Skip to main content

Barrett Not Running for Reelection in 2026

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.

Phil Barrett announced that 2026 will be his last year on the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors. He has been in office as Clifton Park Town/County Supervisor for 26 years. (Aidan Cahill)

For 26 years, Clifton Park has been consistently represented at the county level by one man: Republican Phil Barrett. 

In that time Saratoga County’s population went from 200,635 when he started to 240,360 today, while the GDP went from $5,461,772 in 2001, the earliest year available to $14,870,710 in 2023, the last year available.

Throughout all this growth and subsequent change, Barrett has represented Clifton Park in the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors and served as its chair on four separate occasions. 

In 2027, however, that will change. 

On Jan. 12, Barrett announced that this term will be his last. Barrett made the announcement on his personal blog in a post entitled “Never a Good Time,” in which he talked about his career and some of the challenges he faced. 

“I will not be seeking a 15th term as Town/County Supervisor in 2026,” Barrett said in the post. “I agreed to run in 2025, knowing the new term would be a one-year term as opposed to the historical two-year term. Although I completely disagree with the altering of the election schedule, it was a more enticing time frame based on my personal interests.” 

The former Army officer and Commercial Lender began his tenure in the position in 1999 and was subsequently elected 14 times. In 2010, he passed Henry J. Kinns for longest tenured supervisor in town history. During his tenure in office, he was only primaried once however his opponent, Dale Kelley, dropped out before the primary. 

Barrett is currently serving his fourth term as Chairman of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors — his third consecutive after a previous term in 2007. 

In the blog post Barrett talked about his longevity in office and said he always viewed the position as a job with two-year contracts given to him by the voters. 

“I have always viewed this position as a job,” Barrett said.  “It’s an important job and a public job, but at the end of the day it’s a job. The voters have provided me the opportunity to do the job on a series of 14 two-year contracts. Perform and you may earn another contract. If you don’t perform the short-term contract may expire, permanently.” 

Barrett’s announcement comes at a time when Clifton Park will see many changes. Democrats swept all the elections they contested in 2025 in Clifton Park, leaving Barrett in the minority in the Town Board. Meanwhile, a state law goes into effect shifting elections for most jurisdictions from odd numbered years to even numbered ones — resulting in a shortened one-year term. 

As for what’s next, Barrett didn’t offer specifics but said he would still be around and won’t be leaving the area. 

Malta Police Chase ends in a Creek

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in Featured, News.

A Malta man has been charged with several traffic offenses after trying to hide in a creek while feeling from a DWI. 

Bradley Crannell of Malta was charged with felony DWI, felony unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, misdemeanor fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, speeding, improper plates, uninspected motor vehicle, uninsured motor vehicle, failing to keep right and passing a red light. 

According to Saratoga County Sheriff’s Deputies, Crannell was initially stopped for erratic driving on East High Street in Malta. While he initially stopped for Deputies, he is alleged to have fled the area. He later abandoned the car at the former location of Spa Brahuas Restaurant on High Street and fled into the woods. 

The Sherriff’s Office subsequently deployed a drone with a thermal camera and spotted Crannell lying next to a creek. He was subsequently taken into custody without further incident. 

Crannell’s DWI was elevated to a felony due to a prior conviction. He was arraigned in Malta Town Court and remanded into the Saratoga County Jail pending further proceedings. 

Burger Busted for DWI by Park Police

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.

– Saratoga Springs Supervisor Sarah Burger was arrested for DWI on January 11 by New York State Park Police. (Aidan Cahill)

Newly elected Saratoga Springs Supervisor Sarah Burger has been arrested for DWI. 

The arrest occurred in the early hours of Jan. 11, 2026. Burger was pulled over by New York State Park Police around 11:46 p.m. Jan. 10 and placed under arrest shortly after. She was arraigned, issued an appearance ticket, and subsequently released.  

In a statement put out after the arrest, Mattew Chavin, Burger’s lawyer, said that his client respects the rule of law and is entitled to due process. 

“I have instructed her not to comment on this matter. We are very early in the process and awaiting discovery materials,” Chauvin said. “Accordingly, I will not be making further comment beyond this statement at this time.” 

Burger’s arrest was first reported by WNYT. She is due in court on Feb. 5. 

Burger won her seat on the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors this past November and was sworn in on January 1 of this year. In her election, she received the most votes of any candidate running in a competitive race with 5,458 across the One Saratoga and Democratic party lines. 

Outside of politics, Burger is a partner at her own law firm, Burger Law Group, and served as Saratoga Springs City Attorney in 2014. 

Fugitive from Texas Caught after Police Chase in Spa City

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in Featured, News.

The Saratoga Springs Police Department arrested a fugitive from Texas after receiving a report of someone driving erratically on Caroline Street. 

Jody Harr, 47, was arrested by SSPD on a slew of charges after he was caught by Saratoga Springs Police during a DWI investigation. 

According to SSPD, around 11:00 p.m., they received a report from a concerned citizen about a driver who was possibly intoxicated near the intersection of Caroline Street and Henry Street. When officers approached on foot, the driver, later identified as Harr, fled the scene. This triggered a chase which ended near the intersection of West Circular Street and Union Street. 

Harr was initially taken into custody for DWI but further investigation revealed that he was wanted in Texas related to child pornography offenses. 

He was charged with being a fugitive from justice, felony DWI- two prior convictions in the last 10 years, felony aggravated DWI, felony operating a motor vehicle with BAC over .08, misdemeanor reckless driving, and misdemeanor unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle. In addition, he received several traffic violations including passing a red light, failure to stop at a stop sign, driving to the left of pavement markings, and driving on a sidewalk. 

In an email to Saratoga TODAY, SSPD confirmed that the warrants for Harr’s arrest were issued by the Grand Prairie Police Department in Dallas County, TX. While the SSPD couldn’t cite Texas law specifically, they did state that the warrant was related to child pornography charges in Texas. 

A review of court records from the Dallas County District Court shows that Harr has been charged with one count of 3rd degree possession of child pornography. During the course of the case, prosecutors alleged in court filings that Harr sent harassing messages to an individual involved and her son. 

While bond for this case was set at $20,000, it has since been revoked. The last action related to the case took place on July 8, 2024, and the case is currently listed as inactive. This inactive status is done when something court can’t resume is due to factors beyond the control of the court — such as when a warrant is issued for the arrest of the defendant, according to the State of Texas Judicial Branch. 

As for Harr’s other charges, this is far from his first time being arrested for DWI. A review of his criminal record from the Texas Department of Public Safety shows four arrests for DWI in the state — the latest two coming in 2023 and 2017. 

Harr was remanded into the custody of the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office pending extradition back to Texas. 

State Police arrest four following a staged kidnapping prank

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

On January 7, 2026, State Police of Saratoga arrested Jasmine R. Barber, 20, of Champlain, NY, Emily R. Ferdinandi, 20, of Champlain, NY, and two 18-year-olds each for Falsely Reporting an Incident in the third degree.

On January 7, 2026, at about 1:00 p.m., Troopers received a report that a vehicle was traveling southbound on I-87 Northway in Saratoga County with a passenger who was reportedly displaying a handwritten sign stating “help!! being kidnapped!!”. During a significant law enforcement response, a vehicle matching the caller’s description was located on I-87 Northway in Malta, NY, and was stopped, causing a temporary shutdown of I-87 southbound. The 18-year-old driver and passengers Barber, Ferdinandi, and an 18-year-old were removed from the vehicle and detained. Further investigation determined that all individuals in the vehicle were aware that the sign was displayed as an alleged “joke” and no kidnapping had occurred.

All four were arrested and transported to SP Saratoga for processing. Each was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Malta Town Court on February 5, 2026, and released.

State Police wants to emphasize that falsely reporting a kidnapping is not a prank or a mistake; it’s a serious crime with real consequences.

 When a false any false emergency report is made, emergency responders rush into action, diverting police, medical, and rescue resources away from people who may genuinely need help. Families and communities experience fear and trauma, and in some cases, false reports can even put officers and bystanders in danger.

Greg Veitch to Speak on the Mob in Saratoga January 26 at the Saratoga Torch Club

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

 The Saratoga Torch Club will welcome Greg Veitch, former Saratoga Springs Police Chief and leading historian of the city’s underworld past, as its featured speaker Monday evening, January 26, at the Saratoga Springs Holiday Inn. 

 Veitch’s talk will draw from his extensive research into Saratoga Springs’ long history of gambling, organized crime, and civic corruption, the subject of his two acclaimed books, All the Law in the World Won’t Stop Them and A Gangster’s Paradise. 

 Blending original archival research with the instincts of a career law-enforcement officer, Veitch has become the foremost chronicler of a complex chapter in Saratoga’s past—one that shaped the city far beyond its elegant public image.

 The Saratoga Torch Club is a civic forum dedicated to thoughtful conversation on history, public affairs, science, and the arts. Veitch’s remarks are in keeping with the club’s tradition of talks designed to spark informed discussion among members and guests. 

 For the presentation only, which will start at 7 p.m., the suggested donation is $5. 

 For dinner, seats are $40, payable at the door by cash or check, starting with a cash bar at 5:30 p.m. Make reservations by Friday, January 23, by contacting Richard Lynch at torchman999@gmail.com.  

One Dead in crash at Valvoline in Town of Halfmoon

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.

A 50 year old Schenectady man died after a crash at a Valvoline in the Town of Halfmoon. 

Sikander Samuel of Schenectady died on Jan. 12 at Albany Medical Center after he was pinned between two vehicles while working at the Valvoline on Route 9 in the Town of Halfmoon. 

The crash occurred when a vehicle waiting in line to be serviced suddenly accelerated into the vehicle in front of it which was also waiting to be serviced. As a result of the collision, the two vehicles forced a third one — which was being serviced in the bay at the time — to crash through a glass garage door at the front of the service bay. 

Samuel was initially transported to Albany Medical Center with leg fractures and possible internal injuries. No cause of death was listed at the time. Deputies said the operator of the vehicle that struck Samuel, a 63-year-old man from Schaghticoke, is cooperating with the investigation. 

The crash and death caused the Valvoline to close it’s doors for two days. It reopened on Jan. 13. In a statement to the media, the company who owns the franchise, offered their sympathy to the family. 

“Everyone across our franchise is heartbroken by the death of our colleague following the tragic incident on Saturday. Our deepest sympathies are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement read. “We are continuing to cooperate fully with the authorities as they investigate, and we are committed to supporting his family and our entire team as we navigate this loss together.”

Saratoga County Launches Health and Wellness Initiative for Veterans in Partnership with Saratoga Regional YMCA

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The Saratoga County officials today announced a comprehensive health and wellness program for participants in its Veterans Service Agency’s Peer Connection Program, in partnership with Saratoga Regional YMCA. This initiative offers a special YMCA membership focused on physical health and overall well-being in a supportive environment.

Eligibility requires veterans to be Saratoga County residents, use a Saratoga Regional YMCA at least three times a week, and attend one monthly meeting at the Saratoga Springs YMCA. This program is being offered at a 75% discounted rate for the membership.

 “On Behalf of the Board of Supervisors, I am proud to support the Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency in their initiative to promote physical health as an essential component of veterans’ overall wellbeing,” Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Phil Barrett (Town of Clifton Park) and former Army Officer said. “Those who have served our country deserve the best care and support as they embark on their journeys toward wellness. Thank you to the Saratoga Regional YMCA for their invaluable partnership in providing essential resources. Together, we are building a strong foundation for the mental and physical health of our veterans.”

“As a Navy Veteran, I wholeheartedly support the initiative of this program, which directly addresses the mental and physical health needs of our veterans,” Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Ian Murray (Town of Saratoga) said. “I want to emphasize the immense sacrifices our veterans have made for our country. It’s our duty to ensure they have access to the comprehensive resources they have earned and truly deserve. This offers an innovative solution to the challenges faced by those in crisis, focusing on their strengths to foster resilience.”

“We recognize that physical health is a vital protective factor in suicide prevention of veterans,” Frank McClement, Director of the Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency said, “By focusing on minimizing risks and enhancing the protective factors for our veterans, we aim to foster an environment that supports personal growth and goal setting. We are committed to prioritizing physical health and wellbeing for our veterans, ensuring they have access to the resources they need to succeed.”

“Through this partnership with Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency, the Saratoga Regional YMCA is proud to support those who have served by providing greater access to programs that foster health, connection, and belonging,” Allison D’Antonio, CEO of the Saratoga Regional YMCA said. “This initiative is about more than just access — it’s about honoring veterans with opportunities to thrive as part of our community.”

Membership to the Veterans Health and Wellness Program begins upon application approval, submission of financial details, and issuance of a YMCA card, lasting until December 31, 2026. The YMCA will cover 50% of the membership costs, while the Peer Connection Program will contribute an additional 25%. Veterans will be responsible for the remaining 25%.

The Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency assists Veterans and their families with securing earned benefits and services. The Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency office will be having an informational session and presentation tabling event on January 27th from 1:30-5:00pm at the Saratoga Regional YMCA location and on February 25th from 2-5pm at the Glens Falls YMCA location.

The Peer Connection Program is a New York State-funded Private First-Class Joseph P. Dwyer program, that provides opportunities for local veterans who have readjusted to civilian life to form relationships with veterans in need. It provides one-on-one mentoring, learning opportunities, social events, presentations, entertainment, volunteer/service opportunities, and more.

For more information, interested veterans should contact Peer Connection Program Coordinator Erin Cassidy at 518-605-2899 or visit www.veteranspeertopeer.org

Sworn in and Ready to Serve

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Featured, News.

City of Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Public Safety Tim Coll is one of only two members of City Council to return in 2026. (Aidan Cahill).
Bahram “BK” Keramati is sworn in as Commissioner of Public Works after defeating incumbent Chuck Marshall in the General Election. (Aidan Cahill)
Mayor Safford’s former deputy JoAnne Kiernan was sworn in as Commissioner of Finance, taking over a seat vacated by Minita Sanghvi (Aidan Cahill)
The other incumbent returning to City Council, Mayor John Safford was reelected mayor for his second term in the role (Aidan Cahill).
Jessica Troisi is the new Commissioner of Accounts, defeating incumbent Dillon Moran for the position (Aidan Cahill).
Clifton Park Supervisor Phillip Barrett will remain as Chairman of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors. He was voted into his fourth term in the role 21-1. (Aidan Cahill)
Minita Sanghvi will continue her career in public service, after being elected Supervisor. She and Burger replaced the retiring Matt Veitch and outgoing Michelle Madigan (Aidan Cahill)
Lawyer Sarah Burger was sworn in for her first term as supervisor. She and Sanghvi will take over for outgoing Supervisors Madigan and Veitch (Aidan Cahill).
Town of Saratoga Supervisor Ian Murray was sworn in as Vice Chair of the Board of Supervisors. He was voted into the position by a unanimous vote (Aidan Cahill).

City Approves Agreement with State over 2020 Protests.

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in Featured, News.

In their regular meeting of the new term, the Saratoga Springs City Council agreed to enact new changes to how the city handles protests after an investigation by the New York State Attorney General’s Office. 

The agreement comes after the state launched an investigation into how police and elected officials handled the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests. 

Under the terms of the agreement, the city neither confirms nor denies the findings of the investigation but agrees to implement changes and recommendations to how the police conduct operations during protests and other demonstrations. 

Under the agreement the city will agree to remove all criminal penalties for failing to file a demonstration declaration or parade permit, but they may impose fines. In addition, under the agreement elected officials are specifically forbidden from ordering or influencing the Police Department to investigate, arrest, and or engage in surveillance of anyone engaged in first amendment activities. They’re also forbidden from ordering or influencing decisions on police deployment. 

The agreement also dictates various policy changes to how the Police Department handles protests and first amendment activities. Under the agreement, the department is required designate and train designated “protest liaison” officer to assist with protests over 25 people. In addition, they must implement a four-tiered response to protests and are prohibited from investigating and surveilling individuals based solely on their involvement in first amendment activities — among other requirements. 

They’re also prohibited from treating protests differently based on the message of the protest. 

Under the agreement, the city has 90 days to implement the agreed-upon changes. Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll said the agreement will cost the city $200,000 every year.

Public opinion was mixed on the agreement, with some saying that the agreement didn’t go far enough to address past wrongs while others said the report was one sided and shouldn’t be signed by the city.

Despite these concerns, prior to the vote the agreement received the endorsement of both Mayor John Safford and Coll. Coll said that the agreement was an alternative to litigation and that the relationship between the city and Attorney General’s office. 

“Over the past 18 months, the city has had extensive and at times spirited discussions with the OAG on this matter,” Coll said. “Ultimately, we were able to find common ground and that understanding is reflected in this agreement.” 

Ultimately, the agreement was passed by city council unanimously. After the meeting, Safford praised the agreement calling it a positive thing for the city and saying that they will continue to work with the Attorney General’s Office. Coll meanwhile said that a lot of the changes in the agreement have already been implemented and that they’ve seen positive results from the changes. 

In addition, after the agreement was approved New York Attorney General Leticia James put out a statement calling the changes the “most extensive ever secured,” by her related to first amendment activity. 

“New Yorkers have the fundamental right to speak out, organize, and protest without fear of unlawful interruption or retaliation,” said Attorney General James. “Our investigation found that Saratoga Springs repeatedly violated those rights and targeted protesters because of their message. This agreement is a significant step toward rebuilding trust between the Saratoga Springs community and its police force and will ensure everyone is able to safely express their beliefs.”