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More on possible City Council 2013 (Updated)
As I promised in my last post on potential City Council contenders, I have been making phone calls to people whose names I hear working their way through the rumor mill and coming out as considering runs for public office.
Last week, as you might remember, I got noncommittal responses from Ken Ivins, Bill McTygue, Scott Johnson and Joanne Yepsen, all of whom told me they hadn’t PUBLICLY made up their minds yet, but the rumors persist.
Today I called Jay Rifenbary, former Saratoga Springs School Board member and current motivational speaker, whom I have heard is considering a run for mayor against Scott Johnson or a run for Public Safety Commissioner.
Rifenbary joined the uncommitted club and said "not at this juncture," though hastily added that "It is something I want to do, whether it is in the near future or not-near future."
Rifenbary travels a lot, which he said would make it difficult, as well as family considerations, but after his six years on the school board he said "I want to serve again, but I haven't really sat down and had conversations about it."
Still, he said he is "flattered" that his name has been tossed around for a potential seat.
I also put a couple calls into former Public Safety Commissioner Richard Wirth, who has often hinted at another run for his former seat and whose name has been brought up a couple times in conversation.
Wirth V. Mathiesen II? That would be interesting and a little nostalgic, particularly if there was a McTygue in the race (though he hasn't said one way or the other).
*Update*
I did catch up with Rick Wirth today, who was also reluctant to go public with any statements about a run for office, but said "I am currently considering all my options," which is not "No," so I guess that's something and we may, indeed, be seeing a repeat of last election's race for Public Safety Commissioner.
Last week, as you might remember, I got noncommittal responses from Ken Ivins, Bill McTygue, Scott Johnson and Joanne Yepsen, all of whom told me they hadn’t PUBLICLY made up their minds yet, but the rumors persist.
Today I called Jay Rifenbary, former Saratoga Springs School Board member and current motivational speaker, whom I have heard is considering a run for mayor against Scott Johnson or a run for Public Safety Commissioner.
Rifenbary joined the uncommitted club and said "not at this juncture," though hastily added that "It is something I want to do, whether it is in the near future or not-near future."
Rifenbary travels a lot, which he said would make it difficult, as well as family considerations, but after his six years on the school board he said "I want to serve again, but I haven't really sat down and had conversations about it."
Still, he said he is "flattered" that his name has been tossed around for a potential seat.
I also put a couple calls into former Public Safety Commissioner Richard Wirth, who has often hinted at another run for his former seat and whose name has been brought up a couple times in conversation.
Wirth V. Mathiesen II? That would be interesting and a little nostalgic, particularly if there was a McTygue in the race (though he hasn't said one way or the other).
*Update*
I did catch up with Rick Wirth today, who was also reluctant to go public with any statements about a run for office, but said "I am currently considering all my options," which is not "No," so I guess that's something and we may, indeed, be seeing a repeat of last election's race for Public Safety Commissioner.
Labels: Bill McTygue, City Council, former Public Safety Commissioner Richard Wirth, Jay Rifenbary, Politics, Public Safety Commissioner Christian Mathiesen
posted by Unknown at
10:52 AM
8 Comments:
Jay would be a potential future candidate but a motivational speaker although needed right now because the morale is down at present doesn't have the operational background for the position. He would be better suited for a Human Resources position. I don't think I have ever seen him or have heard commentary from him at a Council Meeting as well. People who have been involved should be looked at first as they have proven qualities in this arena. Think you will se Wirth/Mattieson II. Just a note on the comprehensive plan debate I have read every and all laws including state laws and nowhere can I find the word appoint concerning the Council. The Council obviously would take the input of the outside consultant and chosen Board and develop the plan along with Planning Dept. input. If anyone can find the word appoint in the State Law or Charter please advise as to where. As far as McTygue running after researching the EPA debacle of several years ago he would stand no chance.Too much documented baggage. Skippy cannot be beat.
I don't see how a McTygue in the race has anything to do with Wirth/Mattieson II. Although the McTygues have tried to use him as a puppet the commissioner has set viewpoints that are both positive and negative and no one will change that. Because of that he continues to make five poor decisions for every one good one. Not a good ratio. he has twice now put the good name of Saratoga Springs in jeopardy and should pay the price.Talk about John franck having an anger management problem. This guy tops the list.
PLEASE.....Not the Rick Wirth(less) and the dud dudla team again. I hope my fellow saratogians don't jeopardize the safety of our residents again with this team. Why not bring back (corrupt) Curley and old Erin to run the public safety that would be the same as dud and worthless.
Lucian - Are you planning to highlight the current debate over the ability to appoint members of the Comprehensive plan committee. To date no one has brought up the point that neither charter nor state law refer to Council Members having the ability to appoint. It is the Mayor's Dept. responsibility along with co-operation from the Planning Dept. Everything else that has been brought up is smoke and mirrors and designed to not only undermine the mayor but the city itself. I'm sure you have done the research. If not I can provide you with several pages of research. Thanks.
6:59 - Obviously you're not too sharp. Anyone would be better than what we currently have in office today in Public Safety. Rick Wirth did an excellent job for a new commisssioner in reducing OT to levels never seen before and that trend is the only good thing that still exists. He worked well with the people and with his fellow commissioners. Not being a professional yourself I would admit it would be hard to consider your viewpoint credible.
CITY COUNCIL HOLDS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN HOSTAGE. I'm still waiting for the Saratogian to cover the major topic of the day. The election is in November. The second most important document in the City is in jeopardy and no coverage.
The City Council is charged with the check and balance to ratify a COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. The Mayor should be aware that their inclusion as elected representatives to provide some candidates for membership not only assures their participation, but their support. By unilaterally selecting all the members, the mayor has to realize that the likelihood of their support is nil or DOA and thus following in his predecessor’s footsteps will waste the valuable time of all of those on the Committee. No hostage taking here - the political process is alive and well. Representation with compromise and consensus prevents the appearance of political autocratic rule. That’s how we got here.
I heard Wirth was going to run again and his campaign was going to be to get rid of the City Ambulance. First he supported it, then when the Mayor told him not to, he changed his mind. With the 1 year report out, its going to be a hard sell to go against what seems to be a huge success. My problem with Wirth is he was always a puppet of the Mayor. Nice guy, just no spine or independance.
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