Kurtz and Dlutowski Back Village App for Pelham Manor Residents

Residents of Pelham Manor will see a push for a new digital channel to communicate with village officials if Ryan Kurtz and Chris Dlutowski win the upcoming Manor Trustee race. The candidates support the adoption of a village phone application, a tool the current administration has previously dismissed as unnecessary. This shift would allow residents to submit requests and report hazards directly from their devices, adding a digital option to the existing phone and email systems.

The debate over the application gained traction during a recent candidate forum. One candidate running on the Republican line argued against the app, citing potential legal or insurance liability. Kurtz responded by noting that the technology has been in use for more than 15 years and is common in thousands of other communities. He stated that the approach should focus on identifying opportunities rather than obstacles.

Current village leaders have maintained that a phone call or email is sufficient for resident communication. They have also argued that the Village Manager is always available to speak with residents. Tara Weishaupl, a resident of 39 Sherwood Avenue who endorsed Kurtz and Dlutowski in a letter, challenged this view. She described her experience in 2023, when she contacted the office repeatedly by phone regarding a safety issue near her home. After receiving no response, she sent a registered letter. Weishaupl argued that an app would allow for immediate reporting of hazards, giving the village more information rather than less.

Skepticism remains regarding whether an app would shift village priorities toward resident demands. Weishaupl clarified that the application would not change how work is prioritized. The village manager and staff would still decide what gets done and in what order, mirroring the process used for phone calls and emails. Proponents argue the app would free up staff time for matters requiring personal attention, thereby improving overall efficiency.

The endorsement letter positions Kurtz and Dlutowski as candidates who embrace a practical approach to governance. The letter suggests that the current leadership views the app as an obstacle, while the new candidates see it as a simple addition that preserves existing communication channels while adding a modern convenience. The letter describes the app as a way for citizens to raise their hand without eliminating other options.

Kurtz and Dlutowski are running for Manor Trustee to represent the village. Their platform includes the adoption of the phone application as a primary tool for community engagement. The candidates aim to preserve existing village characteristics while adding daily benefits for residents. The vote will determine whether the village adopts this digital tool or continues to rely solely on traditional communication methods.