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City Council - 2013, III
It's been a month since I wrote about the upcoming November election and some of the rumors going around the city have changed and some have become a little more than just rumors.
First, Mayor Scott Johnson has not publicly announced whether he will run for re-election in November, but he told me last week he made up his mind about it "some time ago."
He said he is waiting until it is the right time for him personally and "the right time for the office" to announce his decision.
Johnson also emphasized the fact that when he makes this announcement, to bear in mind that his decision was made long ago.
When I said it sounded an awful lot like he wasn't planning on a run at reelection, he said "I didn't say that."
Other people in the community have said that, though. I've heard from a number of people involved in Spa City Politics that Johnson is calling it quits, but to be clear, that is just speculation until he says one way or the other, as City GOP Committee Chair David Harper pointed out.
"I've heard that rumor as well," he said Monday. "I've also heard the rumor that he IS running."
As for a replacement Republican candidate, the name I hear most out there is Dave Patterson, the former 8th grade Social Studies teacher, one of the guides of historic Saratoga Tours and all-around nice guy (not to editorialize).
Harper would not confirm whether Patterson would be running for mayor if Johnson doesn't run, but he did say he has spoken to him and "I think Dave is definitely a candidate."
Another name floating around is that Ken Ivins may take a run at office again — though perhaps not for the same one he held. There's been talk about him running for city supervisor or Accounts Commissioner, but I don't know which.
In the same vein, Rick Wirth is another name that has become more and more solidified in the discussion about a run for office. Of course, in his case it is for the same one he left, Public Safety Commissioner.
On the other side of the aisle I have heard on pretty good authority is that Joanne Yepsen is, indeed, running for mayor.
When I talked to her Jan. 24 she wouldn't say which position she is planning to run for in November — mayor or supervisor. "There are several options on the table," she said, adding that she is having "preliminary conversations," about which she would choose.
I didn't reach her Monday for comment about it, but I've heard from a number of people that it is just a matter of time before she announces (I hear early March).
There was talk (particularly by Republicans) that Yepsen could technically hold both her supervisor position and be mayor at the same time, but — and this is purely my take — that would probably not go well for her during the race.
City Democrat Chair Charles Brown would not confirm Yepsen's intention's Monday, saying "until it is announced, that is not official." He said "It wouldn't disappoint me if she was (running)."
What is official is that John Franck is running for his fifth term as Accounts Commissioner. He told me that, unequivocally, last week.
Brown said Finance Commissioner Michele Madigan is holding an event on Friday where she will make an announcement (the subject of which is still a mystery).
He also said that while Public Safety Commissioner Christian Mathiesen hasn't officially announced, he is confident he will run for re-election.
As for the candidates who are not official, Brown said he "I think within a month all of this will be decided on our side."
Harper, on the other hand, said he couldn't offer a firm timeline. In fact, he sent out a press-release Monday looking for candidates (see below).
First, Mayor Scott Johnson has not publicly announced whether he will run for re-election in November, but he told me last week he made up his mind about it "some time ago."
He said he is waiting until it is the right time for him personally and "the right time for the office" to announce his decision.
Johnson also emphasized the fact that when he makes this announcement, to bear in mind that his decision was made long ago.
When I said it sounded an awful lot like he wasn't planning on a run at reelection, he said "I didn't say that."
Other people in the community have said that, though. I've heard from a number of people involved in Spa City Politics that Johnson is calling it quits, but to be clear, that is just speculation until he says one way or the other, as City GOP Committee Chair David Harper pointed out.
"I've heard that rumor as well," he said Monday. "I've also heard the rumor that he IS running."
As for a replacement Republican candidate, the name I hear most out there is Dave Patterson, the former 8th grade Social Studies teacher, one of the guides of historic Saratoga Tours and all-around nice guy (not to editorialize).
Harper would not confirm whether Patterson would be running for mayor if Johnson doesn't run, but he did say he has spoken to him and "I think Dave is definitely a candidate."
Another name floating around is that Ken Ivins may take a run at office again — though perhaps not for the same one he held. There's been talk about him running for city supervisor or Accounts Commissioner, but I don't know which.
In the same vein, Rick Wirth is another name that has become more and more solidified in the discussion about a run for office. Of course, in his case it is for the same one he left, Public Safety Commissioner.
On the other side of the aisle I have heard on pretty good authority is that Joanne Yepsen is, indeed, running for mayor.
When I talked to her Jan. 24 she wouldn't say which position she is planning to run for in November — mayor or supervisor. "There are several options on the table," she said, adding that she is having "preliminary conversations," about which she would choose.
I didn't reach her Monday for comment about it, but I've heard from a number of people that it is just a matter of time before she announces (I hear early March).
There was talk (particularly by Republicans) that Yepsen could technically hold both her supervisor position and be mayor at the same time, but — and this is purely my take — that would probably not go well for her during the race.
City Democrat Chair Charles Brown would not confirm Yepsen's intention's Monday, saying "until it is announced, that is not official." He said "It wouldn't disappoint me if she was (running)."
What is official is that John Franck is running for his fifth term as Accounts Commissioner. He told me that, unequivocally, last week.
Brown said Finance Commissioner Michele Madigan is holding an event on Friday where she will make an announcement (the subject of which is still a mystery).
He also said that while Public Safety Commissioner Christian Mathiesen hasn't officially announced, he is confident he will run for re-election.
As for the candidates who are not official, Brown said he "I think within a month all of this will be decided on our side."
Harper, on the other hand, said he couldn't offer a firm timeline. In fact, he sent out a press-release Monday looking for candidates (see below).
Saratoga Springs GOP seeks candidates
SARATOGA SPRINGS – the City of Saratoga Springs Republican
Committee is seeking registered Republicans who reside in the City of Saratoga
Springs and are interested in being interviewed and selected as the endorsed
Republican candidates for the City Council or for City Supervisor(s) in the
November 5 general election.
Those interested in an interview and endorsement for these
public offices must submit a letter of intent stating the office they are
seeking along with a resume to: David Harper, City of Saratoga Springs
Republican Chairman, 480 Broadway, Suite 214, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
All letters of intent and resumes must be received no later
than March 6th. Interviews will be conducted on March 13 beginning at 7:00 pm
at the ITAM at 247 Grand Avenue.
Any questions regarding this announcement can be directed to
Dave Harper, Chairman at 518.727.1499
Labels: Accounts Commissioner John Franck, Christian Mathiesen, City Council, City Hall, Dave Patterson, Election 2013, Finance Commissioner Michele Madigan, Mayor Scott Johnson, Politics
posted by Unknown at
5:45 PM
11 Comments:
Scalla quit. The rats are leaving the ship.
where are the police blotters?
Ivins is the puppet of pupetmaster John Herrick. He may run for a position but he would never be elected in this city. His deals with Franck behind the scenes should hev been made public and it still continues. He cannot be trusted so why should anyone vote for him.
Dave Patterson is a nice guy but not qualified for the Mayor's position but neither is yepsen who rarely lisses a camera on sight. Saratoga Springs will be left with a third rate Council. We now have a second rate Council.
Please not Rick Wirth "less" again!!!! Republicans really are in trouble when they can not find better candidates. All the improvements made to public safety would be lost if Wirth is put back in. First hire dud dudla back and them back to the curley nepotism and political favoritism. Please !!! No wonder the democrats are taking over.. I think it is a good thing. I have been republican for 26 years and am going to change.
Dave Patterson was the history department chairman at the high school. Not an 8th grade social studies teacher. Just to clarify.
If Patterson runs he will be asked upfront who he will appoint deputy mayor. If he keeps the current deputy his chances of beating Yepsen will be diminished.
Now that Scala is gone, only the deputy and the mayor himself stand in the way of bringing some collegiality back to City Hall.
Wirth, already a two time loser, is the wrong choice for the Republicans for many reasons, not the least of which was his lack of leadership while in office and his dependence on Johnson. He should also check the City Code of Ethics which prohibits a public safety officia1 from being a private investigator.
And his and Johnson's attempts to prevent Fire department ambulance service and increased safety measures on Caroline Street are at odds with what the majority of the community wants.
Dave Patterson's name keeps coming up. He is a totally knowledgeable and communicative person. Let's hear more about his potential candidacy. His style could allieve a lot of the City Hall tension.
Anonymous Feb. 26, 12:08 a.m.: I stopped doing the police blotters online. They were never well-read and were fairly time-consuming (particularly when I got a back-log).
If I hear from more people who want them back, I can start them up again, but you are the first person to ask about the blotters and I haven't been posting them for some time.
I remember in 2006 when Dave Patterson was very much involved in Charter Change. He even tried to get his seniors who were not registered to do so. He even passed petitions to gather names some of who were his own students. My, how times and Party control have changed him. If he is running for Mayor, could he be that easily manipulated?
Dave Patterson has no intention of running for Mayor. He is planning on a move out of State which probably is a wise decision considering where the State is heading.Yepsen plays a nice camera game but has really never accomplished anything other than claiming she has accomplished something. There will be new information coming forward that may jeopardize her campaign. Anyone who thinks Public Safety has made many accomplishments has no awareness of the future costs the taxpayer will incur. We continue to utilize parking spots on broadway for no specific reason. Some of the normal reactions to issues have been completed but there is no leadership and a cohesive plan even on a daily basis. No plan and no follow up equals failure. As for Madigan and Franck they have made enough mistakes for a lifetime and only priority is ego and power. Two of the most unprofessional people on the Council as refelcted in recent Council Meeting.
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