Saratoga Springs Democrats Retain Montagnino Endorsement, Issue Letter Of Concern

SARATOGA SPRINGS — At its July 15 meeting, the Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee considered – but rejected – a motion to rescind its endorsement of Public Safety Commissioner James Montagnino for re-election.

The committee instead voted to issue a Letter of Concern over actions that have “caused unnecessary ill will,” said city Democratic Committee chairperson Otis Maxwell.  “These are real concerns, and we hope the Commissioner takes them to heart. We had a frank discussion and listened to the serious issues our members had raised, then we took a vote. The result is an example of democracy at work, and I think our committee is stronger and more united after going through this debate.”

The Letter of Concern sent to Montagnino specifically cited “the aggressive way you have handled confrontations with members of Black Lives Matter in Saratoga Springs and with other members of the City Council,” in causing “unnecessary ill will” and running counter to SSDC’s mission of promoting “open and inclusive governance,” according to the Democratic Committee’s letter.