The Peru Gazette

Next Tuesday, November 5, 2013 voters will go to the polls to cast their ballots for their preferred candidates for office.  There are two open seats on the Peru Town Council and three candidates are seeking election to office.  The Peru Gazette contacted James Douglass, Lana Knight and Donald McBrayer and asked each person to respond to five questions. Here are the questions and the candidate responses.

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

James Douglass: I graduated from AuSable Valley High School and have taken follow-on classes at Clinton Community College. My primary employment for 30 years was in the grocery food industry from which I have retired. I have 28 years of experience as councilman and tax assessor in Black Brook.  I am married  to my wife, Jackie, who is most supportive in our endeavors. Being a community-minded person, I’m a trustee for the Peru Community Church. We both volunteer at the St. Augustine’s Soup Kitchen, and actively work to assist people of need in the Peru Community. We have three grown children, two grown step children, and our son Conner who attends Peru High School.

Lana Knight: My husband George and I have a 23 year old daughter, Gabrielle, and a 21 year old son, Corey, who were born and raised in Peru. I was a stay-at-home mom until they were both in school (where I volunteered countless hours helping with school programs).  I then returned to the workforce as a Banking Supervisor for 18 years.   I am currently the Director of Christian Education for Peru Community Church, as well as working on our 10th full-house renovation.

I served as the Treasurer for Harkness UMC for seven years. I am a Literacy Volunteer Tutor, Middle School Youth Group Leader, Soup Kitchen volunteer, former Board member of the Samaritan Family Counseling Center, Respite Care Provider for children diagnosed with mental-health issues, and I partner with the Peru Food Pantry on food and clothing drives.

Donald McBrayer: I graduated from Beekmantown Central in 1981, and am a current Student at Clinton Community College working on a business degree with a 4.0 GPA to date.

For the past 28 years I have been the owner/operator of two small businesses. The first as a commercial flooring contractor through which I handle the flooring needs for several large property owners and hotels including James N. Latinville Properties, Meron Properties, Pine Harbour Assisted Living, Plattsburgh Comfort Inn, and the Best Western. The second as a DJ & website designer under the name Don Yo!, through which I have DJed over 3000 events, and designed websites for many local businesses and entities including the Town of Peru and St. Augustine’s Parish.

I married Kara Froehlich in 1985, and have two grown children (Adam & Natasia) who live locally. I also have a granddaughter, Demi.

I am very involved with the Peru Community. I’m the current Financial Secretary for the Peru Knights of Columbus Council #7273 and was honored as the 2010-2011 “Knight of the Year”. I’m the current Chairman for the St. Augustine’s Parish Council and was honored with the 2013 “Golden Rose Award” for charitable acts. I was the former Chairman for the St. Augustine’s Applefest Committee (2009-2012). I’m a current Board Member for Champlain Valley Habitat for Humanity. I was the organizer of the 2013 Peru Classic Car Show. I also serve on the Peru Zoning Board and Peru Comprehensive Planning Committee.

2. How will your background assist you as a counselor? 

James Douglass: I feel that my extensive background in town government, my work ethic, and my ability to work with people to resolve issues in a friendly manner is a great asset.

Lana Knight: My education through the  American Institute of Banking and my time serving as Treasurer provided me with all the training needed to balance a budget, handle audits and other controls in a precise manner, and to understand the concepts of being fiscally sound.

As for my supervisory experience, Peru citizens will benefit from my dealing directly on the front line with the public on a daily basis.  As a supervisor, I was highly effective in resolving any issues between the customer and the bank, and I worked diligently to be fair and just for both sides.

Donald McBrayer: Running two businesses with a 28-year record of success and spear-heading large community events requires a keen sense of budgeting, time management, and good old-fashioned hands on attention. Every detail needs to be attended to, and communication with everyone involved is critical. I have a strong moral core and a genuine concern for the needs of others. In business, as well as community work, I feel the best ideas often come from the most unlikely places. That is why inclusion is so important in all my activities, and that is what I hope to bring as Town Councilor.

3. What town issue concerns you the most? 

James Douglass: My main concern is that the Town of Peru uses its tax funds prudently to ensure that Peru remain a safe and well managed community.

Lana Knight: Naturally, being a homeowner and landlord in Peru provides an incentive to keep property taxes at a reasonable level. Beyond that, my aim as a member of the town council is to facilitate open communications between the different departments, and to move agenda items regarding residents’ concerns along in a much more timely manner. Too often issues remain unresolved for longer than necessary, causing undue stress and disruption to our citizens.

Donald McBrayer: Maintaining the delicate balance between services and taxes.

4. How would you address this issue?

James Douglass: I feel that as a councilman, it is my duty to research all items presented to the town board and actively seek out other areas that are in need of improvement. While doing this, it also goes without saying that I’m watchful to keep taxes at the lowest rate possible. All tax money must be spent prudently and applied where most needed.

Lana Knight: I believe in stronger liaison relations by Town board members and the departments they represent.  Also, one big problem seems to be with providing definite answers to concerns raised by town residents.  There are too many instances where residents were told the town is “looking into it” but no real follow-up happens.

Donald McBrayer: Through ongoing and constructive communication.

We all want our roads to be smooth, our water to be crystal clear, our streets safe, and a variety of recreational and cultural activities to bind us as a community, but these things all require money. If taxes get too high we’ll drive out the very people we are hoping to serve. I believe that communication is the key to finding and maintaining this balance. The only way to truly understand what is needed, and how to pay for it, is by talking to the people involved. I would keep an open dialogue with the Town Board, department heads, town employees, the other entities of Peru such as the School, Fire Department, and Library. I would always be open-minded to the thoughts and ideas of local business owners. I would also be willing to listen and learn from anyone living in Peru who has an idea for ways to improve the quality of life and/or saving on expenses. I believe more communication with our county & state representatives would also be helpful. Open and constructive communication will result in a solid understanding of needs and the most affordable way to accomplish them.

5. Why should a person vote for you?

James Douglass: I feel Peru voters should vote for me because of my experience, work ethic, and that I will be approachable on all matters pertaining to town government. Peru residents can be assured that I am always working for the best interests of Peru.

Lana Knight: I have a very flexible work schedule, which allows me to be available to the public when need arise, such as site visits, etc. The most effective boards seem to be comprised of diverse personalities and talents. I know I would add a measure of balance from a woman’s perspective, which will further enhance the effectiveness of the Town Council.

Donald McBrayer: I have attended practically every town board meeting over the past 5 years, I maintain the Town Website, and serve on several committees. I have a good working relationship with almost everyone else who works for or serves the Town of Peru. I am up to speed on the challenges, and aware of our needs. I have a strong ethical code, and a 28-year business background of getting things done on time and on budget. I care deeply about my community, and I will work very hard to see it continue to be a place we can all proudly call home.