The Peru Gazette

On Tuesday, November 6th Peru voters will chose one of two nominees for a one-year term on the Peru Town Board. Last year Supervisor Brandy McDonald resigned from the Town Board to run for Town Supervisor. The winner of this election will complete the last year of McDonald’s four-year term of office. The evenly split Republican-Democrat Board could not agree on appointing a successor to McDonald; therefore, the position has gone unfilled since January.

Rick Barber is the Republican nominee and Kregg Bruno secured the nomination of  the Democratic, Working Families, Conservative and Independence Parties.

The Peru Gazette posed five questions to each candidate.  The Gazette appreciates their thoughtful responses.

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

Rick Barber’s response: I am a 1981 graduate of Peru Central School and a 1983 graduate of Paul Smith’s College with a degree in Forestry and Recreation. I am a retired New York State Corrections Officer with 26 years of service.  I served as a Peru Volunteer Fireman. I am currently a member of the Keeseville Elks Club and Plattsburgh Moose Lodge.  I am a sixth generation Peruvian.  My wife Kay (Maloney) and I have been married for 30 years and have raised our three children in the Town of Peru. Our oldest daughter, Margaret (Meg) is married to Nick Rock and they are proud parents to Maizy Rock.  We are also parents to Madeline and Mason Barber.

Kregg Bruno’s response: I attended PCS as a student and athlete and graduated in 1979. With a background in business and my experience in construction, I was able to open and manage my own business: Bruno’s Custom Tile Works. 

I volunteered as a coach for many years for the Town of Peru in Soccer, Baseball and Softball. After which, I coached and motivated wrestlers at Peru Central School. I served as Town Councilman for six consecutive years (2009-2015), at which time we established Little Ausable River Park, upgraded the water systems, completed safe routes to school, and many other projects. 

My wife, Bonnie, along with my son and daughter, Chris and Katie, have been huge supporters in helping me achieve my goals. Having lived in this community for the past 30 years, I am passionate and dedicated to working hard in order to achieve success and progress in the Town of Peru.

2. State one or more of your successes in life and how that experience will assist you as a town council member? 

Rick Barber’s response: I feel my greatest success is watching my children mature into responsible, respectful, hardworking, civic minded adults.

I am also proud of my successful career in the New York State Department of Corrections. I became the Training Relief Officer at Lyon Mountain Correctional Facility. In this position I successfully organized training schedules for 63 officers in the facility.  I also developed a rapport with inmates. In addition, I earned the respect of my fellow officers and superiors.

Kregg Bruno’s response: For the last 15 years, I have been fortunate to own and operate my own business. I have been able to build a cliental in the community, which has lead to great relationships. Having this experience will assist me in the Town Government position when communicating to the Town’s people and the Town Board. Furthermore, the ability to budget finances will be a strength of mine. Lastly, I would like to make the Town aware that my business will not effect in any way my abilities to perform my tasks as a Councilman. There will be no extended trips away from the community during my term.

3. What town issues concern you the most and how will you address these issues? 

Rick Barber’a response: I believe the most significant issues facing the Town of Peru are the sewer infrastructure currently and the water system concerns in the future.  I will work in a bipartisan manner to ensure the successful implementation of the new  sewer system at an affordable cost to the residents of the Town of Peru.  I will also work diligently to explore options for an updated water system that will provide sufficient clean water to the Town of Peru for the future in the most effective manner.

Kregg Bruno’s response: The Town infrastructure, sewer lines, and water plant are issues that concern me the most. I believe the Department heads are spending too much of their budgets on high priced equipment including trucks and trailers. At the same time this expense is taking much needed finances away from road repairs, plant upgrades, and other important routine maintenance procedures. It is important that the Town Board holds the Department Heads responsible for sticking strictly to their budget, in order to better provide for the tax payers’ needs.

4. If the town received a $1 million grant to use any way it wants, what would you do with it and why?

Rick Barber’s response: I would put the grant toward the updated water system to provide good clean water for the residents of Peru.   We need to ensure that the clean water supply provided through wells will meet not only the current needs for Peru residents but will also provide sufficient water resources for any future growth or expansion in the years to come. 

Kregg Bruno’s response: With a million dollars, the town would be able to expand the water district, which would help the community grow. This would also provide relief to tax payers on the existing system.

5. What party lines will your name appear on in November? 

Rick Barber’s response: Republican

Kregg Bruno’s response: My name will appear on four lines: Democratic, Conservative and Independence Parties, as well as the Working Family Party.