To the editor:

I’ve been on a lot of boards over the years. When I rejoined the village board for the second time almost two years ago, I didn’t know Chance personally. But having worked with him and seen his work up close, I’m happy to endorse him for mayor.

Some people come on our local boards and, with all due respect, they don’t do all that much. They seem to think that their job is simply to make judgment calls, rather than do the actual work of the village. That is not Chance.

I’ve been able to work with him on a number of different projects that cover all aspects of village government. What I’ve seen is someone who is passionate about doing what’s best for Pelham—and what’s best for our residents, on issues large and small. He digs into every issue, and makes decisions based on facts and reason. He’s never afraid to take a position contrary to the opinions held by other board members or people in his party, and when we disagree, he always does so with respect and good humor.

He recognizes the need for downtown development, which is the best option we have to reduce homeowners’ taxes, and he takes the analysis of each project very seriously. When a developer recently proposed age-restricted housing, he celebrated the moment with excitement for what it could mean for our seniors, and that’s because the village’s future is personal to him.

But the biggest reason I’ll be voting for him is that I know he takes this potential role as mayor very seriously. He deliberated for months before deciding to run, to make sure he was ready for the job. He understands that the village is facing some significant challenges and being mayor is not a figurehead position. The next mayor will have very large shoes to fill, and Chance knows exactly what he’s getting into. I think he’ll do a great job, and I plan to vote for his whole team.

I hope my fellow residents will join me in voting for Chance Mullen for mayor, and Ariel Spira-Cohen, Mike Carpenter and Lisa Hill-Ries for trustees on March 19.

Pete Potocki

66 Boulevard