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Joseph Levy and I have downloaded data from the New York State Board of Elections regarding the donors to the candidates running for Mayor and City Council in Saratoga Springs this year.  We chose to select for “all donations received from January 1, 2014 to present”.  As I understand it, the candidates are required to report quarterly on their donations.  The last filing date was October 1 so the data does not include donations for October which is a very important period for candidates and could include new donors not previously identified.

The data in the charts is for specifically identified donors.  The candidates also reported donations in a category called “Unitemized” which we are not listing.

In addition, the names that appear are sometimes organizations and other times individuals.  Joseph Levy and I have done searches on the web to find out who these people and groups are.  As careful as we have tried to be, our findings are subject to error.

Here are the latest totals for the candidates.

Mathiesen $11,598.01

Wirth $16,764.17

Yepsen $58, 864.00

Safford $30,819.75

Madigan $7,718.65

Ivins $4,145.54

Franck $14,845.47

Scirocco $7,776.73

McTygue $10,382.17

Linked to this blog are spreadsheets for each candidate with the complete listing of donors.  I have also written a program to cross reference the donors and candidates to see who has given to more than one candidate. For instance:

John Franck gave to Joanne Yepsen and Michele Madigan

Michele Madigan gave to John Franck and Chris Mathiesen

Chris Mathiesen gave to Michele Madigan

Joanne Yepsen did not contribute to any of the other incumbents nor did she contribute to Bill McTygue.

Here are some more of my findings from the cross referencing:

1. It is interesting to see which candidates gave to which other candidates.  In spite of her very large campaign chest, Joanne Yepsen did not contribute to any other candidates.  Michele Madigan contributed to John Franck and to Chris Mathiesen but not to Joanne Yepsen.  Chris Mathiesen only contributed to Michele Madigan.  John Franck contributed to Joanne Yepsen and Michele Madigan but not to Chris Mathiesen.
2. Matt Jones is an attorney.  His father was Mayor of the city for a number of terms.  He regularly represents the Saratoga Springs City Center.  He represented the D’Andreas in their failed attempt to amend the Comprehensive Plan to remove their land from the Conservation District so that they could build a denser residential development.  Mr. Jones’  contributions to Yepsen and Madigan were made in 2014 and his contribution to Franck was in February and May of this year.   It is interesting that during the same period he did not contribute to either Mathiesen or Scirocco.
3. Peter Martin, Democratic Supervisor, contributed to all four sitting Democrats.
4. Former Mayor Raymond Watkin contributed $400.00 to Joanne Yepsen, $200.00 to John Franck, $100.00 to Bill McTygue, and $99.00 to Republican Rick Wirth who is campaigning for Commissioner of Public Safety.  Since Mr. Watkin is suing the City over the sale of the Collamer Building which was championed by Commissioner Mathiesen, this is not surprising.
5. Bruce Clements is the son of Tom Clements who was the Republican Supervisor representing the city for many years.  He is a prominent Republican.  His donations to Wirth and Safford were to be expected.  Less expected was his donation to Michele Madigan.
6. Phil Klein was one of the City Supervisors for many years.  He was a prominent member of the Republican Party.  He is currently an executive in the insurance division of the Adirondack Trust.  Not surprisingly he contributed to the campaigns of Safford and Wirth but he also donated to Michele Madigan and did not contribute to Skip Sciricco.
7. Frank Parrillo is a prominent developer who owns extensive property.  For example, he owned {and may still own) the land where the huge Hampton Hotel and Condos were built across from the Parting Glass.  Not surprisingly he gave to Safford and Wirth.  He gave his most generous contribution, however, to John Franck ($500.00).
8. Thomas Roohan, who owns Roohan Realty, gave $1000.00 to Safford and $500.00 to Scirocco.  He also contributed $100.00 to Michele Madigan.
9. Saratoga Gaming LLC is a PAC representing the Racino.  They contributed $250.00 to Yepsen, $100.00 to Franck, and $600.00 to Madigan. They did not give any money to Mathiesen or Scirocco.
10. Gordon Boyd, one of the leaders of Saratoga PAC gave $100.00 each to Yepsen and Madigan.
11. Clark Brink owns the local McDonalds and is a contributor to the PAC.  He has contributed to Wirth and Safford.
12. D.A. Collins Corporation’s CEO is the spokesman for Saratoga PAC.  The corporation gave $1000.00 to Safford and $205.00 to Wirth.
13. Pat Design, it is rumored, will become Bill McTygue’s deputy should McTygue win.  His wife Bonnie Design gave $250.00 to McTygue and $125.00 to Wirth.Peter Faith who is with Edwards & Kelcey, Land Use Planning Consultants gave to both Wirth and Safford
14. Peter Faith who is with Edwards & Kelcey, Land Use Planning Consultants gave to both Wirth and Safford
15. Eileen Finneran is Commissioner Mathiesen’s Deputy.  She gave to Mathiesen and Madigan.  She did not give to Yepsen or Franck.
16. Michael Hoffman, President of Turf Hotels, the proposed hotel to be built on the former site of the ,Weathervane Restaurant gave Wirth $500.00 and Franck $200.00.
17. Tom Lewis, past chairman of the City Republican Party and chief of staff for Kathy Marchione gave to Wirth and Safford but not to Republicans Ivins or Scirocco.
18. Northeast Government Consulting  represents Laker Development which is owned by  Kevin Dalpos.  Dalpos was appointed by John Franck to the Comp Plan Committee and  took very strong pro-development positions on the Comp Plan chanages.  NGC contributed $550.00 to Michele Madigan and $200.00 to John Franck.
19. Ronald Riggi of the super rich Riggis gave $500.00 to Scirocco and $500.00 to Wirth.
20. Vincent Riggi of the super rich Riggis gave $1000.00 to Joanne Yepsen and $250.00 Scirocco.
21. The Police Union gave $500.00 to Yepsen and $500.00 to Madigan.
22. Francine Vero is with the Harris – Beach  law firm that is outside counsel for the city. She gave $100.00 to Yepsen and $200.00 to Franck.
23.  Charlie Wheeler who serves on the City Center Board gave $75.00 to Yepsen and $50.00 to Safford.
24. 1760 UNION STREET LLC is a PAC that we have been unable to identify.  As near as we can tell they are related to real estate.  They each gave Yepsen $1000.00
25. 422 BROADWAY LLC another obscure PAC gave $500.00 to Safford.

John Safford

Full List Of Safford Donors

As would be expected, Mr. Safford is generously supported by the Republican network which includes the usual amalgam of business interests.  There was an obscure contributor identified as 422 Broadway LLC.  I emailed him asking who this entity was.  He never responded to my email.  The list was extensive.  I have identified some of the larger donors here and some others I thought of interest.

1. Mr. Safford received $500.00 from something called 422 BROADWAY LLC which we could not locate on the web.  It turns outs that it is a real estate holding company owned by Bonacio Construction Company and the building is the “Washington Building.”
2. Mark Baker who is the executive director of the City Center gave him $50.00.
3. BCR Restaurant Corp. is a holding company for Pennell’s Restaurant owned by Bruce Cerone.  It contributed $1,000.00.
4. Theresa Elmore Behrendt is a heavy duty Republican.  She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and was a special assistant to President Ronald Reagan.  She donated $1,000.00
5. Bruce Clements owns an insurance agency and is a prominent Republican.  He was more generous to Safford ($250.00) than he was to Yepsen ($100.00)
6. D.A. Collins Corporation.  Very large construction company which helped organize Saratoga PAC.  They contributed $1,000.00
7. Eisman Farms is a big thoroughbred breeder.  Owned by Kriss Eisman.  Contributed $500.00.
8. ESMI of New York (Fort Edward) does industrial clean up.  Contributed $1,000.00.
9. Gaffney’s contributed $133.75.
10. Mark Haworth is a partner at Bonacio construction.  Contributed $1000.00.
11. Horseshoe Inn Bar and Grill contributed $300.00.
12. Mike Ingersoll from the LA Group only contributed $75.00.
13. Andrew Jarosh (on the executive committee of the city Republican Committee)  contributed $50.00.
14. Kate Jarosh (married to Andrew)  contributed $40.00 and gave nothing to Ken Ivins.  She was his campaign manager in previous elections  and his deputy when he was in office.
15. Joseph Kakety is chief sales officer for College Loan Corporation and a big donor to the national Republican Party.  He donated $1,000.00.
16. Tom Lewis was past chairman of the city Republican Party and an executive at Stewarts.  He is chief of staff for Kathy Marchione.  He is chair of the county Blanning board and serves on the city Planning Board.  He contributed $250.00.
17. Frank Parillo Is big local developer.  He contributed $150.00
18. Tom Roohan is a well known local realtor and has been a committeeman on the city Republican Committee.  He contributed $1,000.00.
19. Sam’s Tires threw in $50.00
20. Sutton For Mayor – Shauna Sutton lost to Yepsen in the last election.  Her committee contributed $500.00.
21. Anthony Swiatek of Minerva Coins and Jewelry contributed $250.00
22. Cliff VanWagner who is on the Planning Board contributed $100.00
23. Charles Wait, President of Adirondack Trust contributed $250.00.

Joanne Yepsen

Full List Of Yepsen Donors

Ms. Yepsen was the champion fundraiser.  Many people contributed to her campaign.  With a few exceptions the list below is for people who donated $500.00 or more.  Attorneys were heavily represented in this group.  There were also several leaders of Saratoga PAC.

1. 1760 UNION STREET LLC and 73 TROY ROAD LLC gave $1000.00 a piece.  They both have the same address in Cohoes, New York.  I emailed Ms. Yepsen asking who these donors were.  She did not respond.
2. Jeffery Altamari donated $1000.00.  Mr. Altamari is Ms. Yepsen’s campaign treasurer.  He is also the treasurer of Semass Recycling Management Corporation
3. Robert Beck donated $1000.00.  He is President. of John W. Danforth Company, mechanical contractors
4. John Behan runs a consulting firm that specializes in planning issues and has done business with the city.  He contributed $800.00
5. Gary Bordeau contributed $1000.00.  He owns Bourdeau Builders
6. Steven Bouchey contributed $900.00.  He owns Bouchey Financial Group – Investment Advisers
7. FPI MECHANICAL, INC. contributed $500.00.  They are an HVAC and plumbing contractor in Cohoes, NY.
8. HASBROUK, PATRICIA? Donated $500.00
9. HEMMER, DAWN? Donated $1000.00.  Her address is Syracuse.
10. John Hendrickson (husband of MaryLou Whitney) donated $1000.00
11. Joy Heyman? Donated $1000.00
12. Hodgson Russ LLP is a law firm of which Robert McLaughlin is an attorney. Combined  donation was $950.00
13. Jeffery Honeywell of the law firm Girvin & Ferlazzo in Glenmont contributed $1000.00
14. Anderson, Anthony, and Tricia Ianniello whose law firm is involved with land issues contributed $2,350.00.
15. Thomas Kersher of Kershner, Gross and Co.  Financial Services donated $500.00
16. Frank Kiepura who is in financial services donated $500.00
17. Lincoln Concepts LLC of Virginia donated $500.00
18. Michael Phinney, architect, donated $1000.00
19. NORTHEAST CONSTRUCTION CONNECTION, INC donated $1000.00
20. Northway Title Agency donated $1000.00
21. New York Thoroughbred Horsemen donated $1000.00
22. Vincent Riggi  donated $1000.00
23. Saratoga Gaming Resources (Racino) donated $250.00
24. Saratoga Springs Police Benevolent Association donated $500.00
25. Spa City Recycling donated $500.00
26. TRINITY BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT CORP of Massachusetts donated $700.00
27. Jeffery Vukelic is one of the founders of the Saratoga PAC and President and CEO, Saratoga Eagle Sales & Services Inc., beer distributors. Contributed $500.
28. Charles Wait is President of Adirondack Trust and a leader of the Saratoga PAC.  He donated $500.00

Michele Madigan

Full List of Madigan Donors

Ms. Madigan received more donations from donors who also gave to Republicans than any other candidate.  She was also the only candidate to receive a donation from Tom Newkirk of Saratoga National Golf Course.

1. Mark Baker, the executive director of the City Center contributed $50.00
2. Gordon Boyd who is one of the founders of Saratoga PAC gave $100.00
3. Bruce Clements whose father was the Republican Supervisor for many years and was a prominent Republican contributed $100.00
4. John Franck used his campaign fund to donate $250.00
5. Attorney Matt Jones whose practice includes land-use issues donated $350.00
6. The Independence Party contributed $300.00
7. Phil Klein who is a prominent Republican, former Supervisor,a donor to Saratoga PAC, and is an insurance executive with Adirondack Trust contributed $99.00
8. Chris Mathiesen and his deputy, Eileen Fineran, contributed
9. Thomas Newkirk of Saratoga National Golf Course contributed $125.00.
10. Northeast Government Consulting contributed $550.00
11. Saratoga Gaming (Racino) contributed $600.00
12. Saratoga Springs Police Benevolent Association contributed $500.00

Bill  McTygue

Full List of McTygue Donors

The most interesting donation was $1,000.00 from Daniel Garrity who is the senior owner of Saratoga Raceway and Casino.  Bill and his brother Tom played a very public role in supporting the Racino’s bid for expansion.

1. Belmonte Builders (Peter Belmonte) contributed $500.00
2. Blue Star Enterprises. Appears to be a real estate holding company registered to Stephen Ethier who is a local realtor and developer, and partner with  Belmonte  in developing former Ellsworth Ice Cream property on Division Street. Contributed $500.00
3. Daniel Garrity who is the principal owner of Saratoga Raceway and Casino donated $1000.00
4. Harlan McGee Engineering of Malta contributed $400.00. Architects and engineering consultants, specializing in the resolution of civil litigation and claims involving personal injury, property damage, etc.

Ken Ivins

Full List of Ivins Donors

Ken Ivins had very modest success in fundraising.  He did not receive the endorsement of the local Republican Committee.  It is interesting that the county committee donated money to him.

1. Commercial Coverage Inc. contributed $500.00.  Mr. Ivins works for them.
2. Personal Coverage Inc. contributed $500.00.  Same owner as Commercial Coverage
3. Republican County Campaign Committee donated $400.00

Skip Scirocco

Full List of Scirocco Donors

Skip Scirocco appears to have been modest in his fundraising.

1. Vincent and Ronald Riggi , twin brothers and partners in the turbine business, contributed $750.00
2. Thomas Roohan realtor and founder of Saratoga PAC and prominent Republican contributed a total of $775.
3. Matt Jones, Attorney contributed $250.00
4. Frank Parillo, major developer, contributed $250.00
5. Stuart Ginsburg is a financial adviser with Wells Fargo.  He contributed $250.00
6. M & J Construction/Red Rolls LLC owned by Mannie Balestero contributed $1000.00
7. Anthony Swiatek of Minerva Coins and Jewelry contributed $250.00
8. A.C. Riley (AKA AC Dake) former Mayor contributed $200.00

Rick Wirth

Full List Of Wirth Donors

No surprises here with the exception of the bizarre donation from Leon Pokoik .  The other donations are pretty much the standard network of real estate, construction, finance, and institutional Republicans with the exception of former Democratic Mayor Ray Watkin who is suing the city over the Collamer lot sale.

1. D.A. Collins – Construction and founder of Saratoga PAC contributed $205.00
2. Joe Dalton – Past President of Chamber of Commerce contributed $99.00
3. Goldstein and Costello Agency – Bail Bondsmen from Albany contributed $500.00.  Wirth is a private investigator.  Maybe he tracks down bail jumpers?
4. Michael Hoffman who is a partner with Frank Parillo and owner of the Turf Hotels contributed $500.00
5. J2 Designs – Landscape and Construction.  Mathiesen will not let them use the city streets for parking their trucks.  Contributed $130.00
6. Scott Johnson,  former Mayor,  contributed $500.00
7. John Lant is a used car dealer (Lant’s Auto Sales) contributed $200.00
8. Tom Lewis (see Safford listing).  Only contributed $55.00
9. Frank Parillo – developer – Hampton Inn – Contributed $275.00
10. Leon Pokoik – Candidate for Town Commission, Longboat Key, Florida. The Pokoik family owns real estate in Manhattan. In 2006, Leon was charged by other family members of embezzling over $2.2 million from the business, the amount that he actually agreed to reimburse.  Contributed $1000.00
11. Ronald Riggi (Turbines) contributed 500.00
12. A.C. Riley (see Safford) contributed $290.00
13. Patrick Rocco is a Captain with the Saratoga Springs Fire Department.  He contributed $200.00
14. Saratoga Cleaners contributed $200.00
15. Todd Shimkus is president of the Chamber of Commerce.  He contributed $100.00
16. Stewarts Shops contributed a mere $150.00  (they are saving their money for the PAC)
17. John Baker of Gaffney’s contributed $475.00
18. Anthony Swiatek (see Safford) contributed $100.00
19. Cantina Bar and Restaurant contributed $250.00
20. Turbine Services (more Riggi money) contributed $1000.00
21. Cliff Van Wagner on Planning Board contributed $150.00
22. Scott Varley, realtor, contributed $300.00
23. Ray Watkin is past Democratic City Mayor.  He contributed $99.00

Chris Mathiesen

Full List of Mathiesen Donors

Commissioner Mathiesen received many small and medium donations.  He is supported by the most progressive wing of the Democrats in the town.  The only large donations he received were from Rob Mains ($900.00) and Amy Durland ($1,385.00).  They are married.  He did analytical work for the investment industry and she served on the Planning Board.  I will take the liberty of noting that Amy Durland has put in endless hours over the last few decades fighting the good fight to protect the greenbelt and to support thoughtful development.  I am not surprised by her generous support for Commissioner Mathiesen because Ms. Durland is someone who acts on what she believes.

John Franck

Full List Of Franck Donors

John Franck is a staunch supporter of Saratoga National Golf Course and his donations reflect his enthusiasm for development.  It is interesting that he received all this money even though he has no opponent.  He did not report on any income during the quarter that ended October 1.

1. Dean Michael of Asset Manager, Saratoga Hotel Group, Real Estate Development donated $200.00
2. DBS Realty Holding company for Northway Estates mobile home park donated $200.00
3. FITZGERALD MORRIS BAKER FIRTH P.C. Law firm from Glens Falls represented city in water and landfill issues donated $500.00
4. Collin Grady Manager at US Foods, formerly with Mazzone Group (Food Service) Mazzone is one of the principal owners of Saratoga National Golf Course.  He contributed $100.00
5. Michael Hoffman President of Turf Hotels, proposed hotel on site of Weathervane Restaurant donated $200.00
6. Jo-ann’s Candy House contributed $900.00.
7. Kimberly Jones, wife of E. Stewart Jones (well-known criminal defense attorney) contributed $250.00
8. Matt Jones, local attorney, contributed $500.00
9. LEMERY GREISLER LLC law firm contributed $500.00
10. Adam McNiell Financial advisor, President of McNeill Financial Group contributed $250.00
11. Bill McTygue contributed $300.00
12. Ira Mickenberg, attorney, contributed $200.00
13. Northeast Government Consulting, a legislative lobbying firm which represents Laker Development  Group. Kevin Dalpos of Laker Development  was appointed to the Comp Plan Committee by John Franck.  Was known on the committee as a development zealot. Contributed $250.00
14. O’DELL & O’DELL, PC, Law Firm in Glens Falls, contributed $200.00
15. Frank Parillo , real estate developer, business partner of Michael Hoffman (see above #5), has business relations with Franck. Donated $500.00
16. RIDA ARCHITECTURE PLLC, Dominic RIgosu donated $400.00
17. Patrice Shannon Editor/Associate Producer at Curiosity Stream (video production) donated $300.00
18. Andreas Spungen, Yoga instructor, donated $500.00
19. James Towne, Jr, Attorney, member of NYRA Franchise Oversight Board, $250.00
20. Plumbers and Pipefitters Union donated $500.00.  Larry Bulman was the chair of the Saratoga County Democratic Party and head of the local Plumbers and Pipefitters Union before going to Washington for a high union post.
21. Cliff Van Wagner has been on the City Planning Board for decades.  He has been a prominent Republican and is about as close a friend of the development community as there is.
22. Francine Vero Business and Commercial Litigation Attorney, Harris Beach LLC donated $200.00
23. Nancy Vetter donated $300.00
24. Raymond Watkin, past Democratic Mayor, donated $200.00
25. Sarah Whittle donated $500.00

Ellen Kiehl who serves on the executive committee of the city Democratic Party sent me the releases shown below.
I think it is very important that these candidates have all spoken against “super PACs” in general and Saratoga PAC in particular. I congratulate them on their leadership on this issue. I still find it quite troubling that a group dedicated to opening the greenbelt to more intense development felt comfortable endorsing Franck, Madigan, and McTygue.

Bob Manz Testifies To The Faithful

Apparently Money Does Not Buy You Style Or Happiness

Bob Manz Reveals The Winners

Ever since it was formed, the Saratoga PAC (Political Action Committee) has generated an unusual level of interest, as well as speculation about its ultimate objectives.

Its stated goal is “to advocate positions on local, county and state legislation that will foster, 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.” In the first few weeks of its existence, it raised over $46,000 from individuals and businesses. To help guide its agenda, it mailed 14,000 questionnaires to registered voters in Saratoga Springs. In additional, this “Quality of Life Survey” was posted online for anyone to fill-out.

October 20th was the day when the results of the survey would be revealed at a fundraiser at the Holiday Inn on South Broadway, along with candidate endorsements. John was otherwise engaged and asked me to attend.

As I entered the hotel’s parking lot, it soon became apparent that all of the public spaces were full. Could there be a special event in progress? Let’s find out. I drove around the block, parked in front of the Gaslight Apartments on Federal Street, and walked back to the hotel.

Out front, on the Broadway sidewalk, there were a handful of demonstrators from SCRAP (Saratoga County Residents Against PACs), an organization that was formed as a response to the Saratoga PAC. Their press release said, “Protesters will call for all local candidates and elected officials to pledge to reject the money of this Super PAC, and ask voters to reject candidates who are willing to accept dark money from this or any Super PAC.”

As a point of fact, Saratoga PAC is not a “Super PAC.” That’s the colloquial term for what Federal election law terms an “independent-expenditure only committee.” The latter is an entity that may not make contributions to candidate campaigns or parties, but which may engage in unlimited political spending independently of those campaigns. The money sources behind Super PACs are often cloaked in secrecy.

The Saratoga PAC operates under New York State election law as an “Independent PAC.” While independent expenditure committees cannot give money directly to candidates, they can support them through an unlimited supply of independently purchased advertisements and campaign mailings. They are also obligated to reveal the names of their donors, as well as the amount of their contributions. You can visit the New York State Board of Elections Candidate and Committee Search Page, enter Saratoga PAC in the search box, and follow the links to their latest disclosure forms.

Since just about everyone who attended the meeting entered through the lobby, which is set back from the street and hidden from the sidewalk by foliage, the demonstrators were pretty much ignored. In practical terms, it seemed to be an exercise in frustration.

Entering what would normally be a banquet hall at 5:30PM, there were 80 or 100 people in attendance and the party, fueled by a table of crudités and a cash bar, was in full swing. There was a minimum $25 contribution requested to cross the threshold, so it’s safe to say that at least $2,500 was raised that night from the crowd. Including the latest (September 30th) filings with the State Board of Elections, that brings their total contributions to around $53,000 (we don’t know exactly how much has been raised since October 1st).

I was only there for a few minutes before PAC Chair and founder Robert Manz, President of the D.A. Collins Construction Co., came to the podium in the back of the room and made a brief PowerPoint presentation. He began by outlining the results of the survey mentioned above. He reported that there was about a 10% response rate, which he thought was “above average.” In fact, the response rate for surveys varies all over the place and without a basis for comparison, say, with a similar survey distributed among a similar population about similar topics, that figure has to stand on its own. Turning it around, one can also say, with some accuracy, that there was a 90% rejection rate.

There were 15 questions on the survey and Mr. Manz continued by revealing what the respondents considered to be the city’s two least relevant issues. These were were prohibiting businesses from using plastic bags and restricting property owners from storing boats, trailers, and RV’s in their front yards.

He then presented what the respondents considered to be the city’s most relevant issues. In descending order, they were (1) the state of water, sewer, and sidewalk infrastructure, (2) the revitalization of South Broadway, (3) helping to the homeless and dealing with panhandlers, (4) a presumed tie between approving a zoning change to allow the proposed expansion of the Saratoga National Golf Club and creating more jobs to attract and keep younger residents, and (5) making the streets safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. The actual tally indicated top support for these measures from about 54% of all respondents.

He continued by talking about the process of interviewing the current roster of candidates for public office. In effect, they were asked to answer the same questions which were posed by the survey. The public and candidate responses were then compared and candidates whose views most closely paralleled the public response were selected for endorsement. These were Republicans John Safford (Mayor) and Richard Wirth (Public Safety), plus Democrats Michele Madigan (Finance), Bill McTygue (Public Works), and John Franck (Accounts). In addition, Cynthia Young, Republican candidate for Malta Town Supervisor, was also endorsed.

While that was almost the end of the presentation, it’s not the end of the story. Saratoga PAC has never mentioned who authored the survey and to get a better idea of how objective it might be, I sent a copy to Thomas Restaino, a long time friend, who was a founding partner of the BRS Group, a market research firm based in San Francisco. For 35 years, surveys were his business.

This is what Tom had to say:

“First, the scale used here is one that I have never seen before and am pretty uncomfortable with for several reasons.

“Does ‘Not Relevant’ mean ‘Not Applicable’ or ‘Not Important At All?’ If Not Applicable, that should always be offered as the last choice, not the first choice. It seems unlikely that it was meant this way, but some people might interpret it as such. Its wording does not fit in with the other points on the scale.

“But here is the greater difficulty — it’s probably meant to indicate ‘Not Important At All.’ That would be in keeping with the wording of the other four choices, and would probably be read that way by most respondents. But, as written, it entirely lacks the polarized connotation of its favorable counterpart, ‘Extremely Important – Key Issue.’ In my opinion, it’s simply too ‘soft’ a term to use as the low interest choice. Bottom line, I think that people will be confused. It’s unclear to me how it would play out in bias, but it would probably affect the absolute numbers more than the relative numbers (i.e., the ranking of the issues). That’s a somewhat hopeful spin on the problem, however.

“Finally, the scale is skewed to the positive. For example, the mid-point is ‘Important,’ when it should be a neutral statement.

“Switching over to the issues themselves, they certainly seem like a worthwhile cross-section to consider. However, they intermix process-oriented steps (e.g., develop a plan, fund a review) with content (e.g., restrict property owners, prohibit businesses). I do appreciate the uniqueness of each issue and its particular chronology, but my concern is the apples/oranges comparison. By casting some issues as studies and others as actions, is there really a level playing field? I would have stripped away the dimension of planning vs. doing for the sake of a more accurate assessment of the core issue’s perceived importance.”

As I see it (and I used to work with Tom at a non-profit research organization in New York City), the core issue is question number 7: “[Do you] approve a zoning change for Saratoga National Golf Club to enable the creation of a 5-Star resort golf destination, helping the region compete more effectively for conference and tourism revenue.” This is one of the problem issues in the survey’s format that Tom refers to. In the industry, this sort of question is characteristic of a “push poll,” which Wikipedia calls “an interactive marketing technique, most commonly employed during political campaigning, in which an individual or organization attempts to influence or alter the view of voters under the guise of conducting a poll.”

So, armed with the results of a survey which was arguably worded in ways that are not consistent with accepted practice, and with a slide of the long-vacant Spa City Diner on display to his left, in conclusion Mr. Manz said said that the PAC’s goal was to change local zoning laws and revise the Comprehensive Plan to make it more favorable to development. It’s a comment that seems to have slipped by the other reporters in the room. To that end, the PAC has endorsed candidates who are on the record as favoring the Golf Club’s zoning variance and who will presumably be sympathetic to similar revisions elsewhere. Could we have expected any other outcome?

Consider this: Of the $52,000+ dollars contributed to the PAC to date, this is where most of the money comes from:

• $9,251.54 comes from Mr. Manz’s own company, D.A. Collins Construction, its subsidiaries, his family, the family of the late D.A. Collins, and a couple of companies that his son, Zachary Manz, is associated with.
• $6,020 comes from the Dake family, principals in the Stewarts chain of convenience stores.
• $5,050 comes from Sonny Bonacio of Bonacio Construction.
• $5,020 comes from Michael and Linda Toohey (he’s an attorney whose specialties are listed as Land Use & Zoning, plus Real Estate).
• $2,500 comes from James LaVigne, principal of Gavin & LaVigne, a firm that finances capital projects for hospitals and nursing homes.
• $2,010 comes from the Roohan family, who have real estate interests, both owning and brokering.
• $1,000 comes from Charles wait, Chairman and CEO of the Adirondack Trust Co.
• $1,100 comes from Saratoga Pelican Associates, the holding company that owns the Holiday Inn.
• Finally, another $5,000 was split between Jeffrey Vukelic of Saratoga Eagle and from the DeCresante family, both of whom are beer and beverage distributors.

That’s $31,051.54 from eight families or company groupings in the construction, real estate, and finance industries and another $5,000 from two beer distributors. In effect, only 10 contributing families or related business groupings account for 72% of Saratoga PAC’s funding. The first group clearly wants more leeway to build whatever they want, wherever they want it, and the beer distributors have a grudge to settle with Public Safety Commissioner Chris Mathiesen, who wants the bars to stop serving alcohol earlier in the evening.

There you have it. As a publicity stunt, the survey worked. A lot of people talked about it, as well as the PAC, itself. It got plenty of newsprint devoted to it, as well as some television time. As for what was revealed, except for specific endorsements, the outcome and where the funding presumably will be spent was not unexpected. “You pays your money and you takes your choice.”

The Saratoga PAC announced its endorsements and the results of their survey at their reception tonight.  I will have more on the event tomorrow but here are the highlights.

They endorsed:

Mayor:                                                                 John  Safford

Commissioner of Public Safety                   Rick Wirth

Commissioner of Public Works                   Bill McTygue

Commissioner of Finance                             Michele Madigan

Commissioner of Accounts                          John Franck

According to Saratoga Grid, Bill McTygue declined the endorsement.

The Full Text of the Decision

I have just received a copy of the United States Court of Appeals decision re The Anderson Group Versus The City of Saratoga Springs.

For a lay person the decision is confusing.  The court over-ruled a lower court ruling that had been in favor of the city.  It appears to have awarded the Anderson’s $100,000.00 rather than the $1,000,000.00 that they were seeking.  It did allow them to go back to court if they so chose to pursue the million dollars.

What is unclear is where this leaves their plan to develop a major housing project in the city’s greenbelt.  I will be seeking help from some attorneys to help clarify this.

This is a release I received from a group opposed to the Saratoga PAC

Media advisory for Tuesday, October 20

Contact:   Joe Seeman (518) 583-4326

Saratoga County Residents Against PACS

Protest against Corruption of 1% Buying Elections

Call for Democracy not Plutocracy

The 1% of Saratoga have formed their own Super PAC (Political Action Committee) which can spend unlimited sums to support and attack political candidates, and buy elections. So concerned citizens will protest against this Corruption outside the Saratoga PAC’s reception at the Holiday Inn, Tues Oct. 20 at 5pm.

Super PACs allow the wealthiest 1% to spend unlimited amounts to buy elections and political influence. This amounts to the theft of Democracy. All supporters of Democracy are invited join us to protest against the Corruption of PACs buying elections, and to call for Democracy not Plutocracy.
Protesters will call for all local candidates and elected officials to pledge to reject the money of this Super PAC, and ask voters to reject candidates who are willing to accept dark money from this or any Super PAC.
Since the Supreme Court’s absurd Citizens United decision, the floodgates have opened for unlimited amounts of money to be poured into political campaigns.  Protesters will call for Campaign Finance Reform to close these floodgates, including a Constitutional Amendment to overturn Citizens United, and publicly funded elections to allow candidates to run without legalized Bribes which result in virtual ownership of elected officials.  In a recent Bloomberg poll, 78% said the Citizens United ruling should be overturned (http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2015-09-28/bloomberg-poll-americans-want-supreme-court-to-turn-off-political-spending-spigot).

“PACs are dangerous because they easily hide the names of who gives to them and who they fund,” said Regina Camilletti of Saratoga Springs.  “The people behind this PAC are comfortable with gaining power and buying influence at the expense of their neighbors and their Nation”.

“People are sick and tired of Super PAC attack ads, and of 1 Percenters who think they can buy elections,” said Sharon McFarlane of Wilton. “The people of Saratoga County and all of America are demanding a government that represents all of the people, and not just wealthy developers and corporations who are behind these PACs”.

WHEN:           Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at 5:00 PM

WHERE:         outside the Holiday Inn, 232 Broadway, Saratoga Springs NY

WHO:             Saratoga County Residents Against PACs, members of MoveOn and other concerned citizens

WHY:              Super PACs Destroy Democracy

Visuals:  Signs, Banners and speakers

supporters of Democracy are encouraged to RSVP at RSVP:

http://pol.moveon.org/event/moveonaction/145416 & https://www.facebook.com/events/1708661026032279

###

Links To PDF files of all the documents:

FOIL Doc #1

FOIL Doc #2

FOIL Doc #3

FOIL Doc #4

Ken Ivins sent me the documents associated with the FOIL by Jonathan Tingley who is the attorney representing the Pedinottis, the owners of the Mouzon House who are suing the city.  According to  the available documents, the FOIL was for communications between Michele Madigan and “any other person” relating to

“(1)the proposed City Center Authority parking garage (2) Section 6.4.8 of the Zoning Ordinance; the March 23, 2015 ZBA denial of the City Center Authority’s request for an area variance; or (4) the Mouzon House or David or Dianne Pedinotti”

And communications between the City Center and any member of the City Council.

As best I understand it, the city contends that it is not required to provide material that “consists of opinions, observations, recommendations, and other non-factual material between members of the City Council and representatives of the City Center Authority.”

I have been through this issue before as regards FOIL.  As I understand it, when it comes to correspondence in general between public institutions, items of fact are accessible through the FOIL process but opinions, etc. are not.  This has something to do with allowing officials to correspond candidly without having to worry about how their words might be interpreted or used.

Mr. Tingley also argued that the City Center was acting as a private developer and that for some reason this would exempt them from the protection that the city exercised.  Attorney Izzo then argues that the City Center cannot be considered a private developer and denies the request on that basis as well.

The result of all of this are a set of emails provided to Attorney Tingley where pretty much the entire body of many of the emails is expunged.  You get to see who the emails are to and who they are from as well as the date they were sent but no more.  In some cases there is a salutation like “Mark,” or “Michele” and an ending like “Mark” or “Michele.”

Some History And Context

As many readers will remember, the city removed the downtown district from the restriction that solar panels cannot be shadowed by neighboring buildings or trees.  The issue was precipitated by the Mouzon House which installed passive solar panels to heat water.  Based on the existing ordinance, this meant that the City Center would not be able to build its garage.  In light of the fact that the Pedinottis seemed to be in a sufficient rush that they did not secure a building permit or DRC approval as required before installing the units and that they chose to use non-photovoltaic units which were considerably cheaper, many people, myself among them, suspected that the purpose of the units had more to do with their conflict with the City Center than with saving energy.

Given the passions surrounding the City Center Garage there developed two narratives regarding the solar ordnance change.

The first was that the zoning law change occurred as part of a conspiracy between the City and the City Center to nullify the law protecting the Pedinotti’s solar panels so that the City Center could build its garage.

The second, and one I share, was that the Pedinotti’s actions exposed a fundamental problem with the zoning law as regards the downtown.  The City’s Comprehensive Plan calls for intense development downtown.  Such development necessarily entails building “up” since building out would compromise the City’s desire to maintain a greenbelt.  It was noted that the very popular Northshire Book Store building could not have been constructed had either of their neighbors placed solar panels on their roofs prior to its construction.

One assumes that in his FOIL, Mr. Tingley was seeking evidence to bolster the conspiracy theory.

The Documents

The first documents are the response to the original FOIL request before the appeal.  There is a cover letter from City Attorney Vincent DeLeonardis.  What follows are the minutes of several City Center meetings and a letter to the editor written by Michele Madigan.  The next set of documents begins with a letter from City Attorney Izzo responding to the appeal by Tingley by agreeing to provide additional documents.  As noted above, these additional documents are extensively redacted.

There are emails from:

1. Commissioner Michele Madigan
2. Commissioner Chris Mathiesen
3. Commissioner John Franck
4. Zoning Board of Appeals chairman William Moore
5. Zoning Board of Appeals vice-chairman Keith Kaplan
6. Builder Sonny Bonaccio
7. Keith M. Ferraro (Works for Bonaccio)

The emails can be very confusing.  Instead of blacking out text, they have whited it out.  This creates extensive areas of white in the document so it is often hard to know what you are looking at.  There is also the problem of many duplications of the same email.  As most people know, when you respond to an email, the text from the original sender is included with your response.  Due to the lack of formatting, it is impossible to tell when any individual piece of email ends.  This results in repeated reproductions of emails.  I did not have the patience to go through the document to determine exactly how many emails are involved.  The result is that glancing through the document makes it appear that there were many, many, many redacted emails when in fact, most of them are simply duplicates.

The little text that is there shows:

1. Mark Baker, the executive director of the City Center, worked hard to organize support for the zoning change.
2. Sonny Bonaccio was out of town but offered to do what he could to support the change.
3. Mark Baker sought clarification about the time line for the process.
4. Mark Baker thanked Chris Mathiesen for his vote supporting the change.
5. Mark Baker thanked Skip Scirocco for his vote supporting the change.
6. Mark Baker informed Michele Madigan that Todd Shimkus and someone from Bonaccio construction would be speaking in support of the zoning change.
7. Sonny Bonaccion opines that of all the members of the City Council, Michele Madigan is the only one he likes (the only amusing item in all the documents).

Analysis

First it is important to understand who redacted the documents and what the process was like.

The FOIL requests all go to the City Attorney.  It is his responsibility to review the documents to see whether it is appropriate to release them (redacted or not).  It is my understanding that he does not consult the individuals associated with the document(s).

It is also reasonable to expect that given the litigious history of the Pedinottis that the City Attorney would be extremely cautious as to what was released.  The attorney sees his role as doing everything possible to minimize the risk to the City.

I personally believe that the council acted to change the zoning law not just because the policy was problematic for the City Center but because it was problematic for the downtown. I do not see the two as mutually exclusive.  I would expect that if the full text of all the redacted documents were released they would simply document that the City Center wanted the changes which is hardly revelatory and that members of the Council agreed that the change would benefit both the City Center and the entire downtown.  Yes, I am conjecturing.

Just because something is legal does not mean that it should be done.  I believe that it is bad public policy to be so conservative in barring the public from  information about the exchanges between our city and other institutions except in the cases of such things as litigation, personnel matters, and negotiations.  The excessive redacting of documents leads to the understandable suspicion that what is being hidden is somehow wrong and should be exposed.  Documents should only be redacted on the same basis that some meetings can be done in executive session.  Only if the subject involves litigation, personnel, or negotiations should they be hidden.  The more the public can know about the actions of their government, the stronger our democratic institutions will be.

If I were king, I would require that before a City Attorney denied a FOIL request or redacted it, that the attorney would consult the author of the document to find out whether they want to exercise their right to withhold the information.

Having said that, I concede that it is by no means a simple issue.  I have seen the damage a poorly crafted document can have in the hands of a skilled attorney.  This is the kind of thing that people of goodwill can disagree about.

This week’s Saratoga Today has four interesting letters to the editor. Unfortunately, the letters are not up on their website.  You’ll have to pick up a copy of the paper around town to read them and see if you agree with my analysis.

Least interesting is the letter from David Buchyn who is secretary of Upstate Conservative Party.  He endorses Wirth and Safford.  The most interesting thing about the endorsement is who they did not endorse.  They did not endorse Ivins or Scirocco.

In another letter, Bill Dake who has shepherded Stewarts into a multi-million dollar operatiin identifies himself as simply “the former chair of the Saratoga County Planning Board.”  As a side note, Tom Lewis, who was employed by Dake, chaired the Saratoga Springs Republican Party, and is currently the chief of staff for Senator Kathy Marchione, followed Dake as chair of the Saratoga County Planning Board.  If you ran Stewarts Shops, how helpful would it be to know way ahead of time what housing developments were potentially going up in the county?   Would this help both to plan where to put your next Stewart’s Shop and assist you in buying the property to put the new shop on at the best price?   How helpful would it be to chair the county’s Planning Board? 

Mr. Dake is one of the founders of the Saratoga PAC.

In effect he offers the wisdom that the city does not need to worry about protecting any greenbelt since the surrounding towns will provide all the rural land the city needs.  Mr. Dake worries: “After all we are a city and we may be frustrating ourselves by trying to fit rural characteristics within the city limits when they exist so naturally in conjunction with the surrounding towns.  Planning buzzwords like ‘A City In The Country’ and the ‘Greenbelt’ can be taken to extreme and create artificial situations, versus fit (sic) the logical long-term needs of our community.”  The words of wisdom from the emperor of sprawl.

Then we have Stephen T. Rodriguez who identifies himself as the Chair of the Saratoga Springs Republican Party.  He attacks Mayor Yepsen for having her fundraiser at Saratoga National Golf Course in light of the fact that she will have to vote on their proposal.  He asserts that it was a conflict of interest to have her fundraiser there.  He then asserts that it was “bad faith to either Saratoga National or those who support this project or to her Sustainable Saratoga supporters who have been vocal against it.”

I share his frustration regarding her unwillingness to say anything substantive about the issue.  She could have killed the project by joining Mathiesen and Scirocco who believe it is a violation of the principles of the conservation district or she could have announced her alliance with Madigan and Franck who want the project to move forward.

Finally we have Charles Brown’s piece.  He is the chairperson of the Saratoga Springs Democratic Party.  He is quite indignant, appropriately so, about Saratoga PAC.  He points to the obvious use of large sums of money by the construction, real estate, and financial industries to open the greenbelt for development. (I’m assuming he means inappropriate or excessive development since some types of building are allowed in the greenbelt.)  He is, however, rather circumspect about  the specific development issues in this part of the city.  He gingerly notes “But the survey wording was calculated to shape people’s views on two key development related items the PAC has said it supports.”  Why is he so reticent to name what these issues are?  It is common knowledge that the initial resistance to Saratoga National Golf Course’s expansion by the City Council is what helped to mobilize the PAC.  Mr. Brown’s problem is that John Franck and Michele Madigan have made clear that they want to work with Saratoga National Golf Course to make the project happen and that Joanne Yepsen refuses to take a position on the project one way or the other.  Like Mayor Yepsen, he and his committee would prefer not to state any position.

 

From The Gazette:

Restaurant sues Saratoga Springs over garage plans

Owners fear shadows cast on solar panels

By Stephen Williams October 14, 2015

PHOTOGRAPHER: PATRICK DODSON

The Mouzon House, with Saratoga Springs City Center seen in the background, is pictured on Oct. 1

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The owners of the Mouzon House restaurant on York Street have sued the city in an effort to block plans for the City Center parking garage proposed to go up next door to their business.

The lawsuit filed Friday in state Supreme Court in Ballston Spa seeks to annul a law passed by the City Council in July that would allow the proposed 500-parking-space garage to cast a shadow on the solar panels the Mouzon House has on its roof. It also seeks to annul a subdivision of the parking garage site approved last month by the city Planning Board.

Mouzon House owners David and Diane Pedinotti have been outspoken opponents of the City Center’s proposed five-story garage, which would dwarf their fine-dining establishment. A number of other residents have also spoken out against the project, which City Center officials said is needed to meet the center’s and downtown’s parking needs.

“The Saratoga Springs City Center has pursued a project in contravention of the Zoning Ordinance,” the Pedinottis state in the lawsuit, which names the city, the City Council and Planning Board, and the Saratoga Springs City Center Authority.

According to court papers, the Mouzon House in 2011 approached city officials about installing solar panels on its roof. The panels were eventually installed in 2014 and generate electricity for the business.

The Zoning Board of Appeals in March ruled that under the city’s Solar Access Ordinance, the proposed garage couldn’t cast a shadow on those panels that would block access to the sun in the winter — in effect, blocking the controversial multi-story garage from being built.

But by a 3-2 vote in July, the City Council amended the Solar Access Law to exempt properties in the downtown area from the “shadow rule.” That is one of the actions the lawsuit seeks to overturn, with an argument that it was done solely to benefit the parking garage plan and without sufficient environmental review.

“The City Council did not identify the relevant areas of environmental concern, did not take a hard look at such areas of environmental concern, and did not make a reasoned elaboration for its conclusion that [Finance Commissioner Michele] Madigan’s proposed amendment … would not result in any potential environmental impacts,” the lawsuit states.

The lawsuit also seeks a court ruling that the city violated the Freedom of Information Law by withholding some electronic correspondence between Madigan and the City Center after Mouzon House attorneys sought it through a FOIL request.

The lawsuit also contends that the subdivision approved last month by the city Planning Board is premature, given that the city on Sept. 29 received two private proposals to build mixed-use projects — residential, parking and commercial space — on the 2.62-acre lot, which is owned by the city. Those proposals are currently under review by the city.

City Attorney Vincent DeLeonardis did not respond Tuesday to a request for comment on the lawsuit.

The city-owned lot now contains a surface parking lot.

I received a press release from Ken Ivins, who is running for Commissioner of Finance.  In his release he accuses Commissioner Madigan of receiving money from a lobbying firm that represents Saratoga National Golf Course.  I contacted him and asked if he could provide documentation for this and he indicated that, regrettably, he was unable to.

In fairness to his opponent, Commissioner Michele Madigan, I sent her the press release and asked if she wanted to respond.  She did and below are the press release and Commissioner Madigan’s response.

---

Ivins Declines to Meet with Saratoga PAC

“My vote is not for sale.”

For immediate release

10/13/15

 Ken Ivins Candidate for the position of Commissioner of Finance was invited to interview with the Saratoga PAC on Friday October 16^th. He declined that invitation. His opponent Michelle Madigan not only agreed to meet with them , but invited them to City Hall for the meeting.

In an email sent to Bob Manz Chairman of the Saratoga PAC, Ken wrote:

Bob,

Thank you for the opportunity of meeting with the newly formed Saratoga PAC. After much reflection I have come to the conclusion that at this time I respectfully decline your invitation to be interviewed. While I appreciate the invitation, I am not seeking your endorsement and therefore don’t wish to waste your time.

Your group has conducted itself professionally and I have much respect for many of the individuals who comprise your Board. However, as I go door to door many citizens have expressed concerns about political influences from big money and special interest groups. Because your group has just recently emerged and thus has no track record, the community is very nervous.

As I have said from the beginning, because I am not endorsed by my local Party, I am running as an independent candidate, beholden to no one except the voters. I understand that leaves me at a disadvantage, especially financially, but I truly believe the position of Commissioner of Finance needs to be free from any perceptions of impropriety.

If I win the election, then I would be happy to sit down with any members of the Saratoga PAC and discuss the important issues of the city. Meanwhile, I would like to congratulate you all regarding the city-wide survey you conducted and I look forward to hearing the results.

Again thank you for inviting me and I hope to be talking with you in the future,

Ken Ivins

The current Commissioner has accepted over $500 from a lobbying firm representing Saratoga National Golf Course, received money and the endorsements from the City Fire Fighters union and the Saratoga Police Benevolent Association (groups whose contracts she would be voting on if re-elected), over $700 total from the director and members of the City Center Authority, (Madigan has still not released the emails she redacted between she and the Director of the City Center regarding the parking garage and her true role she has played in that process) and now she will meet with the Saratoga PAC. “It makes you wonder who she serves, special interest groups or the tax payers,” states Ken Ivins.

Ken goes on to say, “I will only represent the voters of this city, not the party bosses or a special interest group. My vote is not for sale.” 

Ken will having a press conference on Thursday, October 15^th at 4:00pm at High Rock Parking lot to discuss this issue as well as the Comprehensive Budget presented by the current Commissioner and how it is designed intentionally with flaws to fool the public into voting for her.

---

Madigan Replies:

Dear members of the media:

I received the following press release last night and can only hope you will be contacting me to discuss all the lies and made up nonsense Mr. Ivins seems to be desperately peddling about me these days. This from a man who has lost his last 2 elections and could not obtain a 2nd on a motion for endorsement by his Republican Party to run again for finance commissioner.

What he writes about the PAC is not true. I declined to be interviewed by the Super PAC for an endorsement meeting at the holiday inn. I simply didn’t think this news required a headline / press release. I did tell them, and tell all my constituents, I’m available to meet as their elected commissioner of finance at city hall to listen to their issues and concerns. As I would any citizen.  The PAC has declined my offer to meet with me as constituents.

He lies regularly and doesn’t have the facts.  The attack he proposes on Thursday against my budget shows once again the man does not understand city finances. When this man was I charge of our city’s finances he would regularly tell the public he was “bamboozled” by his fellow council members and that if he didn’t know something he would simply “make it up”.

The PBA did not endorse me this time around because I did not support their contract. I’m watching out for the taxpayers. They have endorsed the Mayor and Commissioner Franck, both of whom voted in the affirmative for the PBA Contract.  The firefighters have never given me money. Some group gave me $250 – northeast government consulting – they give to everyone. The Mayor and various commissioners and have been donating since my first campaign. etc. They have never requested a meeting with me to discuss my positions on any issue.   I’m proud of my association with the city center and those constituents that represent me for a broad base of reasons. My vote is never and has never been for sale!!  My constituents know this.

As for my opponent, this is a man who raised taxes by over 12%, laid off 49 city employees, and found himself with millions in surplus at the end of each year of his years a Finance Commissioner.  There was no reason to ever lay off a single city employee. There is so much more I can say about his very poor budgeting technique on behalf of the taxpayers of this city.

Respectfully, Michele Madigan