To the editor:

The political atmosphere in our country seems to be at a new low. No matter which side of a question you may be on, someone else hates you. No matter where you stand, if you post an opinion on social media you are immediately attacked.

So I want to thank all the candidates who are running for election in Pelham. This has always been a wonderful community and, deep down, we all do seem to respect and help each other.

Since we are a small, close-knit community, I feel that party affiliation should make no difference. We should vote for the person and not the party. I say this even though I am a lifelong Democrat and was elected trustee and mayor of the Village of Pelham for 21 years. I ran with and appointed to various boards Democrats, Republicans, Conservatives and those with no party affiliation.

I know most of the candidates and their families very well. I regret that I did not get a chance to personally talk with all the candidates and listen to what they hope to accomplish, but I do know why I am going to vote for Team Pelham. It’s because they work hard to help all the people in our community. I worked with many of them when I was mayor and found that they made decisions based on what was good for all of us. They have worked hard to keep our services first rate all while keeping our taxes as low as any elected body in Westchester. A great thing when I, like so many of our residents, are on fixed incomes.

Could things be better? Since we don’t live in utopia, I’m sure the answer is yes! However, at this time and in this election, I am voting for Dan McLaughlin, Blake Bell, Michelle Marcellino, Antoinette Clemente and Judge John DeChiaro. I hope you will join me.

Joseph E. Durnin Jr.

Former mayor, Village of Pelham

33 Second Ave.