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

My name is DJ McLaughlin, and I’m running for re-election as a Village of Pelham Manor Trustee. It’s been an honor to serve this incredible community since 2023 — and I’m asking for your support to keep that work moving forward.

I was lucky enough to grow up right here in Pelham Manor — a proud Prospect Hill, Pelham Middle School, and Pelham Memorial High School graduate, Class of 2002. As a kid, I looked up to our local leaders — neighbors who stepped up because they cared. Today, I’m proud to serve in that same role. It’s a responsibility I take to heart every single day.

Pelham Manor is truly an oasis — a close-knit, beautiful village surrounded by the energy of three major cities, including New York City. Through steady, responsible leadership, we’ve preserved our small-town character and quality of life even as the world around us keeps changing. In just a few blocks, you can go from city hustle to village calm — and that’s something worth protecting. That’s why I chose to raise my family here.

As a Board, we’ve focused on what matters most — strengthening public safety, improving infrastructure, managing stormwater, and keeping residents connected and informed — all while maintaining rock-solid fiscal discipline.

The results speak for themselves:

• Taxes remain low and stable. Since 2019, Village real estate taxes have grown just 2.6% annually — far below inflation, which rose over 4%. While prices everywhere else climbed 26%, our total real estate village taxes increased only 13%.
• We’re efficient and proactive. Pelham Manor ranks #2 out of 18 Westchester villages in state and federal aid received as a percentage of revenue over the last three years. We stretch every dollar by securing grants, managing costs wisely, and running government like a business — lean, strategic, and focused on results.
• We plan ahead. Our strong reserves mean we can invest in major projects — like stormwater mitigation — quickly and without taking on debt, while still seeking additional grant funding to protect taxpayers.

In short: Pelham Manor runs like a well-oiled machine — because we put residents first and make smart, forward-thinking decisions.

My vision is simple: Keep building on what works. Preserve what makes Pelham Manor, Pelham Manor.

This community shaped who I am. After years abroad early in my career, I realized no place in the world compares to home. I worked hard to come back — and now, raising my family here alongside lifelong friends, I’m reminded daily how special this village truly is.

From my time on the Zoning Board of Appeals to serving as Trustee, I’ve seen how deep our roots go — generations of families who care, contribute, and come back. That’s the Pelham Manor spirit.

We are a team that gets things done — and the progress is real. You don’t have to take my word for it; just look around. Our village is thriving because of steady leadership, sound decisions, and a shared commitment to community.

Let’s keep that momentum going. Let’s keep Pelham Manor strong, beautiful, and uniquely ours.  Thank you for your consideration.