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Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has cosponsored H.R. 367 – the Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act of 2019. Currently, the United States Coast Guard is the only branch of the military that is having to go without pay during this government shutdown. Despite this, the USCG continues to provide support to law enforcement, Homeland Security, search and rescue missions, and more. This bill would ensure the USCG receives regular pay during any lapse in appropriations.
“It is entirely unacceptable that any branch of our military is forced to work without pay during this unnecessary government shutdown,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “The United States Coast Guard puts their lives on the line for our safety each day, and are honorably continuing to carry out their responsibilities without compensation. I am proud to be an advocate for the USCG, specifically for the active duty Coast Guard officers in my district. Congress needs to get its act together to pay our military and end this shutdown – the longest in history.”
Congresswoman Stefanik has been a consistent vote to keep the government open since her first term in Congress. Yesterday, she cosponsored the Pay Our TSA Act, which would ensure our TSA screeners are also paid during any lapse in appropriations.
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) has cosponsored H.R. 705 – the Pay Our TSA Screeners Act of 2019. This bipartisan bill would authorize the Transportation Security Administration to use the security service fee to pay our Transportation Security Officers during a government shutdown. Under current law, the security service fee is diverted to deficit reduction.
“Our Federal workers, including our TSA officers, are suffering immensely under this government shutdown,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “While I continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to re-open the government, I’m working on ways to help alleviate the pressure on our Federal workers in the meantime. TSA officers have a vital role in protecting our nation’s security, and they should not be punished because Congress cannot come to an agreement. I’m proud to cosponsor this bill to ensure TSA officers are able to provide for their families during the shutdown. I will continue to implore Speaker Pelosi to come to the negotiation table so that we can re-open the government and get back to work.”
Since her first term, Congresswoman Stefanik has been a consistent vote to keep the government open, keeping a promise to her constituents.
LOUDONVILLE, NY (01/23/2019)– Emily Lombard has been named to the Siena College Dean’s List for the Fall 2018 semester. Lombard is from Peru, NY.
To be named to the Dean’s List, a student’s grade point average for the semester must be between 3.5 and 3.89.
Founded in 1937, Siena College is a private, Catholic Franciscan, residential, liberal arts college with a student body of about 3,000. Siena College offers 36 degree programs, 80+ minors and certificate programs, and professional curricula in teacher preparation/education, pre-medical, pre-law and social work. A student-to-faculty ratio of 12-to-1, average class size of 21, rigorous academics, Division I athletics, intramural sports and widespread service and advocacy experiences nurture each student’s personal growth while providing the education of a lifetime.
Based on a late afternoon forecast of freezing rain, the Peru Elementary School will dismiss at 2:00 p.m. and all afternoon activities for the District have been cancelled. Today’s Regents Exam schedule will not be impacted by this early Elementary dismissal.
The Peru Soup Kitchen is canceled today, Wednesday, January 23rd because of the forecast sleet and freezing rain. Please pass the word and share this notice. Thank you!
The Town of Peru will be holding an Emergency Workshop for the Sewer Collection Upgrade Project on Wednesday, January 23, 2019, at the Peru Town Hall at 5:30 PM.
Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that his legislation to provide a tax credit to employers who hire New Yorkers in substance abuse recovery has been included in the executive budget proposal (A.1604).
The Jobs In Recovery bill would allow businesses that hire New Yorkers attending a state-certified rehabilitation center to claim a tax credit of up to 35 percent of the first $6,000 in first-year wages for each employee. Business owners like Michael Carpenter are fully supportive of this measure. “As a member of the business community, we recognize the importance of being a part of the solution to the addiction crisis,” said Michael Carpenter, CEO Northeast Group, Inc. “This tax credit will help us, help those who need help the most. I applaud Assemblyman Jones and Senator Little for their leadership and advocacy for this provision’s inclusion in the Executive Budget proposal.”
“Addiction has devastated communities in the North Country and across the state,” Jones said. “Recovery is often a long and difficult road, and having support can make all the difference. I was proud to author and introduce this measure in the Assembly to give New Yorkers in recovery an opportunity to support themselves and their families so they can stay on track. I am thankful that Senator Little saw the value in this initiative and introduced it in the Senate.”
“The Recovery in Jobs Act initiative is something Assemblyman Jones and I had pushed in the months leading up to the executive budget,” said Senator Betty Little. “So, I am very pleased the language is there, which really increases the likelihood it will be part of the final budget.
“Governor Cuomo and his administration have been very supportive of the community’s efforts to increase the availability of addiction services in the North Country as we saw with the wonderful news of the opening of Champlain Valley Family Center Recovery Campus. Progress is being made, and I am hopeful the outcomes for those struggling with addiction will improve as a result.
“Essential to recovery is establishing a ‘normal’ life, having a purpose and being productive. A job is critical for many of those on the path to physical and emotional well-being. The goal of this legislation is to incentivize employees to consider and, hopefully, hire someone whom may otherwise be overlooked.”
Jones and Little first sponsored the legislation last year and are pushing for the measure to be included in the 2019-20 state budget. Its inclusion in the executive budget proposal is a promising sign, Jones also noted.
BENNINGTON, VT (01/22/2019)– Erin Sears of Peru, NY, was named to the Dean’s List at Southern Vermont College in Bennington, VT, for the Fall 2018 semester. Each semester, full-time students who have achieved a minimum grade-point average of 3.65 are placed on the Dean’s List.Template
Founded in 1974 but with roots extending to 1926, Southern Vermont College is a small, liberal arts college located on a 371-acre campus overlooking the Green Mountains. Read more »
Dr. Thomas Palmer became Peru Central School District Superintendent on January 2, 2018. For several months he focused on observing, listening and understanding the district. Today he knows much more about our school and the goals he wants to achieve.
Unlike many upstate New York schools, Peru’s enrollment is holding steady at about 1,880.Grade levels average between 133 to 146 students, though this year’s kindergarten is a little smaller at 120.Class sizes range from 15 to 24. Dr. Palmer thinks the enrollment will hold steady or even increase. He commented, “I think people are still trying to move into the Peru district.”
Dr. Palmer sees parental commitment as one of the district’s greatest strengths. He commented, “At this week’s elementary school concert you couldn’t find a parking place. At the wrestling match in Saranac, the Peru fans filled the bleachers. They come to the basketball games, win or lose.” Palmer and his wife try to attend and participate in many of the events.They have a personal stake in the district’s success with four children enrolled in the school.
A great believer in the lessons imparted through sports, Dr. Palmer would like to see even greater sports participation. He said, “We have to know our student population and try to meet them wherever they are. We have to find that niche to engage more students. What can we do to maximize the opportunities for kids?”
Most district residents have become familiar with Palmer’s emphasis on school safety. Last October he organized a total evacuation drill where students and staff were evacuated to the Crete Civic Center. Praising the cooperation of school staff and local police agencies Palmer commented,“Twenty-two police were involved and we successfully moved 1,600 students and staff. In the end, It was good because we knew we could move an entire organization.”
The district also has two security guards stationed at the two main entrances. Palmer said, “We want the building to be more friendly for parents. It used to be locked down in the afternoon. Now It’s open from 3:30 to 7.I’d like to be able to open the building to hall walkers. Taxpayers should be able to use the building.” In addition, an armed resource officer moves between the buildings and interacts with the students. Dr. Palmer explained, “He’s another person the kids can go to. He’s not the muscle. He’s not the heavy. The administration handles that.”
Maximizing student opportunities are words Palmer frequently uses.He said, “High School Principal Chris Mazella and I are working on an early college concept with Clinton Community College President Ray DiPasquale. The students will have the opportunity to earn up to an associates degree by the time they walk out of high school.” Palmer also wants to offer more opportunities for non-college bound kids. About 80 district children participate in BOCES vocational and technical programs. He is trying to find other certificates that would be a pathway to the workplace and is beginning to reach out to local companies to determine their needs.
Expansion of Peru’s Pre-K program is also something he’d like to see happen. “We had grant money for 36 seats this year. If we had a universal program we would potentially have 120 children.” He is seeking different grants while being aware that staff certified for Pre-K would have to be hired and building space would have to be available.
In 2014 New York State invested in a $2 billion Smart Schools Bond Act to finance educational technology and infrastructure to provide students access to the latest technology and Internet connectivity. Peru has begun implementing its $2.2 million Smart Schools grant. Wireless access points are located throughout the campus and Chromebook computers are being phased in throughout grades 3 -12. Palmer said, “Computers should be used to supplementeducation not to supplant it. We have to make sure we use technology as another tool to help kids.” Both staff and parents will be involved in its implementation. In addition to the Smart Schools program, the $18 million capital project voters approved last fall will be implemented over the next three years beginning in July 2019.It emphasizes infra-structure improvements such as traffic safety, classroom rehabilitation, roof replacement, athletic field lighting, and a fitness center accessible to the public.
Palmer views the district’s sound financial position as one of his primary concerns. He summarized, “Our budget looks good. We aren’t looking at cutting any programs and we want to add the pre-college program. Our greatest challenge is health insurance. We had a 10% increase on January 1, 2018, and 13.5% on July 1. That amounts to $1.6 million. Right now we’re looking at probably an 11% increase next year. That’s a lot of money. We’re looking at alternatives, different plans, but those have to be negotiated.”Contract negotiations with the teachers start in February. The teacher contract comes up in June.
The superintendent isn’t a fan of New York’s tax cap which limits tax increases to 2% or the consumer price index whichever is less. He commented, “Think about it. If your labor costs are up and your health insurance is going up much greater than your ability to support the program then something is lost. I’ve always felt that if you elect a school board and hire a superintendent they should be responsible and prudent. The tax cap takes that right out. We have to budget backward.” A 60% super-majority voter approval must be achieved to exceed the tax cap.
Palmer summarized his challenges, “My first priority is how do we make a budget that’s good for kids and for taxpayers. You have to do prudent planning still making sure it’s affordable and sustainable. Looking long range, how do we offer opportunities for our kids, look for unforeseen things and keep the focus on the children?”
Peru – The Peru Knights of Columbus invite federal employees and their immediate families to enjoy a free spaghetti dinner today at the Knights of Columbus dinner being served from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St. in Peru. Just present federal employee identification and you and your family will be served. The Knights hope the shutdown will be resolved soon. In the meantime, enjoy our hospitality.
The snow isn’t beginning until late Saturday so come on out to enjoy the Peru Knights of Columbus spaghetti dinner, Saturday, January 19, St. Augustine’s Parish Center. Regular & gluten-free spaghetti, salad, bread and a delicious dessert. 4:30 to 6:00 PM, $8.00 per person, $3.00 for children 6 to 12, free for children 5 and under. Take-outs available.
Assemblyman Jones: Hardworking employees shouldn’t be collateral damage of federal shutdown
“As the federal government shutdown enters its fourth week with no end in sight, we must remember the thousands of federal employees in New York State who have no idea when their next paycheck will come.
This is a devastating time of uncertainty, especially for those who have families to look after. In addition, while the shutdown drags on, the North Country small businesses that fuel our economy are also suffering because their customers no longer have money to spend. Hardworking public employees and their families don’t deserve to get caught in the crossfire of this fight.
“That’s why I co-sponsored and helped pass legislation to give affected federal employees more time to pay their property taxes. The measure would allow local governments to extend the payment deadline, with no penalties or interest, until 90 days after the shutdown ends (A.881). It’s the least we can do here in the Assembly to lend a hand during this tough time.
“New York’s hardworking federal employees need to start receiving their paychecks again. While we may not be able to reopen the federal government, we’ll do everything we can to cushion the blow, because the stakes are too high to sit idly by.”
The Peru Central School District is seeking candidates to fill three (3) vacant, at-large seats on the Board of Education, due to the expiration of the terms of Ms. Bonnie Berry, Mr. Steven Peters and Mr. Robert LaFountain.
The individual receiving the highest number of votes will be elected to serve a full five-year term from July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2024.
The individual receiving the second highest number of votes will be elected to serve a term from May 22, 2019 – June 30, 2021.
The individual receiving the third highest number of votes will be elected to serve a term from May 22, 2019 – June 30, 2020.
The ‘Petition for Nomination of Candidate’ is available in the District Office at 17 School Street on Mondays through Fridays, except school holidays, or via the web at http://www.perucsd.org. Petitions must be directed to the School District Clerk, shall be signed by at least 25 qualified voters of the District, and shall state the name, residence and phone number of the candidate. Petitions must be returned no later than 5:00 PM on Monday, April 22, 2019.
The School Board Election will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2019.
Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stefanik is a co-lead on H.R. 622, The Government Shutdown Prevention Act. The bill, introduced Wednesday, aims to fix the nonsensical budget process and do away with partisan politicking at the expense of federal workers.
“Throughout my time in Congress, I have been a consistent vote to keep the government open,” Congresswoman Stefanik said. “My district is home to many federal workers who depend on Congress to ensure they have a stable paycheck and we have let them down time and time again. This bill is a significant step to end the partisan games that are played at the expense of North Country workers. I’m proud to co-lead this vital and long-overdue bill.”
Since her first term, Congresswoman Stefanik has been a reliable vote to always keep the government open. This is a promise she made to her constituents and is one she intends to keep. The Government Shutdown Prevention Act is also co-sponsored by Reps. Lloyd Smucker (R-Pa.), John Curtis (R-Ut.), Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), Bob Gibbs (R-Oh.), Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), and Fred Upton (R-Mich.)
Peru – Peru’s Water and Sewer Department may be facing personnel challenges within the next few weeks. Matt Hauser, one of the department’s three licensed water/waste water plant operators, is leaving town employment effective January 18, 2019. Mike Hanlon, who is also licensed to operate both plants, is expected to retire in the not too distant future. This could leave Water/Sewer Superintendent Courtney Tetrault as the Town’s only licensed plant operator. New York State requires that a licensed operator and assistant operator be available at all times.
After reluctantly accepting Hauser’s resignation the Board scheduled a January 29th, 6:30 p.m. workshop to discuss finding a licensed operator. Courtney Tetrault said licensed operators are very difficult to find and will be impossible to hire at the Town’s normal beginning wage.
Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell is also facing a challenge. On January 4th a town snowplow loaded with sand rolled over while attempting to climb the very steep hill on the Reservoir Rd. leading to Mother Cabrini Shrine. Thankfully the driver was not injured; however, Farrell fears the truck may be declared a total loss. He told the Board, “I think the damage is going to be more than the truck is worth.” A 2003 International truck does not not have a high book value. Used plow trucks in good shape are very typically not available. Farrell said, I don’t like the idea of buying two new trucks in the same year but I’m not sure I’m going to have that choice…The insurance money may dictate where well go.” A new truck would cost over $200,000. Ironically, later in the meeting the Board accepted a bid of $206,700 from R.R. Charlebois for a 2020 Freightliner truck. That truck is a planned purchase included in the Highway Department’s budget. It takes seven plows to clear Peru’s 100+ miles of highways.
Farrell said the rollover occurred when the truck struck bare ice and slid backwards and sideways down the hill. He commented, “Thank God it stopped in the middle of the road. There’s a 30-foot bank nearby with trees.” Farrell added, “The driver Tyler Jarvis was not at fault. He did absolutely nothing wrong… There’s been six or seven other times, including myself, that a plow has come down that hill backward.”
Board members asked Farrell what measures could be taken to reduce or eliminate the problems on the hill. Closing the road during the winter months was mentioned; however, school buses apparently pick up children at a home along the hill.
Litigation between the Town and developer William Sawyer is still pending. Responding to a Peru Gazette question, Supervisor Brandy McDonald said that Town Engineer Peter Gibbs transmitted his findings to the developer’s representative Dean Lashway and that a meeting between the parties should be held in the next few days. The dispute involves sidewalk width and Sawyer not paving the shoulder. The future of the multi-million dollar development could be in jeopardy meaning a huge loss in tax, water and sewer revenue for the Town.
County Legislator Peter Keenan brought the Board up to date on Clinton County news.
Keenan reported that the United Airlines flights to Dulles Airport are filled or almost filled.
The County and several towns are exploring the possibility of establishing a fund to demolish or rehabilitate so-called zombie homes. Each town would contribute to the fund. Supervisor McDonald said he attended a meeting describing the program.
Keenan said that someone had contacted him to ask if something could be done to honor the late Joseph Kelley who passed away on December 21, 2018. Kelley was a World War II veteran, a longtime Clinton County District Attorney and Peru Central School attorney and Town of Peru attorney. The idea of naming Peru’s Court House in Kelley’s honor was suggested. Town Attorney Matt Favro asked Keenan to provide the Town Board with a resume/biography of Kelley’s life for the Board’s consideration.
In other actions the Board:
Received a recommendation from the Planning Board requesting zoning map changes along Davey Drive (behind McDonald’s). Eight parcels east of the Court House would be changed from a commercial district to a neighborhood commercial district. The owners of several multi-family units were given variances to build behind McDonald’s. Now the Planning Board wants to officially change the area’s zoning classification so that variances will no longer be required. The Planning Board’s action follows an application from Nathan Wilson to construct 4 fourplex buildings in the area being considered. The Town Board passed a resolution to hold a public hearing on the proposed zoning change on February 25th at 6:45 p.m. The County Planning Board must also approve the change.
Passed resolutions revising recently passed resolutions related to the Valcour Sewer Project Engineering grant and the Sewer Collection. The sewer collection upgrade project is now estimated to cost $4,618,418.
Received a letter from Elmore SPCA suggesting that seven towns each contribute $15,000 to enable construction of an area at Elmore to house dangerous dogs. Supervisor McDonald did not react favorably to the cost. There is an ongoing problem finding a local facility that will accept a dangerous dog: however, Peru has had very few dangerous dog incidents.
Reappointed Shawn Lucas to the Zoning Board of Appeals for a five-year term 1/1/19 – 12/31/23.
Reappointed Mark Hamilton to the Planning Board for a seven-year term 1/1/19 – 12/31/25.
Noting the recent destruction of the solar signs along the Walking Trail Supervisor McDonald said, “It’s a shame. The kids worked hard and Courtney Tetrault worked hard digging the holes.” McDonald asked residents to call the NYS Police if they see any vandalism taking place.
PLATTSBURGH, NY – The Strand Center for the Arts, in partnership with Walter Early from the Plattsburgh State Art Museum, is pleased to present a selection of Andy Warhol’s original artwork. The exhibition opening will take place in The Strand Center Main Gallery on Friday, February 1, 2019 and a reception that is open and free to the public be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. that evening. Read more »
ONEONTA, NY (01/16/2019)– Peter Daly of Peru, NY, was among 1,584 SUNY Oneonta students who earned Dean’s List honors for the fall 2018 semester. To qualify for the Dean’s List, a student must earn a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher while carrying a course load of 12 hours or more.
Located in the Leatherstocking Region of New York State, SUNY Oneonta is a mid-size, public, liberal arts and sciences college with a pre-professional focus. The college enrolls approximately 6,000 students in a wide variety of bachelor’s degree programs and a number of graduate certificates and degrees.
