To the editor:

I write concerning the Pelham Manor election, noting a surprising exchange at last week’s candidate debate.

A questioner asked why permit applications had to be done in person, the way it was done since our village was created at the beginning of the last century, rather than online. Mayor Lapey surprised us all by expressing preference for the status quo, and said that the Board defers to staff on such “operational” matters.

At age 84 I can confirm this old and unnecessary practice. But more convenient technology has been used by other governments for decades. I am no one’s idea of a techie, but I would certainly appreciate this option, especially since in-person application would remain available.

Especially surprising was our Mayor’s statement that the Board defers to staff on operational matters. When I served on the Board years ago it would never have occurred to any of us to defer to staff on anything. We hired and supervised talented staff, but they were employees, not a co-equal branch of our government. Blaming employees for outdated tech is the tail wagging the dog.

Candidate Mark Cardwell gave a sensible response: he said he would work on getting an online app his first day in office. Not only is this a better answer, it articulates a better definition of the Board’s responsibilities. I hope many of our fellow citizens will watch the full debate online and vote for Cardwell for Mayor and for Debbie Winstead and Ryan Kurtz for Trustees.

Steven Flanders

1 Hazen Street