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

It was upsetting to hear there will be a Republican Primary in my hometown of Greenfield this June.  Kevin Veitch has worked so hard to improve the staffing at Town Hall and bring the community new events, projects and regular information.  I know that the Supervisor’s door is always open, and I think it is important for people to understand the commitment and passion Kevin has for the Town of Greenfield. 

In his early days with the Town, Kevin instituted a town newsletter.  Because of this, I really feel like I know what is going on in the town.  As the daughter of a former Town Supervisor, I know the number of events a Town Supervisor is invited to on a weekly basis.  Kevin makes every effort to attend as many events as he can.  This gives the residents of the town a chance to get to know such a dedicated public servant on a personal level.  

I know in addition to events at the Town, Kevin is active at the county level and also participates with several community organizations.  Whatever Kevin gets involved in, he gives his all.  

I am prouder than ever to be a resident of the town.  We have taken such great steps in the right direction.  Greenfield is such a special place to live and I hope all of the residents will vote to re-elect Kevin Veitch for Greenfield Town Supervisor.

– Lauren Delaney | Greenfield Center

Last summer, Saratoga Springs initiated a confusing, complex paid parking program for City-owned lots and parking garages.  It required substantial investment in hardware and software as well as the cost of registering  vehicles of City residents who could then park for free.

This year, summer paid parking has returned with the additional option for those who reside outside the City but within the City School District to pay a seasonal parking fee.  All others continue to pay two dollars an hour unless they are parking on the streets where parking continues to be free.  More confusion!

A big part of our successful downtown has been the number of regional residents who have been coming here for years.  They were looking for a safe, vibrant place to spend their time and their money.  They are not tourists.  They are loyal customers who happen to live outside of our City.

Turning our back on these patrons for three months a year is not a good strategy.  They will find other places to spend their money and may not return.

Sales and property tax revenue generated by downtown commerce has helped to keep property taxes low for our residents.  A portion of that revenue can be set aside to fund parking garage maintenance and police foot patrols without resorting to paid seasonal parking.

A limited paid parking system makes sense for Chowderfest and the Victorian Stroll and well as Friday and Saturday evenings during racing season.  But no one should have to pay to park in our downtown on a summer afternoon.

– Chris Mathiesen | Saratoga Springs

In a recent and deeply disappointing turn, Michele Madigan’s campaign for mayor has launched a flurry of misleading messages—both via Facebook and mass email—accusing John Safford of planning to incarcerate homeless individuals. In one Facebook post, Madigan claimed, “John Safford will send the homeless to prison and into forced treatment,” a statement echoed in a mass email distributed by her campaign.

This is not just false—it’s wildly dishonest. There are only two explanations: either Madigan genuinely believes the mayor has this kind of authority, or—far more troubling—she knows it’s untrue but is cynically exploiting a complex and sensitive issue for political gain.

Let’s be clear: a mayor in the United States does not have the legal power to incarcerate anyone or to mandate treatment. Suggesting otherwise is not only irresponsible, it’s dangerous in an era where misinformation already runs rampant.

Voters in Saratoga Springs are smarter than this. They deserve a campaign focused on facts and solutions—not scare tactics and political theater. Madigan owes the public a retraction and an apology.

– Michael Brandi

Dear Editor,

I recently learned that there will be a Republican Primary in my hometown Greenfield this June. I was disheartened to learn this because my family has been so impressed with our current Supervisor Kevin Veitch.

Veitch has built a staff of friendly people at Town Hall, which has made doing business with the town easier and more efficient than ever before. With the events happening all the time and all the outreach I receive, I really feel like I know what is going on in the town. My wife and I had moved out of Greenfield for a few years but recently moved back because of the incredible changes we’ve seen being made by Kevin Veitch. Not only are so many great things coming out of Town Hall, but I am always so pleased to see he always attends the events, so we all have the pleasure of knowing him personally.

I am prouder than ever to be a resident of this town. We have taken such great steps in the right direction. Greenfield is such a special place to live and I hope all of the residents will re-elect this man. Thank you,

– Chaz Senecal

Porter Corners

NO VIP ZONE: TAXPAYERS DESERVE EQUAL ACCESS AT BELMONT ON BROADWAY

With $50,000 in taxpayer funding supporting this year’s Belmont on Broadway concert, it is time to make one thing clear: the taxpayers are the VIPs for this exciting event for Saratoga Springs.

Last year’s event featured an exclusive VIP area near the stage and a hospitality tent, a glaring symbol of special treatment for a select few while residents were left outside the ropes. Despite the event being “no smoking”, the VIP area became a scene of privileged rule-breaking, including the now-infamous moment when Commissioner of Accounts Dillon Moran was caught on camera lighting up a pipe.

This kind of segregation has no place at a publicly funded event. If taxpayer dollars are footing the bill, all attendees must be treated equally. No roped-off sections. No backroom hospitality. Just a community event where every person—regardless of status or political connection—has the same access to the best viewing areas and festivities.

I am calling on event organizers to eliminate the VIP area at this year’s event. No more backroom hospitality. No more fenced-off exclusivity. No more political perks.

Mike Brandi

The people of Saratoga County are the true VIPs, and they deserve to enjoy this special event without barriers or favoritism.