Editor’s note: This campaign statement was provided by Russell Solomon, Democratic candidate for Village of Pelham trustee. The Pelham Examiner publishes statements in the form received as a service to the community.

Dear Neighbors,

Every time I stroll down Wolfs Lane or grab a coffee at Shea Station, I’m reminded why I love Pelham so much. It’s not just our charming streets or fantastic local businesses – it’s you, my neighbors, who make this community truly special.

I’ve had the honor of serving as your trustee since 2020, and I’m excited to be running for reelection on Tuesday, November 5th. Even though I’m unopposed, I wanted to discuss where we’ve been and where we’re headed as a village.

When I joined the board during the pandemic, I was deeply concerned about our village’s finances. I’m amazed at how far we’ve come in such a short time. I’m proud we earned an AA+ credit rating from S&P Global Ratings by managing the village’s debt responsibly and consistently delivering a balanced budget. This is the second-highest rating a municipality can get. In practical terms, we’ve grown our savings from 6% to 20% of our spending. This financial cushion will help future boards avoid the challenges we faced during those tumultuous times and put us in a much stronger position to care for our community.

Infrastructure has been a key focus for me. I’ve pushed hard for projects that are unglamorous but necessary, such as our recent work on the village’s 80-year-old sanitary sewers—we’ve fixed over two miles of pipes and repaired 16 manholes throughout Pelham. As the board’s liaison for pedestrian safety, I’ve been particularly passionate about making our streets safer for everyone. I championed lowering the speed limit to 25 mph village-wide, initiated a PSA campaign for safer driving, and was involved in redesigning the Wolfs and Sparks intersection.

Over the years, I’ve taken a hands-on approach across various liaison roles—from DPW to Downtown Business to Pedestrian Safety and Communications. This has allowed me to focus directly on issues that matter to me as a resident, a father to three teens, and our village as a whole. Whether collaborating with the Chamber of Commerce or addressing concerns from neighbors over a cup of coffee, I’m committed to finding effective solutions. I strive to be a trustee who listens, acts, and delivers results. This approach has deepened my understanding of our village’s needs and strengthened my relationships within our community. I believe in leading by example and working tirelessly to make tangible improvements in our daily lives here in Pelham.

Looking ahead, I’m excited about two projects I’m spearheading: updating the village’s comprehensive plan to provide a blueprint for future boards, and working closely with the Chamber of Commerce implementing the Westchester County Business FIRST Downtown Improvement Grant. Both initiatives will create exciting new possibilities for Pelham’s future. I’m also eagerly anticipating our new municipal center, which is almost ready for move-in. This center isn’t just a new building—it’s a symbol of how far we’ve come together, an investment in a downtown we all cherish and evidence of our shared belief that Pelham’s future will be as vibrant as its past.

That spirit of community is what I love most about being a trustee. I’m grateful for the opportunity to actively participate in shaping Pelham’s future, working to make our community life richer and our village an even better place to live and work. And I’m thrilled I get to do that work alongside our impressive municipal staff, my dedicated colleagues on the Village Board and all of you. We can achieve amazing things when we unite behind a common goal, even when we don’t always see eye to eye. I’m committed to Pelham, not just as a trustee, but as your neighbor and friend.

Thank you for your trust and support. Let’s keep working together to improve Pelham, guided by respect and shared responsibility that makes our village so special. Feel free to email me at [email protected] or stop me for a chat when you see me around town. And remember your vote matters—please cast your ballot on November 5th.

With respect and gratitude,

Russell Solomon

Trustee, Village of Pelham