The Peru Gazette

Posted September 18, 2008

By John T. Ryan

The Democratic and Republican parties have selected candidates James Reed and Michael Farrell to compete for the office of Peru Highway Superintendent in the November 2008 election. The winner will have to run for the office again in 2009 because this election is to complete the term of office of Rob Timmons who resigned on January 21st of this year. David Hislop is serving as acting highway superintendent.

James Reed

The Democratic Party nominated James Reed at their August 21st caucus. Reed is a U.S. Air Force retiree who has lived in Peru since 1984. He and his wife Dawn reside on Ratcliff Drive with their daughter Dakota (13). Reed is employed as a lead mechanic by Pratt and Whitney Engine Services in Plattsburgh. In the Air Force he specialized in aircraft electronics. Following his 1995 retirement he worked in aircraft maintenance for Commute Air and as plant manager for Hydrafab, a commuter train parts manufacturer, where he supervised twelve employees. His community involvement includes three years service on the St. Augustine’s School Board of Education. Asked why he would like to become highway superintendent Reed said he believes he has the experience, especially supervisory experience. He added, “I’ve always wanted to be in politics.”

Michael Farrell

The Republican Party nominated Michael Farrell at a September 11th caucus. Farrell and his wife Anne have resided on the Brand Hollow Road for about twenty years. They have two children, Heath (17) and Steffany (15). For the past ten years Farrell has worked as a heavy equipment operator for Steve Fuller Construction. Prior to that he worked as a heavy equipment operator for Luck Brothers for seventeen years and for Morrisonville Construction for one year. He explained, “Ninety percent of my heavy equipment experience is in road construction.” Farrell has also been active in the community. He has served on the Peru Zoning Board for the past ten years, the last two years as its Vice-Chairman. He was a volunteer fire fighter for seventeen years – ten in Morrisonville where he served as chief for two years and seven in Peru. Farrell also coached girls’ basketball for two years and is a member of the Keeseville Elks Club.