Election Day Preview:
Meet the Candidates Running for Supervisor in the Town of Saratoga
The Town of Saratoga is one of the most unique towns in Saratoga County.
The town shares a name with the county it resides in, played a major role in the Battles of Saratoga and is home to two villages — one more than any other place in Saratoga County.
It’s also the site of an election for town supervisor this year. In this election, incumbent Saratoga Town Supervisor Ian Murray (R, C) is facing off against Paul F. Murphy (D).
Here are their pre-election day statements submitted to Saratoga TODAY
Paul F. Murphy (Democrat)
Transparent, Resident-Focused Government
I am running for Town of Saratoga Supervisor to bring transparency, accountability, and practical planning to town government. Our community faces important choices, and every resident deserves a voice in decisions that shape our future. Too often, wealthy developers wield more influence than the people who live here. We need strategic growth—not more pavement, tract housing, disruptive businesses, and parking lots that create “Northway Community Deserts.”
Preserving Our Town’s Character
I will work to preserve our unique identity as a “Hudson River to Saratoga Lake Town in the Country.” This requires zoning and leadership centered on residents’ quality of life.
Responsible Rules for Emerging Issues
My priorities include adopting proven, hyper-local zoning for Short-Term Rentals, so neighborhoods’ quality of life is protected. Data Centers should be subject to protective local zoning and voter approval. Flock camera systems should have the same standard of accountability through appropriate local rules and public consent.
Restoring and Protecting Saratoga Lake
Saratoga Lake demands immediate attention. The lake is unhealthy, and the town must fully support the Saratoga Lake Association’s restoration initiatives and long-term protection efforts.
Ethics, Representation, and Fairness
I will propose an ethics code for all town officials. I also support exploring a five-district Town Council, with each district electing one representative and the Supervisor continuing to be elected townwide. This structure would give every Saratogian a stronger voice. We should also examine approaches to property and school taxes, including whether adjusted gross income could play a role instead of relying solely on home value.
A Full-Time Commitment
As Supervisor, I will devote myself fully to serving our residents,, without a private business or county post competing for my time.
A Critical Election
Thank you to Saratoga TODAY for this opportunity. Please vote—this election is critical to Saratoga’s future.
Ian Murray Incumbent (Republican, Conservative)
First, I want to thank all the residents of the Town of Saratoga for their confidence and support as I’ve led our Town for the past four years.
I have served in Town government for nearly 30 years, with opportunities to serve on numerous committees, serve on and lead land-use boards, and help build parks, trails, and recreational facilities.
Over the past four years as your supervisor, I have remained committed to three priorities that matter most to Saratoga families: responsible finances, reliable roads, and emergency preparedness.
Through disciplined budgeting and tough decisions, I have continued to lower Town taxes while keeping us under the New York State tax cap, protecting taxpayers while maintaining essential services. This approach helps keep our finances strong, our 120 miles of roads safe, and our community moving forward.
As your supervisor, a father, a small-business owner, and a veteran, I am committed to the Town of Saratoga’s future.
If re-elected, my priorities will remain:
• Keeping taxes low.
• Maintaining and enhancing our quality of life while balancing our rural character with responsible development.
• Promoting agricultural land preservation and conservation easements.
• Leading a responsible, respectful, and financially secure Town Hall.
• Expanding preservation and recreational opportunities near Saratoga Lake and the Hudson River.
• Supporting responsible economic growth in both the Town and our villages.
Good government means planning before the storm arrives, investing wisely before equipment breaks down, and addressing problems before they become emergencies.
That’s the approach I’ve taken, and it is helping keep Saratoga strong, prepared, and moving forward.
There is more to do. If re-elected, I look forward to continuing this work and keeping Saratoga a place where families want to live, work, and grow.
Thank you for the privilege of serving you.
Respectfully,
Ian Murray
Due to space constraints, not all races were included in the print edition of Saratoga TODAY. For more candidates and races, visit our website at https://saratogatodaynewspaper.com/