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.

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   

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

October 3 – October 9 , 2025  

I never wanted to be a politician, in fact I still don’t consider myself one.  The only elected office I ever considered running for was the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works and it really boils down to working within the Department.  In our unique form of government, you have the opportunity to both serve as a legislator but also a department head.  With my education and experience, I felt I was uniquely qualified to serve.

When I ran in the Special Election, I did so on five main points.  Before November, I will have acted on each of those five items.  Sidewalk funding was approved in May with the first project coming in October.  Paid parking “free days” was voted down by other council members in August, but I remain in opposition.  Saratoga Green for Green will be acted upon in October as we look to extend our green energy portfolio with Nexamp solar, while simultaneously looking for revenue opportunities with battery storage providers.  Leading the department on a daily basis and infrastructure projects have been numerous but I’m proud to say there have been water treatment plant upgrades and sewer repairs without service disruption.

Now, we look toward what has to happen next.  We are actively working on the DPW garage relocation.  A project that will remove heavy truck traffic and effectively an industrial operation, restoring the neighborhood.  Improving the water infrastructure to include next generation meters that will serve as leak detectors for the system while simultaneously providing remote access to costumers.

But where I think we have the greatest opportunity is in connectivity.  While working on the Gran Avenue sidewalk connection, I realized the City has underspent its NYSDOT trail assignment and after Grand Ave and Van Dam/Church St improvements, will still have a balance of $5m.  This means we can connect Crescent Ave to the Geyser Road Trail through the State Park, undertake Excelsior Spring Ave connector and contemplate many of the projects identified in the Greenbelt Trail and Complete Streets programs.

Because of my work in the private sector, I bring a pragmatic approach to achieving results and have demonstrated that both in DPW and at the council table.  We don’t need egos, we need results in Public Works to enhance and improve our wonderful city.

 -Chuck Marshall

Saratoga Springs

During the prior Saratoga Springs’ administration, it seemed that turmoil and discord permeated City Hall.  

We were described in local editorials as a “city run by children” and were left to reminisce of the days when “Saratoga Springs had  adults in charge.”

With John Safford, we finally have an adult serving as our mayor.  Since taking office, he has replaced the childish chaos with calm and has represented our great City with dignity and respect.

Unfortunately, his opponent in this year’s race for Mayor has a long history on the City Council marked with bickering and incivility, and it seems we are once again forced to choose between chaos and calm.

If we’ve truly learned from our past mistakes, I’m confident we can avoid repeating them.  

Please vote for John Safford for Mayor on November 4th and help Saratoga Springs keep an adult in charge.

 -Jeff Partridge   

Saratoga Springs

I’m fed up with city council meetings that feel more like cable news shouting matches than actual governance. We elect these people to pave the streets, manage budgets, limit taxes, and keep us safe…not to have childish arguments.

One Saratoga gets it. Their Row E slate isn’t about left versus right; it’s about running the city versus chaos. Current Mayor John Safford brings executive experience and a calming influence. JoAnne Kiernan is a CPA who knows municipal finance inside and out. Tim Coll has the extensive public safety background Saratoga Springs desperately needs. Chuck Marshall understands infrastructure. Jessica Troisi brings fresh perspective without partisan baggage.

And for County Supervisor, both Sarah Burger and George Ehinger have proven they can work across the aisle to get things done.

Look, I don’t care if my elected officials are Republicans, Democrats, or Martians. But I do care if they show up, do the work, and treat each other (and us) with basic respect. These candidates have demonstrated exactly that kind of professionalism.

Time to elect grown-ups. Row E has them.

 -Richard Sellers

Saratoga Springs

In November, I am voting for George Ehinger for Saratoga County Supervisor. I have known George for years; as a friend, a neighbor, a business executive and a family man. For me, George is an easy choice, the real deal, the kind of principled leader we are so needful of in our public spaces. Of course, George has the threshold skills. He is bright and analytical and assertive in his views. As importantly, I think, he is open and collaborative and sensible rather than doctrinaire. The man I know is someone who can be trusted to address the issues that come before him with good judgement and fair balance.

I hope you will join me in voting for George on Election Day.

 -Chuck Okosky

Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Saratoga Springs Democratic Chair Otis Maxwell recently sent a letter to all the Democrats and No Party registrants who signed the One Saratoga petition last spring to get our endorsed candidates on the ballot for the November city election. The letter was crafted by Gordon Boyd and Hank Kuczynski.  The letter used the one piece of accurate information, that Elise Stefanik had sent a contribution to one of the endorsed candidates, to assert that One Saratoga had been taken over by some Maga faction of the local Republican Party.  

Both Boyd and Kuczynski know that One Saratoga Chair Courtney DeLeonardis is a lifelong Democrat who chaired the Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee. They also know that almost all the members of One Saratoga are Democrats and were Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee members.  This includes former Democratic Executive Committee member Jay Partridge and former Public Safety Commissioner Chris Mathiesen, as well as former Democratic Deputy Mayor Joe Ogden. Jane Weihe; another member chaired the Democratic city committee for over a decade, chaired the Saratoga County Democratic Committee, was a member of the New York State Democratic Committee, a delegate to a Democratic Presidential Nominating Convention, and twice a Democratic candidate for city office. To claim that these individuals are now pawns of the Republican Party is absurd.

The extreme example of disinformation represented by Maxwell’s letter is emblematic as to why One Saratoga was established.  The members of One Saratoga seek to offer the citizens of Saratoga a balanced ticket and an alternative to the toxic environment that has infected both national and local politics.  One Saratoga focuses entirely on city politics.  We believe that whatever people’s differences are on the national issues that so bitterly divide our country, people of goodwill from all political persuasions can come together around how to better govern our city.  One Saratoga believes deeply that the way a party campaigns will define the way it will govern.  Saratoga Springs is a gem. It is our hope that the voters will share our vision and will provide our candidates the privilege of serving in the next elected Council.

 -Courtney DeLeonardis

Chair One Saratoga

I will be supporting Michele Madigan for Mayor this November 4, along with the other endorsed Democrats on Row A.  Michele and I have a well-known record of acute disagreement over Charter Reform, party leadership and other issues.  But we are pulling in the same direction today for several important reasons.

Charter reform.  As a member of the 2016-17 Charter Commission established by Mayor Joanne Yepsen (our proposal came just 10 votes short out of 9,000 from being adopted by referendum), I trust Michele’s commitment to deliver real reform and the millions of dollars that will be saved by adopting a rational structure for City government.

Reform in the building and planning departments. The general public and applicants alike are routinely frustrated, despite years of attempts at streamlining.  Michele will bring her “can do” approach to improvement. 

Independence of public boards.  The City’s public boards, land use, civil service, ethics, etc., perform a vital service by maintaining independence from political control.  But Mayor Safford recently proposed to curtail legal support for these boards’ volunteer members, should they be sued for any reason.  The effect would be to increase political influence over the boards’ decision-making. Michele will keep these boards independent of political control.

Housing affordability.  Michele believes we need to make Saratoga Springs affordable for folks who work in our schools, the hospital, construction and hospitality services essential to our economy. Michele has a practical, fiscally sound plan for increasing the supply of housing that people can afford, while at the same time providing the long-needed 24/7 year-round low barrier shelter for the homeless. 

Fiscal responsibility.  Both our Departments of Public Works and Police have outgrown their legacy facilities. No one who has looked at their space needs would disagree.  Michele’s question is how to expand and modernize without straining the City’s fiscal capacity, or risking its good credit rating, established when she was Finance Commissioner.  Michele believes that a comprehensive solution to the needs of both departments can be financed while keeping the City affordable for us taxpayers. 

For all these reasons I will be casting my ballot for Michele Madigan for Mayor, and all the other Democrats on Row A this November 4. 

– Gordon Boyd

Saratoga Springs

In her August 16th Reader’s View, Michele Madigan proffers her plan to “fix” the Planning, Zoning and Building Department.  However, in doing so, she reveals her lack of knowledge and understanding of the very department she seeks to oversee.

She claims that, if elected, she will “launch a digital permitting and inspection system” to address delays.  This idea, or plan, is not new and is already being implemented by Mayor John Safford.  Indeed, the City Council approved a multi-year contract with Granicus months ago for a cloud-based management system for permitting, inspections, and more.  The system is anticipated to be fully operational in the coming months and will provide the Building Department with the digital tools needed to improve operational efficiency, transparency, and community engagement. 

She also indicates that she will “introduce Temporary Certificates of Occupancy (TCOs) for safe, unfinished properties so residents and builders aren’t left in limbo.”  However, she fails to either understand or appreciate that the ability to provide for TCOs already exists and, thus, there is nothing for her to “introduce”.  Chapter 118 of our City Code explicitly covers this, and our Building Department regularly issues temporary or conditional COs to allow for occupancy prior to the completion of all necessary work when it is safe and appropriate to do so.

She incorrectly refers to our Design Review Board as a “Commission” and then baselessly claims that they are not adhering to the standards relating to the historic district, which she will somehow address, if elected, and “ensure” their adherence.  The Design Review Board is an independent body with independent authority to review all development activities within the historic and architectural overlay districts and is not controlled by the mayor.  It is comprised of community members who volunteer their time to protect the integrity of those districts and to ensure that all activities adhere to the strict criteria set forth in the UDO.  They provide an invaluable service to our community, and their efforts should be commended, not criticized in such a baseless manner.

During my term as Mayor, we were able to successfully decrease the permitting times and increase efficiency, even when the Comprehensive Budget put forward by Michele Madigan did not include the funds requested and deemed necessary to allow the department to handle the enormous volume of work they are responsible for.

John Safford is continuing these efforts.  He has hired more staff, continued to digitize all records, and is implementing management software to expedite permitting and inspections to better serve the community.  He is already doing what Michele Madigan purports to be her plan, and he already understands what she does not.

– Meg Kelly

Saratoga Springs