Letters TO THE EDITOR

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