Michele Madigan has announced she is seeking the endorsement of the Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee to run for Mayor of Saratoga Springs. While during the ten years she served as the Commissioner of Finance in the city, she did an excellent job managing the city’s money, she unfortunately, also showed extremely poor judgment on numerous occasions in her social and professional interactions with the public and her colleagues on the Council while in office.
As the readers of this blog are aware, along with the country as a whole, the atmosphere at City Council meetings has suffered from the uncivil and contentious behavior of a number of elected officials in recent years. Many of us have worked hard to elect individuals to the Council who would return civility and restraint to the conduct of pubic meetings. With regret, rather than contributing to the progress that has been made with new faces at the table, Ms. Madigan’s history indicates that, if elected, she would only further exacerbate the problems some have worked so hard to correct.
Intemperate Behavior
The following two videos are examples of Madigan’s repeatedly problematic behavior at the Council table. [JK:The titles were not created by me]
The October 29, 2019 edition of the Daily Gazette reported on another disturbing incident involving Madigan when she was in office:
On Oct. 17, Democratic Committee member Scott Solomon, a downtown business owner, along with city resident Rick Thompson, sent a complaint to the state Board of Elections, saying Madigan “bullied constituents” and engaged in a “clear abuse of power.”
Their complaint is based on two emails Madigan sent to Solomon in early October, after learning that Solomon was hosting a fundraiser for Morrison [JK: Her opponent at the time] at the restaurant Siro’s, which he co-owns. The emails were sent from Madigan’s personal account, not her city account. In the second message, Madigan said she would no longer offer Solomon any assistance as she had in the past. As recently as July, emails show Solomon sought and received Madigan’s help with a State Liquor Authority issue, as he sought to open a new restaurant.
“You can get in line like everyone else,” Madigan wrote him on Oct. 11. “I’m sorry I considered you a friend. I hear you have a lot of code violations by the way. Enjoy.”
Daily Gazette
Madigan subsequently apologized to Solomon. As reported in the Times Union, Solomon was later convicted of fraud over COVID payments and sentenced to thirteen months in jail.
Saratoga National and the Greenbelt
Ms. Madigan’s history regarding the city’s greenbelt is similarly troubling.
Saratoga National campaigned for years to build a major hotel and a condo complex on its land in the city’s greenbelt.
When the founders of Saratoga National first proposed their project, they made numerous promises to the city.
One of their promises was to incorporate two nature trails for the community. This is a link to a post this blogger wrote about their brazen disregard for this promise. It is worth the read because, for this blogger, it established why I became hostile to and more than suspicious of anything Saratoga National had to propose.
In 2015, Saratoga National proposed a major expansion that required amending the city’s zoning to accommodate a “golfing resort.” Sustainable Saratoga wrote an excellent paper documenting the problematic implications of the change.
The proposed zoning amendment that is now before the City Council would create a new allowed use — golf resorts — in the entire outlying Rural Residential zoning district. It is our view that a “golf resort” that allows up to 148 lodging rooms, unspecified-sized banquet hall, unspecified number of retail establishments, unspecified-sized health spa, and unspecified business meeting space is completely contrary to the “low density” requirement of this district. These uses are not compatible with the newly adopted Comprehensive Plan.
Sustainable Saratoga
As documented in this past blog, Madigan took it upon herself in 2021 to urge the city Planning Board to once again consider the ambitious expansion of Saratoga National that had been unsuccessful in 2015. Madigan advocated for the expansion, claiming it would result in millions of dollars in tax revenues and create some 260 jobs, but was never able to produce any documentation that supported those numbers. She also never explained what prompted her to suddenly write the Planning Board on behalf of Saratoga National’s ambitious plans to develop in the greenbelt.
The Marion Ave. Maple Dell PUD
Most recently, Madigan was the MC for Hank Kuczynski’s press conference where he announced his candidacy for Commissioner of Public Works. Kuczynski used this platform to attack Chuck Marshall for his unsuccessful work on behalf of Stewarts to designate an area of Maple Avenue for a PUD. Kuczynski noted that the neighbors of this proposed PUD strongly objected to it. He characterized Marshall’s effort as an indication that Marshall threatened the city’s greenbelt. Ironically Madigan had voted in favor of that PUD when it came before the City Council.
Promoting A False Narrative
Madigan’s eagerness to promote Kuczynski’s effort to remain Public Works Commissioner has also led her to bizarrely falsely claim that Kuczynski was somehow one of the founders of One Saratoga.
Hank Kuczynski has never done anything to support or engage with One Saratoga. He has never contributed any money to the organization, attended a meeting or press conference, circulated a petition for the group, or written a letter to the editor on behalf of the group or anyone they have ever endorsed.
It is worth remembering that when Patty Morrison defeated Madigan in the Democratic primary for Commissioner of Finance in 2019, the group of Democrats who left the committee in support of Madigan became the founders of One Saratoga.
It is yet another irony that now Madigan, in her ambition to be Mayor, has re-embraced the Committee that rejected her and caused her supporters to leave. Yes, there are some new members, but the core group whose behavior drove her and her supporters to leave remains in control of the committee whose support Madigan now wants to run for Mayor.
Credit Where Credit Is Due But…..
There is no question that Madigan served the city well managing the city’s finances as Commissioner of Finance. Unfortunately, among other concerns, her indulgences in acrimonious exchanges at the Council table and on social media outweigh the credit she enjoyed in her earlier role and make her an undesirable candidate for Mayor.
Saratoga Springs Politics 
Amazing job of research and history!
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The examples are endless. Unfortunately, that behavior has gotten worse over time not better. The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior.
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Past behavior was out there, for all to see, yet The Donald was re-elected.
“There is no question that Madigan served the city well managing the city’s finances as Commissioner of Finance.” JK quote.
I like Mayor Safford, he is a genuinely nice man. And I will be torn between Safford and Madigan. There is plenty of time between now and November for us to make a decision, but I think Michele Madigan’s temperament might be what our city needs now. Minita will be gone, and hopefully Moran will be gone too. This should be an interesting election year.
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Henry 37- I am curious what you mean when you say “Michele Madigan’s temperament might be what our city needs now.” What I remember of her behavior at the Council table and still see in her interactions on social media is someone whose temperament is spectacularly unsuited for governing and particularly for chairing Council meetings where conflict often arises. Madigan is easily triggered by people like Dillon Moran and responds to provocations from people like him in kind instead of being the needed adult in the room. I think John Safford has been successful in restoring civility to Council meetings in spite of Moran’s and Sanghvi’s rudeness and attempts to provoke him. I think Madigan’s volatile temperament is exactly what the city doesn’t need now.
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Really, I don’t see any examples of any untoward behavior by Madigan. Even in the light of Moran and other very outrageous behavior. What are YOU hiding behind Anonymous? Got something to say – let’s hear it.
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Madigan threatened my business so on the chance she does become Mayor I need to survive her reign of terror.
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I assume you work for Mayor Safford or his campaign, or the Saratoga Springs Republican committee, or have some other self interest, otherwise you wouldn’t post anonymously.
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Dear Anonymous-I’m not sure which anonymous you are addressing your comment too but if it’s me, I’m a lifelong Democrat. How about you?
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John, This entire post is so beyond what I would ever expect of you. It’s going to take me a bit to respond with the civility and facts that you accuse Madigan of missing yet you so clearly apply. Shame on you!
I’ll get back to you when I stop fuming.
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John, I’m dismayed at your attacks on Michele. The first thing I notice is that you had to go back to the Yepsen administration to find the two videos. You were there back then as was I. Michele has admitted since that she could have handled her conflicts with Yepsen better. If you are honest you would have to admit, dealing with Yepsen at any level was challenging. Please note that at no time, despite the frustration, did she ever name call at the table or come close to the disrespect that is spewed these days. It’s interesting that you don’t have any examples after Yepsen was no longer Mayor. Once Meg Kelly was on board, Michele was up to maintaining the civility afforded her in return. Even in her current role as Supervisor, while she has had to correct some misinformation – some from those you keep referring as uncivil – and has not lowered herself to their level. But, you go back a decade?
Scott Solomon: Are you kidding me? I think it is beneath you and what I thought I’ve known about you to date, for you to dig so deep or so low. Scott chose to share a personal e-mail between two people who had been considered friends. And, someone who not too long after, went to prison for fraud. Not exactly the best character reference, perhaps? Can you tell me you’ve never shot off something emotional when significantly hurt by someone’s actions? If so, you’re a better person than most people I know.
Additionally, this has been litigated in multiple elections since then with Madigan winning. Even in her losing election for County Treasurer, she received 57% of the vote in Saratoga Springs. I think the people have spoken. Why are you not listening?
Even more importantly, John, it wasn’t long ago, you were calling Michele frequently for information and feedback as you went after others. She was a valid source when you needed her. You have, in the past, written more than a few posts in her favor and lauding her. And, when you have disagreed with her, you never went to such a low place.
I understand that you may disagree with Michele on some topics such as the Greenbelt. Fine! Discuss that, but this attack is nothing that I wouldn’t expect from all those you have railed against in the last several years.
I won’t take a stand on the Kuczynski issue as I’m not in town full time and don’t have an informed opinion. That said, it seems to me that you got your pants in a bunch and are kicking a fit because Michele has stood for something you don’t agree with. THAT, John, is beneath you and all you’ve stood for. In the past, even when I disagree with you, I thought your intentions were in the right place.
This time, I think you’ve stepped way over the line for some personal objective. Very unbecoming.
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Dear Disgusted Democrat – For some reason I’m unable to respond to this (another person hiding behind anonymity) so, here you go:
You’ll have to help me with this one:
“and still see in her interactions on social media” I just went back over a year on both her pages and I don’t see anything that even resembles snark much less what you are insinuating. Just because you might disagree with someone doesn’t mean it’s inappropriate. Of course, since I don’t know who you are, I can’t guess you motivation for such unfounded accusations.
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How can I post screen shots to help Ms LaSalle out? Also who else is running and who is their campaign manager? If you can share their contact info that would be good.
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Don’t know. Sorry
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What worries me about Michele Madigan becoming mayor is that in her eagerness to support Hank Kuczynski she engaged in some questionable conduct. She seems to have embraced the hyper partisanship of the city’s Democrats and their willingness to do anything or say anything to win. We need a mayor who can listen without bias to all points of view at the Council table and try to craft a consensus to do what’s best for the city. We do not need someone like Dillon and Minita whose main goal seems to be to score partisan points rather than to engage in constructive debate.
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Some clarification of John’s comments on the Maple Dell Pod and Madigan’s role in past PUD reviews is needed to avoid a false narrative on Kaughman’s part. PUDs are in the domain of the City Council and knowing the process and Madigan’s adherence to process, she would have no problem reviewing and PUD , That doesn’t mean she or anyone is going to approve whatever the applicant may want or even perhaps anything the applicant may want – for example the Hospital is a PUD and Maple Dell is a PuD. These are zoning opportunities that only the City Council can review and approve and it requires extensive work along with neighbors, the applicant and any stakeholders that may be impacted.
If John wants full transparency, Madigan agreed to view the PUD and didn’t indicate any agreement to the elements within it. Agreeing to view the PUD is by no means an up or down vote or an agreement of any element included in the application.
As he is quick to accuse others of poor transparency, I’d hope he would admit this is a mischaracterization.
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I don’t know where you are getting your information. In December of 2021, Michele Madigan voted affirmatively to adopt the Maple Dell PUD with all of its final elements.
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I stand corrected. Madigan did, in fact, vote in favor of a highly edited version of the PUD back in 2021. Please note HIGHLY EDITED as opposed to the more obtuse language used by John to perhaps insinuate something more nefarious. I stand by my point that this PUD was not simply opened and quickly approved. Kuczynski is correct that the neighbors strongly objected to it. As a result it was a long and intense process where the neighbor’s concerns were heard and addressed. The request to remove many trees and to build apartments were eliminated. The request to move the gas station was rejected. These are a few examples. The need to maintain safety in an already challenging intersection was front and center.
Let me add another point. Even given that Madigan and Kuczynski MAY have disagreed (4 years ago) at least partially, on this particular topic, how is this such a concern now. One does have to agree on every issue to support a candidate. To nit-pick this, makes me think as was another poster noted, what is Kaufman’s real agenda here? In the past, his posts seem to be mostly for the purpose of sharing information. This one seems to have a more personal and biased bent.
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John, I read your articles in Saratoga Today. The public needs to know the truth about this woman before it’s too late. How can we provide screen shots? I want to keep anonymity for fear of retribution which is her MO.
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The recent increase of posts by “Anonymous” appears to be the result of a format change by WordPress or perhaps a modification that John made. There used to be a box, like the one I’m typing in now, that was followed by spaces for the poster’s name, email address, and (optional) website prior to posting.
Now there’s just a comment box without those identification spaces for your name or handle followed by a “Comment” button. It appears that if you hit the button without logging in, your post is credited to Anonymous. Obviously, this makes differentiating the posters from one another a challenge, especially when making a reply or reference..
Have I missed something?
~Jay Bass
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One wonders if Ms. Madigan’s “Pink” Hat will reappear for this campaign.
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