The Peru Gazette

Democrat Jim Douglass and Republican Melvin Irwin are seeking reelection to the Peru Town Board on Tuesday, November 2nd. Since no other names appear on the ballot, both men should be reelected.

Seeking to learn more about why they serve our community, the challenges they face and their priorities for the future the Peru Gazette posed six questions to each candidate.

Jim Douglass 

1.  How long have you served on the town board? I had first ran and won a seat on the Peru town Council in the 2009 November election. I actually started filling that position in 2010. I have filled that position continuously without interruption from that date. 

2.  Why are you seeking reelection to the office?I am seeking reelection because I enjoy filling the position and supporting the Town of Peru team members. With that thought in mind I wish to continue my service on the town council because of all the future projects that we have in work for the Town of Peru. One large major project specifically is the “Water and Sewer Project”

3. What are your most significant accomplishments as a board member? One of my accomplishments I am most proud of is my ability to work in harmony with the Town Council and all of its other town working departments. With that being done we can focus on all of the priorities of the residents in the Town of Peru.

4. What have been your biggest frustrations as a board member, if any? With regard to frustrations of working on the Town of Peru council, I can honestly say they are very minor in nature.

5. What are the most significant issues facing Peru and how do you plan to confront them? The most significant issue for the Town of Peru is to have a sufficient tax base that I am always working to increase by means of increased  development of property

6. Do Peru residents express their ideas and opinions to you? If so, what issues concern them the most? How have you responded to their concerns? I am always approachable and available to new ideas, opinions, and comments from Peru residents. Most issues that I hear from Peru residents are general in nature. I always respond back to them to the best of my ability as quickly as possible.

Thank you for this opportunity and your support.

Jim Douglass

Melvin Irwin 

1.  How long have you served on the town board? I have been on the town board for 4 years, this will be my second term.

2.  Why are you seeking reelection to the office? We have several unfinished projects in town and several new ideas in the works that I would like to see through.

3. What are your most significant accomplishments as a board member? The current infrastructure projects to enable our town to handle any future growth. I am especially excited to see our undiscovered Heyworth Mason Park develop into our cultural town center!

4. What have been your biggest frustrations as a board member, if any? Probably my biggest frustration as in business is dealing with personnel issues and trying to find solutions. The other would be dealing with red tape cleaning up rundown properties in our town.

5. What are the most significant issues facing Peru and how do you plan to confront them? Certainly the biggest issue is trying to find financial assistance to offset the massive infrastructure costs that we face. I believe the other issue is finding ways to attract young people here because they truly are the lifeblood of any community.

6. Do Peru residents express their ideas and opinions to you? If so, what issues concern them the most? How have you responded to their concerns? Thankfully a lot of people share ideas and plenty of complaints and truly the solution is, get involved in your town, nearly every board is looking for volunteers !!