Coming off a tumultuous past couple of years, the Aberdeen Village Council looks to move forward with at least one new face starting in 2016.
Councilman Jim Perraut decided not to run again for council, opening up the stage for his wife Wanda Perraut and Tony Combess to compete for one of the two seats. Incumbent councilwoman and former Aberdeen Mayor Billie Eitel is also up for re-election, as is current Mayor Jason Phillips.
Hear from a pair of the candidates for village council:
Wanda Perraut
I’m just hoping that we can continue what my husband and the previous council have been able to accomplish. We’re trying to just keep their policies in place and buld on the good will to the people in this town and keep the council running smoothly. I would hope that we could do something with the old school. I don’t know if there is anything that can be done, if there’s grants or various funds out there but it would be nice to get that cleaned up and turned into green space, a park or something. I would be thrilled if we can get that done, that’s my main goal.
“I’ve lived in the town for 40 years, the other two candidates have lived here for all their life. So we’re pretty much equal, living in this area and trying to do what’s right. Tony and I are newcomers to the political situation. I helped with the water project, I worked hard for the last five years to get this thing finally accomplished. I think we did a good thing. I do think I would do a good job.”
Billie Eitel
“I felt that they still is a need and felt that I could still contribute something to the council, so I put my name in. Over the last few years my goal has been to be able for Aberdeen to have good, quality drinking water, and that will soon come to fruition. My next goal would be able to work with the other council members and hope to enforce some ordinances and clean up a few places in town. We need to pave some streets and we are hoping to possibly get some grants and be able to do that. I just want to maintain the village and I hope that we can move forward in a positive way.
“I feel at this time that the village is moving in a positive manner. I feel that we’ve overcome some dissention that was within the council and that everyone at this time is trying to work together and do what’s best for the village. I don’t feel that there’s anyone at this time that has any personal agendas that they’re trying to achieve. They are on counsel just to serve the village and the mayor.
“I think the other two candidates are very caring and have the best interests in the village, I just feel that my past experience over the years sets me apart and gives me an advantage over the other two.”