The Peru Gazette

Peru –  November 2, Election Day 2021, is only about 20 days away. Peru voters will find only one contested position on this year’s ballot – Peru Town Justice. Incumbent Democrat James Kirby is being challenged by Republican Scott Thurber for a four-year term of office beginning January 1, 2022. 

The Peru Gazette posed questions to each candidate. 

How long have I lived in Peru? Educational Background and Profession?

Jim Kirby responded: I have lived in Peru, NY all my life.  I graduated from Peru Central School and completed the Diesel Mechanic Vocational Training Program at CV-Tech in Plattsburgh. I currently own and operate Kirby Builder and Millworks, a general contractor business which deals with all phases of construction.  I have served as the Peru Town Justice since 2010.

Scott Thurber responded: I’ve lived in Peru NY for approximately 19 years. I attended Peru school up until my middle school years and returned to Peru approximately seven years ago. I have a criminal justice degree and hold several NYS certifications from NYS Department of Criminal Justice Services.   

I’m a retired law enforcement officer and currently own and operate an outfitting business here in Peru. My business is Irish Raider Outfitters LLC and we provide fishing charters on Lake Champlain, guided fishing and hunting outings within the Adirondack Park to area residents and guests from across the USA and Canada.

How have you been involved in the Peru Community?

Jim Kirby responded: I have served as the Peru Town Justice for the past 12 years. The judge’s duties do not begin and end on the designated court day. I am on call 24/7, 365 days a year to support state and local law enforcement as an arraignment judge. As a life-long resident of Peru, I have always been a helping hand to friends and neighbors. In 2015, when the town purchased the old Peru Federal Credit Union building, I acquired a $16,000 JCAP grant through OCA to pay for remodeling cost and volunteered my services, at no cost to town tax payers. 

Scott Thurber responded: I’m currently an elected Peru School Board member. I’ve held this position since July of 2018. I was also a board member for the Champlain Valley Educational Services school board up until September of this year. Through both of these positions I’ve put in numerous hours to ensure Peru students’ curriculum is the quality of education we expect, that the superintendent is following the schools vision, and that we have a timely budget which meets the expectations of our residents.

Why are you seeking the Town Justice Office or seeking reelection for the Town Justice?

Jim Kirby responded: I am running for reelection to continue serving my community as the Peru Town Justice and do my part in keeping Peru a safe place for families to live. 

Scott Thurber responded: I’m seeking the Town Justice position because I firmly believe the residents of Peru should have a choice on November 2nd.  Our Town Court needs a fresh perspective and transparency moving forward. My experience in the criminal justice system as both a law enforcement officer and educator gives me the knowledge and the appropriate background to hold this position. Owning my own business also gives me the flexibility to put the time needed into the position which makes me a strong candidate on election day.

What qualifies you to be town justice and why should anyone vote for you?

Jim Kirby responded: I have served in this position for the past 12 years. I have gone above and beyond to serve the Town of Peru and put every effort into continuing my training and judicial education. I am a member of the Clinton County Magistrates Association and the New York State Magistrates Association. I was selected by OCA as a RTA (Raise The Age) judge for the State of New York. In the midst of COVID, I was handpicked as a VAP (Virtual Arraignment Part) Judge, which elevated me to Supreme Court judge status. I would appreciate your vote November 2^nd so that I can continue to serve the community as Town Judge.

Scott Thurber responded: I have over twenty five years experience and education within the NYS Criminal Justice system. Ranging from a police officer/supervisor, NYS internal affairs investigator and as a Criminal Justice teacher.  This background more than qualifies me for this position. People should vote for me if they’re looking for integrity, honesty, fairness. I am someone who will listen and work tirelessly for all residents. I will be available all hours of the day or night to answer questions or concerns residents may have. If for some reason I don’t have an answer for a particular question, I’ll get the correct information and promptly respond.

How do you balance being an independent judge and an elected official?

Jim Kirby responded: Though I am an elected official, the minute I was sworn in, politics have no place in the courtroom. 

Scott Thurber responded: New York State has strict guidelines which apply to what independent judges can or can’t do. I will follow those guidelines to ensure there’s transparency and that all parties are treated equally and heard. I believe, as an elected official, one needs to be an actively elected community member, which should include attending Town board meetings on a regular basis to provide reports and work on yearly budgets that apply to the court as a team. Having open communication, working together as a team, no matter what side of any position you are on, is essential to ensure the town of Peru continues to thrive.

How will you work to ensure equality for people of all backgrounds in your courtroom?

Jim Kirby responded: I have, and always will, treat everyone who has entered my courtroom with the respect and dignity that every human deserves regardless of their background.  

Scott Thurber responded: I strongly believe everyone should be heard without fear of retribution and all people should be treated equally and fairly no matter what their social, economic, ethnicity, political or religious beliefs may be.  If elected as Town Justice, any party that comes before the bench will be treated in a fair, equitable, and consistent manner.  Anything less than that will not be tolerated in my courtroom and dealt with accordingly.

Editor’s Correction: When posting the first time the Peru Gazette erred in posting Scott Thurber’s response to the question: How do you balance being an independent judge and an elected official? His response to the previous question was repeated. It has been corrected.