In Saratoga Springs’ tumultuous political climate, John Safford emerges as the best choice for mayor.

Our City Hall has been marred by disorder, disruption, and obscene outbursts. City Council meetings have been a stage for unprofessional childishness, and our so-called leaders have built such a bad work environment that experienced city hall employees have resigned.

Less than a year after the mayor moved Risk and Insurance into his department, the city’s insurance carrier cancelled our policy, putting the city at risk.

The Kim administration wavers in its support of our police at a time of increased drug use and crime when we need to work together to make Saratoga safer. Rather than fighting with the County, John will increase our collaboration with the County government starting with the Sheriff’s office, helping ensure a safer city.

Finally, the escalating homelessness crisis requires working with organizations and Saratoga County to deliver necessary resources to needy individuals. For years, John has proven his commitment to the vulnerable by volunteering with organizations to provide important services to the underserved.

A vote for John Safford is a vote to return civility and productivity to City Hall, putting Saratoga Springs’ residents first before petty feuds.

– Bonnie Sellers, Saratoga Springs

With a remarkable 30-years in law enforcement, including with the FBI fighting drug dealers and leading counter-terrorism efforts, Coll has consistently demonstrated the resilience and leadership Saratoga Springs requires.

Saratoga Springs is at a crossroads, especially with recent upheavals in the police department. Coll’s vast experience in team management, across federal to local agencies, positions him to restore stability and help make our public safety department even better.

Moreover, his multi-faceted approach to challenges like homelessness, which blends law enforcement with mental health and social assistance, assures that Saratoga Springs’ most vulnerable won’t be overlooked.

In these demanding times, Saratoga Springs needs a Public Safety Commissioner with a proven track record, integrity, and an inclusive approach to the challenges we face. 

Tim Coll is the answer for the Commissioner of Public Safety.

– John Brophy, Saratoga Springs

In his 30-year law enforcement career including as an FBI agent, Tim Coll has built strong alliances with federal, state, and local agencies. Today, Saratoga Springs needs all of their help. 

I’m going to vote for Tim for Commissioner of Public Safety since he has the necessary experience that we need to improve Saratoga Springs.

– Richard Sellers,Saratoga Springs

I am privileged to be running for election as your next Saratoga County Supervisor, and, after serving as your Commissioner of Finance for ten years, I am once again humbly asking for your support.

My foremost priority is to build a better relationship between Saratoga County and the City of Saratoga Springs. Cooperation and communication between the county and the city are essential for the prosperity of our community. By fostering a strong and collaborative partnership, we can address shared challenges more efficiently, allocate resources more effectively, and ensure that both the county and the city are working towards common goals. This improved relationship will ultimately benefit all residents, leading to better services, increased opportunities, and a stronger sense of unity.

Additionally, I would like to stress the importance of bringing the city and the county closer together to tackle the issue of homelessness. By working together, we can establish comprehensive and sustainable solutions to address the root causes of homelessness, such as affordable housing, mental health services, and access to job opportunities. Let us demonstrate our compassion and responsibility by creating a community that ensures no one is left behind.

The implementation of a policy to close bars earlier is also crucial to better protect the public and to alleviate the strain on our emergency services, especially in the peak summer season. By setting an earlier closing time for bars, we can reduce the likelihood of alcohol-related incidents, such as drunk driving, fights, and other unfortunate occurrences that threaten the safety of our residents, visitors, and first responders. This measure will not only enhance public safety but also contribute to the overall quality of life in our city.

It is my hope that we can unite together to address these issues as a community, for the greater good of all residents.

I am honored to ask for your vote in the upcoming election. Election Day is Tuesday, November 7, and early voting begins on Saturday, October 28. You will find my name on the ballot on both the Democratic line and the One Saratoga line.

Thank you for your consideration.

– Michele Madigan, Candidate for Saratoga County Supervisor, City of Saratoga Springs

For more about Michele’s campaign, visit www.ElectMadigan.com

I read with interest Tom Dimopoulos’s piece about NYRA considering the Belmont Stakes, 2024, be held at Saratoga Racecourse. That’s an exciting prospect for Saratoga Springs, however I’m wondering why NYRA isn’t  considering running this third jewel of the Triple Crown at Aqueduct. This race was contested at Aqueduct in the 1960s at 1.5 miles. If it was run at Saratoga, the race would be a mile and a quarter, the same distance as the Kentucky Derby. 

These three distances — 1-1/4 miles for the Derby, a mile and an eighth at the Preakness and 1.5 miles for the Belmont — are the ultimate challenge for top thoroughbreds. To win the Triple Crown, a horse must excel at all three distances — a rare occurrence at that level in horse racing. Consequently, the few horses that have won all three races are legends in their own time. 

It seems if the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes are each run at 1-1/4 miles, a potential Triple Crown winner would have a tarnished title, since he wasn’t tested at the grueling 1.5 miles of the Belmont. That is the race that, because of its distance, is often a heartbreaker for the horse that has won the Derby and the Preakness and is beaten in the Belmont.

Hurrah for Saratoga if they opt to run the Belmont Stakes here, but I hope NYRA considers the consequences of a Triple Crown winner that has not been tested at all three distances.

– Jill Wing, Saratoga Springs

I am a candidate for Public Safety Commissioner in Saratoga Springs. I recently attended the 9/11 commemoration in Saratoga Springs with a heavy heart. I come from a family of law enforcement, firefighters, and construction workers and many paid the ultimate price that day. We should never forget their service and should never forget we were attacked by terrorists that day on our own soil.

On 9/12, my opponent, Kristen Dart, held a press conference where she incorrectly stated that I put innocent Muslims in jail in a case I did shortly after the 9/11 attacks. Ms. Dart also falsely connected a case from a different area of New York state with my case in Albany to justify her claims, even though I had no relationship with that case. Her actions and judgment were inappropriate and alarming. 

I plan to operate my campaign based on the facts because our Democracy depends on facts to survive so I am taking the time to correct the record. Additionally, I am proud of the work of the FBI, and the United States Attorneys’ Office, and all our partners and Task Force Officers, who worked so hard to keep America safe.

In the case I worked, Yassin Aref and Muhammed Hossain were convicted after trial and the conviction was upheld by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. According to Judge Homer, “Mr. Aref espouses and has adopted the goals of terrorist organizations and has had an ongoing relationship with terrorist organizations.” In addition, Aref made an entry in his personal journal which stated, “take the war to America and Israel” and also noted to “Raise the Jihad sword…Raise the Koran with blood.” 

This community would benefit if Ms. Dart would accept my invitation and join me in a public forum at which she can raise her concerns and I could address them.

– Tim Coll

A few days ago I was privileged to announce my campaign to become the next mayor of Saratoga Springs, our beautiful little city in the country.

As I step into this race, it is essential to acknowledge the issues we as a community face under the current mayor’s leadership. However, my focus is not solely on pointing out shortcomings but rather on demonstrating why I will be the right choice to lead our beloved city toward a brighter future.

In stark contrast to the volatility we’ve witnessed, I am committed to maintaining a level of professionalism that fosters respect and collaboration among all commissioners and employees. 

Rather than resorting to reprisals, my approach will be one of thoughtfulness and openness to diverse perspectives. I believe in creating an environment where employees feel heard and valued, even when disagreements arise.

One of my top priorities is to ensure that Council meetings are conducted efficiently and effectively. I will lead with firmness and fairness, ensuring that all participants have a meaningful voice in the decision-making process.

In a world filled with anger, I will strive to bring kindness and empathy to the forefront of my leadership style. Compassion and understanding are crucial in building a strong and united community.

One critical issue that demands our attention is the restoration of effective pre-agenda meetings. Regarding this question, some people wonder if I can work collaboratively with the other commissioners. I want to assure you that I have already established positive relationships with some of them. Commissioner Moran’s dedication to business, Commissioner Sanghvi’s fiscal conservatism, and Commissioner Golub’s professionalism have left a lasting impression on me, and I look forward to working harmoniously with them.

Moreover, I recognize the significance of a strong partnership with the County, especially when addressing homelessness and addiction recovery. While progress has been made, sustaining it requires two vital elements: a solid financial arrangement with the county and a humane yet consistent enforcement of our laws. To achieve this, I am proud to have the support and endorsement of longtime Saratoga County Sheriff, Michael Zurlo, who brings a wealth of experience in effective law enforcement. We will ensure our police department stands on strong and balanced footing to protect the people of Saratoga Springs.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to every voter who has pulled the lever for me. I am asking you to trust me one more time.  My promise to you is that as your mayor, I will bring experience, professionalism, and competence back to the office. With your support, I am eager to lead our great little city toward a brighter future for all its residents. So, let us look forward to a day in November when, together, we will make history by electing John Safford the 23rd mayor of Saratoga Springs.

– John Safford

Thank you to the 580 Democrats who voted for me in the June 27 primary. Thanks also to the many people who contributed to my campaign and to those who made my candidacy possible by getting my petitions signed. Our small group of hard-working volunteers helped with mailings, literature distribution, letters to editors, display of my lawn signs, campaign logistics and advice.

Congratulations to Ron Kim who won that primary.

On November 7, I will be on the ballot on the One Saratoga line. I hope to see further support for the Mathiesen for Mayor campaign. I continue to be the mayoral candidate who has had the most experience on the City Council and who has had a record of significant accomplishment. I believe that we can have progress without chaos with civility and respect for all. 

With the support of conscientious Democrats, Republicans and non-affiliated voters, we can win in November. I will be reaching out to all in the coming months as I seek your support.

– Chris Mathiesen 

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

The New York State (NYS) Committee on Open Government, Department of State, regulates and provides opinions on Open Meetings in New York. The opinions are easily searchable and provide guidance on how to have an Open Meeting. In substance, the opinion is that during the “public comment period” comments should not be “abusive, threatening, profane or in any other way illegal”. In part, this guidance mirrors the NYS Disorderly Conduct Ordinance which states a person is guilty of disorderly conduct when he/she engages in violent, tumultuous, or threating behavior; or in a public place uses abusive or obscene language; or disturbs any lawful assembly or meeting.

It is crystal clear that these rules and conduct are not being enforced at the City Council meetings in Saratoga Springs, thus, the meetings are both an embarrassment and chaotic.

I have talked to many Saratogians recently, and in addition to being afraid of aggressive confrontation in downtown, they are now afraid to go to a City Council meeting.  Unlike Albany, Syracuse, Rochester and our local Federal Buildings, Saratoga Springs has decided against the use of metal detectors to ensure there are no weapons in City Hall. Furthermore, City Hall does not post any signage indicating the rules and regulations for open meetings as well as the rules that firearms are not permitted in the building. Additionally, we have recently learned that community leaders, some of whom attend the City Council meetings, have received threats against them and their families. All of this is just an invitation for yet another critical incident to occur in the city, and we all know the last incident was clearly not handled properly by some members of the City Council, resulting in a “gag order” issued by a NYS Supreme Court Judge.

In summary, the inability for the Mayor to simply run a meeting in accordance with Open Meeting laws has led to chaos. The audience is now allowed to talk beyond their allotted time, yelling from anywhere in the chamber, with the use of profanity and abusive behavior. At one of the last meetings, Mayor Kim told the Police Department, an independent agency, to stand down and leave the room. This is the exact opposite of what other municipalities are doing. Police Officers need to be in the room to keep us safe and make an independent decision to determine if any laws are being violated.

– Tim Coll, Retired FBI Agent, running for Saratoga Springs Public Safety Commissioner in 2023