Peru politics and the upcoming vote

To the Editor:

The outcome in Peru’s June referendum to change the selectmen’s secretary position from appointed to elected and limit the hours to no more than 30 is a step backward for the town. But those who scream the loudest and be most hateful were heard - even though accomplished through lies.

This charade began with your efforts to make it so that town employees could not also serve as selectmen and graduated to your crusade to put me out of a job.

I have held the secretary position for almost 12 years and believe that I have been an extremely dedicated and loyal employee. This job has been my life - I like my work and am confident that I do a good job at it. Many have said that the office has never been more organized, and I am a conscientious and thorough employee.

I was sure this would be my place of employment until I retired. However, a handful of vindictive people have made it their ultimate goal to change this. The past six months have been brutal for my mental well being. These individuals have constantly slandered me and I have been the target of hateful talk and the subject of untruths. God forbid we ask Kathy her side of a story. It might shine light on what really happened.

Peru is a small town. A few very vocal individuals are attempting to oust me from the position that I have worked very hard at. They have created a small following with big, accusatory voices. They have made it their goal to succeed in my demise. This whole issue started because, in doing my job, one couple didn‘t like “the process" and have become monsters at my expense. It hurts even more that some of my close relatives and longtime friends have joined the crusade, convinced that I have done wrong. It appears that blood isn’t thicker than water. I’ve learned that you can “pick your friends” and I do have some true friends that I value greatly.

I do appreciate those who know me and know that I have done no wrong. Many have contacted me and encouraged me to hang in there, that things will come to pass. Some people who had been approached by those circulating petitions (against me) and acknowledged signing them, have since indicated to me that they realized too late that this obviously was a personal vendetta and that they were sorry that they had signed.

My heart breaks for my husband, Bill, who I believe has always been an asset to the town and is respected by many. Thankfully, he is supportive and is standing by me through this time of trial. He doesn’t deserve bad treatment and hateful, snide comments. He is a good man. Make me your agenda if you must, but leave Bill out of it.

Changing the town secretary to the selectmen position to elected as opposed to appointed, as it has always been, makes absolutely no sense. Someone holding the elected position of secretary can go to work and do nothing. That person need take no direction from the selectmen and the selectmen will have no one to do the work that I presently do.

I don’t know if the voters were misinformed or exactly what convinced them to vote to change the position; however, I urge those going to the polls on November 6th to vote "yes" on question 4 of the Peru ballot. Leave my position as it presently is. I continue to express that I am not guilty of any wrongdoing and I know that I have given the town and the position my best. I have nothing to be ashamed of - nothing mysteriously disappeared or was intentionally withheld by me.

I have been elected to the selectmen’s position more than once and everyone knew that I was a town employee. I never said that being an employee and an elected official of the town was a perfect situation; however, when I ran for office it wasn’t like many others were beating down the door to hold the position.

The Board of Selectmen could do a good job in their elected offices if they were left alone long enough to do so. The proposed Recall Ordinance (question 2 on the Peru ballot) is poorly written and is part of the vendetta started months ago. Please vote "no" on question 2.

To “the drama team” who are working so diligently to cause my fall, you will have to answer for your actions someday. If you have a conscience, it should be eating away at you. You are hateful, nasty, ruthless and vindictive people. You have disgraced Peru’s slogan of “Neighbors helping Neighbors.”

My heart is broken as is my spirit. I struggle, but will continue to hold my head high. I am hurt, but have not done wrong. Likewise, you should not be able to lift your heads off your chests and should be ashamed for your actions. Most children behave better than you are.

In the end, you may win the battle, but the war is not lost. What goes around, comes around and someday, you will get yours. You know who YOU are. To those who stand by and support me, thank you.

Kathy Hussey,

Peru