What Comes Next: Public Safety and Pelham’s Vision for the Future

We’ve made real progress when it comes to public safety in Pelham, and I’ve been proud to be a part of that. But I’m not here just to look back. I’m focused on what’s next.

Recently, the City Council formally adopted a new Vision, Mission, and Values framework for Pelham. It’s more than just words on a webpage. It’s a commitment, and I plan to use it as my guide moving forward, especially when it comes to public safety.

Pelham’s vision is to be “a welcoming community, connected to nature and each other, where everyone belongs.” That means public safety has to be more than just response times and equipment upgrades…it’s about creating an environment where people feel safe, valued, and looked after in every part of our city.

Our mission statement reinforces that. It says we’re here to deliver “high-quality services, a safe and beautiful environment, and a vibrant quality of life.” As a Councilmember, I believe we’re doing that best when we fully support the people who protect our neighborhoods: our police officers, firefighters, EMS teams, and support staff.

Going forward, I will support any proposal that moves us toward:

• Improving emergency response times as our city grows

• Investing in tools and training to keep first responders equipped and prepared

• Fostering trust and transparency between our public safety departments and the citizens they serve

• Attracting and retaining high-quality personnel in a competitive job market

  

  
  

Pelham’s values – trust, innovation, collaboration, inclusivity, and stewardship – should also shape the decisions we make. Supporting public safety isn’t just about the next budget vote. It’s about building relationships between our departments and the community, creating space for feedback, and making sure our growth is smart, strategic, and focused on real people.

So what comes next? More listening. More planning. More investing in what works…and more pushing back on what doesn’t. If it helps keep our residents safe, aligns with our shared values, and makes Pelham a better place to live, you can count on my vote.

I’m committed to continuing this work. With your support, we’ll keep moving forward, together.

—Michael Harris