The Peru Gazette

Don McBrayer representing the Town at the VFW’s Memorial Day Services

As my term of town councilor in Peru ends, I would like to leave with some parting words.

First, and foremost, congratulations need to be given to the new town supervisor, Brandy McDonald, who has my confidence in being able to lead our town; our newly elected town councilor, Mel Irwin, whom I would like to wish the best; and to our re-elected town councilor, Jim Douglas, who always shows that he puts Peru first.  However, I would be remiss if I didn’t recognize our town tax clerk, Kathy Flynn, who will be sorely missed as she leaves to take on the adventures of a new career.

As I began my political career, I have faced loss and success, and found that it is how you react to those losses and successes defines who you are as a person and how you are seen by those around you.

Through my four-year term as town councilor, I have had the opportunity to meet with the dedicated and very capable men and women in the many departments that run our town.  As liaison, I was able to help the Library meet some of their goals, learn how the town water/sewer department operates and advocate for them, as well as visit with and advocated for the town highway department in many areas needed.  Through meeting with these capable individuals, I believe I have gained more in way of respect for them and in truly understanding what it takes to run the town.

I am saddened that I will be unable to continue and finish my work with the Main Street Project and the transfer of our new IT system.  However, I am very pleased with the many projects I have had a chance to work on.

I have also decided not to seek the one-year appointment created by Brandy McDonald’s election as Supervisor. My reason for originally requesting the additional year was two-fold.  One, I believe it is important to have a five-member board where deadlock is avoided, conflict can be tamed with reason, and a board can function in a professional manner where all members can respectfully voice concerns while doing what it best for the town and its citizens.  Second, as I had chosen not to run for a new term, I believe by my holding this one-year temporary seat, it would be giving both parties the opportunity to provide qualified candidates for the voting public to choose who they want to fill this town council spot in the November 2018 election.

With Kara and I moving forward in our plans for an exciting adventure in a new state, I have decided that I would not be able to adequately fulfill the one-year temporary position as I plan to progress in the steps needed to move to another state. Therefore, I will not be seeking the additional year.

I am truly grateful and thankful to all the people of Peru for giving me the opportunity to serve on your behalf and work with the amazing town employees in providing you with the best services possible.

Don McBrayer