The Peru Gazette

On Tuesday, November 5th, Peru voters will have the opportunity to either reelect incumbent Town Clerk/Tax Collector Kathleen Flynn or to elect her challenger John Facteau.  The Peru Gazette posed five questions to each candidate and they were kind enough to respond.

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

John Facteau: I grew up in Saranac, NY and graduated from Saranac Central School and two years of BOCES (as known now as CV tech) with the carpentry trade. Since graduating in 1973, I have worked in the construction field, both residential and commercial construction. Also working many years for people who need work done. My primary employment was the New York State Department of Correctional Services with the responsibility of Construction Manager of 18 Correctional Facilities. I was responsible of estimating, planning, purchasing, supervising employees, keeping records of all funding and activities of projects. This employment ended in September of 2010 with retirement of 30 years.

Kathleen Flynn: I am a 1981 graduate of Peru Central High School, 1984 Graduate of Clinton Community College with An Associate’s Degree in Human Services, and 1986 Graduate of Plattsburgh State University with a Bachelor Degree in Psychology.

I have been married to John Flynn for 26 years (St. Augustine’s Church) and we have three children.  Morgan, 21 Senior at Siena College, William, 20 Junior at Plattsburgh State and Maddison, 16 Junior at Peru Central School.  John and I are active with the Peru Youth Commission, I am an active member of the Peru Lions Club, Peru Athletic Hall of Fame Committee, Peru and Clinton County Republican Committee member and consistent volunteer for the Peru Applefest.

2. How does/will your background assist you as town clerk/tax collector? 

John Facteau: I believe that with my background it will be more then assist me as Peru Town Clerk/Tax Collector, with dealing with the people in the Town of Peru with good and accurate record filing, collecting school and land taxes and record filing.

Kathleen Flynn: Because I have held this position for the past 11 years, my background is an asset as it gives me the skills to understand what a community member needs when they enter my office.  I have the experience and knowledge to either serve the resident immediately, or re-direct them to the office or community member that they are seeking.

3. What is the most important duty of the town clerk/tax collector? 

John Facteau: The most important duty as Town Clerk/Tax Collector is working for the people, issuing dog licenses, hunting and fishing licenses, collecting school and land taxes sending taxes due to taxpayers and sending paid receipts to taxpayers. Be there for the people of the town.

Kathleen Flynn: I can honestly say that there is not one duty that is more important than any other.  While collecting taxes comes to the forefront, I can promise that I balance to the penny daily, and your money is deposited immediately. I work 6 days a week to ensure that all tax payments are posted in a timely manner.  With that being said, I also place great emphasis on each resident that walks through the Town Hall door needing assistance from my office.  I pride myself on serving the public in a timely efficient manner.

4.  How would/do you perform this duty?  

John Facteau: The description of the duties as Town Clerk/Tax Collector is exactly how I would perform and look further into how I could do it better for the town and its people.

Kathleen Flynn: I am in the office five days per week and if I take time off, I offer my personal cell number to the employees within the Town Hall.  They all understand that I am available at any time.

5. In campaigning for the office, what is the most frequent concern regarding the office town clerk that the voters have expressed to you? How will you address this concern? 

John Facteau: In campaigning the most asked question concerns is when is the Town Clerks/Tax Collectors office open, and unable to contact the Town Clerk/Tax Collector. On this note, I would address this in a concerned way of being at the town hall 4.days a week and 1.evening so all of the town’s people would have access to the town.

Kathleen Flynn: Actually, people have been extremely happy (or so they say!) with my job performance.  Keeping taxes down is always a concern- my response is that I take care of your money, I don’t determine how much you have to pay!