I am writing this letter as an endorsement for Stephen Mittler, who is one of the three candidates running for one of the two Saratoga County Supervisor seats representing the City of Saratoga Springs.
Steve and I grew up in the same neighborhood in Clifton Park and our families got to know each other through our membership at the Corpus Christi Church and through Shenendehowa Central School. We spent many years together in the ministry group that catered to the teenagers in our community. Steve comes from a family that instilled wonderful core values, and since those early days, I was always sure that Steve would do great things in his life.
Graduation and early careers took so many of our friends from Saratoga County as people went off and pursued their dreams, raised families, and established new roots. But Steve and I are among the many that made the choice to remain in Saratoga and we have continued to invest our lives in our home region.
We both have been residents of Saratoga Springs for well over a decade now. I have had the pleasure of doing business with Steve several times and I have remarked on many occasions that Steve commands a strong business acumen with an unwavering focus on always doing what is right. It is no wonder that he had such a great impact on his career in corporate banking. He rose through many rolls to leadership levels and ahead of the pace of many of his peers. I surmise that Steve’s “roll the sleeves up” approach to problem solving and his communication approach that starts with asking questions and listening made him not only a great leader, but also a great corporate citizen.
As Steve and I have been moving through our mid-forties and the next phase of our careers, there have been many evenings spent sitting on his porch or mine, talking about life and how much we love where we our lives have placed us. We have a mutual feeling that we have been incredibly blessed to raise our children in such an immersive community that is Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County and the surrounding areas.
It was with no surprise to me when Steve mentioned he wanted to give back to our community by getting involved with local politics. While not a politician myself, I have been grateful for the opportunity to lend an ear and provide support to Steve as the newest candidate to the field.
Steve chose to run as a no-party candidate, which is a statement to his focus on the issues concerning our neighbors and citizens, the city, and the county as his top priority. He is running against two incumbents, one of whom recently moved from out of state and is an active member of the Capital District Chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America. The other was born and raised in Saratoga and has served his community well in the County Supervisor position for many years.
Steve’s campaign over the last year is a testament to his character and dedication to be your next County Supervisor representing the City of Saratoga Springs. From knocking on doors and literally meeting thousands of residents from every corner of the City, to holding informal “office hours” at local coffee shops and eateries, many of the members of our city have gotten to know Steve and have seen what a good man, father, and now, politician he is! They understand his connection to the community and the issues we face as well as his level-headed nonpartisan voice, which is exactly what we need today.
During an off-year election, it’s a great opportunity for the citizens of Saratoga Springs to focus locally and have a say in who best represents their everyday interests. I hope everyone comes out on November 5th and cast their votes for Steve. I can assure you that once you see him in action, there will be no doubt that you will feel you made the right choice.
Please join me in congratulating Steve on a well-run campaign and let’s elect Mittler for
Supervisor together.
With respect and appreciation,
- John A Burke Jr.
City of Saratoga Springs Resident
