According to News Channel 13 the Presbyterian New England Congregational Church on Circular Street has offered to become a permanent home for Code Blue in Saratoga Springs. Some neighbors have voiced opposition.
Here is a link to the story:
Author: John Kaufmann
Kendall Hicks Campaign?
I had heard rumors that what had been a temporary pause in Kendall Hicks’ campaign for Public Safety Commissioner had become permanent.
I attempted to find out from Ellen Egger-Aimone, his campaign manager, what the status of his campaign was. I texted her twice and also emailed her but have received no reply. I would note that when I contacted her some time ago about a disturbing story regarding Mr. Hicks she responded quickly asserting that it was not accurate.
Preservation Foundation Raises Concerns Over Skidmore College’s Plans For Its Entrance
[JK:The Saratoga Perservation Society has raised objections to the planned reconstruction of the Skidmore entrance on North Broadway. Here is their release]
The Foundation appreciates the important role that Skidmore College has in our community as an educational institution and the economic benefits it provides as well as it appreciates the college’s desire to be more visible on North Broadway. The Foundation has reviewed the proposed changes to the North Broadway entrance of Skidmore College that will be discussed at tomorrow’s Design Review Commission meeting, June 5th at 7PM at 15 Vanderbilt Avenue. The Foundation has significant concerns about the proposed entrance, which can be viewed here. These concerns have been discussed with Skidmore representatives and we look forward to continuing our open discussion about this proposal with Skidmore College and the local community.
Historically, North Broadway was a wide, tree-lined street with large residences that led through what is today known as the North Woods to Maple Avenue. The introduction of six signs, two of which are monolithic stone walls with large signage; the widening of the road; changing the pavement material and color; introducing red pavers to the sidewalk; and landscaping would introduce incompatible features that are uncharacteristic of the streetscape and significantly compromise the integrity and the spatial relationship of the historic district. It creates a visual barrier and gives the false impression that the road beyond it is owned by Skidmore College and is private property, not a public street that leads to the North Woods. The proposed entrance also creates the false impression that the properties to the east and west were once part of one large private estate rather than multiple properties.
The Foundation recommends that if Skidmore College wants to significantly enhance its entrance that it should do so on its private property not on North Broadway or in the public right-of-way. If there are concerns about way-finding for the campus, including the Admissions Office and other offices on the east side of North Broadway, the Foundation feels that there are less obtrusive ways to address wayfinding than what is currently proposed. The Foundation’s full comments on the proposed entrance can be read here.
If you have any concerns or comments please join us at tomorrow’s DRC meeting.
Thank you to our members and friends for your support!
Meaning Of Founder
founder
foun·der | \ ˈfau̇n-dər \
foundered; foundering\ ˈfau̇n-d(ə-)riŋ \
Definition of founder (Entry 2 of 4)
1: to become disabledespecially : to go lame
Efforts To Schedule Finance Commissioner Debate Founder
Two different organizations have attempted to plan a debate between Finance Commissioner Michele Madigan and her challenger in the upcoming June 25th Democratic primary, Patty Morrison. Both efforts have been unsuccessful so far.
As reported in an earlier post Eddy Miller, of the Independence Party which had endorsed Commissioner Madigan, had secured a room at the Racino for a debate. To ensure fairness they had a commitment from Chad Beatty, the publisher of Saratoga Today, to be the moderator. When Ms. Morrison responded that she was unable to attend on that date, Mr. Miller on May 14 offered her 6/17 and 6/19 as alternate dates. Ms. Morrison never responded.
The League of Women Voters has now been trying to organize a debate between the two candidates.
I contacted Michele Madigan who forwarded me several emails she had sent to the person in the League organizing the event. Madigan sent her many dates beginning at the end of May up to the primary when she would be available for a League event.
Patty Morrison notified the League that she would not be available until June 19th (the Wednesday before the election). Interestingly June 19th was one of the two dates for a debate that the Independence Party offered Ms. Morrison that she did not respond to.
The date finally offered by the League was June 21, the Friday before the Tuesday primary and Michele Madigan’s anniversary. For obvious reasons Michele Madigan was unavailable for that date. Oddly the venue offered was a small space in the Unitarian Church. Commissioner Madigan had given the League a number of dates when she was available when the much larger space in the Library was also available.
After once again offering Ms. Morrison a number of dates that she again rejected, the League has announced that their forum will not be happening.
Meanwhile Independence Party Chair Eddy Miller has again reached out to Patty Morrison with a new offer of June 14 for a forum for the two candidates with Chad Beatty moderating and is hoping for a response. The forum is scheduled to take place in the Riley’s/Arrowhead Meeting Room at the Saratoga Casino Hotel, 342 Jefferson Street at 6:30 with the debate scheduled to run from 7PM to 8PM. Commissioner Madigan has accepted the invitation.
I am not aware of any events at this point where Ms. Morrison will be available to the public but will let readers know if I learn one is scheduled.
It is unfortunate that Ms. Morrison has such limited availability. The public would benefit by having the opportunity to hear from the two candidates together.
Ugly Anonymous Website Appears on Saratoga Scene
Someone sent me a link to a new website being promoted by Bob Turner on his Facebook page. The site is a sorry example of the way the web can be used to manipulate the public.
On the website’s “about” page it begins with “Who Are We.” It offers:
“X (I am not giving ithe website’s name as I want to do nothing to further promote this enterprise ) is a group of citizens that loves our city. We want our children and grandchildren to grow up here and enjoy this wonderful place for years to come. We are made up of citizens from all walks of life and varied political affiliations…. (It goes on at some length with more of the same).”
The next section is entitled “What will we do”
It offers:
“X (Website name) will create forums and opportunities through which all citizens will be able to express the civic values embodied in our Mission Statement (I could find nothing on this website that called itself a mission statement). X will also provide an organizing platform, when necessary and desirable, to advance public policies that reflect these core values.”
The site offers no information as to who the people managing this website actually are. In fact, under “contact” there is no email address or telephone number. There are places to put your name and email address and then offer a “comment.”
I used this option to ask them who they were ( hopefully they will not paste in the pablum from their “who we are.”) .
I still haven’t heard back from them, but I went on the site today and saw that Ellen Egger-Aimone had successfully posted a comment.
As making a comment will apparently be the only way to participate in this group, and its mystery managers will excercise their powers of censorship and control over what comments are published this really is a parody of what a community website should be.
There are several articles on the website with the kind of shrill accusations that sound very much like the stuff that the people who were guilty of the worst excesses of the city manager charter campaign put out.
Interestingly, there was a previous website with the same website name that went moribund for a while. The following is a screen shot from the people who posted a “Like” for it. Of the six people listed, three were active with “It’s Time Saratoga” which was the group formed to promote passage of the city manager charter and they also served on the charter commission that drafted the plan. They are Gordon Boyd, Jeff Altamari, and Bob Turner. In addition, Susan Steer is married to Bob Turner.
This city deserves better.
Campaign Donations To Michele Madigan
BBL PAC
PO BOX 12789
ALBANY , NY 12212
200.00
CITIZENS FOR FANCK
511 BROADWAY
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
500.00
FITZGERALD MORRIS BAKER FIRTH PC
16 PEARL ST PO BOX 2017
GLENS FALLS , NY 12801
250.00
FRIENDS OF PETER MARTIN
PO BOX 313
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
200.00
KODIAK CONSTRUCTION, INC
PO BOX 657
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
100.00
MUNTER ENTERPRISES, INC
881 MURRAY RD
MIDDLE GROVE , NY 12850
100.00
NOLAN & HELLER LLP
39 N PEARL ST
ALBANY, NY 12207
100.00
NORTHEAST GOVERNMENT CONSULTING LLC
501 ST DAVIDS LANE
NISKAYUNA, NY 12309
250.00
NRCC NY NON-PARTISAN PEC
111 STATE ST
ALBANY, NY 12207
250.00
PJS BAR-B-Q
ROUTE 9
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
100.00
SARATOGA COUNTY INDEPENDENCE PARTY CHAIRMAN?S CLUB
102 LUDLOW ST
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
500.00
SARATOGA HARNESS RACING INC
CRESCENT AVE
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
150.00
SARATOGA PELICAN ASSOCIATES LLC
232 SOUTH BROADWAY 12866
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
150.00
SARATOGA SPRINGS DEMOCRATICE COMMITTEE
PO BOX 124
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
1,000.00
STEWART?S SHOPS CORP
PO BOX 435 SS 12866
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
100.00
TURF HOTELS
792 WATERVLIET SHAKER RD
LATHAM, NY 12110
250.00
BELMONTE, PETER J
145 JACKSON ST
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
250.00
BONACIO JR, ALFIO
18 DIVISION ST SUITE 401
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
250.00
CLEMENTS, BRUCE H
28 CLINTON ST
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
125.00
COLLINS, DAVID J
8 TOMMY LUTHER DR
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
250.00
CORBETT, CYNTHIA A
45 WALTON ST
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
150.00
DAKE, GARY C
PO BOX 435
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
250.00
DAKE, W P
90 BRYAN STREET
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
500.00
DAKE, W P
90 BRYAN ST
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
250.00
DALTON, ROBIN
78 CAROLINE ST
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
250.00
DEMARCO, DAVID
7 INGERSOLL RD
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
100.00
DICARA, TAMMY
??
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
100.00
HIGGINS, RICHARD L
100 UNION AVE
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
500.00
HIGGINS, RICHARD L
100 UNION AVE
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
250.00
HOFFMAN, MICHAEL
38 HIGH ROCK AVE, UNIT 6K
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
250.00
HOFFMAN, MICHAEL
38 HIGH ROCK AVE, UNIT 6K
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
500.00
HOLLOWOOD, CYNTHIA D
144 5TH AVE
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
100.00
HOVER, MARK AND CATHERINE
43 LONG ALLEY
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
100.00
IRELAND, KIMBERLY
3 FRUITWOOD DR
BURNT HILLS , NY 12027
100.00
JONES, MATTHEW J
2 VICTORIA LANE
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
1,000.00
JORGENSEN, DIANE M
5 WIEBECKE CT
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
250.00
LEWIS, TOM L
60 FRANKLIN ST
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
250.00
LUCAS, JOY A
30 BRAIM RD
GREENFIELD CENTER , NY 12833
150.00
LYONS, CHRISTOPHER
2163 ROWLEY RD
BALLSTON SPA, NY 12020
100.00
MADIGAN, MICHELE D
7 EMERALD LANE
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
154.03
MADIGAN, MICHELE D
7 EMERALD LANE
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
154.03
MALLORY, PATRICIA
12 ROBERTS LANE
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
100.00
MATHIESEN, DMD, CHRISTIAN E
154 WEST AVE 12866
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
100.00
MCCLENEGHEN, FRANK D
2189 COOK RD
GALWAY, NY 12074
500.00
MCCLENEGHEN, FRANK D
2189 COOK RD
GALWAY, NY 12074
250.00
MCLAUGHLIN, PATRICIA M
6209 EMPIRE AVE
SCHENECTADY , NY 12306
100.00
NEWKIRK, THOMAS R
553 CRESCENT AVE
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
250.00
PARILLO, FRANK
4 THERESA TERRACE
MALTA , NY 12020
250.00
PARTRIDGE, JANICE
2 MAGNOLIA DR
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
200.00
QUINN ZANELLA, KELLY
27 COLLINS TERRACE
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
100.00
ROOHAN, J THOMAS
514 BROADWAY
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
250.00
ROOHAN, J THOMAS
519 BROADWAY
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
500.00
SELLERS, RICHARD
PO BOX 789
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
200.00
SHIMKUS, TODD
139 JEFFERSON ST
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
100.00
SOBOL GOMEX, ELIZABETH
15 ADAMS ST, 12866
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
250.00
SOBOL GOMEX, ELIZABETH
15 ADAMS ST
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
500.00
SUTTON, RODNEY J
12 FIFTH AVE
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
250.00
VON SCHENK, STEPHAN
75 COOLIDGE LN
DIAMOND POINT, NY 12824
100.00
WAIT, CHARLES W
658 N BROADWAY
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
250.00
WAIT, JR, CHARLES V
8 LAKEVIEW DR
GANSEVOORT , NY 12831
100.00
WALSH, MICHAEL J
16 ROSEWOOD DR
CLIFTON PARK , NY 12065
250.00
WILDER, NANCY
6 HORSESHOE DR
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
100.00
ZANGRANDO, JOANNA
24 COLLINS TERRACE
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
100.00
ZIEKER, MELISSA
10 MAGNOLIA DR
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
100.00
WILLIAM B WILMOT AND JOAN M. TAYLOR
46 UNION AVE, UNIT 204
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
100.00
,
1,763.00
Total Contributions:
17,296.06
Contributions To Pattie Morrison
CAPITAL WOMEN POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
97 WOODS LN
ALBANY, NY 12204-1613
1,000.00
FRIENDS OF BILL MCTYGUE
15 YORK STREET, APT B
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
200.00
FRIENDS OF BILL MCTYGUE
15 YORK STREET, APT B
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
500.00
SARATOGA HOSPITALITY LLC (Max London’s Restaurant and other owned by this company)
466 BROADWAY
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
175.00
BEDERIAN, STEVEN M
8 WOODLAND DR.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
50.00
BOYD, GORDON M
99 STATE STREET
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
500.00
BOYD, GORDON M
99 STATE STREET
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866-1425
300.00
BULLOCK, ANN C
86 LINCOLN AVE
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
100.00
DANA, LEZLIE
170 SPRING ST
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
50.00
DEMARCO, JANICE
22 CASSIDY DRIVE
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
50.00
GERHARDT, JOAN
4 BROOKVIEW TERRACE
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
75.00
GRISIO, GIUSEPPE
185 BALLSTON AVE
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
50.00
GROBER, BRENDA S
133 RAYLINSKY RD
BALLSTON LAKE, NY 12019
25.00
JOHNSON, KATHERINE K
32 DOTEN AVE
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
100.00
MCTYGUE, THOMAS G
251 COUNTY ROUTE 68
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
200.00
MCTYGUE, WILLIAM J
15 YORK STREET
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
100.00
MORRISON, CHARLES C
88 COURT STREET
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
200.00
MORRISON, PATRICIA M
67 UNION STREET
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
250.00
PINGEL, MARK
1 VICTORIA LANE
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
50.00
SMITH, ALICE A
6 WOODLAND COURT
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
40.00
SPAULDING, SHARON
36 MT MCGREGOR RD
GANSEVOORT, NY 12831
75.00
STANLEY, WILLIAM R
1 1/2 MEADOW LANE
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
50.00
WALCZAK, LINDA L
66 LAKESIDE DR
MECHANICVILLE, NY 12118
100.00
WATKIN, RAYMOND
9 WOODLAND CT
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
400.00
YEPSEN, JOANNE
68 VISTA DR
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866
50.00
Total Contributions:
4,690.00
City Council Adopts Paris Climate Agreement Goals
Saratoga Springs City Council Unanimously Approves Resolution in Support of Paris Climate Agreement
For Immediate Release: May 22, 2019
The Office of Commissioner of Finance, City of Saratoga Springs, Michele Madigan
Contact: Michele.Madigan@Saratoga-Springs.org
Saratoga Springs, NY – At the May 21st City Council meeting, the Saratoga Springs City Council unanimously approved a resolution in support of the Paris Climate Agreement. Commissioner of Finance Michele Madigan brought forward the resolution, which was provided by Climate Mayor’s, a bipartisan network of U.S. elected officials working together to demonstrate leadership on climate change through meaningful actions in their communities. The resolution also recognizes the guidance provided by the State of New York, specifically through Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Executive Order #166 which mandates a statewide reduction of GHG emissions to 80% of 1990 levels by 2050.
Commissioner Madigan stated, “The City has and continues to take material steps on the sustainability front, from the Spa Solar Park on what was previously a landfill to the City-wide push to improve energy efficiency across City-owned facilities. This resolution recognizes the positive steps taken by the City to date and gives guidance to the current and future City Councils on our emission reduction goals. Nations around the globe have agreed to the Paris Agreement, and I’m proud to live in a city, and a state, that is committed to fighting against climate change and protecting our environment for future generations.”
The resolution calls for three steps to be undertaken by the City, which are:
- The creation and implementation of a Climate Action Plan to reduce emission;
- Collaboration with other Climate Mayor municipalities supporting the goals of the Paris Agreement; and,
- Committing to explore policies and programs that promote emission reduction.
Much like the Sustainability Hub on the City’s website unveiled earlier in 2019, this resolution represents a collaborative effort between the Finance Department and Mayor’s Office. Mayor Meg Kelly stated, “Sustainability projects have shown themselves to benefit the City environmentally, financially, and in an improved quality-of-life for City residents. Communities around the nation are being negatively impacted by climate change, and as elected officials, it is our responsibility to work toward a solution. I look forward to the creation of the City’s Climate Action Plan, and our continued efforts to achieve the climate goals outlined by the Paris Agreement.”
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS IN SUPPORT OF THE PARIS AGREEMENT
WHEREAS, consensus exists among the world’s leading climate scientists that global warming caused by emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities is among the most significant problems facing the world today; and WHEREAS, documented impacts of global warming include but are not limited to increased occurrences of extreme weather events (e.g. droughts and floods), adverse impacts on ecosystems, demographic patterns and economic value chains; and
WHEREAS, the State of New York through Executive Order #166 has mandated statewide reduction of GHG emissions to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050; and WHEREAS, responding to the climate change provides communities an opportunity to access first mover advantage in the range of products, services and know-how that transitioning to a climate-compatible future brings; and
WHEREAS, the Paris Agreement resulted in a commitment from almost every nation to take action and enact programs to limit global temperature increase to less than 2 degrees Celsius, with an expectation that this goal would be reduced to 1.5 degrees in the future;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS: 1. Indicates its commitment to reducing GHG emissions through the creation and implementation of a Climate Action Plan; and 2. Joins other US cities in the Climate Mayors network in adopting and supporting the goals of the Paris Agreement; and 3. Commits to exploring the potential benefits and costs of adopting policies and programs that promote the long-term goal of GHG emissions reduction while maximizing economic and social co-benefits of such action.
School Vote Results
According to the unofficial results on the District website John Brueggemann (3,362 votes), Dean Kolligian (3,069 votes) and Natalya Lakhtakia (2,898 votes) are the winners. These were the three candidates endorsed by the Saratoga Springs Teachers Association. Dean Kolligian was also endorsed by Saratoga Parents for Safer Schools. I can’t remember when candidates endorsed by the Saratoga TA have lost a School Board race. This year was no exception.
The other results were:
Shaun Wiggins: 2,819 votes
Heather Reynolds: 2,800 votes
Ed Cubanski: 2,575 votes
Connie Woytowich: 1,008votes
The proposed budget passed (4,687 votes) as did Proposition #1, a proposal to spend $1,195,000 to purchase school buses (4,873 votes).
Saratoga Springs Politics 