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

Homelessness in Saratoga Springs remains a complex and pressing issue that demands compassionate and collaborative solutions. I have been personally involved in tackling veteran homelessness for over a decade as the Veterans Chairman of the Saratoga/Wilton Elks Lodge #161. Additionally, my church, located at the corner of Pine Road and Washington Street, has been dedicated to recovery and housing ministries for over 15 years. For the past eight years, I have actively supported and partnered with the Veterans and Community Housing Coalition (VCHC) in their efforts to serve vulnerable populations.

As Mayor, I fully understand that successfully addressing homelessness requires coordinated action across multiple sectors. This includes government agencies, nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups, local businesses, and concerned citizens. I am deeply proud to serve a city whose residents instinctively respond to the needs of others with generosity and concern.

While new approaches and fresh ideas are always welcome, it is equally important to highlight what Saratoga Springs is currently doing to support its most vulnerable residents. Each year, the city allocates more than $500,000 in local tax revenue to address homelessness—more than any other municipality in our region. In addition, hundreds of thousands of federal discretionary dollars are used to expand our efforts through partnerships with community organizations.

RISE Housing and Support Services

The city provides operational funding for the low-barrier shelter on Adelphi Street, operated by RISE Housing and Support Services since its launch in 2023. The Saratoga Springs Police Department has designated two Community Engagement Officers (CEOs) who collaborate with RISE’s Outreach and Engagement Services (OES) Harm Reduction team. Several days a week, this joint team canvasses neighborhoods, responds to substance-related calls, and connects individuals with essential services and resources.

Shelters of Saratoga

Shelters of Saratoga plays a crucial role by offering ongoing care management and outreach services to individuals experiencing homelessness. Their outreach team regularly visits public areas and distributes basic necessities such as food and water while assessing emerging needs. They refer individuals to clinical treatment, the Health Home program, or emergency shelter services.

The year-round Emergency Shelter on Walworth Street accommodates up to 23 individuals and provides 24-hour staff support. Each guest works with a case manager to develop a plan for independent living. On average, the shelter serves about 125 people annually.

Furthermore, in partnership with Saratoga County and the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, Shelters of Saratoga operates a seasonal Code Blue low-barrier winter shelter from November through April, which has been in operation since December 2013.

Outreach Court

The City also funds the innovative Outreach Court led by City Court Judge Francine Vero. Originally known as the Homeless Court, this program addresses the recurring cycle of incarceration experienced by homeless individuals with mental health challenges or substance use disorders. In partnership with RISE Homeless Court Coordinators, Judge Vero works to connect willing participants with critical services aimed at rehabilitation and prevention.

CAPTAIN Community Human Services

One of the most overlooked aspects of homelessness is the plight of school-aged children. In Saratoga Springs, approximately 110 children experience homelessness on a regular basis. CAPTAIN Community Human Services works to address this hidden crisis. The city supports CAPTAIN’s initiatives through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to ensure these children have access to housing, education, and supportive services.

 A Nonpartisan Moral Responsibility

Homelessness is not a partisan issue—it is a moral and ethical challenge that requires bipartisan cooperation and a unified commitment. Our shared humanity compels us to work together in creating effective, sustainable solutions for those most in need.

As your Mayor, I will continue to champion efforts that demonstrate our city’s compassion, resourcefulness, and unwavering resolve to uplift every member of our community.

– John Safford 

Saratoga Springs

Letters to the Editor

Saratoga Springs has a long history with our nations flag going back to the 1700’s.

The Stars and Stripes are a symbol of our nations pride, and its appreciation for the sacrifices made by individuals who have given so much in service to our country.

Our flag does not belong to a political party or organization.

Old Glory belongs to all Americans and should be respected and flown in cities and towns across our nation.

As a salute to those who have served, take the flag you have sitting ion your closet and display it proudly. If you don’t have one, buy one that was made in the USA. I recommend our local flag company: saratogaflag.com.

If you have questions about how to display the red, white, and blue, go to: nationalflagfoundation.org

– Joe Dalton
Saratoga Springs

FLAG HOLIDAYS:

• January 1: New Year’s Day
• January 20: Inauguration Day
• February 12: Lincoln’s Birthday
• 3rd Monday In February: Washington’s Birthday
• Varies: Easter Sunday
• 2nd Sunday in May: Mother’s Day
• 3rd Saturday in May: Armed Forces Day
• Last Monday in May: Memorial Day
• June 14: Flag Day
• July 4: Independence Day
• 1st Monday in September: Labor Day
• September 17: Constitution Day
• 2nd Monday in October: Columbus Day
• October 27: Navy Day
• November 11: Veteran’s Day
• 4th Thursday in November: Thanksgiving
• December 25: Christmas Day

Letters TO THE EDITOR

Last Thursday, opening day at the track, we experienced thunderstorms just after 7PM. A furious little squall knocked down a tree between the Northway Exit 14 and Union Avenue. The trunk was at windshield height and blocked the merge lane and the right lane. I was driving a van and was able to stop and block the road. My flashers were blinking while I called the police. A truck with many ladders (a roofing crew?) passed me and pulled over. Another car pulled over and an immense man got out in the rain and 1/4” hail. This man tried to move the tree but it was too big. The people in the stopped truck got out and they  had axes. They chopped the tree in half and helped the big fellow move it off the road. When the police arrived the road was cleared!

I say THANK YOU to these unknown men who deserve a round of applause if not a commendation from the city for clearing the road and possibly saving a life or two! The tree was at windshield height and I shudder when I think of a car or pickup hitting that trunk and breaking someone’s neck.

– H.J. Simpson