Q:  What is your vision for Wilton five years from now?

McEachron: Wilton will see smart, stable growth and continue to be a Town with "No Tax."  Our town government will be transparent and guided by the will of the residents. Sensible investments will ensure our long-term stability, the safety of our roads and continued expansion of community amenities. 

Q: How do you feel about the recent zoning changes?

McEachron: Members of the town board, who voted in favor of these changes, including my opponent Bob Rice, let down the residents of Wilton. With staunch opposition from town residents, I question the motive for pushing these changes through. Residents should have been given the opportunity to vote on these changes as they conflicted with the vision set forth in the Town Master Plan.

Q: What is the biggest difference between you and your opponents?

McEachron: While I'm a lifelong Republican, I am not a member of the Wilton Republican Committee, a group seemingly determined to ensure Wilton conforms to the views of a very select few. Unlike my opponents, I will listen to and engage with town residents. My decisions will reflect the desires of the community as a whole.

Q: What is the most pressing issue in Saratoga County that the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office need to address?

Zurlo: Keeping our neighborhoods and children in school safe are my top priorities as the next Sheriff. Utilizing and building on our relationships with local police agencies will ensure that our communities remain safe place to live and work and engaging our youth and educators will promote safe initiatives within our classrooms.    

Q: What makes you qualified to lead a multimillion dollar department with several hundred employees?

I am the only candidate for Saratoga County Sheriff who has the working knowledge and experience of working with all aspects of the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office. In fact, I have more than 30 years’ experience working directly with corrections, communications, road patrol and civil. This experience has led me being the only candidate to be endorsed by the top law enforcement unions including the Saratoga County Deputy Benevolent Association, the New York State Law Enforcement Officers Union-Council 82 and the New York State Deputies Association.  

Q: What is the biggest difference between you and your opponent?

My service as a Town Judge in Stillwater and more than 30 years of policing experience protecting the streets of Saratoga County as a dedicated law-enforcement professional where I proudly served as a Sergeant, Lieutenant and Senior Criminal Investigator separates me from my opponent. My vast experience handling arson, burglary and homicide cases, on top of managing department resources and having a firm understanding all aspects of running the Sheriff's Office makes me the most qualified candidate to become the next Sheriff of Saratoga County

Q: What is the most pressing issue in Saratoga County that the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office need to address?

Gildersleeve: Bringing the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department into the 21st Century with technological and cost-effective upgrades to more efficiently serve the public safety of Saratoga County. That would also entail creating department emails, establishing a user-friendly website, utilizing video arraignments and fighting welfare fraud. It’s also important that we stop the rise in drug use within the county and work to educate our youth on the dangers of drugs. That’s why I’ve announced I will bring back an updated DARE program for our kids in Saratoga County schools.

Q: What makes you qualified to lead a multimillion-dollar department with several hundred employees?

Gildersleeve: The diversified experience I’ve earned working for a multitude of well-respected organizations, from my beginnings as a United States Marine to today as a Warren County Sheriff’s investigator and everything in between. I’ve learned firsthand the best and most effective ways to manage a department and will be fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars while planning long-term for the future.

Q: What is the biggest thing between you and your opponent?

Gildersleeve: My leadership abilities; being the most qualified and experienced Republican candidate running for Saratoga County Sheriff, as a United States Marine, retired New York State Trooper, DEA Drug Task Force Supervisor and current investigator with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office. This diversified experience will allow for an effective administration as the Saratoga County Sheriff with new perspectives on how to upgrade and improve the Sheriff’s office.

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Ellwood “Woody” Sloat, Jr.

Running for Malta Town Justice

Q: What would you say qualifies you for the position of Town Justice?

 Sloat: I have 35 years of experience working with the Town Justice system. The Justice court handles traffic tickets, minor criminal offenses and small claims up to $3,000. Throughout my career I worked with the courts on a daily basis and as the State Police Director of Training, it was my responsibility to ensure that all of our personnel had an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the laws and procedures specific to this court. Small claims and evictions were matters that the citizens needed to be advised on routinely and our troopers receive extensive training in order to do that. Availability is also a critical qualification for a Town Justice. I am retired and can fulfill the 24/7 availability requirement without delay.

Q: What is your motivation for running for this office?

Sloat: I reached age 60 in 2012 and entered mandatory retirement last December. I am still very energetic and have a tremendous desire to continue working in the criminal justice system and contribute to our local community. I feel like it is a natural progression of my life and career to take this next step into the justice court system. I have dedicated my time in the past to raising my two daughters. They are now mature adults, and I can focus all of my passion and energies into the justice court. I have a wealth of experience to offer and the town needs a full time justice who does not have a young family or employment conflicts.

Q: What can you bring to the position that you don’t think is already there?

Sloat: This is a difficult question to answer. The current justices are outstanding jurists and the court clerk staff is an experienced, hardworking and dedicated group of employees. I will bring a fresh vitality to the office along with contemporary criminal justice exposure from my statewide assignments, but until I experience the position, I don’t think it is fair to enter with any predispositions.

The following are from the Office of Saratoga County District Attorney's Office:

Shabazz R. Felton, 21, residing at 650 New Jersey Avenue, Brooklyn, pled guilty on August 30 to criminal possession of a controlled substance, fifth degree. 

John J. Shannon, Jr., 26, residing at 331 Rowland Street, Milton, pled guilty on August 30 to second degree assault, a violent felony. 

Michelle Y. Pinkney, 34, residing at 18 Cherry Street, Saratoga Springs, was sentenced to five years in state prison and three years post release supervision for criminal sale of a controlled substance, third degree.

Okay, we just couldn't let the season end and Cuko is putting together a great match, so Friday September 6, at 5:30 p.m. Saratoga Polo will be playing on Whitney Field 2, all tailgating, $20 per carload, pay at the gate, bring your own picnic. Of course, season ticket holders get in for free. Who could ask for anything more? Any questions call (518) 584-8108, or check the website saratogapolo.com

The following is the press release issued by Saratoga Springs Police Chief Greg Veitch concerning the foot pursuit of Darryl Mount:

SARATOGA SPRINGS -- At about 3:02 a.m. Saturday morning police officers assigned to foot patrol on Caroline Street reported that they observed a 21 -ear-old male, later identified as Darryl Mount, Jr. of Malta, shove a female’s head into a brick wall near the corner of Caroline Street and Broadway.  Police officers approached Mr. Mount and he fled on foot.  

Police officers then engaged in a foot pursuit in an attempt to stop Mount and take him into custody.  Saratoga Springs Police Department policy mandates an arrest in cases of domestic violence where any offense is committed in the presence of an officer, even if the victim does not want to pursue the arrest or prosecution. 

Mount ran south on Broadway into the alley on the north side of the Washington Building at 422 Broadway.Police officers twice attempted to deploy the Taser electronic control device during the foot pursuit while in the alley.Both attempts failed and did not make any contact with Mount who continued to run behind the Washington Building into the construction area at the rear of the building.  All Taser probes have been recovered at the scene and have been secured in the custody of the police department.  The recovery of the Taser probes confirms that there was no contact made with Mount or his clothing.      

At the rear of the building a wooden barrier is in place to prevent unauthorized access to the construction area and scaffolding behind the building.  The area behind the building has no lighting and was wet from rain that had fallen earlier in the evening. Police officers pursuing Mount reported that he climbed over a railing adjacent to the wooden barrier and onto the scaffolding at the rear of the building.  Only one officer pursued Mount onto the scaffolding and he was slowed by the construction area that is a tangle of wood and metal posts and support beams.  It was at this point that the following officer lost sight of Mount briefly.  Once the officer made his way onto the scaffolding he no longer could see Mount.

Other officers then ran around the front of the building to Gardner Lane next to Lillian’s in an attempt to secure any escape routes and establish a perimeter. The initial officer trailing Mount noticed an individual approaching the area along the sidewalk between Gaffney’s and Izumi Bar and Grill.  He called to the person to inquire if they had seen anyone running through the area and the witness reported that he heard a thud or crash and came to investigate but that he did not see anyone running.  A few moments later, the officer on the scaffolding observed Mount lying on the ground as other officers began arriving from the area of Putnam Street.  They found Mount unresponsive but breathing and called for emergency medical treatment.  

Saratoga Fire Department personnel arrived and provided medical care on scene, including cutting away Mount’s clothing. He was then transported by members of SSFD to Albany Medical Center.  

The police department has received several calls inquiring if police officers have been suspended or charged in relation to this incident.  Many have referred to allegations made on social media and other internet websites.  Some of the calls reference police officers, by name, who were not even working at the time. Some have referred to the tearing of Mount’s clothing as evidence that the police tore his clothing off of him during a beating although firefighters cut off his clothing to attend to his injuries as they do in many serious injury cases.Others still have claimed the police assaulted Mount on Caroline Street and were later seen chasing him down Gardiner Lane. There is no evidence at this point that police engaged in anything other than a foot pursuit onto unlit construction scaffolding behind 422 Broadway. The pursuit was begun after officers observed Mount assault another person and in accordance with what Saratoga Springs Police Officers are mandated to do. No witnesses have come forward and stated that they observed police officers using force on Mount. Anyone who claims that they observed any officers beating a suspect in this or any case is encouraged to contact me directly and I will personally take their statement.  

A canvass of the area for video has been conducted. None of the video in possession of the police department shows the area behind 422 Broadway or the attached scaffolding. There is video of Caroline Street showing Mount shoving the female victim into the wall just off of Broadway, running away, and police officers giving chase.Video on Broadway shows several officers in pursuit of Mount as he runs into the alley on the north side of 422 Broadway and moments later three officers running from the alley south bound in front of the building to Gardner Lane as they attempt to intercept Mount or establish a perimeter at the rear of the building.A third video shows officers running down Gardner Lane; no one is running in front of them. All of the video is secured as evidence pending grand jury action.  

Because police officers had lost sight of Mount and no witnesses have come forward who observed what happened in the area behind 422 Broadway, police speculate Mount somehow fell or jumped from the scaffolding in an attempt evade police. This was the initial report to dispatchers who provided that information to responding medical personnel. At the time of the incident, the area had no lighting. The scaffolding has many wood and metal support and cross beams and one can only pass through the area by stooping to avoid the cross beams or by hanging off of the edge of the scaffolding. It is about 19 to 20 feet from the scaffolding to the ground where Mount was found.  Falls from this height can result in very serious injuries.  

Mount has suffered serious, life threatening injuries. It is most important that he gets the medical care he needs to recover. It is for that reason alone that the police have not formally charged Mount with any offense at this point. Any criminal case will proceed at an appropriate time in consultation with prosecuting authorities. 

I would again encourage anyone who has information regarding this incident to contact the police department at (518) 584-1800, on the web at www.saratogapolice.org or anonymously at (518) 584-TIPS.  

Any allegation of police brutality will be taken seriously by the Saratoga Springs Police Department.This investigation is still on-going.  There may be additional facts, evidence or witnesses that are not yet known to the police. I encourage anyone who witnessed this incident to report their information to authorities.  

Gregory J. Veitch   

Chief of Police 

Saratoga Springs Police Department                                                      

The following is the Saratoga Springs Police Department Arrest information for the period of September 1 through September 2—8 a.m. to 8 a.m.

Guy M. Pierce, 48, of Doten Ave, Saratoga Springs, was arrested at 4:25 a.m. following a disturbance in Jefferson Terrance on Penn Street and charged with false personation and resisting arrest.

The following is the Saratoga Springs Police Department Arrest information for the period of August 29 through August 30 8 a.m. to 8 a.m. 

Javon L. Aponte, 27, residing at Ardsley Road, Schenectady, was arrested fir fourth degree grand larceny/credit card for an incident which occurred on August 8 at the Casino. 

Patricio Gomez, 36, of Union Ave, Saratoga Springs was arrested on a warrant for third degree assault with intent to cause physical injury for an incident which occurred at the race track on August 23. 

Ramiliah S. Johnson, 27, of Jefferson Terrace, Saratoga Springs was arrested on a narcotics warrant for third degree criminal possession of marijuana.

Rateb A. Baghban, 35, of Milburn Avenue, Baldwin, was stopped on Ballston Avenue at 1:20 a.m. and charged with DWI, BAC of .08 percent or higher, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration, speeding in a posted zone and failure to keep right. 

Claudia A. Griggs, 64, of Grand Ave, Saratoga Springs, was arrested on a warrant for cocaine sales as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation and charged with third degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

The following are from the Office of the Saratoga County District Attorney: 

Meghan L. Tavenner, 29, residing at 325 Saratoga Avenue, Milton, pled guilty to third degree burglary for an incident which occurred on March 24. Tavenner will be sentenced on October 31 at 1:15 p.m.

Devin M. Donovan, 23, 224 South Greenfield Road, Greenfield pled guilty to third degree criminal mischief on August 29 for an incident which occurred in Greenfield on April 19. Donovan will be sentenced on October 31 at 9:15 a.m. 

Jean-Luc Poisson, 20, residing at 380 Spier Falls Road, Greenfield Center, pled guilty on August 29 to to possessing a sexual performance by a child for an incident which occurred on May 25, 2012 in the town of Greenfield. Poisson will be sentenced on October 31 at 1:15 p.m. 

Lisa M. Warenda, 27, residing at 6 Brookview Lane, Troy was sentenced to five days in Saratoga County Jaul and five years’ probation to include Drug Treatment Court for felony DWI which occurred on December 30 in Waterford.

Jorge Diaz, 18, residing at 210 Main Street, Apt. 2, Moreau, was indicted by Saratoga County Grand Jury on August 29 for first degree robbery, two counts for second degree robbery and third degree robbery for an incident which occurred in Moreau on July 30. 

Liana M. Flack, 23, residing at 101 Broad Street, South Glens Falls, was indicted by Saratoga County Grand Jury on August 29 for first degree robbery, two counts for second degree robbery and third degree robbery for an incident which occurred in Moreau on July 30.

Thomas A. Ford, 28, residing at 18 Ferdella Street, Moreau, was indicted by Saratoga County Grand Jury on August 29 for first degree robbery, two counts for second degree robbery and third degree robbery for an incident which occurred in Moreau on July 30.

Erica S. Bannin, 22, residing at 210 Main Street, Glens Falls, was indicted by Saratoga County Grand Jury on August 29 for first degree robbery, two counts for second degree robbery and third degree robbery for an incident which occurred in Moreau on July 30.

Mark H. Tyler, 49, residing at 165 Sandhill Road, Greenfield Center, was indicted by the Saratoga County Grand Jury on August 29 for two counts of third degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, two counts of third degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and two counts of seventh degree criminal possession of a controlled substance for incidents which occurred in Saratoga Springs on May 1 and May 9. 

Henry J. Ostander, 45, residing at 35 Malta Avenue, Ballston Spa, was indicted by the Saratoga County Grand Jury on August 29 for two counts of felony DWI and a single count of first degree aggravated unlicensed operation for an incident which occurred June 8 in the town of Milton. 

Karl W. Kimball, 47, residing at 900 Rock City Road, Lot 214, Ballston Spa, was indicted by Saratoga County Grand Jury on August 29 for first degree sexual abuse, two counts of sexual abuse and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child for incidents which took place in August, 2012 and March 5 in the town of Milton. 

Daniel C. Rhodes, 51, residing at 1107 Rock City Road, Rock City Falls, was indicted by the Saratoga County Grand Jury on August 29 for felony DWI for an incident which took place on March 28 in the city of Saratoga Springs. 

Gary G. Garafalo, 58, residing at 9 Vichy Drive, Saratoga Springs, was indicted by the Saratoga County Grand Jury on August 29 for two counts of felony DWI and a single count of felony aggravated driving while intoxicated for an incident which occurred on April 23 in the town of Milton.