Editor’s note: This campaign statement was provided by Dan McLaughlin, candidate for re-election as Town Supervisor. The Pelham Examiner publishes campaign statements in the form received as a service to the community.

My name is Dan McLaughlin and I am running for reelection as Town Supervisor.

My family and I moved to Pelham in 1985 and 40 years later, I can still wholeheartedly state this town has meant so much to me and my family.

My wife and I raised 2 children here, both graduating from the Pelham public school system.  My son and his family have moved back to Pelham and will also be raising their children here.

And who wouldn’t want to move back here?  The excellent schools, vast recreation program offerings, and most of all, the caring and generous residents who truly make Pelham what it is.  

I’m running for re-election because I care about Pelham.  Have cared about Pelham for the last 40 years, and I want to make sure my grandkids will feel the same way I have about Pelham in the next 40 years to come.

I’ve worn many hats during my residency here and it all started as commissioner for the Recreation Board back in 1999.  Over a 10-year period, we not only maintained the high level of standard of the existing programs, but more importantly broadened our reach.  Realizing the community wanted more than just traditional athletic offerings, we introduced new programs – chess, karate, piano lessons to name a few.  

I’m proud to say this work continues today – constantly evolving to better suit the needs of our residents – now the board oversees over 50 programs, with the newest additions being Mahjong classes and a new summer camp called Camp Mindful, catering to children with special needs.

My time on the recreation board inspired me to get more involved in community affairs – if we could make impactful changes in just the Recreation Board, what else could we improve?

So, for the last 17 years, I’ve served on the town council, and the last 6 years I have been fortunate to serve as Town Supervisor, a role I’m hoping to continue.  

My passion for community service, especially Pelham’s, remains steadfast and I have brought this energy to every issue brought in front of the Board.

My number one goal has always been to ensure that the Town continues to offer the outstanding programs and services that make me proud to call this community home. From our well-maintained athletic fields, to the library, the recreation programs, accurate tax assessments and tax collections, and cherished events like the Memorial Day and Halloween parades and summer music concerts — these are more than just services. They are the heart of our community.

At the same time, I believe in doing all of this within a budget that is both responsible and sensitive to the needs of all our taxpayers. It’s about striking the right balance — delivering quality while being fiscally mindful.

One of the achievements I’m most proud of is being instrumental in bring the Pelham EMS program to life — a program that, alongside Deputy Supervisor Rae Szymanski, we worked hard to implement. Our efforts were recently recognized when Pelham EMS was named the 2024 EMS Agency of the Year. That recognition reflects not just Rae and my dedication, but the incredible impact this service has had on our residents.

Over the last six years as your Town Supervisor, I have worked hard to make Pelham stronger, smarter and more efficient. We have kept taxes under control, improved services (especially EMS) and tackled real issues that affect our quality of life- without the drama or the politics!!

I am running for re-election because experience matters.  I know how this Town works- and more importantly, how to make it work even better.  My opponents talk about what they want to do.  I can show you what we have already done- and what we are ready to do next! 

The Town of Pelham does not need a learning curve.  It needs steady hands, common sense and proven results.  I am proud of our progress and with your support, I am ready to keep it going!

I’m committed to continuing this level of leadership — Practical, Passionate, and always putting the Community First!

Please vote for me and my Team Pelham teammates; re-elect Rae Szymanski for Town Council; re-elect Cathy Mazzaro as Tax Receiver and please vote for Cristina Chianese for Town Council and Maureen Borsella as Town Clerk. Vote by Election Day. This vastly well experienced team will continue to serve the Town residents in the way they should be served and have been served.  You can vote on the Neighborhood Party line or the Republican Party line.  

Local elections should not be about political issues; it should be local issues!

Thank you

Dan McLaughlin