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Queenstown interviews five candidates for commissioner vacancy; decision deferred
Summary
At a Feb. 17 special meeting, Queenstown commissioners interviewed five candidates for a vacant commissioner seat. Candidates focused on water and sewer infrastructure and cautious, "smart" growth; commissioners postponed an appointment and adjourned at 6:16 p.m.
President Al Hardee presided over a special Queenstown Commissioners meeting on Feb. 17, 2026, at which five candidates — George Buckler, Jim Watzin, Tom Peregoy, Ned Foster and George Plumbo — were interviewed to fill a town commissioner vacancy. Commissioners said they would make the appointment at a following meeting and adjourned at 6:16 p.m.
The panel asked each candidate seven identical questions about motivation, priorities and qualifications. Candidates most consistently raised infrastructure and growth concerns. "I want to keep the town the way it is regarding growth/safety," candidate George Buckler said, framing his campaign around preserving the town's character. Jim Watzin said he is retired, has invested in Queenstown and warned that "growth is more of a risk than a benefit to [the] character of the town," highlighting potential strains on water and sewer systems. Tom Peregoy noted past service as a commissioner and emphasized steady, slow growth. Ned Foster cited a family history in Queenstown and raised the county's low allocation for water and sewer as a constraint. George Plumbo urged "smart growth" to support town needs while keeping costs affordable for residents.
Candidates described relevant experience and availability. Buckler cited more than 30 years as a supervisor; Watzin described management and budget work, including at NASA and the Department of Defense; Peregoy and Plumbo noted prior service as commissioners; Foster said he has been involved with local meetings and previously applied for the Planning Commission. All five said they can attend meetings and handle daytime town business if needed.
The interviews followed a posted schedule that allotted 30 minutes per candidate, beginning at 4:00 p.m. and running through the evening. After the interviews, commissioners did not vote on an appointment. "A decision will be made at a following meeting," the record states. President Al Hardee then moved to adjourn at 6:16 p.m.; Commissioner Bryon Callahan seconded. The minutes record the vote as 2 yes, 0 no.
Town Manager Amy Moore and Town Clerk Aaron Horney were recorded as present; Horney signed the minutes. No formal appointment or other policy actions occurred during the session. The vacancy appointment remains pending; the commission will consider next steps at a future meeting.
