Editor’s note: This campaign statement was provided by Jennifer Monachino Lapey, candidate for re-election as mayor of the Village of Pelham Manor. The Pelham Examiner publishes campaign statements in the form received as a service to the community.

Serving as Mayor of the Village of Pelham Manor is a passion for me. I grew up in this cohesive community, and the meaningful friendships I forged here have framed my proactive approach to governance. While we have accomplished so much during my time in office, there are key projects on the horizon and recent changes in personnel at Village Hall. I would be honored to serve two more years, guiding the Village at this important juncture.

Several years ago, a group of residents and community leaders asked me to run for office, based on my community engagement and nonprofit leadership. I can say, without hesitation, that throwing my hat in the ring was one of the best decisions of my life

As Mayor, I have promoted fiscal responsibility, while spearheading communication, staffing and sustainability initiatives. Pelham Manor remains compliant with the New York State Tax Cap and debt free, avoiding the costly burdens of debt service. The Village boasts a low fiscal stress score from the New York State Comptroller (improved to 3.3) and consistently receives favorable reports from our outside auditors.

As a former prosecutor and a mother, public safety is my top priority. The Pelham Manor Police Department (PMPD) has increased advanced training, in areas ranging from firearms competency to sophisticated encounter techniques. Participation in Westchester County’s Real Time Crime unit provides us with access to valuable law enforcement intelligence and technology through connections with over 100 local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. 

Working with our outside traffic engineer, the Village Manager, and our Chiefs of Department, Pelham Manor completed an eight-month, comprehensive review of the Vehicle and Traffic portion of our Village Code. Analysis included an exhaustive study of traffic safety materials and the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). My colleagues and I then passed four local laws which reduced the speed limit Village-wide from 30 to 25 mph and to 15 mph in school zones. We also added approximately 50 stop signs throughout Pelham Manor. I have driven other critical public safety efforts, such as adding police coverage and crossing guards at strategic locations in the Village and securing the first red-light traffic enforcement camera for a village in New York State. Our robust monitoring and enforcement efforts have translated into significant safety gains for our families.

I am similarly committed to public safety education efforts, particularly for our younger residents. I actively support safety programs at Village Hall and in our elementary schools. I personally encouraged the re-introduction of the DARE program, helping children make healthy life choices, and collaborated with other Village officials to reinstate the PMPD’s bicycle registration program.

As the chief elected official, I work to foster continued progress in the Pelham Manor Fire Department (PMFD). The PMFD’s advanced training program involves critical collaboration with Westchester County and the FDNY. Notably, the department recently earned an upgraded International Insurance Offices Public Protection Classification for fire suppression services, placing it in the top 4% in New York State.

Proudly committed to Pelham Manor’s wide range of environmental programs and sustainability initiatives, I am delighted that Pelham Manor has earned recognition as a Climate Smart Community. The Village operates a regionally leading organic waste recycling program pursuant to a public-private partnership, supporting a vital circular economy. With an overall recycling rate of about 77%, Pelham Manor also provides a food scraps recycling, which the Village runs through an inter-municipal agreement with the Village of Pelham and Westchester County. I voted to add weekly paper and commingled recycling pickups to our DPW services, at no extra cost. In addition, we just completed the installation of solar panels on Village Hall – an effort almost entirely funded through a grant.

Stormwater mitigation and management remain a key focus for my colleagues and me. Using our industry-leading Village-wide Drainage Infrastructure Assessment completed in 2023, Pelham Manor continues work in each watershed, including the $1.6 million stormwater project on Highbrook Avenue. Through effective in-house grant writing and our strong financial position, my colleagues and I also secured a $550,000 Climate Smart Communities grant to right-size the Monroe Street stormwater drain line and a $404,000 Water Quality Improvement Project grant to install a bioretention system on Esplanade.

For me, government is a two-way street. Under my administration, Pelham Manor has ushered in a new age of direct communication tools for residents, such as Trustee e-mail accounts, a Village Facebook page, televised Board meetings, open public comment at our Board meetings and a Village Newsletter. We are presently working on more website upgrades, designed to improve your experience online. My colleagues and I are dedicated to enhancing our Village’s vibrancy for you. With newly expanded retail uses available at Four Corners and the reopening of Michael’s, dynamic progress for business is underway. 

Since returning to Pelham Manor, I have used my professional skills as an advocate and my drive as a competitive athlete to strengthen this community. Pelham Manor is my priority, and my focus is local. I look forward to the next two years with enthusiasm, purpose and a steady hand.

I would be honored to have your support again on November 4. I also respectfully ask you to support my dedicated running mates, Trustees Tim Case and D.J. McLaughlin. We are an experienced team, with complementary skills and training. If you give us the ball again, we will keep making the shots.