Pelham Manor Residents Back $0 App Cost in Endorsement

Residents of Pelham Manor will soon have a digital option for reporting local hazards if the village adopts a phone application, a change endorsed by local resident Tara Weishaupl in a letter dated October 26, 2026.

Weishaupl, writing from 39 Sherwood Avenue, supports Ryan Kurtz and Chris Dlutowski for Manor Trustee. She argues the pair will protect existing community features while adding new tools. The central example of this approach is the village phone app, which she describes as a method to improve communication without replacing current channels.

The endorsement highlights a specific conflict at a recent candidate forum. A Republican candidate objected to the app, citing potential legal or insurance liability. Weishaupl counters that the technology has existed for more than 15 years and is widely used by thousands of other communities. She notes that Chris Dlutowski responded by emphasizing the value of seeing opportunities rather than obstacles.

Current village leadership has stated that an app is unnecessary because residents can use phone calls or emails. They also noted that the Village Manager is always available to talk. Weishaupl disagrees, citing her own 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 via the post office to ensure the issue was addressed.

Weishaupl argues that an app would allow residents to report hazards or make requests immediately by tapping a button. This method would provide the village with more information while keeping existing options open. She clarifies that the app would not allow residents to set village priorities. The village manager and staff would still decide what gets done and in what order, exactly as they do with phone calls or emails.

The letter suggests that the app would free up staff time for matters requiring personal attention, thereby improving efficiency. Weishaupl concludes by asking neighbors to join her in supporting Kurtz and Dlutowski. She states that the candidates embrace a positive approach to governance that adds everyday benefits to the village.