Letters TO THE EDITOR

NO VIP ZONE: TAXPAYERS DESERVE EQUAL ACCESS AT BELMONT ON BROADWAY

With $50,000 in taxpayer funding supporting this year’s Belmont on Broadway concert, it is time to make one thing clear: the taxpayers are the VIPs for this exciting event for Saratoga Springs.

Last year’s event featured an exclusive VIP area near the stage and a hospitality tent, a glaring symbol of special treatment for a select few while residents were left outside the ropes. Despite the event being “no smoking”, the VIP area became a scene of privileged rule-breaking, including the now-infamous moment when Commissioner of Accounts Dillon Moran was caught on camera lighting up a pipe.

This kind of segregation has no place at a publicly funded event. If taxpayer dollars are footing the bill, all attendees must be treated equally. No roped-off sections. No backroom hospitality. Just a community event where every person—regardless of status or political connection—has the same access to the best viewing areas and festivities.

I am calling on event organizers to eliminate the VIP area at this year’s event. No more backroom hospitality. No more fenced-off exclusivity. No more political perks.

Mike Brandi

The people of Saratoga County are the true VIPs, and they deserve to enjoy this special event without barriers or favoritism.