To the editor:
I have lived in Pelham for 20 years. Historically, I have always valued the competing views the two major parties bring to the table. At different times in my life I’ve voted across party lines. That party tension is a critical component to a functioning and healthy democracy; a fundamental American value arguably above all others.
However, in this moment, the traditional Republican party establishment has been replaced by a win-at-any-cost movement at odds with basic democratic norms. This group is actively attacking and dismantling the most fundamental structures of our democracy, including our right to choose our elected officials. We are at a crucial juncture.
Because of this, I reject the idea that party affiliation does not matter in local elections. For many voters, party affiliation is the single most important piece of information they have about candidates. In some cases, it’s the only thing they know. Political party telegraphs values and priorities. That is true regardless of the responsibilities of local office.
To those who say I’m bringing national politics into a local election: actually the candidates did that. There is no requirement that candidates run on national party lines; the candidates all chose to, and at significant effort. Candidates could much more easily have ONLY run on local party lines. Instead, they collected pages of signatures and filled out stacks of petitions to qualify on the national lines. Presumably they did that because they believe they will benefit from their party association. For any candidate now to disavow the connection they worked to create is the height of hypocrisy.
Whether it’s a local or any other election, party affiliation is a valid consideration. Whatever quarrels candidates may have with their national party, they support it enough to run for office under its banner. Voters have every right—and indeed an obligation—to consider that when they cast their ballots.
When I step into the voting booth in Pelham I will be choosing not only who governs locally, but what kind of country I believe in. I will be voting for the local candidates running on the Democratic line. I ask all voters who believe in democracy, freedom and the rule of law to join me.
John Fronce
214 Sixth Avenue
Sylvia Rowe • Oct 29, 2025 at 11:34 am
I deeply disagree with this opinion. I find the view that the capital letter next to your name reflects the value of your ideas, your fitness for office or indeed your moral worth exemplifies all that is wrong with our country in this moment. The fact that this accusation tends to only flow one direction on the political spectrum also is not lost on me. It doesn’t belong in Pelham local elections or community interactions at all.
Shaun Breidbart • Oct 31, 2025 at 4:05 pm
I find that it’s what’s solidly wrong with one of the political parties, that is actively participating in violating both civil and basic human rights and risking calamity both from denying climate change and medical science.
Jason Feldman • Oct 28, 2025 at 9:21 am
John, I’d encourage you to reach out to the candidates. For a local election, “In some cases, it’s the only thing they know” shouldn’t be the case.
While I understand your sentiment and I certainly have my issues with national politics, I think our local elections are more about the people than the party. That being said, I’d be thrilled if local candidates ran without party affiliation. That candidate would get a long look from me next cycle.
When I’ve been undecided in the past, I’ve had cold conversations with multiple candidates. Having that personal conversation can really help.