Displaying items by tag: Sophia Nelson

SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Saratoga campaign season has a new player that hopes to wield money and volunteerism in support of candidates whose past reflects a proven commitment to balance between economic vitality and quality of life.

The Together and Forward Saratoga Political Action Committee (PAC), chaired by Robert Manz, a 45-year Saratoga Springs resident and chief operating officer of D.A. Collins Companies, recently filed paperwork with the New York State Board of Elections and has now been authorized to raise and expend funds. 

“Our goal is to encourage and support a balance between expanding economic opportunity and protecting our environment while enhancing the economic well-being and quality of life in Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County,” said Manz. “Economic vitality and quality of life are tied together, and to balance them both is a very difficult task. But at the end of the day, you can’t have one without the other. We’re going to support candidates who have shown they understand that.” 

According to Manz, the PAC’s board of directors is still in process of being formed, but one of the members is Stewart’s Shops President Gary Dake, and the treasurer is Cindy Hollowood, general manager of the Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs. 

The PAC intends to set up a committee of the board to interview candidates in contested and uncontested races starting this year with the Mayor and City Council races in Saratoga Springs. The group will also review the voting record and actions taken by the incumbent Mayor and Commissioners and the public statements of the challengers for those seats as part of the processes of determining who to support. 

The new PAC is seeking to build a politically, demographically, and income-diverse group of members who share a singular goal of building a balanced Saratoga Springs with economic vitality and quality of life now and into the future. Member activity will primarily be focused on supporting candidates through funds and volunteer work. 

The Saratoga PAC will hold a burger and beer kick-off event at the Stadium Café on Broadway Wednesday, June 24 from 5:00 until 6:15 p.m. $10 admission, light fare provided, cash bar. To register for this event or for more information, please visit www.saratogapac.com.