The Peru Gazette

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Letter to the Editor – January 14, 2019

I have the privilege of serving on the annual United Way campaign team. The team helps to spread the news about the great work that the United Way and its 40 partner agencies provide to our community each and every day.  They touch the lives of 80,000 people right here in Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties. No matter how big or small the challenge might be the United Way is ready to take action. The stories of how they have helped individuals in their time of need are both heartwarming and memorable. 

Please help to spread the story of the great work that our local United Way offers. Tell your colleagues, friends and neighbors that they are here to help. A simple call to 518-563-0028 will set you on the path to resolving whatever challenge you might be facing. 

I urge you to consider donating to this year’s campaign. Every dollar counts! 100% OF YOUR DONATION DOLLARS STAY LOCAL! You can donate by calling the United Way, visiting their website at www.unitedwayadk.org or by simply stopping by the office located at 45 Tom Miller Rd. in Plattsburgh. With your contribution, you are helping to make better lives right here in your own community. Thank you in advance for sharing the United Way story and/or for participating in this year’s campaign. Together we make the North Country a better place by supporting and helping one another. 

Lisa VanNatten

Plattsburgh

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The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Monday December 31, 2018 at the Peru Town Hall.  Those present were Mr. Brandy McDonald, Supervisor-Excused; Mr. James Douglass, Councilman; Mr. James Langley, Councilman; Mr. Melvin Irwin, Councilman; Mr. Richard Barber, Councilman and Mrs. Judy Akey, Deputy Town Clerk.  Also present were Mr. Courtney Tetrault, Water/Sewer Superintendent; Mr. Michael Farrell, Highway Superintendent;  Ms. Pamela Barber, Confidential Secretary to the Board and Mr. Bob Guynup, Zoning Officer;  . 

The meeting was called to order at 12:30 PM by Mr. Douglass, with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Approval of Estimate for Hydraulics Repair on Vac Truck  

Motion by Mr. Langley seconded by Mr. Irwin to approve estimate in the amount of $ 3,471.19

for Hydraulics Repair.     Read more »

The regular meeting of the Peru Town Board was held on Thursday December 27, 2018 at the Peru Town Hall.  Those present were Mr. Brandy McDonald Supervisor; Mr. James Douglass, Councilman; Mr. James Langley, Councilman; Mr. Melvin Irwin, Councilman; Mr. Richard Barber, Councilman; Mrs. Dianne Miller, Town Clerk.  Also present Mr. Courtney Tetrault, Water/Sewer Superintendent; Mr. Michael Farrell, Highway Superintendent; Ms. Pamela Barber, Secretary to the Board; and Mr. Dave Drollette, Dog Control Officer.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mr.McDonald, with the Pledge of Allegiance.  

Motion  by Mr.Langley, seconded by Mr. Irwin  to approve the minutes from the December 10, 2018 meeting.  

Ayes 5 Nays 0 Motion Carried

Community Input and Questions

None

RESOLUTION DESIGNATING AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE,

 AUTHORIZING LOCAL SHARE EXPENDITURE

AND

SEQRA DETERMINATION FOR ENGINEERING PLANNING GRANT-VALCOUR SEWER PROJECT

TO BE PARTIALLY FUNDED THROUGH EFC

RESOLUTION NUMBER: 18.12.27.01 Read more »

From the Office of Assemblyman Bill Jones

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that he helped pass a series of bills to make it easier for residents of the North Country, and all of New York State, to carry out their civic duty.

“Casting a ballot is critical to a functioning government and we must make it easier to have the voices of our constituents heard,” Jones said. “This long-overdue legislation will help ensure that those juggling work and family responsibilities can vote when it’s convenient for them.”

To increase voting opportunities for North Country residents, Jones co-sponsored legislation making it simpler for New Yorkers to request and receive an absentee ballot (A.778). Under current law, residents can only receive an absentee ballot if they expect to be out of the county on an election day or have an illness or physical disability. The reform package also establishes early voting, which would take place during a nine-day period before a general, primary or special election (A.780).

“These measures will give residents more time to cast their ballots and cut down on burdensome travel for those who are unable to, especially in rural areas, like ours, where polling places may not be right next door,” Jones said.

The legislative package also includes a bill that would close the limited liability company (LLC) loophole by extending the $5,000 aggregate contribution limit, already applicable to corporations, to LLCs and requiring LLCs to disclose names of individuals with membership interests (A.776). Under current law, individuals can make nearly unlimited contributions by creating multiple LLCs, drowning out the voices of everyday New Yorkers, Jones noted.

While Jones also voted in favor to consolidate the Primary Election dates (A.779) Jones dissented with the majority and voted in favor to amend this bill as he was concerned about rushing the immediate implementation of this legislation, and felt it should be delayed. Additionally, Jones cast votes to take steps to ensure that the state covered the cost of these changes, so that our local municipalities would not have to bear any hardship with these changes.

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For the past 13 years, Peru CSD has organized a Budget Advisory Committee (BAC) that has served to inform and promote school & community discussion concurrent with the District’s budget development process. If you wish to participate in any of the meetings of the BAC, please register by calling (518) 643-6004 or emailing kdevins@perucsd.org.

The BAC typically meets in order to develop an understanding of revenues and expenditures, components of a balanced budget, and particular challenges that face the District.  Traditionally, the BAC has formulated recommendations for Board consideration to assist the Board and administration.

At this time, the BAC is scheduled to meet in the Jr/Sr High School Community Room at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, February 27^th and Thursday, March 14^th.  In addition to these informational sessions, the BAC will be invited to share their recommendations with the Board during a public budget development workshop, on the evening of Tuesday, March 19^th.

State Senator Betty Little is administered the oath of office by Janet DiFiore, Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals, in the New York State Senate Chamber on Wednesday, January 9. Little was joined her son, David, and grandson, Matthew, holding the Bible.

Little begins her 9th term in the State Senate, where she will serve as the ranking member on the Education Committee, as well as on the Rules, Finance, Health, Environmental Conservation, Housing Committees, New York City Education and Women’s Health Committees.

Peru residents on SUNY Plattsburgh Dean’s List: Erin Backlas, Emily Beaudette, Grace Betrus, James Blaise, Emily Bowen, Bryanna Brown, Amelia Busha, Gabrielle Dion, Gweneth Eamer, Paige Elder, Lauren Lawliss, Kennedy Mattila, Taylor Morse, Morris-Yedid Norelus, Kyle Osborne, Saleen Ramos, Alex Rine, Matthew Rine, Hunter Sartwell, Skelly Skolnick, Sara Szczypien, Brady Terry, Lacy Timmons, Kayleigh Willingham, Ashlyn Wilmot-Rego.  Click the following for details: Source: SUNY Plattsburgh Announces Fall 2018 Dean’s List | SUNY Plattsburgh

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Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay) announced that he has been appointed to the Assembly Committee on Veterans’ Affairs for the upcoming legislative session.

“We owe so much to our veterans and the sacrifices they’ve made to keep our country safe,” Jones said. “Serving on the Veterans’ Affairs Committee will allow me to double down on my work to make the North Country a supportive home for these brave men and women and their families.”

Jones has long been an advocate for North Country veterans. Last year, he voted to extend the Hire a Veteran Tax Credit to help returning heroes find jobs with local businesses (Ch. 58 of 2018). Jones also secured $100,000 in the 2018-19 state budget for the North Country Veterans Association (NCVA), an organization that provides essential services for veterans and their families free of charge, including support for health issues, employment opportunities and support groups. The funding will allow NCVA to improve and expand its facilities to increase its outreach to veterans in the community.

Moving forward, Jones will continue to fight to secure funding for the Battlefield Memorial Gateway, a memorial dedicated to preserving the legacy of those who lost their lives serving our country in the War of 1812.[1] The facility will be built near the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base along the shores of Lake Champlain with access to historic Crab Island, the resting place of soldiers who died fighting in the War of 1812, and Valcour Island, the site of a major Revolutionary War battle.[2]Additionally, Jones is working with Malone officials to establish a Veterans Park to honor our heroes.

“This week began the 2019 legislative session, and I’m ready to hit the ground running,” said Jones. “From being a strong voice for our veterans to strengthening our schools and increasing public safety, I’m looking out for the North Country and protecting our families’ values.”