Peru’s sad facts

To the Editor:

I write to express my concerns for the Town of Peru. I have been a public servant for most of my life and for the past 25 years have given my heart and soul to the Peru Fire Department as have many other good Peruvians.

It is important that the people know why I helped circulate recall petitions for Selectmen Dick Powell and Ed Ferland.

Prior to Powell becoming a selectman, Ferland consistently abstained on voting on many of the things that were before the selectboard. Since Powell came on the Board, Ferland almost always looks to Powell for direction on how to vote - he seems unable to make a decision himself. Ferland continues to make unfounded accusations and allegations of wrongdoing by other board members.

Kathy was voted in to the selectman position three times, all while being a town employee (which everyone knew). The ordinance to prevent town employees from serving as selectman was passed after Kathy was last elected. MMA indicates Kathy should be allowed to complete her term. A few no-gooders filed a ridiculous lawsuit hoping to prevent this and then moved forth further with Recall - another unnecessary expense to the townspeople. They just don’t seem to want to understand the process.

All selectmen took the oath to perform the job to the best of their abilities and work in the best interests of the town.

Both Powell and Ferland were aware of the frivolous lawsuit before it was received by the town and Kathy and, I believe, could have prevented it as not being in the best interests of the Town.

Powell and Ferland initially voted to not respond to the lawsuit, then at the last minute changed their minds (after Kathy had gotten legal counsel at the recommendation of the town’s attorney). Kathy’s attorney has requested that the town reimburse her for legal fees incurred by her to date (to avoid the next filing, which will add substantial cost).

As of this writing, the board has voted not to do that, but to incur additional town attorney fees to dispute the reimbursement even though the town’s attorney indicates that there is a good chance Kathy will prevail. The town has already spent nearly $2500 in attorney fees.

Again, as of this writing, it is understood that Powell has not taken the required selectmen training (which should have been done by early October 2012) and he continues to operate a junkyard (though his permit for this expired in October 2012). And note, once again, Dickie is on the Board -- and the town is in another lawsuit.

It amazes me how a handful of vindictive, self-serving people have thrown the town into chaos for no good reason. The only ones gaining in this whole situation is the attorneys involved due to Powell and Ferland’s inability to work in the best interests of the townspeople.

I vote to recall Powell and Ferland. Please join me in doing so.

Bill Hussey,

Peru