Peru thanks Supervisor McDonald for solid leadership

PERU | Peru Town Supervisor Brandy McDonald met with his town's leadership team for the last time on Monday, July 29, thanking all for their dedication and friendship. Having served first on the town council for 11 years and the past six-and-a-half as supervisor, McDonald is stepping away from office as he and his wife move from Peru to the City of Plattsburgh. Their new home is closer to her new position at SUNY Plattsburgh. McDonald had advised the Town Council of his plan and pending departure a few months ago. In that time, town officials found an interim leader in Peru resident, Craig Randall, former mayor of Lake Placid, who would take on the role Aug. 12 after formal council approval at the Aug. 11 meeting. McDonald will continue as supervisor until then. Many fond memories and kind words, plus a few tears, were shared at McDonald's final session at the helm. "You guys are friends, you're family, I'm going to miss it," he said. "I'm not going far. It's one town away." He recalled some of the unique moments in office, looking to the highway crew and early morning calls. "Tyler, Mike (Farrell, highway superintendent) and everyone allowed me to go on plow runs with you guys, you don't see that with others. Thank you for all the years." He spoke to each department head, recalling work they've accomplished together. Town Clerk Dianne Miller presented the supervisor with a glass plaque they had made to honor his leadership in Peru. Miller said she didn't know McDonald when she was first appointed clerk in 2018, but they have since built a strong friendship. "With any luck," she said to Randall, who attended the meeting with his wife, Cheryl, "Craig will become one of my closest friends." McDonald said his future may well include local governance. "I can't say I'm done in politics, because I've had some calls from the city," he told the board. For now, though, he will continue to build his career as a successful real estate agent. Councilors each took a moment to reflect on their work with McDonald and as a board, pointing especially to a sense of camaraderie that drew them together like family. "Thank you for the time and effort you've put in," Councilor Eric Duquette said. "Thank you, Brandy, for everything," Councilor Kregg Bruno said. Courtney Tetrault, Peru's water and sewer superintendent, recalled times McDonald went above and beyond his job as supervisor, including fundraising at Christmas. "I appreciate everything you've done," Tetrault said. Highway Superintendent Farrell told McDonald he's been a pleasure to work with. "You've been one of the best supporters for raises (for town workers)." Peru Historian Helen Nerska, also director of the Clinton County Historical Association, thanked the supervisor for supporting Peru's new History Chat. Nerska is working with town staff now to establish a history room in the lower floor of the town hall. McDonald's final meeting was poignant for Pam Barber, confidential secretary to the board, who fought tears and nodded in agreement with all that was said. Town business continued through reminiscing, as the board begins to plan signage for its new Disc Golf course, which councilors said is stunning. Town Recreation Director Kristin Marino announced the start of youth soccer with 333 children signed up so far. Nerska said she has scheduled an historic tour through Peru with Adirondack Architectural Heritage (AARCH) for Sept. 5. Farrell said repairs done on their new roadside mower were completed under warranty. RANDALL: FAMILIAR ROLE The Sun had asked Randall prior to the meeting about his willingness to support Peru's leadership transition through to the next election. Once the council approves his appointment, he would serve about a year and a half, until the organizational meeting in January 2026. Randall was elected mayor of Lake Placid at the onset of the Great Recession in 2009, as the village embarked on a water trunk line upgrade that had been in discussion for several years. He was reelected to three four-year terms in succession, reaching the term limit in Lake Placid. "In the case of Peru, there's a real need for the water upgrade. It's a similar but a somewhat lighter carry than Lake Placid, in some ways," he said. It is familiar territory. The town is under consent order from Clinton County Health Department to improve water quality. Peru's $9.4 million project purports an increase in water user costs, although the town recently won a $1,053,381 Water Quality Improvement Grant from the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for the new system. Two prior grants totaling over $2 million will also offset costs. "There may be other grants out there, smaller grants to supplement underlying costs," Randall said. "I certainly would be looking for those, and make sure we submit the applications. Lake Placid's budget hovered around $6 million in 2021, but spending there includes a police department, partially paid fire and EMT services and four different labor unions. Randall came to municipal leadership from a 44-year career in the banking industry, retiring as regional vice president of commercial lending at NBT in 2007. He was born and brought up in Lake Placid and moved here three years ago with his wife, Cheryl, who grew up in Peru. Both are very active in community. "Retirement is a strange thing, it gives you time to do other things. I joined the Peru Lions Club and became a member of the Elks Club in Keeseville," Randall said. "And I play a little golf." Randall was approached and asked if he would consider serving as interim supervisor. "I don't say no when people ask for help," he said. "There's a good team of people here. It's hands-on and I've got the time. I'd like to see Peru have time to surface some candidates who want to be involved in local government. "The central structure of Peru is not a lot different than Lake Placid. I like the councilmen, I was interviewed by each one of them," he said. "And I don't sit around the house very well. It's perhaps fortuitous that we were here. I'm looking forward to it."

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Peru thanks Supervisor McDonald for solid leadership

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