In the Peru mayoral election, Mayor Ken Kolowski leads Doug Bernabei by a large margin, with 1,679 votes compared to Bernabei’s 561. Despite earlier agreements for a cordial campaign, tensions have risen recently. Both candidates propose utilizing hotel/motel funds for a municipal pool, yet they disagree on the main challenges facing the city, namely inflation and financial crisis.
In the recent mayoral election for Peru, Mayor Ken Kolowski currently leads with 1,679 votes to 561 for former Police Chief Doug Bernabei, with all precincts counted. This count does not include early voting totals. During a forum in February, both candidates had agreed to maintain a civil campaign; however, tensions have escalated recently, resulting in mutual criticisms on social media platforms.
In a questionnaire by Shaw Local News Network, both candidates expressed their support for utilizing hotel/motel funds to establish a municipal pool, reflecting on the positive outcome from a November referendum. Kolowski emphasized that the pool could serve as a revenue source for the city, while Bernabei pledged his full support if elected, affirming that the will of the people should prevail. “I look forward to the current pool study and recommendation that is forthcoming from a very dedicated group of two aldermen, two community members and the parks and recreation director…” he remarked.
The candidates have differing views on the principal issues confronting the city. Kolowski identifies inflation as the main concern, while Bernabei warns of a potential financial crisis. Kolowski noted that Peru has experienced significant growth in the past four years, but the sustainability of this progress is uncertain due to inflationary pressures. Managing the budget wisely, he suggested, could help ensure continued growth amidst these challenges.
Conversely, Bernabei argues that the city is confronting a severe financial crisis, citing an explosive increase in the general fund budget, which has risen to over $23 million, with $4.3 million having been exhausted. The election results will be available online once finalized, providing further clarity on the community’s electoral choices.
The Peru mayoral race highlights a stark contrast between incumbent Ken Kolowski and challenger Doug Bernabei, with Kolowski currently leading significantly in votes. The disagreement on critical issues such as inflation versus financial crisis indicates differing approaches to governance. Both candidates are advocating for a municipal pool, reflecting an effort to engage the community’s interests. The election results will shed light on the voters’ preferences moving forward.
Original Source: www.shawlocal.com
