Saratoga Springs Politics

It has been truly grim to read recent emails I have received concerning the Saratoga Springs School Board election that show little concern for accuracy and even less concern for engaging with people with whom the senders disagree.  

An example was the recent email blast that Betty Gallagher sent out to a very large list.  I have always admired Betty as a sober and thoughtful person who I would have expected to be meticulous regarding the truth and accuracy of anything that went out over her name.  She has been a stalwart soldier in the League of Women Voters for many years. It is indeed a very bad sign of our times that Betty would propagate a rumor that some sort of conspiracy is afoot involving the NRA and the coming School Board elections.  

This was her original email:

Sent: Thursday, May 16, 2019 12:22:33 PM

Subject: School Board Election, May 21

 Dear Friends – The answer to gun violence in our society is NOT more guns.  I will be voting for John Brueggermann,  Heather Reynolds and Natalya  Lakhtakia on May 21.    The NRA is very active in exerting influence in our School Board election. Don’t let them steal it!

Please remember to vote at this important election!

 Betty

 

What follows is our exchange:

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John To Betty:

Betty:

What is the basis of your claim that the NRA is somehow involved in the school board elections?

JK

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Betty To John:

Web Notes – How the NRA Exerts Influence Beyond Political Contributions

https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/orlando-nightclub-massacre/nra-s-political-influence-far-goes-beyond-campaign-contributions-n593051

John and Jane – I think it is fairly well accepted that the NRA exerts influence at federal, state and local elections in order to favor gun ownership.  This is accomplished through its membership – and at times financially. Do you believe that the NRA has not noticed our election, or that its members are not taking its advice?

 I have tried to copy one of my references but am not very good at this.  Hope it comes out for you.

Betty

———————————————————————-

John To Betty:

Betty:

In reading your email it appears that you have no data that documents the involvement of the NRA in the Saratoga Springs School Board election.  

The NRA is not known for stealth campaigns.  In fact they generate donations by highlighting their war on behalf of gun owners.  Their PAC directly contributes to candidates and the PAC also contacts their members urging them to support whatever candidate or cause they are involved in.  If history is any indication, if they were involved in this election they would do so loudly and publicly.  

As you may know, I am active in shooting sports.  I am not a member of the NRA but during this campaign I have talked to people I know who are in the NRA.  Most of them actually knew nothing about this election.

In your email you asserted:

“The NRA is very active in exerting influence in our School Board election. Don’t let them steal it!”

In hindsight don’t you think that this statement lacks the care for moderation and accuracy that has traditionally been reflected in your comments on public issues?

JK

—————————————–

Betty To John:

John –  The NRA sways elections through the actions of its devout paid membership. Pro-gun.   This is undeniable.

———————————————————-

So with respect to Betty, yes, the NRA does involve itself in elections but no, it is not undeniable that they are operating behind the scenes in our local election.  What happened to the importance of having some kind of proof when making allegations?  Betty has no copies of emails from the NRA to its members, and there is no record of the NRA making any contribution to Saratoga Parents For Safer Schools (SPSS) or any of the candidates.  As I noted in my email to her, I have spoken to people who are proud members of the NRA and most of them knew nothing at all about the school board elections including who was running.  The few who  told me they knew something about the election learned about it in the newspaper or TV.  Am I to believe that the friends I shoot with, who are never reluctant to share their right wing views with me, are suddenly trying to keep this great NRA conspiracy Betty thinks exists a secret?

In reading the thread of emails it was apparent that her rumor had found fertile ground.  The fact that she and the others participating in this email thread would  uncritically spread this rumor is very disturbing.

Betty’s email blast resulted in a cascade of emails from her very extensive list in which the authors approved each other’s choice of candidates and congratulated each other on their wisdom in making these choices.  Some like the following took the NRA conspiracy myth even further:

“i agree with you totally, betty. it is definitely my intention to vote for these 3 people. my other concern re the nra is that once they get their foot in our doors, it will be very difficult to get it out. it’s not  just this election but the meetings and issues to follow never mind future elections. i hate to be such a down dora, but i don’t trust either them or their adherents at all.”

 The exception in these email exchanges was a message sent by Kara Rossetti, the founder of Saratoga Parents for Safer Schools, the group that was formed in support of rearming the school monitors.  Ms. Rossetti sent a thoughtful and measured email (see below) in which she refuted the NRA allegation and went on to explain why she supported re-arming the monitors.

This had no impact on the continuing cascade of emails.  No one addressed her points.  Instead the writers continued to perpetuate the NRA myth as did this writer:

 “Betty, You go girl. We’re right there with you on those 3 candidates. You’re probably right on the NRA, we have said that from the start. Please circulate this widely.”

Rather than speaking to Kara’s denial of NRA involvement, Laura Chodos  responded to Kara by cavalierly dismissing the importance of whether or not the NRA was involved.   Ms. Chodus seemed utterly disinterested in whether this email thread was amplifying disinformation about the election or in even acknowledging any of the other information Kara offered.

The narrative of these emails is driven by the clear sentiment that by opposing rearming the monitors one is taking a stand against gun violence and somehow standing up for gun control.  It is apparent that those participating in this email exchange have adopted the myth, supported by no documentation, that the people who support re-arming the monitors are part of a right wing campaign that also opposes gun control.  It explains their lack of interest in actually engaging in the issue of school safety as for them the opposition is dominated by right wingers who cannot be reasoned with.

There seems to also be a troubling underlying fear that our community is under attack and by electing a particular slate of candidates we can hold these forces back.

It will no doubt come as a shock then to the people on Betty’s email list that Kara Rossetti, who organized the Saratoga Parents for Safer Schools, is a strong proponent of gun control.  In fact, she told me that in the America she would like to live in, the only people allowed to have guns would be law enforcement officers.

I expect that the people participating in this self congratulating email event have no idea how hurtful it is for someone like Kara to be so gratuitously dismissed by Laura Chodos and to have the organization she founded be repeatedly the subject of unfounded accusations that they are agents of the NRA.

Kara is not alone in both being for gun control and, at the same time, for re-arming the monitors.  None of Betty’s email list seem interested in actually finding out whether any of the candidates are even members of the NRA.

Kara Rossetti deserves enormous credit for her courage in advocating both thoughtfully and with considerable courage for what she believes is in the best interest of safety in the Saratoga schools. You may not agree with her approach, but she and Saratoga Parents for Safer Schools deserve to be heard for what they honestly have to say and not be subjected to false accusations.

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Kara’s Email

On May 16, 2019, at 2:18 PM, Kara Rosettie <krosettie@hotmail.com> wrote:

Greetings

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on the upcoming election. We are fortunate to live in a community where so many people care so much.

 

I wanted to take the opportunity to address a few things in your email as well as provide some historical facts regarding this issue. What many in the community do not realize is that the armed protection that was removed from our children this past year was a practice and protocol that had been in place without incident for the past 30 years. The effectiveness of this practice in Saratoga is starting to be mirrored by other districts in NY State and is the recommendation from the Federal Commission report for school safety as well as the Parkland School Commission Report after 17 lives were lost.

 To further clarify, this is not an issue of gun control. It is an issue of safety. There has been much rhetoric regarding the “NRA” in regards to this upcoming election. It is simply false. At no time has the NRA been contacted, nor has there been NRA funding or involvement. This grass roots movement has taken flight with the support of local parents, grandparents, teachers and community members who believe in restoring proven and trusted safety and protection to our schools.

 The driving force behind any attempt to rearm monitors is simple; response time. On average it takes 7.7 minutes for law enforcement to respond to Saratoga City Schools, longer for schools on the outskirts like Greenfield. The majority of school shootings are over within 4-8 minutes. 

Seconds save lives. 

 The only way to mitigate response time is to have law enforcement and armed monitors readily available.

While we believe every candidate is sincere in their efforts to keep our children safe, only Dean Kolligian, Ed Cubanski and Shaun Wiggins recognize that in order to do so we must work closely with local law enforcement and heed their recommendations. Chief John Catone, an expert brought in to address the BOE has repeatedly stated that our children are now “less safe”. 

It is now time for our community to heed these words and bring safety measures back to our schools. Our teachers, administrators, staff and children deserve a safe and protected environment and it is our duty to elect those who will provide this.

 Thank you again for your dedication to community.

———————————-

Laura Chodus’ E-mail

 

Respectfully disagree with you, Kara.

NRA influence or not, the way to peace is not through arms.

The practice you reference was against the law. And NO OTHER district in our region arms their grounds monitors. None.

I have removed from this reply chain the 2

people who requested such.

Thank you,

Laura

 

First, let me advise my readers that due to time constraints I am writing this post without the assistance of my editor so any incoherence or typographical errors are entirely my fault.

There is some confusion over multiple dinners headlining Rebecca Friedrichs. Ms Friedrichs was the plaintiff in an important anti-union suit discussed in previous posts.

Ms. Friedrichs will apparently still be speaking on Friday night at the Hall of Springs for the Saratoga County Women’s Republican County Committee. The Choice New York event will be this evening at 8:00 (Not sure of time) at Chianti II Ristorante on Division Street.

So for all the readers of this blog on the left you may prefer Panza’s for Italian food in the future and for all the readers of this blog on the right, you may want to patronize Chianti’s for your Italian food.

As for me attending, I plan to watch the last episode of Suburra on Netflix (highly recommended) Italian TV series about crime and corruption in Rome. There are several scenes in which the characters dig into pasta with olive oil, garlic and hot peppers. I think I may cook some up to go with watching TV.

Below is a news release from the city. At the bottom are the images.

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IMMEDIATE RELEASEFOR CONTACT: Michael Veitch

May 15, 2019518-587-3550 ext 2556 

 

Saratoga Springs DPW Releases City Hall Preliminary Renderings of City Hall Restoration and Renovation Project

Saratoga Springs, NY – In advance of a Design Review Commission (DRC) presentation on May 15, 2019 at 7 p.m., the Saratoga Springs Department of Public Works released preliminary renderings of the City Hall restoration and renovation project. The renderings include a view of the main hallway, entrance vestibule, and music hall, along with renderings of the new City Court hearing room and elevator. 

 

“The concept was to preserve historical elements as part of the project and to showcase public areas so that everyone in our community can enjoy and appreciate the beauty of the building,” said Public Works Commissioner Anthony “Skip” Scirocco. “At the same time it is important to update City Hall into a functional municipal building, with fifty years of desperately required building improvements and to plan for fifty years into the future.”

 

Following a lightning strike on August 17, 2018, which resulted in some fire and significant water damage to the south side of the circa 1871 building, the City Council immediately started the process to restore the damage. In consideration of  the 2013 state mandate to provide additional court facilities, the Council decided it was the appropriate time to renovate the entire building to make room for the courts needs. The City hired Architectural/Engineering Firm Clark Patterson Lee to design and provide professional services to the City.

 

The project includes the addition of an HVAC system, court offices, elevator (for ADA compliance) and additional public meeting spaces, along with IT and security enhancements. Building infrastructure improvements to the electrical, plumbing, heating, along with sound attenuation are also planned. Professional construction estimates put the renovation project at approximately ten million dollars. A majority of this cost can be attributed to building changes that are a result of adding additional court facilities. Funding for the project will come from the city’s capital budget program and a portion from insurance reimbursement.

 

The DRC meeting is an opportunity for DPW to obtain valuable feedback on the project from DRC members, the Preservation Foundation, and members of the public.

 

“We’ve included many suggestions from these groups and individuals thus far and will continue to do so, this is an important project and quality feedback ensures that we get the best possible outcome for the public,” said Scirocco.

 

The project is in an extended bid phase which will last through to June. Asbestos abatement is ongoing as additional asbestos has been identified in the historic building. The project schedule has been adjusted for partial completion by the end of 2019, with final completion in early 2020 based on the outcome of the bid process.

 

Todd Kerner, Saratoga County Democratic Committee Chair, sent me the following flyer which announces that the Saratoga County Women’s Republican Club will have Rebecca Friedrichs as their guest speaker at their upcoming dinner. Friedrichs was the plaintiff in the Supreme Court case (Friedrichs v. California Teachers’ Association) that was the precursor to the case that prohibited public employee unions from collecting partial dues from employees who were covered by union contracts. Friedrichs was to be featured at a dinner put on by New Choice NY that, as noted in an earlier post, had been scheduled to be held at Panza’s until Panza’s decided not to host them.  I would note that New Choice was offering a free meal to those attending their dinner featuring Friedrichs. I’m wondering if the GOP women will be offering the same deal.

On Wednesday,May 22, the draft of the proposed Unified Development Ordinances (UDO) will be the subject of two presentations. From 12-2 the presentation will be at the Saratoga Springs Arts Center at 320 Broadway. From 5:30 to 7:30 the presentation will be at the Rec Center at 15 Vanderbilt.

The adopted UDO will have a profound effect on development in the city.

According to a story in the May 14 edition of the Daily Gazette Newspaper, neighbors of the land where Saratoga  Hospital proposes to build medical offices plan to address the Planning Board this Thursday (May 16). While the Planning Board does not plan any action that evening, they will be reviewing a change in the zoning for the area.

The meeting will begin at 6:00 PM at the Recreation Center on Vanderbilt Avenue.

The story can be viewed here.

https://dailygazette.com/article/2019/05/13/neighbors-to-speak-against-hospital-plan

Henry 37 was a frequent and thoughtful commenter on this site. He has been silent for a while and I miss him. Where are you?

In its May 10th edition, Saratoga Today reported on the progress of the City Center’s municipal parking structure.  

In a unanimous decision, the Saratoga Springs City Council agreed that designs for the structure should proceed. All designs will be presented to the Council  and the public for review as the process continues and final approval will rest with the City Council.  

The plan  currently going forward will be comprised of  “a municipal parking structure, the establishment of a public park at the southerly end of the parcel along Lake Avenue and where Flat Rock Spring once existed; the continuation of the park at the easterly side of the parcel along High Rock Avenue, which will connect Flat Rock Park to High Rock Park and include the Greenbelt trail, Downtown Connector, and the retention of outparcels for future development,” according to the article.

The construction of the parking structure could begin this summer.  The paper reports that the current plan is for about 600 parking spaces and the parking structure could be in operation by the summer of 2020.  200 spots on the current paved lot will be eliminated where the new structure will stand.

According to an email sent out by the New York State United Teachers (the teachers’ union), a group named New Choice NY had booked Panza’s Restaurant at its new location on South Broadway for a special dinner event. New Choice  NY is the deep pocketed oranization that is seeking to bust public sector unions in New York State and has sent representatives to the homes of union members asking them to drop their union membership. New Choice invited public employees who dropped their union membership to join them for a free dinner [JK: Not a bad perk] and the opportunity to meet Rebecca Friedrichs.  Ms. Friedrichs was the plaintiff in the Supreme Court case of Frierichs v. California Teachers Association. This case was the precursor to the Janus Case which ruled against public sector unions’ ability to collect  partial dues (agency fees) from non-members who were covered by a union negotiated contract..  There was a possibility that Mark Janus might also be featured at the event.

The two cases were a blow to public employee unions nationally as it made it illegal to require that in union shops, all employees, whether members of a union or not, were required to pay a portion of union dues.

According to NYSUT, the event was booked at Panza’s under a private individual’s name.  Panza’sRestaurant was unaware of the true sponsor of the event.  When Mr. Panza learned about what the reservation was actually for he contacted the New Choice NY representative listed on the invitation and informed her that he could not accommodate them.

It is important to note that I have not spoken to Mr. Panza and have no knowledge beyond the above regarding Mr. Panza’s actions. 

[JK: I received this alert from the Preservation Foundation.  The Design Review Commission will be reviewing the proposed renovations at a meeting tomorrow night (Wednesday,May 15).  The brief alert reviews both features that the Foundation applauds and items it has issues with.  The actual release can be seen HERE.

 

 PRESERVATION ALERT

SARATOGA SPRINGS CITY HALL

Proposed Interior Renovations to be Reviewed TOMORROW

The Foundation is pleased that the Department of Public Works is presenting the proposed renovation plans of City Hall, a Local Landmark, to the Design Review Commission for review at the DRC meeting on Wednesday, May 15. The meeting will begin at 7PM at the Recreation Center, 15 Vanderbilt Avenue. 

The Foundation understands the number of improvements that need to be made to the infrastructure of the building – electrical, plumbing, heating and air-conditioning, as well as communication and security systems – and the need to increase office and operational efficiencies and meet the state mandate to provide a second hearing room for the Saratoga Springs City Court. The Foundation has no objections to the proposed floor plans that have been presented, which can be viewed here.  The Foundation appreciates the dialogue that has taken place with the Department of Public Works as renovation plans have developed and the changes that have been made based on the feedback the Foundation has provided. 

The Foundation is very pleased with the plans to not only to preserve, but also to uncover many of the historic features of the building such as the tin ceilings, light fixtures, stained glass, art deco balustrade, doors, radiators, and, most importantly, the stairs as you enter City Hall as they are a significant character-defining feature of the building.  The Foundation thanks Commissioner of Accounts John Franck for his willingness to sacrifice space for his department’s offices in order to accommodate the proposed second elevator and preserve the stairs.  The Foundation is also pleased that the diamond-patterned floor in the hall will be restored to its historic appearance, which emphasizes the path of circulation – visually connecting the entry of the building to the end of the hall, leading one to the City Council Chamber and where the historic court room was located. 

However, the Foundation does not support the proposed change to the vestibule that alters the entry into the interior of City Hall and does not find the proposed treatment of the Music Hall appropriate.

At this time, the Foundation recommends that this project receive a phased review from the Design Review Commission in order to not delay the progress of this important project moving forward.  Phase I would allow for the Design Review Commission to approve the proposed floor plans, which the Foundation supports.  Phase II would allow time for additional information to be provided regarding interior design details – including materials, finishes, and colors – which are difficult to review in the proposed renderings, available here.  

The Foundation’s full comments on the proposed renovation can be read here.  

Thank you to our members and friends for your support!