despite devastation, StoneWorks Massage & Skincare vows to reopen

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Additional arrests are pending after massive fentanyl and crack cocaine bust

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Home heating bills are expected to be 39 percent higher than last winter

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October 11, 2022, Peru – The 2022 general election is scheduled for Tuesday, November 8, between the hours of 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. Peru voters can cast ballots in contests for Governor/ Lt. Governor, Comptroller, Attorney General, United States Senator, State Supreme Court Justice, Representative in Congress, State Senator, Member of the NYS Assembly, Clinton County Sheriff, and Town Justice. Incumbents are heavy favorites in all the statewide and congressional races. Chelsea Warick, A former Clinton County deputy sheriff, is conducting a write-in campaign opposing longtime Clinton County Sheriff David Favro.  NBC News 5 reported that she has the support of the Clinton County Republican Committee.

In Peru, Republican Scott Thurber is unopposed in his second attempt to become a Peru Town Justice. James Kirby defeated Thurber in 2021. Thurber will succeed Town Justice Larry Cabana, who passed away on August 6, 2022.

The Peru Gazette posed six questions to Scott Thurber to learn more about his background and goals as town justice.

Why are you seeking the town justice office? I’m seeking the office to serve our community as Peru Town Justice and to assure Peru continues to be a safe place for our families to thrive.

How long have you lived in Peru?  What is your educational background?  What is your profession?

I’ve lived in Peru NY for approximately 20 years. I attended Peru school up until my middle school years and returned to Peru approximately eight years ago. I have a criminal justice degree and hold several NYS certifications from NYS Department of Criminal Justice Services.

I’m a retired law enforcement officer and currently own and operate an outfitting business here in Peru. My business is Irish Raider Outfitters LLC and we provide fishing charters on Lake Champlain, guided hunting and ECO across the Adirondacks. I’m also a part time licensed real estate agent with Century 21 Plattsburgh.

How have you been involved in the Peru community? I’m currently an elected Peru School Board member. I’ve held this position since July of 2018. I’ve also served as a board member for the Champlain Valley Educational Services. Through both of these positions I’ve put in numerous hours to ensure Peru and North County students’ curriculum is the quality of education we expect, that the superintendent is following the schools vision, and that we have a timely budget which meets the expectations of our residents. I am also on the corporate board for Apple Valley Senior Housing.

What qualifies you to be town justice?  Why should anyone vote for you? I have over twenty five years experience and education within the NYS Criminal Justice system. Ranging from a police officer supervisor, Internal Affairs Investigator for NYS OIAA and as a Criminal Justice teacher.  This background more than qualifies me for this position. People should vote for me if they’re looking for integrity, honesty, fairness. I am someone who will listen and work tirelessly for all residents. I will be available all hours of the day or night to answer questions or concerns residents may have. If for some reason I don’t have an answer for a particular question, I’ll get the correct information and promptly respond.

How will you balance being an independent judge and being an elected official?  New York State OCA has strict guidelines which apply to what independent judges. Once sworn in, all of my decisions made on the bench will be made as an independent judge not a politician. There’s no place in the courtroom for politics. I don;t consider myself as a politician, I consider myself as a person that’ll make sure everyone’s rights are upheld and that they are treated fairly and equally.

How will you work to ensure equality for people of all backgrounds in your courtroom?  I strongly believe everyone should be heard without fear of retribution and all people should be treated equally and fairly no matter what their social, economic, ethnicity, political, religious beliefs may be. If elected as Town Justice, any party that comes before the bench will be treated in a fair, equitable, and consistent manner.  Anything less than that will not be tolerated in the courtroom and dealt with accordingly.

The Board:

Approved payment #7 of $137,097.93 to P & H Senesac for its lagoon removal work at the wastewater treatment plant.
Approved payment #1 of $247,020.26 to Luck Brothers Construction for Elm Street sewer line replacement work.
Approved payment #3 of $215,131.75 to Luck Brothers Construction for the Telegraph Road culvert replacement project.
Approved Local Law #1 of 2022 authorizing the town to exceed the 2% NYS tax levy limit if necessary.
Awarded a salt brine maker bid of $45,362.24 to the one bidder Granite State De-Icing Supply.
Approved rehiring Matt Houser in the Water-Sewer-Parks Department.
Tabled an agenda item related to Youth Commission purchases.

Other items discussed:

Adele Douglas emailed the board regarding the recent proposal to sell the town’s tennis court on Jenkins Street. A few years ago, there was interest in restoring the courts for pickleball; however, it was deemed too expensive.  Douglas pointed to pickleball’s popularity, the availability of state grants, and Peru’s previous success in being awarded grants for Little Ausable Park, Heyworth/Mason Park and the Little Ausable River Trail.

Councilman Irwin said Greg Badger is still painting panels for the Heyworth-Mason Park’s historic stone building. More sponsors are needed to complete the plan. If interested, call Mel Irwin at 518-578-5782. The panels are $200 each.

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The school district is not currently involved in any way.

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