Peru, NY, Apr 13, 2009 — Small-town politics can be a tough business. Feuds over local taxes and skirmishes for control of village boards can be every bit as nasty as the political fights in Albany or Washington DC. But the rancor that has enveloped in the town of Peru, in Clinton County, is in a class by itself. For nearly four years, town supervisor Donald Covel has battled openly with members of his town board. There have been public shouting matches, a recall effort, and a flurry of costly lawsuits. Covel is now facing criminal charges of official misconduct and abuse of power. As Brian Mann reports, many locals say the rancor and bitterness have crippled their local government.