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Author: Saratoga TODAY

A New Approach to Saratoga Politics

Last Friday, Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee chair Pat Tuz resigned from her position for personal and business reasons. While it is sad to see someone so dedicated to their work depart, it’s a huge opportunity for serious change in the Saratoga Springs City Democratic Committee. With the upcoming primary and general elections looming, new leadership in the committee means the possibility of a new approach to politics, an approach that’s truly unique to Saratoga Springs. An approach that is built on campaigning for hard working, dedicated elected officials who will push this city forward through common sense solutions and an open dialogue with their constituents. 

The city party chairs of the two political parties wield enormous influence over the political landscape of Saratoga Springs. Therefore, the person who fills the position of chair will have the opportunity to define the Democrats’ performance in November. I would strongly encourage anyone who believes that they can bring a new and revolutionary perspective to the city committee should reach out to the committee and get involved. The only question now is, who will step up?

– Respectfully submitted, Benjamin Glover, SSHS Class of 2026

Simpson: School Safety is a Priority

ALBANY — Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C-Horicon) attended a press conference March 30 in the Capitol alongside Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C-Pulaski), Dr. Michael Prezioso, Commissioner of the Saratoga County Department of Mental Health and several members of the Assembly Minority Conference. After many discussions with parents, teachers, mental health experts and law enforcement, the lawmakers announced the release of the final report from the Minority Conference Task Force on School Safety & Security, which included solutions and recommendations such as:  

• Increasing law enforcement presence in schools

• Addressing mental health issues in schools

• Open communication between stakeholders

• Innovative state support for school safety and security

• Identifying threats and providing support to at-risk students

“No parents should have to worry when their child goes to school that they might not return. Teachers should not have to prioritize emergency procedures or be in fear in the classroom, which takes away from their lesson plans for the day. We have a serious crisis that is not only in New York but across the country–something has to change. By implementing the real solutions contained in the task force report, with input from professionals, I am hopeful we can take appropriate measures to protect our children and teachers so this is no longer a fear and schools can be a safe space once again,” said Simpson. 

Franklin Community Center Receives Funding for Project Lift

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Franklin Community Center was recently awarded several grants in support of its Project Lift program; $500 from the Town of Greenfield Lions Club, $3,000 from the Rotary Club of Saratoga Springs, $5,000 from the Stewart’s Holiday Match, $9,000 from The Christopher Dailey Foundation and $14,000 from The Hawley Foundation for Children. Project Lift, created in 1984 as a free after school program, addresses the growing need for youth to have prevention-based conversations as well as the opportunity to enhance their social and emotional skills. The funding assistance will support the impactful program as well as provide for the ancillary services offered to the Project Lift students and their families.

Thanks to Franklin Community Center’s long-standing grant support, the students who attend the after-school program are able to benefit from the Back to School Backpack program, Holiday Assistance, Food Assistance and Camp Assistance. 

Project Lift works directly with students in grades 1st to 6th in the Saratoga Springs City School District. The program serves up to 175 children and their siblings in all 6 elementary schools and the middle school, with support to the students’ families. Services include Camp Assistance, which offers scholarships for Project Lift participants to attend summer camp. The goal is to offer students a place where they may learn about and better understand themselves in a safe, supportive, and relaxed natural environment. Providing camp opportunities to children from financially disadvantaged backgrounds helps the students to constructively learn independence and safe risk-taking, build relationships with peers and reap the benefits of connecting with nature. Community members interested in learning more about supporting the program and the services provided, can find more information at www.franklincommunitycenter.org. 

April 1 – April 7, 2023

Saratoga Police

Justin Mechanick, 42, of Ballston Spa, was charged March 19 with DWI, aggravated DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and moving from lane unsafely. 

Brianna Craig, 24, of Saratoga Springs, was charged March 19 with criminal contempt.

Nicholas Bush, 44, of Saratoga Springs, was charged March 18 with DWI, and two driving-related violations. 

Thomas Zucco, 32, of Warwick, Maryland, was charged March 18 with harassment. 

Kathina Duncan, 42, of Saratoga Springs, was charged March 17 with harassment.  

James Brush, 47, of Malta, was charged March 23 with criminal mischief, burglary, and grand larceny. 

Augustus Balsamo, 39, of Saratoga Springs, was charged March 23 with criminal trespass. 

Zachary Michaels, 28, of Saratoga Springs, was charged March 23 with menacing, and criminal possession of a weapon. 

Mitchell Norris, 27, of Rensselaer, was charged March 23 with DWI, and three driving-related violations. 

Ronald Dragoset, 37, of Clifton Park, was charged March 22 with criminal contempt. 

Kevin Cuva, 50, of Saratoga Springs, was charged March 22 with criminal contempt, and aggravated family offense. 

Rita Young, 51, of Saratoga Springs, was charged March 21 with DWI, aggravated DWI, and two driving-related violations.

Kobe Rockwell, 24, of Apex, North Carolina, was charged March 21 with tampering with physical evidence, grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, and burglary.  

 Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office

Jacob E. Krall, 19, of Ballston Spa, was charged with assault in the second-degree in connection with an incident alleged to have occurred on March 19 in the town of Milton. The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office and Community Emergency Corps were dispatched to a report of a 3-month-old child in respiratory distress. The child was treated on scene and transported to the hospital by EMS with serious injuries, according to police. Krall is accused of violently assaulting the 3-month-old child resulting in serious physical injuries. Krall was arraigned and sent to Saratoga County Jail on bail. 

On March 21, Kevin Q. Tanksley, 33, of Albany, was charged with assault in the second-degree. The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office responded to an in-progress disturbance occurring at the Stewart’s Shop at 1403 Route 9 in the Town of Halfmoon involving 3 males. It is alleged Tanksley deployed a knife during the altercation and used it to cause physical injury to a 20-year-old Clifton Park man who was subsequently hospitalized for his injuries. 

Alexander McFadden, 54, of Malta was charged March 26 with felony Assault, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon, in connection with a disturbance involving two males at the Budget Inn on Route 9 in the town of Malta. McFadden is accused of deploying a knife during the altercation causing injuries to the victim’s head and arm. The victim was treated on scene by Malta-Stillwater EMS and refused further medical attention. McFadden was arraigned in Malta Town Court and sent to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility with no bail.

On March 24, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office arrested Michael Millington, 23, of Greenfield, for official misconduct and reckless endangerment in the second-degree, both misdemeanors. While employed as a Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Correction Officer Michael Millington is accused, without authorization, of providing confidential information to a county jail inmate which created a substantial risk of injury to another person. Millington was released on appearance tickets and is due back in Milton Town Court at a later date to answer the charges. Millington has been suspended from the Sheriff’s Office pending a disciplinary hearing.

Saratoga County Court

Robert E. Brown, 44, of Wildwood, New Jersey, pleaded March 22 to felony burglary, first charged October 2022 and June 2021 in Malta. Sentencing May 24. 

Damean Atkins, 39, of Ballston Spa, pleaded March 22 to felony burglary, first charged January 2023 in Ballston Spa. 

Angelo J. Zeoli, 43, of Troy, was sentenced March 22 to 2 to 4 years incarceration, after pleading to felony grand larceny, first charged in Wilton. 

Anthony Duggan, 26, of Hebron, pleaded March 21 to felony rape, first charged January 2022 in Moreau. Sentencing May 23. 

Ernest Skellie, 31, of Queensbury, pleaded March 21 to felony grand larceny, first charged June 2022 in Malta. Sentencing May 12. 

Jasir Chambers, 25, of Ballston Spa, pleaded March 21 to felony burglary, and menacing- a misdemeanor, first charged October 2022. Sentencing April 28. 

Stephen J. Hyman

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Stephen J. Hyman, 89, passed away on Monday April 3, 2023. Burial will be held on Monday, April 10 at 11:30 a.m. in the GBH Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville. Arrangements by William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway. Remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com

Saratoga County Health Department Offers Free Narcan Distribution Events, Overdose Rescue Kits

SARATOGA COUNTY — The Saratoga County Department of Health regularly holds Narcan distribution events throughout the county. 

Participants will learn how to recognize an opioid overdose and administer nasal Narcan, which takes approximately 10 minutes. Participants will receive a free Narcan rescue kit, which includes two doses of Narcan, a rescue breathing face shield, a certificate of training, a drug disposal system, and a mental health and substance use disorder resource guide.

Naloxone, sold under the brand name Narcan, is a safe medication that can save someone’s life by reversing the effects of an opioid overdose. It only works on opioids, such as heroin, prescription pain medications and fentanyl, but it is safe to use even if opioids are not present. 911 should always be called after administering Naloxone. New York State’s Good Samaritan Law allows people to call 911 without fear of arrest if they are having a drug overdose that requires emergency medical care or if they witness someone overdosing.

These are free, drop in events. Residents who are unable to attend the distribution can register to obtain an overdose rescue kit or view upcoming events at www.saratogacountyny.gov/narcan.

Rita (Mikki) Casertino Young 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Rita (Mikki) Casertino Young passed away peacefully on March 28 at her home on Saratoga Lake. Calling hours will be held Friday, April 7 from 2 – 4 p.m. at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Avenue (Rte 9 and/or Marion Ave.), Saratoga Springs.  For online condolences, visit compassionatefuneralcare.com

Charlotte R. Beers  

WILTON — Charlotte R. Beers died at the age of 104 on March 31. Calling hours will be held from noon to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11 at Compassionate Funeral Care followed by a graveside service at 2:30 p.m. at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com

Sherry Gail Dowen 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of Sherry Gail Dowen on March 30 surrounded by her loved ones. Services will be at the convenience of the family. For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com

Mickey Walczak  

BALLSTON SPA — Former Saratoga High star Mickey Walczak died in the early morning of March 28. He joined his parents and sister in heavenly peace following a lengthy and often private battle with cancer. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com