Friday, 01 November 2013 08:22

Letters to the Editor

By Letters to the Editor | News

Dear Editor,

On November 5th when we Saratogians go to the polls, we need to be sure that we are electing people who have demonstrated good judgment. Based on that criterion, I will be voting for Shauna Sutton for mayor of Saratoga Springs. 

 

The city charter states quite clearly that it is the mayor who is responsible for negotiating union contracts for the city. During this campaign season, Shauna has chosen not to seek the endorsement of the unions she would be responsible for negotiating with as mayor. 

Her opponent, Joanne Yepsen, has not only lobbied to get union endorsements, she has actually accepted a $1,000 campaign donation from the PBA to her campaign. If she were to become mayor, Ms. Yepsen would be representing the taxpayers in negotiations with these unions. This is a demonstration of poor judgment on behalf of Yepsen and solid judgment from Shauna Sutton. 

I do not want a mayor who is beholden in any way to any groups that she must negotiate with. For that reason I am happy to cast my vote for the candidate who has demonstrated good judgment. I ask you to join me in voting for Shauna Sutton for mayor of Saratoga Springs. 

John F. Nolan “Jasper”

Saratoga Springs

 

Dear Editor,

We met Joanne Yepsen many years ago as a fellow volunteer hauling debris form the Elks Club renovation project on Beekman Street. Since then we have enjoyed Joanne’s help in countless community activities and projects on the West Side of Saratoga, from distributing water bottles for thirsty street artists to modeling our hand-woven clothing at fundraisers in the neighborhood. 

She has been a tireless sleeves-rolled-up laborer and a savvy consensus-builder for a diverse group of artists and business owners who worked together under her direction to form what is now the Beekman Street Association. As shop owners in the Beekman Street Arts District, Cecilia and I highly value Joanne’s energetic support not only for our neighborhood concerns, but also for her progressive vision, whether the topic is transportation, recreation, bi-partisan government or long-term sustainable development.

We enthusiastically support Joanne Yepsen for mayor of Saratoga Springs.

Sincerely,

Richard and Cecilia Lockwood

Saratoga Springs 

 

Dear Editor,

When they campaigned together in 2009, Bob Rice and Rob Pulsifer were elected to the Town Board with only 1,540 and 1,500 votes respectively. That’s only one out of 10 Wilton residents supporting these political partners. One vote from every tenth resident allowed Rice and Pulisfer to enact an agenda highlighted by their contempt for professional planning and oversight of town officials. 

Rice and Pulisfer have been at the helm of presumably the most controversial decisions in Wilton’s recent history. Time and again residential opposition has been ignored and often punctuated with disparaging remarks from the two councilmen. During their tenure Rice and Pulsifer have consistently reminded residents that “they” won the election, thus allowing them to do as they please. 

On November 5 Wilton residents can change this by electing John McEachron and Joanne Klepetar to the Wilton Town Board. John and Joanne are trustworthy community leaders with proven dedication to the well being of town residents.  

Having personally fallen 11 votes short in my own bid for town board, I can tell you that every vote counts. This November, don’t let 10 percent of Wilton give Bob Rice four more years. Cast your vote for John McEachron and Joanne Klepetar.

Jared Dinsmore

Wilton 

 

Dear Editor,

I have reviewed the resumes of each of the Wilton Town Council candidates and it is clear to me that Bob Rice is the most qualified candidate running for town council. Bob has over 25 years of business experience and is a model community servant with many decades of volunteer work in and around the town of Wilton. Bob has served as a town councilman and deputy supervisor for the past three to four years. Bob has the support of prominent members of the Wilton community. He has made many positive changes to the town government here in Wilton including changing the benefit packages of town employees to more resemble what people get in the private sector. He has also maintained the zero town tax, increased the budget surplus by 24 percent and made vital investments in our roads, infrastructure and parks. This winter Gavin Park will have an ice skating rink and on the horizon is a spray park for the kids. Bob has been a terrific member of the Wilton Town Council.  

Bob even stood up for the peoples’ second amendment rights here in Wilton by authoring a resolution condemning the SAFE act and calling for its repeal. He has my vote on November 5. 

Gary Strothenke

Wilton

 

Dear Editor,

I’ve lived in Saratoga Springs for many years and I usually don’t write letters to the editor in favor of a particular candidate. This year, however, I feel very strongly about writing in support of Shauna Sutton in her candidacy for mayor.

Shauna’s campaign slogan of “Leadership With Experience” really hits home for me. It gives me great confidence knowing that Shauna has been serving as our deputy mayor for the past six years and doing an outstanding job.

The fact that she thoroughly understands the workings of the mayor’s office and has experience working with all city departments will allow her to hit the ground running on her first day in office. She has been instrumental in making progress on so many important issues in our city–keeping taxes low, creating additional parking for our downtown, building a recreation center for our youth and families and improving our open space trails systems. 

These projects aren’t easy to accomplish and Shauna has been there, working side by side with so many of us in the community, getting the job done. Her dedication and tremendous work ethic will serve her—and us—well as our next mayor.

I ask all of you to join me in supporting Shauna for mayor on Election Day. I know she will provide leadership with experience for all Saratogians.

Sue Allerdice

Saratoga Springs

 

Dear Editor, 

Some people have said that Chris Mathiesen is un-electable because he’s angered too many people. Well let’s see. Some PBA members are mad because he’s held officers accountable and eliminated unnecessary overtime. Some members of the IAFF (International Association of Fire Fighters) are mad because he’s held them to a level of professionalism not seen before and has proposed a staffing model that meets the city’s needs at a reasonable cost. He’s upset delinquent and absentee landlords by holding them responsible for their abandoned buildings. He’s angered local bar owners by holding them accountable for the security and alcohol serving of our late night bar patrons and let’s not forget the noise that emanates from downtown, he’s been working to tone down those noise levels. He’s really angered the drug dealers for constantly raiding their sanctuaries. I, for one, am glad, and I appreciate all he has done in such a short time. Please vote to re-elect Chris Mathiesen on November 5.

Larry Toole

Saratoga Springs

 

Dear Editor,

I am a relative newcomer to Saratoga Springs. Of all the small sized cities in New York State, Saratoga is by far the most vibrant, interesting, and stimulating place in which to live. Health, history, and horses, and an outstanding quality of life, all combine to make this a very special place in which to live. I have traveled all over New York State over the years, and Saratoga Springs is just the best. That’s why I chose to live here, to enjoy my semi retirement.

There are many challenges that Saratoga will face in the next few years, with the growth and expansion of the Malta Chip Fab plant, and the possible location of a casino or at minimum an expanded Racino, nearby. Making sure that the voices of the citizens of Saratoga are heard in the halls of state government will be a major concern of the new mayor we will be electing this fall. That’s why I am choosing to vote for Joanne Yepsen for mayor. She is an experienced hand at standing up for her Saratoga citizenry. She is a good listener, and has proven time and again that outstanding public servants can get things done.

Her ability to reach across the aisle to those whose party affiliation she does not share is another plus for Joanne. She is running as the chosen candidate of not only the Democratic party, but the Independence party and Working Families party as well. In fact, she won the Independence line in a resounding primary victory by a three to one margin, against her Republican opponent, who mounted a write in effort to steal away that line, unsuccessfully. That says something about her ability to attract support from a wide spectrum of voters.

I am sure that the good citizens of Saratoga Springs, Republicans, Democrats, Conservatives, and Independents will join me on November in selecting Joanne Yepsen as our new mayor. When she wins, we all win.

John T. Sullivan Jr.

Saratoga Springs

 

Dear Editor,

I came home this evening only to find the street sign at the corner snapped off and tire tracks on my lawn again. Looks like someone was driving too fast in my neighborhood—again. 

On Tuesday, November 5 I will vote for two town board positions. Incumbent Bob Rice will run against Joanne Klepetar and John McEachron. I will be voting for Joanne and John. 

As noted above, controlling traffic and safety are very important to me and to any community. Also, over-development, lack of planning and an “anything goes” approach to development are not why I moved to Wilton. 

I have seen Bob Rice sit on a town board where immediately our town planner was eliminated. This critical position is the “go-between” for the community and business and takes into consideration things like traffic congestion, sewer and drinking water capacity, environmental quality and public safety. 

Bob voted to relax zoning laws throughout much of Wilton continuing to make Wilton favorable to developers. This does not surprise me as between 2008 and 2012; developers, real estate prospectors and affiliated contractors funneled $43,390 into Wilton politics according to state campaign finance data. Over two thirds of those campaign contributions came directly from entities that have been granted subdivisions, special permits or variances by the town board or have been awarded uncompetitive town contracts. Bob Rice has demonstrated that he has “special” interests in mind. Unfortunately, developers are more “special” than the community. 

I have seen Joanne Klepetar at town board meetings relentlessly fighting for the community. John McEachron has been involved with the fire department for years. We live here. Voting in local elections is very important. We cannot sustain this type of development and maintain the quality of life in which we cherish with the current town board. 

Please vote on November 5 and vote for Joanne Klepetar and John McEachron for Wilton Town Board. 

Patricia Tuz

Wilton

 

Dear Editor, 

One of the great things about living in a relatively small town is that you and your friends have the opportunity to get to know the candidates for political office.

Talking to my friends, I found a consensus that the two candidates for mayor are significantly different.

Shauna Sutton has been deputy mayor for six years and has a wealth of government and management experience. Her opponent has been a county legislator and does not possess the management experience needed to be mayor.

Shauna is hardworking, organized and tells you her honest opinion, even when it is not popular. She has an excellent record of accomplishing what she sets out to do.

Look around; since Shauna has been helping lead the city there is a new parking garage, a new recreation center, new trails and a new waterfront park. What you don’t see are new taxes.

Sutton is an easy choice for mayor. I hope you will join with me and vote for Shauna Sutton.

Karen Lehan

Saratoga Springs

 

Dear Editor,

There are many reasons why Joanne Yepsen is the best candidate for mayor of Saratoga Springs—her strong belief in the importance of open government and her emphasis on bipartisanship among them. As someone who worked with Joanne for many years at Skidmore College and has been her friend for 25 years, I have always been impressed by her prodigious management skills, which have served her well throughout her accomplishments in both the private and public sectors. 

However, Joanne was not only an excellent manager of employees, processes, and budgets—she was and is a true leader.

Management consists of controlling a group or a set of entities to accomplish a goal. Leadership refers to an individual’s ability to influence, motivate, and enable others to contribute toward organizational success. Influence and inspiration separate leaders from managers, and Joanne Yepsen is both an excellent manager and a true leader who will be the best choice for mayor for this city. 

Barb Casey

Alplaus

 

 

Dear Editor,

John Lant is actively campaigning for Joanne Keleptar, a Democrat candidate for Wilton town board. I have a lot of respect for John Lant; he has always been a good guy and an upstanding member of our community. But I am sorry to report that I will not be supporting his candidate Joanne Klepetar for town board. Party endorsements matter to me and Joanne is endorsed and supported by the very radical left wing Working Families Party. The Working Families Party claims to be “the most progressive party.” Their platform includes higher taxes, more regulation, single payer healthcare and more leftist Utopian ideology. If Joanne Klepetar accepted this endorsement then she is just too liberal for Wilton. I am a life-long Republican and a conservative, and what John is asking us to do is simply a bridge too far. 

Instead I will be voting for Bob Rice (R,C) for Wilton Town Council. Bob is a good conservative candidate who has earned my trust in Wilton. Bob has fought to streamline town government, eliminating unnecessary town bureaucracy and reforming the broken compensation and healthcare system for town employees. During Bob’s tenure on the town council, Wilton has maintained its zero property and highway tax policy and increased its budget surplus by about 25 percent. The town is developing in line with our Comprehensive Plan and has made it a priority to invest in our roads and highways. Bob champions doing more with less and has helped to lead Wilton to its enviable position today. Join me in voting Bob Rice for Wilton Town Council on November 5.

Jim McDonald

Saratoga Springs

 

Dear Editor,

I’m voting for Shauna Sutton for mayor for three reasons: 

One: She has the best experience, having worked hard as deputy mayor for six years. She knows budgets and how to manage a complex department. Therefore, I’m confident she can handle the difficult job of leading our city responsibly.

Two: She has made real contributions to Saratoga Springs, helping get our long discussed parking garage and recreation center built. Therefore, I’m confident that she’ll continue to improve our city. 

Three: She already has significantly reduced our costs, both within the mayor’s office and contract negotiations, which saved the city $32 million according to the auditors. Therefore, I’m confident that she’ll continue to hold down our taxes. 

Her opponent has none of the above experience, accomplishments, or union negotiating experience, putting Saratoga at risk if she were to be elected. 

I hope you’ll agree with these three reasons to vote for Shauna Sutton for mayor.

Irene Palma

Saratoga Springs

 

Dear Editor,

Ask yourself: “Who is a Leader”? A leader is someone who knows how to collaborate and build strong teams for positive change—someone who has a fiscal conscience. Ask “Who cares about what the people need, are concerned about, where our tax dollars are being spent?” The answer: Joanne Yepsen. 

This endorsement is not about a party—or even a specific person—it is about endorsing the qualities of an individual who walks her talk. She is a problem solver—even in the midst of turmoil. She brings issues to the forefront to help forge solutions. She has integrity with media in delivering the truth about what is or isn’t happening.

Recently, I was a member of a small personal audience where President Clinton spoke to the need for everyone to team up and work with those whom we share differences because this is the only way to build progress. Differences are easy to resolve—once the layers of “agenda” are removed. 

Joanne works at that level—the human level. She exudes compassion, sincerity, honesty and accountability. She understands the enormous power of working as a team—no matter one’s political affiliation. She is not afraid to speak to the truth about the real issues and then collaborate and resolve. 

Joanne has a special dedication to health and wellness. She has worked with me to help cultivate “Saratoga WellSpring”—an integrative health and healing program that can change how we look at health in the region. She helped me and my team of “change agents” connect to community leaders to present our goals and mission. 

So—as the saying goes—“think globally, act locally”. I urge you to get involved in local government and support Joanne Yepsen for mayor. And remember—the power is in the people.

Mary Beth McCue RD CDN

Saratoga Springs

 

Dear Editor,

The role of mayor is a complex one—a job that requires diplomacy, direction, wisdom, and decisiveness. Joanne Yepsen is an excellent candidate on all fronts.

The Saratoga community is well aware of her service as county supervisor. Joanne has worked tirelessly, with both focus and dedication, to serve the city as a whole as well as its individual residents. She has been true to her pledge to collaborate and to seek open dialogue about the multitude of issues that face a thriving city like Saratoga Springs.

What Saratogians may be less aware of is Joanne’s considerable skill as a manager of staff, program and resources. As a former colleague at Skidmore College where Joanne served as director of public events for several years, I witnessed her thoughtful attention to detail, her respect for colleagues and her judicious approach to issues both sensitive and routine. Joanne is both strategist and tactician, able to create a vision for the future as well as to ensure the implementation steps necessary to realizing that vision. 

In a community where challenges and opportunities abound in equal measure, where compromise and negotiation are essential to real progress, and where we rely upon our leaders to make fair and ethical decisions, Joanne is the right choice for mayor. If elected, she will continue to serve Saratoga Springs with energy, insight and prudence.

Sincerely,

Christine R. Hoek

Wilton

 

 

 

Dear Editor, 

 Joanne Yepsen has worked for many years in our community. As someone who has watched her work evolve, I would like to voice my strong support for her as mayor. She has a proven record of getting the job done. She can be strategic, while always keeping her principles as clear as her goals. 

I first saw Joanne’s effectiveness when the two of us found ourselves working together to establish a summer camp, open to the community, on the Skidmore College campus. Our first requests met with skepticism. Joanne went out and found models of other similar summer camps and brought those in to our next meeting. She showed how the camp could work, economically, and also made the case that it would be a service to the community. The leadership was persuaded. Twenty or so years later, thanks to Joanne Yepsen, Camp Northwoods is still thriving. 

She has been an extraordinarily effective county supervisor. No one can doubt that she has taken her job seriously, developing initiatives, cultivating crucial relationships, and building a shared vision for our community. Her support for fiscal responsibility, sustainable development and transportation systems, maintaining a safe community and preserving the special qualities of Saratoga Springs has been evident in all of her work. Open communication with voters has been one of her real strengths. She has a strong bi-partisan sensibility and can work well with people across the political spectrum. And she brings energy and vision to everything she does. 

Saratoga Springs is lucky to have Joanne Yepsen as a candidate for mayor. She has earned our votes. 

Sarah Webster Goodwin

Saratoga Springs

 

 

Dear Editor, 

I agree with Holly Schwarz-Lawton’s letter (Saratogian, October 19) about the importance of our public water supply system. It is critical that we have a long-range plan for supplying drinking water in good quality and quantity to everyone in the city.

At last February’s City Council meeting during which our water supply system was discussed, I learned that since 2008 (five years ago) the Department of Health has been warning Commissioner Scirocco to find a new source of drinking water for the city. In 2011 the Department placed the city under orders, with threat of a $25,000 fine and more sanctions for noncompliance, to have a new water source connected to the citywide system by March, 2014. 

Commissioner Scirocco announced at the City Council meeting I attended that he had gone ahead, without any public knowledge or discussion and drilled the first of four wells next to Bog Meadow Brook. There has been an amazing lack of accountability and transparency about this expensive project and how the water will be used in conjunction with other sources, none of which is in particularly good condition at this time. The project is far behind schedule.

Last fall the City Council spent a lot of time discussing the fact that Commissioner Scirocco was selling water to Wilton, again without Council approval and without a proper written agreement or use of the State Environmental Quality Review Act. At the same time the health department was telling the city that we need more water. There was also concern expressed by our Finance Commissioner that Commissioner Scirocco was not following Charter law about providing an adequate description of his capital project budget requests, including the well project.

Saratoga Springs deserves better management and oversight of our precious water resources. It is clear to me that the Department of Public Works needs new leadership. I am planning to vote for Bill McTygue.

Laura Chodos

Saratoga Springs

 

Dear Editor,

As a retired civil engineer I am observant of the quality of public works services in my community. As a result, I am very impressed with the performance of the Saratoga Springs Department of Public Works (DPW) over the past six years under the leadership of Commissioner Skip Scirocco.

Routine and readily visible services such as leaf and brush pickup, snow removal, road maintenance and flower planting have continued to be performed competently. Equally important, however, the City has also begun to address its less visible infrastructure needs that were long neglected by his predecessor.

Over a short period of time, there has been long list of infrastructure improvements. A few of the more noteworthy include: 

 

•Replacement of major, antiquated water and sewer lines serving Beekman Street;

•Refurbishment of the filters at the water filtration plant and the addition of backup power in the event of electric service interruption; 

•Development of a new water supply well in the Bog Meadow to augment the yield of the City’s water supply;

•New shower/bathroom facilities at City Hall for female public safety staff;

•Construction of bathrooms at the Arts Center to serve Congress Park and other visitors;

•A $3.5 million Nelson Avenue storm drainage/water line upgrade project.

Skip Scirocco has established a solid record of accomplishment and clearly deserves re-election to another term as the City’s Commissioner of Public Works. 

Bruce Goodale

Saratoga Springs

 

Dear Editor,

As a long-time resident of Geyser Crest, I want to acknowledge Deputy Mayor Shauna Sutton for her work in general as deputy mayor as well as helping my neighborhood.

As almost everyone knows, Geyser Crest is bordered by the very busy Geyser Road, which our children must cross to attend the elementary school and reach playgrounds.

We are fortunate that a partnership of many organizations, individuals and governments are coming together working on projects that have been in development for years.

Her co-operative spirit and ability to work with many people are key reasons I’m voting for Ms. Sutton for our mayor. I look forward to her continuing to work to make both Geyser Crest and our city even better places to live and raise families.

Cathy French

Saratoga Springs

 

Dear Editor,

 

This year’s race for mayor brings some interesting choices. We are fortunate to have two female candidates, which I think is a first. Both candidates have experience in government. That may also be a first. But only one candidate has first-hand experience in our city government, and that is the most important “first”.

In this year’s race we have a candidate that has six years of highly qualifying experience as deputy mayor. Shauna Sutton is that candidate. And no one else has comparable or nearly as valuable experience. 

When elected, Mayor Shauna will have no ropes to learn and she will waste no time leading Saratoga Springs. She will walk in that first day with full knowledge of every issue at hand. We as a city will not miss a beat. 

I look forward to having a qualified, smart and experienced woman as mayor. I look forward to Shauna Sutton as mayor of the City of Saratoga Springs.

Elizabeth Marcuccio, 

Saratoga Springs

 

Dear Editor,

The Town of Wilton is a lovely place to live, and we should keep it that way. That’s why I moved here, and if you live in Wilton it is likely you too were attracted by its clean air, trees, natural open spaces and neighborly, friendly people.

Wilton’s Master Plan was written to reflect resident’s concerns, maintain open space, alongside some growth. ”Some” growth has turned “Express”. The growth rate has reached a whopping 29 percent in 10 years, and the current town board had the gall to do away with the town planner. Then, with no planner in the way of commercial enterprising minds, the board tried to side-step residents, making over 100 zoning changes, and called it “mere housekeeping”. Blatantly incredible, as I recall it.

Do you want our neighborhood turned into a center for light industry, warehousing and commerce with busy traffic jams, like Clifton Park? It is nice to buy groceries, but whom exactly does over-development really benefit? I believe the current board has run roughshod on Wilton. Development without a Town Planner and input by residents compromises our quality of life. Traffic on Route 9 is bad enough, thanks.

It is high time we vote a woman to the Wilton town board. I support Joanne Klepetar, who has attended years of our town meetings as an advocate for residents. She is well spoken, mature, intelligent, educated, literate, generous, honest, ethical, open-minded, interested, enthusiastic, energetic, communicative, and most of all, will sincerely represent you, the residents of Wilton.  

Please vote for Joanne Klepetar and John McEachron, and let’s show them how real housekeeping is done on November 5.

Marianne Loeb 

Wilton

 

Dear Editor,

 

I met Joanne Yepsen before she was in politics. At that time, she was working, raising children and finding the time to support organizations and causes she believed in. She was the kind of involved mother I wanted to be. 

 I remember taking my little boys to the East Side Rec and seeing a plaque with the Yepsen’s name on it, thanking them for their support for the Caroline Street School’s playground. As a mother, Joanne made an impression on me. Fifteen years later, I’m still impressed by Joanne’s commitment to improving Saratoga and helping the youth of our community. 

 Together, Joanne and I have worked on the Billy Grey Ride for Research for the Brain Tumor Society as well as on the Open Space Project, Martin Luther King Day Celebration, Saratoga Rowing Association, Arts in Education, Saratoga Youth Lacrosse Association, Sustainable Saratoga, the PNECC Youth Group, the St. Clements Horse Show and the Prevention Council. All of which have a focus on improving our children’s lives. 

Joanne’s commitment to Saratoga embodies the three benefits our city is known for health, history and horses. She also shares the vision of adding a fourth “h” to the list–a sports tourism hub. Joanne realizes the value of our rapidly growing youth athletic programs to our city’s economy, especially with our equestrian events, regattas and lacrosse tournaments. 

Joanne Yepsen will make a wonderfully effective mayor. She has a proven record of supporting recreational parks, non-profits and youth organizations. As a fellow Saratoga parent of three, Joanne has shown a true commitment to keeping our children safe and healthy. Her presence has been consistently felt across a wide spectrum of community and family life, with a sincere dedication to improving its every facet.  Doesn’t that sound like an ideal mayor? Please consider voting for Joanne Yepsen for mayor. 

Deirdre Ladd,

Saratoga Springs

 

Dear Editor,

Do we want talk or action heading the Public Safety Department? 

 When the private ambulance serving our city went bankrupt, Chris Mathiesen put the city owned ambulance to work utilizing our fire/EMS trained professionals. His action has netted the city over $1.1 million income in eighteen months. 

Commissioner Mathiesen found a way to rehire the police and firemen that his predecessor made no effort to rehire. He did it while keeping within budget and providing the city coffers with new revenues. Others talk about keeping taxes low and services in place. Chris Mathiesen actually does it. 

Eleven years ago Commissioner Curley seeing the need for a third fire/EMS facility, appointed a study committee about siting a new facility east of the Northway to service the fastest growing population in the city. It still takes nine to 20 minutes to get fire/EMS east of the Northway. 

Commissioner Mathiesen working diligently found appropriate land and a willing seller. The land transaction gives the city a lot on 9P and $575,000 in exchange for an in-city parking lot that will go back on the tax rolls. Land for a proposed fire/EMS facility will cost the taxpayers nothing. 

If you disagree with Mathiesen about bar hours or noise or other details, please remember he holds community meetings and actually listens to all of us while working to keep the entire city population safe. We need his action. His opponent has always talks a good game but in his one term, he never made good on even one of his promises. 

The quality of a community can be measured by its elected officials willingness to take care of all citizens, not one group or one area. Mathiesen actually cares about all citizens. It is so heartening to have an elected official who cares more about issues than politics. Please reelect him to keep on serving all of us equally. 

Nancy Goldberg,

Saratoga Springs

 

Dear Editor,

Two years ago Chris Mathiesen was elected Commissioner of Public Safety. Looking back over the past two years Commissioner Mathiesen has completed the takeover of ambulance transport resulting in new revenue on over $1 million, restored positions in the police department, installed security cameras in the downtown core and fought for earlier closing time for Saratoga Springs bars. These are the items that he campaigned on. Surprising to find a politician who delivers what he promises in these times.

Chris has represented all Saratogians at the council table, robustly advocating for transparency in government and bi-partisan negotiations.

We found out that only the County Board of Supervisors has the authority to change the closing time for bars. This was done in Warren County and other counties around us, but the Saratoga County commissioners would not let the issue come to a vote before all the supervisors–sounds as bad as Congress.

With such a strong record of accomplishment, please help re-elect Chris Mathiesen Commissioner of Public Safety on November 5.

George Cain,

Saratoga Springs

 

Dear Editor,

Shauna Sutton is a life-long resident of Saratoga Springs and throughout her life has been an active and productive part of our city. From being a member of the PTA to the deputy mayor for the past 6 years, Shauna has successfully been engaged in making Saratoga Springs a fabulous place to live and raise your family. That is why she has broad support from people registered in all political parties.

She has a record of success and has earned the opportunity to continue to lead this city as its mayor.

Jim St. John,

Saratoga Springs

 

Dear Editor, 

Bob Rice and Art Johnson are both running for reelection to the Wilton Town Board. As Wilton resident, I am pleased with how our town is being managed. I think both of them have greatly contributed to the high quality of life we enjoy in Wilton, a quality of life that has not come about by accident. Bob Rice and Art Johnson have increased recreational opportunities in the town for our kids, by adding an ice skating rink to Gavin Park and the addition of a spray park as well this summer. They have also invested significantly in upgrading our town roads and highways, making safer for families to drive in the town of Wilton. Finally they have made these improvements without breaking the bank. Wilton is in tremendous fiscal shape with $0 debt, $0 property tax and highway tax, and a budget surplus that has increased 24 percent over the past three years. Voting for Bob and Art will allow them to keep up the good work, so that we all can continue to be proud to call Wilton home.

 

Jeff Hurt

Wilton

 

Dear Editor, 

My husband and I are writing this letter in support of Joanne Yepsen for mayor of Saratoga Springs.

I met Joanne Yepsen nearly 30 years ago when we were colleagues at the YWCA in Schenectady working to protect women from violence. Joanne has demonstrated both then and now the organizational skills and ability needed to bring people together to resolve problems. Joanne knows how to identify and secure funding for projects that she supports, and her integrity is evidenced by the number of people who have worked with her in the past and continue to support her. 

Joanne truly cares about the people she serves and the community she lives in. When she is elected Mayor, Joanne will continue work to make Saratoga an even better place to live. Joanne is co-founder of Sustainable Saratoga. Her vision of Saratoga is one that balances economic growth with quality of life issues. She is able to work with people from various political parties to do what is right. Joanne has forged relationships throughout Saratoga County and New York State during her four terms as County Supervisor, which will enhance opportunities to work cooperatively with other communities to build public and private partnerships.

 My husband and I are members of opposing political parties, but we agree on one thing, that Joanne Yepsen is the best person to be the next mayor of Saratoga Springs. 

Monna Zuckerman, PhD

Jack Zuckerman

Saratoga Springs

 

Dear Editor, 

I came home this evening only to find the street sign at the corner snapped off and tire tracks on my lawn again. Looks like someone was driving too fast in my neighborhood – again.

On Tuesday, November 5, I will vote for two town board positions. Incumbent Bob Rice will run against Joanne Klepetar and John McEachron. I will be voting for Joanne and John. 

As noted above, controlling traffic and safety are very important to me and to any community. Also, over-development, lack of planning and an “anything goes” approach to development are not why I moved to Wilton 

I have seen Bob Rice sit on a town board where immediately our town planner was eliminated.This critical position is the “go-between” for the community and business and takes into consideration things like traffic congestion, sewer and drinking water capacity, environmental quality and public safety. 

Bob voted to relax zoning laws throughout much of Wilton continuing to make Wilton favorable to developers.This does not surprise me as between 2008 and 2012, developers, real estate prospectors, and affiliated contractors funneled $43,390 into Wilton politics according to state campaign finance data. Over two thirds of those campaign contributions came directly from entities that have been granted subdivisions, special permits, or variances by the town board or have been awarded uncompetitive town contracts. Bob Rice has demonstrated that he has “special” interests in mind. Unfortunately, developers are more “special” than the community. 

I have seen Joanne Klepetar at town board meetings relentlessly fighting for the community. John McEachron has been involved with the fire department for years. We live here. Voting in local elections is very important. We cannot sustain this type of development and maintain the quality of life in which we cherish with the current Town Board. 

Please vote on November 5th and vote for Joanne Klepetar and John McEachron for Wilton Town Board. 

Patricia Tuz

Wilton

 

Dear Editor, 

I proudly support Joanne Yepsen, candidate for mayor in Saratoga Springs. Through my 12 years as former Director of the City’s Heritage Area Program and Visitor Center, I developed a good understanding of City Hall and how our government functions. My job also entailed working with many politicians. Thus, it is with complete confidence that I can say that Joanne is a refreshing breath of fresh air. 

For eight years as our elected representative to the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors she has demonstrated strong leadership, fairness and deep commitment to our city. She is comfortable reaching across party lines to achieve results. She believes in openness and accessibility, and is willing to listen to the public. Her support comes from many quarters, evidence that she garners respect and is a unifier. Saratoga Springs cannot afford to continue petty partisanship. We now have an opportunity to set a new tone in City Hall, bringing candor and balance to the forefront – where every citizen’s voice is as important as the next person’s. 

Holly Schwarz-Lawton

 

Dear Editor,

Joanne Yepsen has been a friend and colleague of mine for nearly 30 years. As a “preacher’s kid,” she developed a strong ethic of individual and community service from childhood. In her four terms as County Supervisor representing Saratoga Springs, she has shown remarkable energy and dedication as a problem solver, not an ideologue. First of all, she is a good listener, and she has a record of identifying and then reaching out effectively to meet the needs of such diverse groups as veterans, small businesspersons, artists, women, and the elderly. 

Her unique experience as a public official has given her contacts at the county and state level as well as a thorough knowledge of day-to-day issues and affairs of the city. She “walks the walk” on matters of transparency and open government. Indeed, we are fortunate to have such a gifted and outstanding candidate running for mayor. 

I urge my friends and neighbors to join me in voting for Joanne Yepsen for mayor of Saratoga Springs on November 5.

Sincerely,

Kenneth Klotz

Mayor, City of Saratoga Springs, 2000-2003

 

Dear Editor, 

I’m voting for Sutton for mayor for three reasons. 

One: She has the best experience, having worked hard as deputy mayor for six years. She knows budgets and how to manage a complex department. Therefore, I’m confident she can handle the difficult job of leading our city responsibly.

Two: She has made real contributions to Saratoga Springs, helping get our long discussed parking garage and recreation center built. Therefore, I’m confident that she’ll continue to improve our city.

Three: She already has significantly reduced our costs, both within the mayor’s office and contract negotiations, which saved the city $32 million according to the auditors. Therefore, I’m confident that she’ll continue to hold down our taxes.

Her opponent has none of the above experience, accomplishments, or union negotiating experience, putting Saratoga at risk if she were to be elected.

I hope you’ll agree with these three reasons to vote for Shauna Sutton for mayor.

Irene Palma

Saratoga Springs

 

Dear Editor, 

When thinking about the duties that the mayor of Saratoga Springs undertakes, one of the most important to the average Saratogian is negotiating with the unions representing city employees. Ms. Yepsen has willingly taken campaign contributions from the same unions she will be facing across the bargaining table. Whose interests will she represent?

A campaign contributor who kicked massive amounts of money into her election coffers or the taxpayers of the City of Saratoga Springs?

With Shauna Sutton you know who she’ll be looking out for. Shauna will be representing the taxpayers of our city, not some deep-pocketed campaign contributor.

Join me in supporting Shauna Sutton for mayor.

Jim Chatfield

Saratoga Springs

 

Dear Editor,

It’s time every one of us acknowledges our responsibility, not just our right, to vote and to vote with knowledge of issues and people for whom we vote. We have witnessed many times the immense impact we have when we come together for a common cause, as one strong voice. It’s time to stop feeling insignificant and powerless. It’s time to speak up and be heard. 

We need our elected officials to know—it’s not about them. It’s about us, this is our community. It’s about what is right for the Community as a whole.

We need officials that can’t be bought or influenced for personal gain or power. That do not surrender to the dogma of party lines; that old, entrenched system just isn’t working any more.

We shouldn’t have to police our own government and yet that is exactly what we need to be doing. The past four years in Wilton is living proof. Washington is living proof.

It’s time we take back our lives and our Community. It’s time to vote for people that don’t have an agenda; that will hear our voices, unite and empower us. 

To the voters in Wilton, I urge you and I challenge you to “get in the know”. Know what’s going on in our town, know who your board members really are and know who your candidates are.

Know and Vote. Know that it is you that will make the difference. 

My vote will most definitely be cast for Joanne Klepetar and John McEachron because “I know” they will listen and they will be the change we seek and need. 

Know and Go...Vote November 5 and let’s start to create a board that works with us, not against us. 

Nancy Dwyer

Wilton

 

Dear Editor, 

Two years ago Chris Mathiesen was elected Commissioner of Public Safety. Looking back over the past two years Commissioner Mathiesen has completed the takeover of ambulance transport resulting in new revenue on over $1 million, restored positions in the police department, installed security cameras in the downtown core, and fought for earlier closing time for Saratoga Springs bars. These are the items that he campaigned on. Surprising to find a politician who delivers what he promises in these times.

Chris has represented all Saratogians at the Council table, robustly advocating for transparency in government and bi-partisan negotians.

We found out that only the County Board of Supervisors has the authority to change the closing time for bars. This was done in Warren County and other counties around us, but the Saratoga County Commissioners would not let the issue come to a vote before all the supervisors – sounds as bad as Congress.

With such a strong record of accomplishment, please help re-elect Chris Mathiesen Commissioner of Public Safety on November 5.

George Cain

Saratoga Springs

 

Dear Editor,

Shauna Sutton is a life long resident of Saratoga Springs and throughout her life has been an active and productive part of our city. From being s member of the PTA to the Deputy Mayor for the past 6 years, Shauna has successfully been engaged in making Saratoga Springs a fabulous place to live and raise your family. That is why she has broad support from people registered in all political parties.

She has a record of success and has earned the opportunity to continue to lead this city as its mayor.

Jim St.John

Saratoga Springs

 

Dear Editor,

I met Joanne Yepsen before she was in politics. At that time, she was working, raising children and finding the time to support organizations and causes she believed in. She was the kind of involved mother I wanted to be. 

I remember taking my little boys to the East Side Rec and seeing a plaque with the Yepsen’s name on it, thanking them for their support for the Caroline Street School’s playground. As a mother, Joanne made an impression on me. Fifteen years later, I’m still impressed by Joanne’s commitment to improving Saratoga and helping the youth of our community. 

Together, Joanne and I have worked on the Billy Grey Ride for Research for the Brain Tumor Society as well as on the Open Space Project, Martin Luther King Day Celebration, Saratoga Rowing Association, Arts in Education, Saratoga Youth Lacrosse Association, Sustainable Saratoga, the PNECC Youth Group, the St. Clements Horse Show and the Prevention Council. All of which have a focus on improving our children’s lives. 

Joanne’s commitment to Saratoga embodies the three benefits our city is known for - health, history and horses. She also shares the vision of adding a fourth “h” to the list; a sports tourism hub. Joanne realizes the value of our rapidly growing youth athletic programs to our city’s economy, especially with our equestrian events, regattas and lacrosse tournaments. 

Joanne Yepsen will make a wonderfully effective mayor. She has a proven record of supporting recreational parks, non-profits and youth organizations. As a fellow Saratoga parent of three, Joanne has shown a true commitment to keeping our children safe and healthy. Her presence has been consistently felt across a wide spectrum of community and family life, with a sincere dedication to improving its every facet.  Doesn’t that sound like an ideal mayor? Please consider voting for Joanne Yepsen for Mayor. 

Deirdre Ladd

Saratoga

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