Hello Neighbors!
My name is Peter Kush and I am running for Planning Board Commissioner! I had originally intended to run for Housing Authority Commissioner, however I recently learned that the position was not in fact open this election cycle. I still feel passionately about serving my community and the future of Ayer therefore I have launched a write-in campaign for Planning Board member.
My wife and I chose Ayer as our home for just that sense of community. We moved here in 2021 with our two cats after searching for a town that would feel like home to both of us, a place we could put down roots together and see how our lives and the town grow.
My family has always instilled in me a strong sense of public service. My grandfather was on the select board of Upton for decades before transitioning to the library committee. My grandmother sat on the school board for the Upton-Mendon school district. My mother is currently running for reelection for the planning board in Upton and my father spent his entire career writing for the Worcester Telegram & Gazette. I plan to continue this tradition of public service in my chosen town of Ayer.
I want to bring my energy and experience to this position. I have over 18 years of experience working with housing authorities. My career in housing began after graduating from Clark University with a degree in Public Administration and Urban Redevelopment, when my first job at the South Worcester Neighborhood Improvement Corporation (SWINC) taught me how a small group of passionate residents could work together to create a community all were proud of. I then transitioned to working for the Worcester Housing Authority where I learned the ins and outs of all the policies and procedures at the 2nd largest housing authority in the Northeast. During my time at the housing authority, we transitioned to a new executive who brought in innovative and historic ideas regarding housing that were successfully implemented at the state level later. For the past 10 years, I have been the Housing Director for Genesis Club, a rehabilitation program for adults with severe mental illness in Worcester. This role has reinforced for me that people need more than just a place to rest their heads; they need safe and dignified housing to call home. This role has also taught me how fragile housing has become.
Given all of my experience, I plan to be a hands-on part of making sure that Ayer has the responsible development needed to insure its economic growth while preserving what makes Ayer special.
I respectfully ask that you write in “Peter Kush” for Planning Board member on May 12th.