The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Peru – November 5th Election Day is only 15 days away. Two seats on the Peru Town Council are open and two candidates have been nominated, meaning both candidates should be elected. Republican and Democratic Party officials say they tried but were unable to recruit more candidates.

Sitting Republican Councilman Rick Barber is seeking election to a four-year term of office after being elected to complete Brandy McDonald’s term of office in 1998. (McDonald was elected Town Supervisor).

Democrat Former Councilman Kregg Bruno is seeking to return to the Board. Bruno served from December 2009 through December 2015 but was defeated in November 2015 when four candidates sought two positions. In 2018 Barber defeated Bruno when they both sought to fill the seat once occupied by Brandy McDonald.

The Peru Gazette posted five questions to each candidate:

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

Rick Barber responded: 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 31 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 the proud parents of Maizy Rock. We are also parents to Madeline and Mason Barber. I have served on the Peru Town Council since December 2018. I am liaison to Peru Youth Commission, Peru Town Court, Baker Free Library and Peru Highway Department.

Kregg Bruno responded: I attended Peru Central School through out my youth as a student and athlete. I received an Associates Degree from Clinton Community College in Business Management and was fortunate enough to become an All American wrestler at Potsdam State.

I was a member of the Carpenter/Millwright Union for over 10 years and decided to use this experience and my educational background to start my own business: Bruno’s Custom Tiles Works.

My community involvement includes, coaching soccer, baseball, and softball for the Town of Peru Youth Programs. After which I continued my coaching career in the wrestling program at Peru Central High School. I served as a Councilman for six consecutive years (2009-2015), and helped establish the Ausable River Park Trail, new water filtration plant, new entrance to the Town Hall, and other good projects.

My wife Bonnie, children Christopher and Katie have been a huge part of my success in business and supporters in all my life choices.

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

Rick Barber responded: My background working with a variety of people for 26 years in corrections prepared me well for the councilman’s position. As a corrections officer I worked with fellow officers and superiors as a Training Relief Officer and successfully organized training schedules for 63 officers. In addition I was in charge of work crews which required me to make decisions in a timely manner.

Kregg Bruno responded: As a small business owner operator, I have to do my own quotes and work within specific budgets. As a Councilman my background will assist during budget time and also understanding construction quotes.

3. What town issues concern you the most?

Rick Barber responded: I believe the most significant issues facing the Town of Peru are the new sewer lines we are currently planning to install. I also believe that the test wells that are being investigated to supplement the town water system is an important concern as well.

Kregg Bruno responded: Currently the Town is preparing to improve the Town’s Waste Water infrastructure which is a major project. The Superintendent Courtney Tetrault is doing an excellent job communicating with the Board and Engineers. My concern is that the cost of the project falls on only a small percentage of Peru residence. In the future the Town needs to add more users to the system to keep the rates down.

Another concern is that for over four weeks this summer, (July 22-August 9) the Town Youth had no activities at the Parks. That’s 4 weeks of mowing, 4 weeks of great weather, 4 weeks of salaries being paid, 4 weeks of kids being out of school.

4. How would you address this/these issue(s)?
Rick Barber responded: I will continue to work in a bi-partisan 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 responded: I think the Board needs to be more Proactive in restructuring the Youth Department to adding more activities and keep the youths along with any parents active throughout the whole year.
Take more advantage of the walking trail with its exercise station to have fun night with youth and parents. Frisbee golf and more coaching clinics could also be considered.

5. Why should a person vote for you?

Rick Barber responded: I believe the voters of Peru should vote for me because I bring a fresh, open-minded approach to the board.

Kregg Bruno responded: I’m passionate and dedicated to working hard in order to help the Town of Peru achieve success and progress in a positive manner.