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Letters TO THE EDITOR – Joe Scala

I’ve had the pleasure of knowing JoAnne Kiernan as a neighbor, as a friend and through her dedicated service as treasurer of our homeowners’ association. In that role, JoAnne brought clarity, integrity, and professionalism to managing our community’s finances—qualities we need more of in City Hall.

She restructured how we accounted for our reserves, ultimately saving homeowners money while safeguarding our neighborhood’s assets. What impressed me most was her ability to explain complex financial matters in a way everyone could understand, and always keeping the community’s best interests at heart.

JoAnne is steady, approachable, and deeply committed to the place we all call home. Saratoga Springs will be lucky to have her as Commissioner of Finance. I trust her judgment completely and know she will lead with both common sense and compassion.

On November 4th, please join me in voting for a strong Commissioner of Finance, JoAnne Kiernan.

Thank you,
– Joe Scala

Saratoga Springs deserves public officials who are professional and who believe in the rule of law.

That’s why I am honored and truly proud to have been endorsed by One Saratoga, a non-partisan coalition that supports the candidates they believe are best qualified to serve in local office.

This year, One Saratoga has once again secured an independent line on the ballot, giving voters a meaningful choice beyond the two major party lines. Their 2025 slate includes:

John Safford for Mayor

JoAnne Kiernan for Commissioner of Finance

Jessica Troisi for Commissioner of Accounts

Chuck Marshall for Commissioner of Public Works

Sarah Burger and George Ehinger for County Supervisor

The One Saratoga team truly represents the very best in public service. I proudly endorse each of these candidates, confident they will lead with honesty, integrity, and civility.

Please join me in voting Row E on November 4th to support the One Saratoga slate, candidates who will always put our great city before politics.

– Tim Coll

Public Safety Commissioner

Letters TO THE EDITOR – Field Horne

I came to Saratoga Springs 47 years ago for a new job. I chose to stay, and have done all I can to benefit my adopted hometown.

Politics here have always been a bit strange, thanks to the commission form of government. But in recent years I have been dismayed by  the city council.

In the past two years, John Safford has restored dignity and civility to our city. We need this. That is why I will support Safford, Ehinger, and One Saratoga.


– Field Horne

Letters TO THE EDITOR – Courtney DeLeonardis

As a lifelong Democrat and Chair of One Saratoga, I understand the issues and concerns we all face at the broader national level.  However, those issues and concerns, and the intense partisan divide, should not generate hostility and tension at the local level.

The individuals serving in our local government are also our neighbors, our friends and our colleagues.  We are all members of the same community, and we all care about and want what is best for Saratoga Springs.

One Saratoga’s slate includes Democrats, Republicans and even a No Party candidate, because we believe they will be the best individuals to serve our great city and address the local issues that affect all of us with professionalism and civility, regardless of their political affiliation.

Please support One Saratoga’s slate of bi-partisan candidates on November 4th and put our city before party. We are located on Row E.  I truly believe we all have more in common than what divides us.

– Courtney DeLeonardis

Chair One Saratoga

Stop the Political Theater at City Hall

As someone who was born in Saratoga Springs, I’ve watched our city government get increasingly bogged down in partisan bickering. It’s exhausting, and frankly, it’s not getting us where we could be.

That’s why I’m enthusiastically supporting One Saratoga’s balanced slate on Row E with 3 registered Democrats, 3 registered Republicans, and an independent who are working together showing a commitment to Saratoga Springs over party politics.

John Safford, for Mayor,

Jessica Troisi, for Accounts,

Tim Coll, for Public Safety,

Chuck Marshall, for Public Works,

JoAnne Kiernan, for Finance, and

Sarah Burger, and George Ehinger for County Supervisor 

These candidates have track records of working constructively with people across the political spectrum. They’re focused on practical solutions, not scoring political points or winning a personal shouting match. In a time when so much of our national discourse is poisoned by partisanship, having local leaders who prioritize civility and collaboration is a breath of fresh air.

Our city deserves better than political theater. Vote Row E for One Saratoga candidates who will actually work together to solve problems.


– Bonnie Sellers

Saratoga Springs

Letters TO THE EDITOR – John Brophy

I am writing to express my strong support for Jess Troisi for Commissioner of Accounts in Saratoga Springs. After two terms of our current Commissioner of Accounts, it is clear that our city deserves a new, steady hand in this important office.

 Over the past two terms, the current Commissioner of Accounts has become a source of controversy, engaging in legal disputes and behavior at City Council meetings that has too often derailed productive conversation. Saratoga Springs deserves leadership that focuses on solutions and collaboration, not turmoil.

Jess Troisi represents that kind of leadership. She brings a clear-eyed, constructive approach and will focus on the issues that truly matter to residents. As a lifelong Republican, I value practical, bipartisan problem-solving — and Jess embodies that spirit at a time when it’s needed most.

Jess is a Democrat endorsed by the Republican Party and the nonpartisan group One Saratoga. 

On Election Day, let’s choose leadership that listens, unites, and delivers. I urge my fellow residents to join me in voting for Jess Troisi for Commissioner of Accounts.

– John Brophy

Saratoga Springs

October 10 – October 16 , 2025    

 As someone who is responsible for registering voters each year as a volunteer, I have noticed a disturbing trend. Almost all the young people I encounter are very eager to participate in voting even before being of age to vote and many of the older adults have decided to opt out because they have either decided that it’s all rigged and corrupt or their vote doesn’t make a difference.

WAKE UP SENIORS!!!!!!!!! We are one of the few countries that, as a democracy, endows you with the opportunity to shape your future. As the saying goes “Grumble, rumble, complain, blame, protest. VOTE, that’s what counts.

USE IT OR LOSE IT! We stand at a perilous crossroad. Be informed and cast your vote.

New Mayor Needed for Efficacy!

Two years ago I supported John Safford for mayor, believing change was necessary. His tenure has been marked by disappointing disregard for citizens and a failure to uphold his promises, proving he must go. 

Michele Madigan, the ideal 2025 Saratoga Springs mayoral candidate will lead with solid policies. Her non-partisanship and strength are essential for Saratoga’s improvement.

Safford’s lack of leadership at chaotic meetings is evident. He failed to implement formal public hearing (not comment) rules, leading to embarrassing spectacles and long delays. He dismissed valuable residents’ input, using prepared statements to detach concerns. Safford’s weak grasp of city procedures even required assistance from Supervisor Madigan, a former Finance Commissioner, on how to call a vote. The final blow to his credibility was his private request for citizens to stop speaking out because it was hurting his image. The city cannot afford to re-elect Safford—nor endure another lawsuit he and his bickering colleagues might incite.

Our city needs Madigan’s firm action, including setting limits at Council, amiability with colleagues, implementing accountability, sound planning policy, welcoming freedom of speech, all with active transparency to protect this City. Her deep understanding of City finances and the Charter are necessary to effectively manage Council. Madigan’s assertive initiative to speak up and create long-needed rules is vital for the city’s balance and success. I urge all voters, regardless of party, to vote for Michele Madigan. With her reliability, fortitude, knowledge, and truthfulness, we will finally have a mayor who listens to everyone.

EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP REQUIRES MORE COLLABORATION AND LESS RHETORIC

In this polarizing political climate, we need to elect leaders that can work collaboratively and effectively with others, regardless of their political affiliation and refrain from incendiary rhetoric. As an attorney, my career has been dedicated to fighting for working families, protecting civil rights and making government work for everyone. I’ve worked with my colleagues across the aisle to achieve meaningful change.    

This is why I am running to be your next Saratoga Springs County Supervisor, because I’ll rely on the same skills and relationships that I use every day to advocate tirelessly for my hometown on important issues such as, keeping our taxes low, strengthening public safety and social services, and hopefully securing an earlier last call for our eating and drinking establishments.  

For the last decade our City has worked to curtail drinking hours and this past April, for the first time, the County Board of Supervisors considered a resolution to roll back last call. It did not pass, but for whatever reason more than one-third of the supervisors were absent.  

As your next Saratoga Springs County Supervisor, I will work with all Supervisors, regardless of their political affiliation because this is a public safety issue for the entire County, not just the City of Saratoga Springs. The use of excessive force incidents increases dramatically after 2am and our County at its highest ranked second (2nd) and more recently twelfth (12th) of sixty-two counties for drunk driving incidents in New York State. 

My candidacy for Saratoga Springs County Supervisor is proudly endorsed by the Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee, One Saratoga, Eleanor’s Legacy, the New York League of Conservation Voters, among other organizations. I humbly ask for your vote either during early voting from October 25 – November 2 or on election day November 4 on either the Democratic (Row A) or One Saratoga (Row E) ballot lines.  For more information regarding my candidacy please visit www.burgerforsupervisor.com   

Letters to the Editor – JoAnne Kierna

October 3 – October 9 , 2025  

As Commissioner of Finance, my first priority will be to bring clarity and transparency to our city’s finances. That means not only educating both the City Council and the public about where we stand today, but also preparing a long-range financial forecast that will help us plan for tomorrow. Saratoga Springs cannot continue to operate on year-to-year budgets alone. We need a clear roadmap that manages today’s needs while securing a stable and sustainable future.

But this position is about more than numbers on a spreadsheet. Having had the honor and privilege of serving as Deputy Mayor, I know firsthand how deeply city government affects the daily lives of our residents. From public safety to economic prosperity, the decisions we make at City Hall ripple throughout every neighborhood. That’s why I believe strongly that everyone who lives in Saratoga Springs, and everyone who visits, must feel safe. And it’s why I recognize that the health of our entire city is tied to the strength and vibrancy of our downtown.

Moving forward, I will continue to work alongside professionals, organizations, and community leaders to address the challenges that matter most to residents. That includes tackling homelessness, expanding affordable housing, managing the impacts of short-term rentals, reducing truck traffic through our city, advancing sustainability and preserving the precious green space that makes Saratoga Springs so unique.

Throughout all of this, one thing has remained clear: the work of local government is not about politics. Over the past several years, the Mayor and I have spoken with countless residents, community groups, and organizations. In all of those conversations, one question never comes up, what are your politics? Because at the end of the day, that is not what this work is about. Our job is to serve everyone.

My approach will always be grounded in common sense and committed to finding common ground. I believe that by putting the city before party, we can make decisions that are

responsible, fair, and reflective of the values we all share. Together, we can move Saratoga Springs forward in a way that keeps our community strong, safe and thriving for years to come.

Thank you for your support, your trust, and your partnership in this important work. I would be honored to continue serving you as Commissioner of Finance.

– JoAnne Kierna

Commissioner of Finance Candidate