To the editor:

We write to whole-heartedly endorse the reelection of Deputy Mayor and Police Commissioner Breda Bennett and Trustee and Department of Public Works Commissioner Maurice Owen-Michaane to the Village of Pelham Manor Board of Trustees.

Like many couples, we are registered in different political parties; I am a life-long Democrat, and my husband Gary, a registered Republican. It has meant some lively conversations around the dinner table over the years. But one thing we have always agreed on is that the Pelham Manor village election is about local issues, not national politics—and that the two should not be confused. Our local elected officials should be selected based not on party affiliation, but whether the candidates have a record of demonstrated competency, applicable skills, trustworthiness and a detailed knowledge of the community. After all, we depend on our elected officials to look out for the best interests of our families on a wide variety of critical issues—financial, safety, environmental and local harmony.

These are the very reasons why it is important to both of us that we keep the current, proven team of leaders in place. Bennett and Owen-Michaane are devoted to keeping Pelham Manor the special place we all know it to be. We know they are of the highest integrity, with an incredible depth of knowledge and skills on the issues that matter most to running a small village bordering one of the largest cities in the world. They lead with impressive competence, calm and seemingly endless energy—and community spirit. The services in our village are second to none, and it is because of the hard work of Bennett and Owen-Michaane, along with Mayor Jennifer Monachino Lapey and the other board members, that we can say that.

Gary and I are taking the time to write this letter because we believe in the leadership of our current elected officials. Their proven record of responsible financial management of our tax dollars has maintained and enhanced the quality of life in our village. Let’s keep our village government focused on our local issues, which Bennett and Owen-Michaane do.

We fully support their reelection. Please join us in voting to reelect Deputy Mayor and Police Commissioner Breda Bennett and DPW Commissioner Maurice Owen-Michaane as trustees on March 19.

Joan and Gary Friedman

953 Peace St.