The Peru Gazette

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

I was born and raised in Clinton County. I graduated from Peru Central School in 1971. I have been married to Donna Hamel for 39 years. We have three children and eight grandchildren. I was a member of the Morrisonville Fire Department for eleven years. I have owned and operated several successful businesses. I am a Bus Driver for Peru Central School. I have been the Clinton County OTB Director for fourteen years-currently serving as Vice-Chairman of the Board. I am the Marketing Director for Airborne Speedway.

 2. How will your background assist you as a county legislator?

I was a Town Councilman for the Town of Schuyler Falls for eight years. I am currently Deputy Supervisor for the Town, a position that I have held for twelve years.

 3. What county issues concern you the most?

My major concern is that long term issues will be fixed with short term solutions. With the challenge of staying within the 2% tax cap, eliminating services may actually not be a “fix” for all problems and may actually cost more down the road.

 4. How would you address these issues?

Services provided would have to be looked at with a business approach to make sure that the Taxpayer’s money is spent wisely. Tough choices will have to be made to eliminate spending that is not doing the taxpayers justice while maintaining the highest level of service that we can afford.

5. Why should a person vote for you?

With my experience as a Town Councilman and current position as Deputy Supervisor, I have the knowledge of working with budgets and every day concerns that the working people face. I will listen to all taxpayer’s concerns and do my best to ensure that all issues are addressed to the best of my ability.