Saratogian City Beat

Election time

2007-11-05T11:07:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, the Spa City will vote. Democrats Valerie Keehn, Tom McTygue and Ron Kim face challenges from Republicans Scott Johnson, Skip Scirocco, and Richard Wirth. Republican Ken Ivins and Democratic Jane Weihe compete for the open seat being left by Finance Commissioner Matt McCabe, who is stepping down from the office and has given his support to Weihe. Accounts Commissioner John Franck, at least, is feeling confident about returning to office, with the Republicans not running a candidate against him.
Polls close at 9 p.m. The Democrats will be watching the tally in different locales - Keehn returns to the Inn at Saratoga, where they all celebrated together two years ago, but McTygue will be at the Principessa Elena.
The tallies of the city's 25 different election districts will bear watching. The 24th district, Skidmore, has come in strong for McTygue in the past, but the student Democrats as well as Republicans have endorsed Scirocco this time. District 23 includes homes on Saratoga Lake and 17 homes on Fish Creek, could Keehn's not vocally supporting the Saratoga Lake water plan help her pick up votes here?
Control of the City Council could swing to the Republicans if things work out well to them. But three seats is a lot to pick up (though the Democrats did it in 2005). My prediction is a 3 Dem, 2 Republican council for 2008 and 2009.

Veitch picks up labor endorsement

2007-10-18T08:21:00.000-07:00

Republican Supervisor candidate Matt Veitch picked up the endorsement of the Saratoga Central Labor Council last week. Veitch is a former union member himself.
"I am very pleased that the Saratoga Area Labor Council is supporting my candidacy,” Veitch said. “As Supervisor, I will support working men and women and work to provide local jobs for local people. We all benefit by having good jobs within the City and County. In Saratoga Springs, we have a tradition of hard work and determination. We must appreciate every working person and help them fight for fair wages, fair benefits and fair contracts.”

Updated endorsement scorecard

2007-10-08T09:57:00.000-07:00

As the we head into the final month before Election Day, here is an updated version of the party endorsement scorecard. The sum total of votes on the different lines determines the final result. D is for Democrats, R is for Republicans, C is for Conservatives, I is for Independence, and WF is for Working Families.

4 - Franck (D,C,I,WF)
3 - Keyrouze, Kim, McTygue, Weihe, Yepsen (D,I,WF)
2 - Boyd (C,I), Keehn (D,WF), Ivins, Scirocco, Veitch, Wirth (R,C)
1 - Johnson (R)

All aboard?

2007-10-05T09:13:00.000-07:00

The Saratoga Springs Democratic Party tried to get itself on track for a second consecutive sweep of city offices with a fundraiser at the Saratoga Springs Train Station last night. And while this locomotive has at least two drivers with conflicting plans, on Thursday night, with a live band playing, art hanging from the walls and ceiling, hors d'oeuvres and politicians and supporters actively socializing, to the untrained eye this might have been a unified party.
All seven city candidates - Mayor Valerie Keehn, Finance Commissioner hopeful Jane Weihe, Public Safety Commissioner Ron Kim, Accounts Commissioner John Franck, Public Works Commissioner Tom McTygue and Supervisors Cheryl Keyrouze and Joanne Yepsen - were in attendence for at least 45 minutes. All offered brief comments, as did county chairman Larry Bulman, city chairman Lou Schneider, and Mike Russo from Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand's office, and former mayor Ken Klotz, with a wooden train whistle to get the crowd's attention.
"A unified slate is the way to go," said Weihe.
The split widened over two years in office shows no sign of really closing, though, whether the council members say they support each other or not. Kim stormed out of a council meeting just two nights earlier, decrying delay tactics by his fellow commissioners. Sharon Boyd, the city chairwoman until earlier this year and the wife of Gordon Boyd, who lost a primary to Keehn and is running as the head of the Independence Party slate (which would have coincided 100 percent with the Dems had Boyd won), was at the party, a reminder of the contest. How many homes have signs up for both Keehn and McTygue? How many for Keehn and Republican Skip Scirocco? How many for McTygue and Republican Scott Johnson?
We'll see if the party gathers all together on election night, as they did the joyous night of their 2005 sweep into power at the Inn at Saratoga. Only time will tell whether the inner-party battles so evident at City Council meetings will derail the party from further success and return the Republicans to power.

Kim goes home

2007-10-03T10:59:00.000-07:00

Public Safety Commissioner Ron Kim protested his City Council colleagues' unwillingness to go forward with a lease buyback plan which would give the city a new police station and 500 space parking garage at Woodlawn Avenue for $1.4 million a year over 30 years by up and leaving the council table after the 3-2 vote, pulling the remaining five items on his agenda. About half the crowd in the room left with him.
With the council proceedings now streamed online, the meeting may have reached a new peak in audience last night. One caller to the newsroom asked if Kim had resigned.
John Herrick, chairman of the city Republican Committee, wrote me:
"I was watching the webcast of the City Council meeting tonight and was astonished that Ron Kim walked out of the meeting after his proposal to build the $17 million dollar Public Safety building was defeated. His behavior was childish and unprofessional. The City Council needs someone that will work with the other Council members to accomplish the people's business. Commissioner Kim acted like a little kid who did not get his way so he took his bat and ball and went home. I doing so, he has neglected to fulfill his duties and obligations as a Council member. The remaining items that were on his Agenda, which must have some importance, were not acted upon. The taxpayers and citizens of Saratoga Springs deserve better from their elected officials."
Kim's GOP challenger, Rick Wirth, said he would never walk out on a meeting.
"I worked for government for over 35 years," he said. "I had a lot of complex issues. I was always able to work it out. I could work with any council. You have to be open-minded."
So what's next for the public safety station?
Kim and Keehn appear not to have a third vote to go forward with the $17 million price tag through bonding either. Finance Commissioner Matt McCabe said the city could begin building a scaled down facility next year if it could come up with a new revenue stream, such as paid parking.
The next weeks will see if the council can come to any agreement on how to go forward on the station, with a slightly smaller station or with the full 47,000 square foot version, and what the best method to pay for it is. Or, if deadlock continues, there will be at least one change on the council with McCabe stepping down.
Republican mayoral candidate Scott Johnson said in a release before the vote that he was glad Kim had agreed with him about using the private sector to build the station and parking garage rather than saddling the city with bonded debt. Kim had been enthusiastic about the Woodlawn proposal when it was received by the city in early summer, but it had not been voted upon until last night. Johnson did not agree with Kim's plan to set aside Video Lottery Terminal money, saying there were more reliable ways to fund the project while still staying out of debt.

Comptroller endorses Keehn

2007-10-03T10:50:00.000-07:00

Valerie Keehn picked up the endorsement of state Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli this week.
"I'm pleased to endorse Mayor Keehn," DiNapoli, a Democrat, said in a release. "She knows the importance of sound financial planning. She's working hard to address the city's financial needs by making sure that new revenues, like the special state aid for communities with video lottery facilities, are used for long-deferred capital projects. That's a prudent way to plan for infrastructure improvements without putting the entire burden on property taxpayers."
DiNapoli also hailed Keehn's environmental initiatives, saying she is "an outstanding example of the kind of environmental leadership we need at every level of government."

Keehn triumphant / across the aisle endorsements?

2007-09-21T08:32:00.000-07:00

Mayor Valerie Keehn's victory in the Democratic primary Tuesday was clear, with a 500-vote-plus margin only her most fervent believers could have predicted. It was enough to make Gordon Boyd think - for up to two weeks - before making his next political move, which could have deep ramifications on the general elections.
Even if Keehn is wildly popular among her base, she will need the support of at least close to half of the voters in November. Boyd will garner several hundred votes even if he doesn't make an active run - Hank Kuczynski did two years ago. An active Boyd run would be helped if he wins the still in limbo Independence line as well as the Conservative line, but it could still be quixotic, given the scarcity of third-party victories in American politics. Plus, if Boyd does run, it might hurt Republican Scott Johnson more than it hurts Keehn.
The stage is set for some possible across the aisle endorsements. Whether the Tom McTygue, John Franck, and Gordon Boyd throw their support to Johnson obviously has a lot to do with whether or not Boyd runs - but at least one Boyd backer I spoke to was leaning Johnson after the primary defeat. Those Dems might have more in common with the Republican candidate then their nemesis Valerie Keehn.
Meanwhile, many a Keehn supporter also has a sign for Skip Scirocco on his or her lawn or car, no surprise given that one of Keehn's priorities has been convincing the electorate that it's time for McTygue to go.
The biggest issue standing in the way of Democrats supporting Republicans is the future source of city water.
Stay tuned.

Scirocco fundraiser

2007-09-21T07:43:00.000-07:00

Skip Scirocco, Republican challenger for Commissioner of Public Works, will hold a fundraiser barbecue from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday Sept. 22, at ITAM 247 Grand Avenue.

Debate video online

2007-09-14T08:22:00.000-07:00

Video of the League of Women Voters debate between Mayor Valerie Keehn and challenger Gordon Boyd has been posted online by the Tech Valley Times: www.wordofmobile.com/debate/

Moore blasts Boyd

2007-09-10T19:09:00.000-07:00

Police Chief Ed Moore criticized Gordon Boyd, John Franck, Tom McTygue and Matt McCabe at a press conference Monday as he tries to convince the City Council to build a new police station. He has two votes on the current council in Ron Kim and Valerie Keehn. In an email Monday evening, Moore criticized Boyd especially sharply:

"Mr. Boyd

With all due respect, I am tired of hearing from those like yourself who wet their finger, stick it in the air of public opinion to see which way the wind is blowing, then publicly state they agree with the need of the new public safety building yet privately conspire to prevent it from occurring. I was present at the AUG 28 public meeting on the capital budget and saw first hand how you used the proposed public safety construction project as a political weapon to attack your opponent. Your thought process in your letter is flawed, and frankly rings hollow in my ears; I have heard many times in the last 32 years from politicians and political wanna-be's how we should take more time to examine the cost of this project. This is nothing but lip service to disguise the real agenda; delay, stall, make excuses and wear down the police so we can shelve this project again and finance our own pet projects.
You propose "setting aside $1 million to $2 million cash each year for a few years in a Public Safety Capital Reserve account. Building up cash for this need will reduce the amount we have to borrow, plus give us time to bring the total cost under control, find the best location, and continue pressing for state and federal aid." In the 1970's we could have built a new PD for less than 1/4 million, but waited. We waited several times after that, the most recent stall being 2003 when the project cost rose to 7 million. Here we are, four years later, and the cost is at 17 million. Your agenda looks and smells the same as the previous several agenda’s on this same issue the last 30 years; Just more of the same old lip service I’ve experienced every time.
You say you "do not agree with the way the Mayor has proposed to finance the project", yet I do not see Accounts Commissioner (accountant by profession) John Frank providing positive feedback on ways the city council can "work together" as a body to finance the project. Instead he categorizes the proposed facility as a Cadillac the taxpayers can't afford, he rants and raves publicly about mortgaging our children's future, and blames it all on the mayor while demanding to know her plan to pay for the capital budget. Isn't that really the specialty of the Finance & Accounts Commissioners? Shouldn't our city council be working in harmony like adults (even if they have differing opinions) to reach the goals that best provide for our community? That certainly is not occurring, and it is clear to me who the cogs in the wheel are.
Forgive me if I offend you, but don't try to sell me sugarcoated dung as good intentions and support. I did not just fall off the turnip truck, and I will not reciprocate in the same vein. I do not appreciate the politicization of an issue that may result in the loss of life, especially to one of my colleagues. We came close enough to that just four days ago with, as of yet, no formal inquiry by either of your compatriots on the council as to Officer Baker’s well being. I do not appreciate our officers being humiliated over and over again by having to apologize to victims for the conditions and lack of basic privacy and confidentiality we subject citizen/victims to with our facilities. I do not appreciate the lack of basic workplace conveniences like a woman’s restroom for our 15 female employees, or a closet with exposed wiring and holes in the wall for their locker room. I don’t appreciate trying to motivate these fine officers to go out on the street every day with pride and place their life on the line for our citizens while their workplace bespeaks what is really thought of their service by certain council members. Yet they do so because they are professionals who recognize their mission and derive their pride from the knowledge that our citizens appreciate them and their efforts in spite of workplace conditions. I believe these citizens support our quest for a new facility. My door-to-door visits with them indicate that overwhelming support, and I intend to continue those efforts until this goal is reached. Make no mistake; I will tell it like it is in each of my visits. I owe this to the men and women of the police department.
Commissioner McTygue, Frank and yourself need to stop playing politics with the safety of our police, firefighters, and our community. The time has come to shelve political dislikes and disagreements and prove that the form of government you rallied to keep in this city can work. All I have seen over the years and continue to see today is one big dysfunctional mess called the commission form of government. I challenge you and your associates to prove me wrong on my perception.

Edward F. Moore
Chief of Police"

Democrats website

2007-09-10T14:15:00.000-07:00

The Saratoga Springs Democratic Party website is on the way to getting up and running - expect a more complete version following the primary. Until then, check out these pictures of endorsed challenger Gordon Boyd and current mayor Valerie "Keene": www.saratogadems.org.

Veitch fundraiser

2007-09-07T14:28:00.000-07:00

Republican Supervisor candidate Matthew Veitch is holding a family fundraiser Sunday, Sept. 9 at Gurtler Brothers VFW post 420 at 190 Excelsior Ave. from 1 to 3 p.m. Food will include hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken BBQ, chips, soda and a cash bar. $15 for an individual or $35 for a family. RSVP to 369-6348.

Boyd endorses NYRA

2007-08-29T14:18:00.000-07:00

One of the Democratic mayoral candidates, Gordon Boyd, has joined Republican candidate Scott Johnson in fully endorsing NYRA for the racing franchise as Governor Spitzer's decision nears. Mayor Valerie Keehn, who served on the ad hoc committee that made recommendations about the competiting franchises last year, has written Spitzer but not endorsed a franchise. She said she was more concerned about the details of the contract, including having one franchise run racing and gaming and improving backstrech conditions for workers, than which company won the franchise. The candidates explained their positions in my column earlier this week: http://www.saratogian.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=18755028&BRD=1169&PAG=461&dept_id=602469&rfi=8
The full text of Boyd's letter is as follows.

"Dear Governor Spitzer,

As a long time resident of Saratoga Springs active in the community, and as a regular and happy patron of Saratoga Racecourse, I strongly recommend that you select the New York Racing Association as the thoroughbred racing franchise operator for the next 20 years. NYRA has been a partner with Saratoga Springs in presenting our successful August racing meet for several decades, and I believe the community is broadly in support of continuing this relationship.

Saratoga Springs is the one community in New York State most affected by your impending decision. As I wrote in my May 22 letter to you, racing in Saratoga Springs fuels our vibrant local economy, creates hundreds of jobs annually, generates tax revenues to support governmental operations, and brings an atmosphere that has made our city a special destination for race fans from around the world. It is therefore of critical importance that the future franchise operator be prepared to continue and augment this success story, and especially to continue to be subject to local property taxes and water rates.

NYRA is well qualified to continue in this capacity at all three New York tracks, Aqueduct, Belmont and Saratoga. NYRA is also ready to go. NYRA knows New York racing, and requires no training or orientation into the nuances, sensitivities or details.

Local Roots and Respect for Historic Values
Both NYRA’s board and its upper management include individuals such as Charles Wait and Gavin Landry with strong local roots, people we know well, and whose values are in line with the community’s. This is especially relevant with regard to one issue of particular concern to Saratogians: the protection of historic structures on NYRA property, including not only the main track, but also the land and structures north of Union Avenue (including Oklahoma Track and Horse Haven). The Ad Hoc Committee’s recommendations of 2006 did not address this issue. If a new operator were to come on the scene, unfamiliar with the value our community places on historic preservation, the city would be very concerned.

If NYRA were to continue to operate Saratoga, we would know that we have a partner willing to work with the city’s land use approval boards on any major changes to the Union Avenue facilities. I hope and trust if NYRA is agreeable to working with our local approval process, that you, as Governor, would not object or countenance a state preemption over the city’s rightful role in controlling land use and aesthetic values.

Economic Future of Racing
We all know that the economics of thoroughbred racing are going to change with the implementation of the new franchise. There will be more money available for purses to support racing and breeding and to fund improvements to the race tracks. It is my hope and expectation that with your impending recommendation you will be cognizant that the best possible future for racing requires a unified franchise, exclusive racing at Saratoga, continued use of the training facilities here and improvement of working and living conditions for stable personnel.

In addition, I strongly recommend that you work to bring Off Track Betting under the umbrella of the racing business. It does no one any good for one state-sanctioned monopoly to be competing with another state-sanctioned monopoly on an uneven playing field. Local government operators of OTB can be held harmless with respect to revenue, but the support of racing from wagering should be the same no matter where bets are placed, and off track betting should be operated within the racing franchise, not outside it.

Finally, I ask that you review and ask the Legislature to revise the sharing of admissions tax revenue between Saratoga County and the City of Saratoga Springs. The City provides virtually all the essential infrastructure and public services that support the track. The City should receive a majority of the admissions tax to reflect this reality.

This year’s meeting was highly successful—higher attendance, bigger purses, and a great year for local businesses. It provides an excellent indicator of NYRA’s ability to continue successful racing operations, in partnership with the community. I appreciate your attention to and interest in this issue, which is of critical importance to the City of Saratoga Springs.

Sincerely,

Gordon M. Boyd"

Johnson endorses NYRA

2007-08-24T10:23:00.001-07:00

At a time when political candidates are seeking endorsements, Republican mayoral candidate Scott Johnson has made one of his own - for the New York Racing Association to keep control of the racing franchise in New York, operating Saratoga Race Course along with Belmont and Aqueduct.
"It has become clear that our current Mayor and the other Democratic candidate lack the leadership to take a stand on this issue," said Johnson in a release. "How can someone who feels that they can lead this great City take a backseat to this process, simply sitting on their hands and hoping for the best? Recently, we have been a rudderless ship, with no discernable direction. As your next Mayor, you will always know where I stand, especially on issues of this magnitude."
Johnson's statement continues:
"This is a decision that impacts our City more than anything. After following the issue for several years, hearing from experts and the public last week at our Town Hall meeting, and conducting my own research, I feel that allowing NYRA to continue to run racing would be best for Saratoga Springs. Since they took over the tracks, the quality of horseracing has always come first and that is why our City has been able to flourish and prosper more than any other community with thoroughbred racing.
"For the past several decades, NYRA has made a clear effort to preserve both the architectural and cultural traditions of the racetrack. Whereas other tracks have installed luxury skyboxes, increased admission costs to drive out the average trackgoer, or let the quality of racing decline to increase their bottom line, NYRA has respected the track like any citizen of the City would. However, the decision is in the hands of the state, as a recommendation is to be made by September 4th.
"The franchise decision goes far beyond the legitimate issues of preservation of the track and the quality of racing. The economic impact, both direct and indirect, of this racing meet on our community cannot be underestimated, as measured in excess of $213,000,000 per year. Indeed, the economic vitality and sustainability of our local economy is tied at the hip with the track continuing its tradition of world class racing.
"To show that I am not all talk, I am going to lead a petition drive, beginning this weekend, collecting signatures from people who agree with my assertion that NYRA has the right tools in place to run racing in Saratoga Springs. I hope that everyone who feels as strongly about this as I do signs our petition so we can show Governor Spitzer and the State Legislature what the residents of Saratoga want."
NYRA's competitors for the franchise include Capital Play, Excelsior, and Empire. Mayor Valerie Keehn last year served on the statewide ad hoc committee which recommended Excelsior to the governor.

Websites

2007-08-20T14:12:00.000-07:00

Republican mayoral candidate Scott Johnson's website has gone live. All candidates for city office now have websites except for Public Safety Commissioner Ron Kim.

Boyd holds signs til September

2007-07-31T15:20:00.001-07:00

Democratic mayoral candidate Gordon Boyd has decided to hold off on distributing yard signs until the end of racing season, he told his supporters in an e-mail.
"I realize this is some sacrifice of "exposure" for my campaign, but I really think the city looks better at this time of year for the visitors with a minimum of street clutter," Boyd wrote. "So I am doing my part by keeping the signs on my back porch for the time being."
Boyd faces Mayor Valerie Keehn in a September 18 primary. He continues to campaign and bumper stickers are available.
"As with the signs, I don't want them to appear on public property, telephone poles, etc." he wrote. "Bumper stickers and yard signs, in my view, should be an expression of the individual voter's preference in the campaign, not a wholesale visibility play."
Keehn's yard signs have been up for more than a week. Republican Scott Johnson has played it quiet so far, but he does not face a vote until November.

McTygue Residency

2007-07-30T15:16:00.000-07:00

A former Saratogian reporter sent us a link to a story in the L.A. Times about a Los Angeles County supervisor who doesn't sleep often in her own district
(http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-burke27jul27,0,6837597.story?coll=la-home-center) after reading about Public Works Commissioner Tom McTygue's residency (http://www.saratogian.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=18633833&BRD=1169&PAG=461&dept_id=602469&rfi=8). McTygue's splitting his time between Saratoga Springs and a horse farm in the Town of Saratoga has not concerned the County and State Board of Elections; readers disapproved strongly of Yvonne Burke living out of her district in the Times' polls.

Republicans decry SUCCESS endorsements

2007-07-13T13:58:00.000-07:00

The Republicans have issued a press release regarding endoresements to be made by SUCCESS:

"SARATOGA SPRINGS GOP CHAIRMAN CALLS 'SUCCESS' ENDORESMENTS SUSPECT Group pushing an issue that is no longer relevant, simply to benefit founder John Herrick, Saratoga Springs Republican Chairman, announced that the City GOP candidates have declined an offer to be interviewed by the SUCCESS group for consideration of their endorsement in the upcoming citywide elections. "I see no reason for this group to continue to exist, let alone endorse candidates in the November elections," said Herrick. "To me it seems rather odd that they would even ask the current Mayor and Republican mayoral candidate Scott Johnson to interview for their endorsement. SUCCESS has deep-rooted ties to mayoral candidate Gordon Boyd, who not only helped to found the group but also donated $1,400 to its cause over the course of its first three months. It would be foolish to engage in this endorsement when the result is clearly orchestrated. My mother didn't raise a fool." Herrick also questioned why the group is trying to stay so politically active. What started as a valid citizen's group to oppose charter reform has morphed into a political action group to benefit two of its strongest supporters, Gordon Boyd and Public Works Commissioner Tom McTygue. The group's chairwoman, Remigia Foy, in a July 10, 2007, article in The Saratogian, even admitted that Boyd's prior involvement with SUCCESS would be taken into consideration in their endorsement. "We all want to preserve what works for Saratoga," added Herrick. "Ask any of our candidates and all will agree that we want what is best for the city. There are more important issues currently facing our city than charter reform. During our petition drive throughout the city, charter reform was not an issue people talked about. Last November, the public definitively spoke and the issue was decided by referendum. The SUCCESS plan to now endorse candidates appears to be nothing more than a political ploy that undermines what was once a legitimate purpose."

Mayor Valerie Keehn, to no surprise given her support for changing the form of city government, also declined to be interviewed, so the Republican's decision gives Boyd the de facto endorsement for mayor.

Working for Working Families

2007-06-28T10:50:00.000-07:00

Incumbent mayor Valerie Keehn is still trying to win her first party line, and has gotten the Working Families Party to reconsider making an endorsement in the mayoral race.
So far, incumbent Democrats Supervisor Joanne Yepsen, Supervisor Cheryl Keyrouze, Public Safety Commissioner Ron Kim and Jane Weihe, Democratic candidate for finance commissioner, have won the trifecta of endorsements from the Democratic Party, the Independence Party and the Working Families Party, while incumbent Democratic Accounts Commissioner John Franck, running unopposed, has achieved an even rarer superfecta of Democrats/ Independence/ Working Families/ Conservatives. Public Works Commissioner Tom McTygue has received endorsements from the Democratic Party and Independence Party, but Working Families stayed away from the Keehn/McTygue rivalry, deciding not to make an endorsement in either race.
Gordon Boyd, who has challenged Keehn in the only primary, got the Conservative line over Republican Scott Johnson to go along with the endorsements of the Independence Party and the city Democratic Committee. However, the Democratic line on the ballot will be decided by voters in a September primary -- something the self-described "People's Mayor" will be counting on to have a chance of winning a second term.
If Keehn loses the primary, though, not having any party's line will make it more difficult for her to get on the ballot in November, so Working Families could be a valuable pick-up. For Boyd, a fourth nod would be most valuable in shutting out Keehn.
It could be tough for Boyd to get Working Families as well as with the Conservative nod - the WFP's Capital District chaper prioritizes living wage jobs, green jobs, clean energy initiatives and workforce development - although Franck managed it. Those issues seem to mesh with Keehn's proclaimed priorities, so the endorsement of the small party could take on symbolic importance.
Working Families has interviewed both Keehn and Boyd twice. Capital District chapter co-chair Karen Scharff said that although there will be no endorsement in the DPW race, they are reconsidering making a mayoral endorsement. A decision could be announced next week.
Johnson's fellow Republican candidates Matt Veitch for Supervisor, Richard Wirth for Public Safety, Ken Ivins for Finance and Skip Scirocco for Public Works received Conservative Party endorsements as well as that of the GOP.

Quick Endorsement Scorecard:
4 - Franck
3 - Boyd, Keyrouze, Kim, Weihe, Yepsen
2 - Ivins, McTygue, Scirocco, Veitch, Wirth
1 - Johnson
0 - Keehn

In Bloom

2007-06-27T13:19:00.000-07:00

Judgment Day approaches in Saratoga Springs' beauty contest showdown http://www.saratogian.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=18268840&BRD=1169&PAG=461&dept_id=602469&rfi=8 with Ithaca and further-flung cities in the national America In Bloom contest, so it's time to get your lawn and home looking good.
New Deputy Commissioner of Public Works Jim Brophy issued the following statement:

"Once again the City of Saratoga Springs is in BLOOM. I would like to thank everyone on the DPW Flower Crew that has prepped, planted, and is now watering the approximate 300 flowerbeds throughout the City. It is a hard, hot job that involves early morning hours to avoid tying up traffic, constant monitoring, weeding, and continual replacement of damaged and stolen plants.
"As we head into the final days before the America in Bloom Contest judging, which takes places July 9-10th, I invite you to take a look around at all the extra work that has gone into beautification this spring.
"I would also like to thank Ned and Bonnie Chapman of Sunnyside Gardens for their patience, endless hours of answering questions, and nightly drives through the City to keep watch on the blooms. Thank you to all the volunteers that pitched in and assisted the DPW Flower Crew with planting and designing of various plots: the Heritage Garden Club, the Orinda Garden Club, the Katrina Trask Garden Club, and the Community Garden Club.
"Once again, Commissioner McTygue had the foresight to put the City of Saratoga Springs on the map by bringing the community together. As we fine tune the art of beautification, we will continue to dazzle the summer crowd with our flowers, our parks, our neighborhoods and the character that makes Saratoga Springs a community worth working for.
Again thanks for everyone’s hard work."

Keehn gives Benton park position

2007-06-27T13:05:00.000-07:00

Mayor Valerie Keehn filled the long-empty position of Administrator of Parks, Open Space and Historic Preservation this week, and the action was a talker. Lew Benton is an accomplished public servant who has planned for the county, chaired the city Planning Board and countless special committees and was Public Safety Commissioner in the early 1990s. He is also one of Keehn's most loyal and vocal supporters. His wife Linda is Keehn's executive secretary. Lew can expect to keep his position whether or not Keehn is reelected in November, as long as he wants to stay out of retirement.
The position was filled several months ahead of schedule by de-funding the Director of the Visitor's Center position held by Denise McDonald. McDonald had been out on sick leave for several months and Keehn had said the leave created a hardship for the city heading into the summer. McDonald's duties will be filled by Benton and her former co-workers at the center.
Public Works Commissioner Tom McTygue, whose toes might be stepped on by the new administrator's powers over city parks, was critical of Keehn's actions, issuing a press release yesterday:

"As a result of recent press announcements by Mayor Keehn, I’m astonished to learn a major transfer of funds was accomplished, to fund the new position of Administrator of Parks, Open Land and Historic Preservation, without the City Council being properly advised of the action.
"Additionally, to the surprise of the Commissioner of Accounts and myself, the monies allocated to fund the new position was taken from the existing Urban Heritage Area Program Director’s position without an explanation of how this shortfall will be made up. A check of the record indicates these transfers were accomplished within the otherwise routine transfer agenda of the June 19, 2007 Council Meeting without any discussion by the Mayor or the Commissioner of Finance. I can only conclude the silence on the transfer of these monies was deliberate and meant to conceal the maneuvering of positions within the Mayor’s office without the City Council’s knowledge, or in this instance, without the proper public accountability necessary for funding this new position.
"At the very least, making seven transfers to existing budget line items within the Mayor’s budget deserved a full explanation of what was being proposed. My strong objection to this obvious game of ‘fiscal musical chairs’ at taxpayer’s expense, comes at a time when Mayor Keehn is spending a great deal of time with self promotion and campaign rhetoric. The mayor’s concern for what she believes is a lack of openness in government, shades of back room deals and the absence of transparency in City Hall is only eclipsed by her actions."

McDonald also did not like the way the switch was made:
"I had been focusing on improving my health and approaching the end of my medical leave when I unexpectedly received a letter from the City's Attorney at the end of last week. It stated that the funding had been removed from my position.
"Nobody from the Mayor's office had ever discussed this plan with me or the Heritage Area Advisory Board.
"I am very concerned about the organization because it will no longer have a Director. The role of the Director is unique and has been vital to the Heritage Area's growth and well-being. When this type of change had been proposed by the previous administration, the Heritage Area Advisory Board and the public spoke out against merging these positions and this option was not pursued.
"I loved my job and worked very hard with my employees, community volunteers, organizations and businesses to provide many worthwhile programs and services to Saratoga Springs' residents and visitors. I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to be the Director for six years and hope to continue to contribute to the community in the future both as a professional and as a volunteer."

Putting Benton in the position in June instead of September or October at the height of election season might be the smart call, although the McTygue/Gordon Boyd wing of the party criticized the method of the appointment, not the appointment itself. Benton is certainly qualified.
The most interesting part of the story will be watching Benton's performance in the new position and whether McTygue loses some power over the parks.
The other question is of Benton's replacement on the Planning Board. The chair of the board is appointed by the mayor, unlike with the Zoning Board of Appeals and Design Review Commission which elect their chairs among themselves. Look for vice chair Amy Durland to get the promotion and keep an eye out for a new appointment to replace Benton as a member.

Boyd the Conservative

2007-06-18T16:36:00.000-07:00

Nancy Goldberg, chairwoman of the Zoning Board of Appeals and a vocal supporter of Mayor Valerie Keehn, has resigned from the Democratic Committee citing Gordon Boyd’s endorsement by the Conservative Party.
Boyd won the endorsement of the Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee last month. Keehn, sensing defeat in the committee and perhaps greater support among the general public, did not seek the endorsement and many of her supporters walked out of the committee’s endorsement meeting.
It bears asking whether the Conservative endorsement will help or hinder Boyd. Keehn did not seek the endorsement of the party, whose platform may be at odds with the beliefs of many Democrats.
Keehn allies wasted no time to criticize Boyd over his new supporters. They also pointed out his contributions in 2002 to former Governor George Pataki ($500) and Assemblyman Roy McDonald ($100), both Republicans.
State and Federal Board of Elections archives show that Boyd has also supported U.S. Representative Kirsten Gillibrand ($250 in 2006, $600 in 2007), his fellow Saratoga Springs Democrats Cheryl Keyrouze, Tom McTygue, and John Franck, and was very generous towards SUCCESS (Saratogians United to Continue the Charter Essential to Sustain our Success).
While it may not help him in the primary, the Conservative endorsement could be an asset for Boyd in the general election. It nearly ensures that Keehn versus Boyd will outlast September and that a three-way race will ensue. Even if Keehn becomes the Democratic nominee, if "Conservative" Boyd can hold a large enough swath of the center, he’s got a good shot at becoming mayor.
Republican Scott Johnson is staying quiet, so far, and he can afford to. This race is a showcase fight between the two halves of the Democratic Party. If Johnson can offer an alternative to that come Election Day, he could be the favorite.

No Finance Endorsement from McCabe - Yet

2007-06-11T15:50:00.000-07:00

Finance Commissioner Matt McCabe, in attendance at Supervisor Joanne Yepsen's announcement of her re-election bid in Congress Park after Flag Day Saturday, said that for now he will not endorse a candidate to succeed him, although he may later in the campaign.
Democrat Jane Weihe, who entered the race just in time for the endorsement meetings to fill that slot on the ballot, said McCabe has done a great job and she would never have challenged him. Republican Ken Ivins did challenge McCabe, though he has not been directly critical of the popular incumbent. But it's early yet.
A two-term independent who ran with Democratic support, McCabe has often been the swing vote on the City Council. He is not running this year, but he would not rule out a comeback in several years.

Bumper Stickers Mean It's Election Season

2007-06-06T11:42:00.000-07:00

Over the past few days, I've begun to notice Boyd for Mayor bumper stickers around town, on cars or even homes.
The ubiquity of political stickers is one of the hallmarks of election season. I have yet to see a sticker for the crowded 2008 presidential election but more will surely come at the national level, with presidential campaigns already in high gear and Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand's seat targeted by several Republican challengers (and who's going to run for Hillary Clinton's Senate seat).
Anyway, Saratoga Springs is voting in November of this year and it appears Gordon Boyd has landed the first bumper sticker blow. Boyd was also first to throw his hat in the ring for any office, announcing in January. The candidate says the stickers have been available for weeks from him and his volunteers. A Boyd campaign office has been set up at 444 Broadway and can be reached at 226-0376.

Design Review Commission Turnover

2007-06-04T10:29:00.000-07:00

The make-up of the city's Design Review Commission could change significantly in the next few weeks. Members serve three year terms.
Marjorie King Martin is stepping down four months into replacing another on the commission and her replacement will serve until April next year. Expect an appointment tomorrow or at the second June City Council meeting.
However, James Brophy and Steven Rowland's terms are both expiring the first of July, so the mayor will have some additional appointments to make.
An alternates program for the land use board looks to have its first test with the Design Review Commission. Mayor Keehn will set a public hearing for a law to appoint two alternates from a list of past members so that the board can have substitute members for recusals and other absences.
Four votes are required to advance any decision.
"It's the city's benefit to have a full board there," Brad Birge, the city's administrator for the office of planning and economic development, said.

Darkhorse? for "Lillian's lot"

2007-05-30T08:43:00.000-07:00

The plot thickened on the future of the city-owned parking lot next to Lillian's Restaurant yesterday. The primo real estate received a single bidder last November, Bonacio Construction, which laid out an attractive four-story building with room on the sides for pedestrians to stroll past shops and down to Putnam street. Some thought Bonacio's offer of $750,000 plus the work on the side of the building low and called for the city not to sell off the "open space" and parking provided by the lot, the downtown's most central public lot. The project has waited while the city hopes to hear plans for a mega-parking structure on Woodlawn Avenue.
Now a Floridian businessman has put in a $850,000 bid (www.saratogian.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18400274&BRD=1169&PAG=461&dept_id=602469&rfi=6) five months after Bonacio presented to the community. The pro? Other than more cash to the city, it would stay parking for three years, perhaps long enough for something significant to happen on the parking front that would mitigate the eventual loss of about 40 spaces. Mr. Joseph D. Boff could charge for parking, so those who did not want to walk several blocks could cough up a few bucks for the convenience. The con? Anything the zoning allows could happen once those three years are done. But how likely is a six story tower? Might Boff chance to try the downtown movie theater that some have suggested, with Reel Meals having closed down?
Any bids on Woodlawn will be revealed after Monday, so we should hear more come Tuesday's City Council meeting.

Racing

2007-05-30T08:25:00.000-07:00

It's still May but horses are back -- on the streets in life-sized artwork in greater numbers than during the winter season, on the track in the Dressage Festival, and in the news as much as ever. The latest development is Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau president joining NYRA as it fights to keep charge of Saratoga, Belmont, and Aqueduct (www.saratogian.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=18400266&BRD=1169&PAG=461&dept_id=602469&rfi=8).
Democratic committee-endorsed mayoral candidate Gordon Boyd sent the Governor a letter last week when the possibility of a splitting of the tracks came up (www.saratogian.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=18381369&BRD=1169&PAG=461&dept_id=602469&rfi=8):

"May 22, 2007

Governor Eliot Spitzer
Executive Chamber
State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224

Dear Governor Spitzer,

I write in response to recent news reports that your panel on thoroughbred racing is considering splitting up ownership of Saratoga, Belmont and Aqueduct race courses among different owner/operators. I am both a concerned member of my community and the endorsed Democratic candidate for Mayor of Saratoga Springs this year. Along with many Saratogians whose economic wellbeing depends on a healthy racing industry, I can not imagine anything more detrimental to our city, nor to the future of the sport of thoroughbred racing than breaking up the franchise. I urge you to use your good offices to steer the racing panel away from this scheme and toward policies that will benefit both racing and the people who depend on it.

In this electronic age, New York racing is more that just a statewide or national attraction, our market is now global, and our product is the best. With a marketplace that stretches to the Far East, Europe and Latin America, it is more important than ever to play to our strength, and not divide the assets into pieces that are less able to compete with other North American, let alone foreign racing operations. Dividing the franchise means two entities competing with the world and each other for patrons, wagering, and horses. A unified New York franchise gives our racing industry the strength to compete in the global marketplace. Marketing, operations and financing for all three tracks should be under one enterprise.

Much has been written and said about the importance of racing to Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County, so I won’t repeat the facts and figures here, except to say that we are talking about an industry of more than a quarter billion dollars, and the lifeblood of our city and county.
No community in the state has more at stake in your deliberation on this matter than ours. Without viable thoroughbred racing, as part of a unified franchise including Belmont and Aqueduct, the City of Saratoga Springs would decline economically and our surrounding agricultural lands could be swallowed up with suburban sprawl. Concerned Citizens for Saratoga Racing has set forth our community’s priorities concerning the racing franchise, and we are united in support of them (please see attachment, especially Principal 8).

Saratoga Springs is not looking for any special consideration beyond what any community should expect from State government: fair and responsive consideration for a key local industry, employer and taxpayer. The question for your racing panel must be, “how can we best assure a bright future for thoroughbred racing, with sufficient revenues from lottery and other activities to provide reasonable support to State and local governments?” Splitting the franchise into competing, differentially funded operations, would be detrimental to all of these interests, and fatal to some. Dividing the franchise benefits no one.

Although the racing franchise is clearly within the State’s authority to grant, I believe the City of Saratoga Springs should be considered a partner in the enterprise. Above all, we want racing to be a success story for all of New York. Here at this venue, it is our taxpayers who pay for the workforce that assures the beauty of the environs and the safety of racing patrons. Our land use codes and philosophy have sustained the charm and character of the racecourse neighborhood, the small-town, family-friendly atmosphere, making the Saratoga racing experience unique in the country. It is essential going forward that the City be in a position to assure the historic values and architectural integrity of the racecourse and ancillary properties.

The future of an industry that is worth hundreds of millions of dollars and thousands of jobs, as well as billions in revenue to the state and our local schools and governments, is in your hands. Your panel has received franchise proposals from qualified, experienced and capable organizations. I strongly urge you to give this matter your prompt personal attention. Please keep the franchise unified, for the good of both racing and the people of this community who depend upon it.

Very truly yours,

Gordon M. Boyd"

In other news, the Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee is sponsoring a Chicken Bar-B-Que and Family Fun Day at the Eagles Club Pavillion, 373 Crescent Ave., Saratoga Springs, on Sunday, June 3, from 12-4pm.
"Bar-B-Que by Giffy's with home made desserts. Live band - "Party of Three" - cash bar. Limited number of tickets available at the door. Call 587-1534 for reservations."

After the endorsements

2007-05-20T13:38:00.000-07:00

Time for an update. The city elections seem set with 8 candidates for the Democrats and 5 for the Republicans for 7 positions. We'll see about late entries to the race. Valerie Keehn vs. Gordon Boyd for the Democratic mayoral nomination remains the only primary race.
Planning Board and many other committee chair Lew Benton, possibly Keehn's loudest cheerleader, sent the following letter to Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee chair Lou Schneider after the endorsement votes:

"Dear Lou,
Thank you for sharing the detailed results of the endorsement vote. I note that only 23 - or 46% - of the Committee members actually voted to support Boyd. The 23 apparently held a total of eight proxies. Hardly an auspicious start - particularly when no other name was placed in nomination. Gordon Boyd cannot and will not win the general election in November. There are many reasons why he is not deserving of the support of many rank and file Democrats and - as you know - many members of the SSDC will not support or vote for him. I will not list all the resons here, but he opposes the planning process, advocates for reducing the memberships of the PB, ZBA, and DRC and even publically opposed an environmental analysis of the then proposed Exit 15 development, his failure to move the City Center expansion as an authority member, etc. His characterization in "The Saratogian" of those who favored charter reform as 'Stalinists' was over the top, McCarthy-like rhetoric. Certainly not the stuff of a mayor - or at least one who can serve the entire community. I believe that the rejection of Al Ormsby's proposal - which included a "peace clause" - was an error from which the SSDC will not right for two or three election cycles - when those who have surrendered its core principles are finally gone. Say what you will about Valerie Keehn - but she has more brass and courage than the rest of your ticket combined. And that is why she will win."

Others might have a different interpretation of Keehn and Boyd's respective chances. The acrimony among the Democrats is certainly encouraging for the Republicans, whose mayoral candidate Scott Johnson can watch from the sidelines while what is likely to be a vicious primary ensues. (For a good example of cooperation among the Democrats, check out the committee's website on under campaign links. Apparently a Keehn supported absconded with the url).
Even taking the scenario that Keehn does manage to win a second term and Democrats retain all five council seats, she could have more opposition on the next council than in this one. Jane Weihe, the finance candidate who replaces Matt McCabe on the ticket, suggests she would be an independent-minded commissioner in the vein of McCabe ("I don't do personalities and I don't do 'camps.' If people are going to decide on my candidacy based on which 'camp' I'm in, they're going to be disappointed," she said, for more see story in Monday's Saratogian). But she has come out in favor of Boyd, citing the water project as her main reason. She did oppose and defeat Tom McTygue's brother Bill, director of public works, back in 1985 for the chairship of the Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee, but she also says that she has a good relationship with the Brothers McTygue.

Primaries

2007-05-08T07:52:00.000-07:00

Matt McCabe's announcement (www.saratogian.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=18303843&BRD=1169&PAG=461&dept_id=602469&rfi=8) that he will not seek a third term as Finance Commissioner opens up the race for Finance Commissioner (and might lead some to draw conclusions about the level of political discourse in the city). As McCabe has been the present City Council's biggest swing vote, the allegiances of who the Democrats run against Republican Ken Ivins will draw a lot of attention. Don't be surprised to see a primary battle.
There may be a number of primary challenges within the divided Democratic party. Mayor Valerie Keehn, a primary challenger herself in 2005 who beat the presumptive, party committee-endorsed candidate, former deputy mayor Hank Kuczynski, has received the only challenge so far, from energy businessman and charter reform opponent Gordon Boyd. Keehn said she does not know of any primary challenges against the imcumbent commissioners, but said, "I think primaries are a good thing. Anytime you can offer voters a choice it's a good thing. It boggles my mind that I ran the first primary for mayor in the history of the city."
She adds, "I don't see how any of the primaries could create damage that hasn't already been done."
So while the DPW and Public Safety races look set as McTygue vs. Scirocco and Kim (not officially running yet) vs. private eye Richard Wirth, who announced yesterday from the GOP(www.saratogian.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=18311870&BRD=1169&PAG=461&dept_id=602469&rfi=6), these might turn into 3-way races soon. No word yet on a challenger from either party for Accounts Commissioner John Franck.

Welcome / Campaigns Starting Up

2007-05-04T09:14:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Saratogian's City Beat blog. This blog will supplement our print coverage of politics and more in the Saratoga Springs.

It's a newsy time of year with city political party committees making their endorsements next weekend. To recap what's happened so far:
Mayor Valerie Keehn faces a primary challenge from energy businessman Gordon Boyd, who helped lead the fight against charter reform. With a deep split among the Democrats, there are rumors that Keehn opponents Public Works Commissioner Tom McTygue and Accounts Commissioner might face primary challengers, as might Public Safety Commissioner Ron Kim, who often supports Keehn. No one knows if Democrat-supported independent Finance Commissioner Matt McCabe will run again. Kim and Supervisor Joanne Yepsen seem likely to run; Keehn, Franck and Supervisor Cheryl Keyrouze have already confirmed their intentions to run for second terms and McTygue will aim for a 16th or 17th.
Former supervisor Skip Scirocco for Public Works, computer consultant Ken Ivins for Finance, and Matt Veitch for Supervisor have thrown their hats in the ring from the GOP. Local attorney Scott Johnson is rumored to be the GOP candidate for mayor, but could not confirm or deny a run.
Franck will make his run official at a Derby Day fundraiser.