The proposed charter raises four important questions for voters to consider.
The 2001 charter set the City Council’s salary at $14,500. The proposed charter removes that limit and maintains the policy of giving lifetime health care coverage for former City Council members who serve 10 years. Should City Council members have a blank check to set their own salary and benefits?
The mayor is stripped of their appointment powers for the city attorney and land use boards. The Mayor also loses their oversight of the Recreation Department and collective bargaining. Should Saratoga Springs have a largely ceremonial mayor?
Under the 2001 charter, the City Attorney, Human Resource Administrator, Director of Risk and Safety, and IT Director each report to a single elected commissioner. Under the proposed charter, they would report to the five or seven member City Council. Who does a citizen contact if they have questions about their performance?
The proposed charter gives the daily administration of the Recreation Department ($2.3 million budget) to the Department of Public Works. How will that affect DPW’s primary responsibility for maintaining the city’s roads, infrastructure, and drinking water?
- Bob Turner
PhD, Professor of Political Science, Skidmore College
Chair of the 2016-17 Charter Review Commission
