We are in grave danger when we see “Proud Boys” on our local streets, and the national GOP bending over backwards to accommodate the worst right-wing saboteurs. Remember that in Saratoga’s last mayoral election, the Republican candidate would not even acknowledge that Joe Biden was President. Little has changed; deceptive texts are falsely claiming that a crime wave exists in Saratoga Springs. The facts say otherwise. Guess what major party’s modus operandi is fearmongering.

Despite much disinformation, Mayor Kim has accomplished a considerable amount, ranging from expanding workforce housing to securing a homeless shelter. Yet for me, the most important achievement is the creation of a local civilian review board. This feat speaks to a profoundly American ideal, that the law pertains to everyone equally. It includes not just civilians but also those brave individuals charged with enforcing it. I support the police over those who commit criminal acts, with police who cross the line included in the latter. That so few police do validate their professionalism and integrity. Nevertheless, the rule of law pertains to all. 

In a very contentious time, Mayor Kim courageously embraced the tough issues that have long needed to be confronted. He deserves our support. 

– Al Ormsby, Saratoga Springs

I wish to go on record with proud enthusiasm, as personally endorsing John Stafford for the office of Mayor of Saratoga Springs.

I have been a resident for 12 years, and currently serve as president of Birch Run, Phase 1, Homeowners Association. John functions as our Professional Administrator and has held this position for many years.

I have consistently been impressed with his dedication to the responsibilities of this position. He is rapidly responsive to requests for information, service, etc., and always deals congenially with residents of our neighborhood. I have found him to be honest, reliable, and willing to work, without complaint, the long hours that are often needed. Most importantly, John consistently exhibits great personal integrity, and sincerely wishes to be of greater service to our community.

If these qualities are brought to the office of the Mayor, I am extremely confident that Saratoga Springs will be well served.

– David F. Bruno

As Wilton grows, its roadsides reveal glaring safety challenges. With narrow or non-existent shoulders, our bicyclists, pedestrians, and children are endangered. A tragic pedestrian fatality on Maple Avenue this spring serves as a stark reminder of these perils.

A recent study by the Governors Highway Safety Association highlighted an alarming increase in pedestrian deaths in 2022, the highest since 1981. Fatalities among bicyclists are also on the rise. Each of these deaths marks a call to action, urging us to revisit and transform our road safety.

A promising solution for Wilton lies in developing a multi-use path network: imagine pathways connecting our neighborhoods for those on bikes or foot while simultaneously boosting property values and traffic to local businesses. Local proponents like “The Walk and Bike Wilton Project” have garnered significant community support, and a recent citizen proposal to the Town Board to establish a multi-use path connecting Wilton Mall to Gavin Park demonstrates the community’s readiness for change.

However, despite clear benefits and years of citizen advocacy, the Town Board has failed to prioritize multi-use paths. Rather than viewing logistical challenges as permanent roadblocks, the Board should recognize that Wilton’s division by the Northway and into three school districts only heightens the urgency of multi-use path network development. 

To realize this vision, Wilton needs public officials who prioritize safety and connectivity. Dr. Toni Sturm, a candidate for Town Supervisor, is precisely that visionary. She aims to create a cohesive Wilton, connecting neighborhoods to schools, Gavin Park, and Saratoga Springs. While deeply understanding Wilton’s heritage, Dr. Toni is attuned to our evolving needs, ensuring our town’s progress without losing its essence. On November 7th, I’m endorsing this vision of a safer Wilton by voting for Dr. Toni. Join me in championing a unified, vibrant future for our town.

– Connor Roohan, Wilton

My name is Courtney DeLeonardis, and I am the Chair of One Saratoga. For those of you who are unfamiliar with us, we are a non-partisan coalition that wants the best-qualified people governing Saratoga Springs. Our watchword is, “city before party.” Our focus is on uniting our community, averting partisan rancor and extremism, and selecting candidates that will bring the right character and motivation to city office. Candidate traits include dedication to public service, honesty, civility, and working productively with others.

We have carefully selected four candidates that we feel exemplify these traits; they are Christian Mathiesen for Mayor, Timothy Coll for Commissioner of Public Safety, and Michele Madigan and Matthew Veitch for County Supervisors.

In addition to selecting amazing candidates, One Saratoga has a ballot line on this November’s ballot. This means that Saratoga Voters can vote for our entire line of candidates. 

One Saratoga is located on Row E of the ballot. I encourage Saratogians to vote on our line.

– Courtney DeLeonardis

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