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PELHAM EXAMINER – August 19, 2026

Less than a year after an historically close election for the Village of Pelham Manor’s Board of Trustees, another electoral battle is looming in November for two seats on the panel.

Village of Pelham Manor Deputy Mayor Breda Bennett and Joe Liberatore, a member of the Manor’s zoning board of appeals, will run for election on the Neighborhood Party line.  Bennett has served on the Board of Trustees since 2018, while this is Liberatore’s first run for elective office.  Maurice Owen-Michaane, who was elected to the board in 2020, is stepping down after serving three two-year terms.

The pair will face off against Ryan Kurtz and Chris Dlutkowski, members of the Pelham Manor Democrats, who announced their candidacies in June.

In an email exchange with the Pelham Examiner, Bennett and Liberatore explained why they were running.

“Service on the Village Board is a logical extension of my deep commitment to local volunteerism,” wrote Bennett. “Since joining the Board of Trustees in 2018, I have been integrally involved in steering the Village in terms of fiscal policy and improving our high-level municipal services. As Deputy Mayor and Police Commissioner, I am particularly proud of initiatives that I have spearheaded, such as the ‘Road Safety Starts with You’ campaign.”

Bennett, a mother of six who has lived in the Manor for three decades, also mentioned her commitment to maintaining the economic discipline of the village.

“I want to keep Pelham Manor on track to continue providing the highest level of village services in a fiscally responsible manner,” she wrote. “Pelham Manor is unique among its peers in that the Village carries no debt and is consistently compliant with the New York State tax cap.”

Bennett emphasized the importance of listening to her neighbors. “Listening is central to my approach as a municipal leader,” she wrote.  “I pride myself on being approachable and accessible.  I believe in hearing everyone’s opinions and thoughts on subjects, and I am always available to speak or meet with residents.”

Joe Liberatore, who has lived in Pelham Manor for 25 years, emphasized the importance of community in the village.

“I want to keep this Village unique and neighborly,” he wrote. “We live in a warm and inviting community where children can walk safely to school along tree-lined streets. That is special.”

Liberatore noted that his professional background in finance and accounting would be helpful on the Board of Trustees.

“As an experienced CPA and fractional CFO for for-profit and non-profit groups, including conservation and wildlife advocacy organizations, I bring critically important financial skills to any professional effort,” he wrote.

Liberatore noted that his three years of service on the village’s zoning board of appeals has given him good insight into the operations and governance of Pelham Manor.

“My approach is collaborative, and my door has always been open for my neighbors,” he wrote. “I welcome the opportunity to continue my service to our residents as Village Trustee.  I am committed to making sure each resident’s voice is heard.”