Letters to the Editor

With real problems facing Pelham Manor, ‘beyond comprehension’ board spends money preventing election referendum

August 9, 2024

To the editor:

My family and I have lived in Pelham Manor since 1970. Recently we signed a petition that called for the Village of Pelham Manor to place on the ballot in the upcoming November election the question of when Manor residents wish to vote for their village representatives. This petition was signed by more than 800 Pelham Manor residents. The village rejected the petition as invalid, so the petitioners sued in state court. The court ruled that the petition was, indeed, valid and ordered the village to place this issue on the ballot in the upcoming election. Incredibly, the village has appealed this decision! It is beyond comprehension that, with all of the real problems facing the village, it would choose to spend time, effort and money to prevent its residents from voting on this issue. This is voter suppression pure and simple. We are appalled!

Brian and Carla Eccleston

1396 Park Lane

Comments (5)

The Pelham Examiner intends for this area to be used to foster healthy, thought-provoking discussion. Commenters must provide their FIRST NAME and their LAST NAME. Comments are expected to adhere to our standards and to be respectful and constructive. As such, we do not permit the use of profanity, foul language, personal attacks or the use of language that might be interpreted as libelous. Comments are reviewed and must be approved by a moderator to ensure that they meet these standards. The Pelham Examiner does not allow anonymous comments, and requires a valid email address. The email address will not be displayed but will be used to confirm your comments. We will check to see if it works and may also request a street address if an email looks to be spam.

Share your thoughts...

All Pelham Examiner Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

M

Molly Brennan • Aug 10, 2024 at 11:24 pm

Agreed! If petitions and voter participation by letter and public discourse is disallowed by the Manor Board one has to think A) they are corrupt and B) what are they trying to hide?


https://pelhamexaminer.com/70090/letters-to-the-editor/with-real-problems-facing-pelham-manor-beyond-comprehension-board-spends-time-and-money-preventing-election-referendum/#comment-2570
R

Rick Calero • Aug 10, 2024 at 9:41 am

Out of curiosity as a 10 year resident, why are the elections not in November in the first place? Have not been able to find the reason for this in the first place.


https://pelhamexaminer.com/70090/letters-to-the-editor/with-real-problems-facing-pelham-manor-beyond-comprehension-board-spends-time-and-money-preventing-election-referendum/#comment-2569
- S
  
  Steven Shekane • Aug 11, 2024 at 8:23 pm
  
  The default election date under NY State law is March for villages. A simple google search will take you the text of the law.
  
  
  https://pelhamexaminer.com/70090/letters-to-the-editor/with-real-problems-facing-pelham-manor-beyond-comprehension-board-spends-time-and-money-preventing-election-referendum/#comment-2572
  - A
    
    Andrew Scott • Aug 13, 2024 at 12:00 pm
    
    A majority of towns in Westchester have (logically) moved their local elections to align with the November voting dates. Saves the town money, is more convenient for votes (not having to go to poll twice), and improves turnout – seems like a very easy decision unless your main concern is minimizing voter turnout….
    
    
    https://pelhamexaminer.com/70090/letters-to-the-editor/with-real-problems-facing-pelham-manor-beyond-comprehension-board-spends-time-and-money-preventing-election-referendum/#comment-2574
    - S
      
      Steven Shekane • Aug 13, 2024 at 5:42 pm
      
      Governor Hochul passed a law mandating all towns in the state move their elections to November of even years. The Town of Pelham has always had its election in November. The Westchester Putnam Association of Town Supervisors (mostly Democrats) opposed this move to even years only, but it is law.
      
      The overwhelming majority of villages across our state, however, have their elections in March, which is the default date under NY State Law.
      
      
      https://pelhamexaminer.com/70090/letters-to-the-editor/with-real-problems-facing-pelham-manor-beyond-comprehension-board-spends-time-and-money-preventing-election-referendum/#comment-2575