The Town of Peru voters have spoken.
Their message is loud, clear and unified: "Let's leave the past behind and start over afresh."
In an unprecedented town election that attracted no fewer than nine candidates for three councilor seats, voters elected three new people to office: one Republican and two Democrats. In years past, the town almost always voted Republican and seldom had seriously contested races.
We're not applauding any switch in political parties in Peru. We are simply pleased that town residents have shown such a positive response to the cloud that has hung over the community during the last four years of political strife. It has not been a pleasant experience for anyone.
Those new councilors — Jim Douglas, Sue Polhemus and Kregg Bruno — have been charged with the responsibility of healing the political wounds that have torn the community apart. The voters have chosen them because the voters believe in them; we share that faith.
Those who did not win on Election Day also play an important role. Each one of the six remaining candidates showed that they, too, care about Peru and its future. They may not have garnered sufficient votes to gain a seat on the Town Council, but they have shown how important it is for the community to become actively involved when problems arise and not hide in hopes that the problem will go away by itself.
Donald Covel's case has been resolved, and the supervisor's race to replace him was an ideal example of two men with conflicting personalities who share a common passion for public office. Tom Powers has proven that he is a man of convictions: His decision not to fill vacant council seats in the weeks leading up to the election may have played a role in his defeat, but the public scrutiny he faced did not matter. He believed in the stand he took, and he stuck with it.
Powers has not lacked dedication as a public servant. He spent a great deal of time at the Town Hall and was always willing to take on extra chores and responsibilities as a part-time elected official. We can only assume that he would have continued with that hard-work ethic as the town's official leader.
But that role now goes to Pete Glushko, a 12-year councilor who has always been a silent leader, gaining the respect of his peers and the employees in all town departments. The weight of Peru's future hangs heavily on his shoulders.
Peru has done well to continue moving forward in many areas over the past four years. Despite what sometimes seemed to be disaster, officials managed to conduct business and retain government responsibilities. But voters showed they want much more than that. They want the Town Council to be civil and courteous and consistent in their leadership. It's OK for elected officials to disagree with one another, but we believe the new Town Council will turn its disagreements into positive steps forward.
It's what the voters demand.
Opinion
November 19, 2009
EDITORIAL: It's a new day in Peru
- Editorial
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Editorial: No raise for state legislators
This is not the year for state lawmakers to look for a raise.
- Editorial: A pair of aces among the Cards
- Editorial: Nurses, aides: a breed apart
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Editorial: No raise for state legislators
- Cheers and Jeers
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Cheers and Jeers: Feb. 13, 2012
CHEERS to Peru High School teacher Kathleen Roach and Cardinal Points.
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Cheers and Jeers: Feb. 13, 2012
- Letters to the Editor
- Speakout
- In My Opinion
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In My Opinion: E'town water, sewer essential
Elizabethtown has a history of economic ups and downs, Town Supervisor Margaret Bartley writes.
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In My Opinion: E'town water, sewer essential
