Town Justice
Vote for any two candidates
James Kirby
I am life long resident of the Town of Peru. I graduated from Peru Central School in June of 1975. I have a son, James, a daughter, Shawn, and two grandchildren. I enjoy fishing, computer work, reading, cooking and woodworking. Since 1997, I have been the successful owner of Kirby Builders and Millworks. Prior to that I was employed by several local construction contractors. I am a candidate, because I believe Peru deserves a choice. I will be available on a 24 hour basis as the Town Justice. If you honor me with your vote, you can be assured that I will be dedicated, consistently fair and honest. I will listen carefully before making any decisions. Hopefully, I will meet with you in person prior to election; however, please do not hesitate to call me with any questions or concerns. I do not promise to have all the answers, but will work hard to find them. Thank you for your support.
James Kirby phone 643-6865 cell 726-0656
John H. Lawliss
John H. Lawliss, born and raised in Clinton County, graduated from Mount Assumption Institute, and served four years in the US Navy during the Korean War. Retired after 33 years of service in the NY State Police as a Major, Troop “B” Commander and then served four years as Clinton County Sheriff. Married to the former Gail Prevost, we have four children and nineteen grandchildren. I have been active in church and community affairs for many years and have served this town as town justice for the past four years. I have the experience in the criminal justice system, the knowledge, temperament, sense of fairness as well as the time and energy to continue to work as your town justice.
With your support on election day I will continue to serve this community to the best of my ability
Thank You
John H. Lawliss
Dennis Reid
I have been a resident of Peru for 37 years. My wife Sally and I felt there was no better place to raise our son, Jonathan.
My experience comes from 23 years with the Plattsburgh Police Dept. I retired as a Sergeant and was the training director for the Zone 9 Police Academy. I worked part-time for the New York State Park Police for 19 years. I have a two year criminal justice degree. I am a graduate of the 116th session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
As a member of the Park Police I was introduced to the Town Justice System. I found the system weak, and many of the Judges inexperienced and lacking knowledge of the court.
Although prior law enforcement background is not the only prerequisite for becoming a town justice, it brings to the court a person who has knowledge of penal law and criminal procedure law, and familiarity with the court system. I am running for the position of town justice to bring experience and knowledge of the proceedings to the court. We have been fortunate in the town of Peru to have had two knowledgeable justices. With your vote I hope to continue making the Peru Town Court a fair and equitable court, where both sides will be heard and fair decisions rendered.
I have recently retired from my second profession and will be able to direct my efforts to making the Peru Town Court my priority. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
Posted: October 5th, 2009 under General News.
Comment from John Robert Kokoszka
Time October 5, 2009 at 10:05 pm
John Robert Kokoszka
Butternut Hill Studios
687 Fuller Street
Peru, New York 12972
Jim Kirby is a well known individual in the North Country. He is well known because he was born and raised here; and he is respected and admired by the people of this area. He is running for Town Justice. “Why,” you may ask? He is a hard-working soul with straight-talking views that shape the world in which we live. He can succeed at any job he sets his mind to, and his common sense is what we need in a Town Justice setting in Peru. Other people may say they are great, but Jim outclasses them with his judgment and his keen desire to lead the people of Peru to fair and just rulings of their cases. Jim welcomes your support in the upcoming elections.