The Peru Gazette

The Peru Gazette posed six questions to each of the two candidates for Area Five of the Clinton County Legislature. Here are Rhonda Barber’s responses.

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

I attended Saranac High School, graduating in 1986. I then went on to graduate from Siena College in Loudonville, NY in 1990 with a degree in finance. After college, I returned to Plattsburgh and started E-Z Sto. Upon my father’s retirement in 1999, my sister came on board and we are now co-owners of X-Plo/E-Z Sto. Our primary operations are transportation, storage and commercial warehousing. We have approximately 20 employees. My past community involvements have included coaching various teams for Saranac School and Peru Youth Commission; serving on various boards i.e. Plattsburgh Youth Hockey, Plattsburgh Lady Hornet Varsity Girls Hockey and Saranac Varsity Boys Hockey Booster Clubs; parent/team manager of various youth teams, Clinton Community College Foundation and NFIB Professional Business Leaders.

How will your background and/or successes assist you as a Clinton County Legislator?

I have always loved being involved, making decisions and being a part of making a difference. I am a great communicator and ideas are only as good as they are sold. The best ideas need to be communicated to the people for action to occur. In addition, I am a hard worker who is extremely organized. I give 110% in everything that I do. My keen business sense will allow me to run government like a business.

What county issues concern you the most? How would you address these issues?

I will NEVER vote to increase the tonnage coming into the landfill. I will also fight for my area to get compensation in exchange for being the counties dumping ground. I will push to build recreational, cultural and youth activities. I will sell the county as a tourist destination while promoting our region and lake. I will pursue increased shopping such as possible outlets which will draw people to the area and lead to increased tax revenue allowing us to maintain a stable tax rate.

Why should a person vote for you?

Our community needs new energy and forward thinking. I plan to serve the public interest with passion and competence while continuing to strengthen our towns with hard work and a keen business sense. These are the values that I deeply care about and are embedded in my daily work as a local business owner.

What party lines will your name appear on?

Republican, Independence, Conservative and Reform parties