*Correction appended 8/10/09 at 10:45 a.m.: When I wrote that some have been wondering when Johnson will announce his candidacy, I was referring to when he would have a formal, campaign-announcing press conference/kick-off event. He announced his candidacy in May, and there is no doubt that he is running. Sorry for the confusion.

I had the chance to sit down and chat with Mayor Scott Johnson this morning.

While anybody who has even a passing interest in politics knows that he is running for re-election, some have been wondering just when he will hold a formal event to announce his candidacy.

The answer is: after Labor Day.

It's no secret that August in Saratoga is all about one thing, and that one thing is most certainly not politics. The first thing is the track.

Not only does Johnson feel that announcing his candidacy during the track season would dilute his message, but he also feels that waiting a bit longer will give him more momentum going into the fall election season.

I also asked Johnson about the importance of the Independence Party line, and he commented that while he hasn't been directly involved in the legal fight challenging the legality of an opportunity to ballot petition, he acknowledged that the line is important, and that the Independence Party voters represent an important part of the city's electorate.

Looking farther forward, Johnson said he hopes the race between himself and Commissioner Kim will be positive, and will strive to avoid negativity and attacks that sometimes mar political campaigns.

Here's hoping!