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City Council 2013 — VI: The Democrats *Updated - twice*
Tomorrow the Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee meets and Chairman Charles Brown said he expects to be able to announce tomorrow a time and place where Joanne Yepsen will announce... her intentions for the 2013 election.
The presumption is that it will be her announcement that she is running for mayor.
Brown said Yepsen's been meeting with an exploratory committee for some time, "talking through her options."
One of the conversations that I've heard was been going on for some time is whether she could run for mayor and maintain her seat as a city representative to the Board of Supervisors. Most everyone agrees it is legal, but Brown said there is a question as to "whether that would be seen as a power grab."
Highlighting the fact that most supervisors on the legislative BofS also act in an executive capacity in their town governments, Brown called it "the norm" in the county.
Still, what works for towns like Day and Galway, won't necessarily work for Saratoga Springs.
It seems she may no longer be considering that as a viable option, but Brown said "she put seven years into that seat at the county and she wants to make sure that it will be taken by someone who will take up the work she has done."
*Update for clarity* Brown emphasized that the Yepsen is no longer considering running for both offices simultaneously (adding it is not a foregone conclusion that she is running for mayor at all). Any announcement that will be coming from her, likely won't happen until early April. *END of update*
The newest talk around town is that another Democratic member of the City Council may be exploring his/her options in that regard and may run for both positions simultaneously.
"That discussion is ongoing," Brown said Friday.
Here is where I start with speculation:
So John Franck and Christian Mathiesen both have full-time jobs on top of their positions on the City Council.
The only Democrat that leaves is Michele Madigan.
I called her a little while ago and will post her comments when I get them.
*UPDATE: I haven't talked to Madigan, but I received a message from her*
"I've been hearing a lot of rumors about supervisor but my name, as of yet, I had not heard in relation to that rumor. My main concern is running for finance commissioner, not running for supervisor... that wouldn't be my main concern, anyway."
She said endorsements should be coming out in the next month and we'll have to wait and see.
Another source in the Democratic party said the talk was started with Yepsen and has drifted to the other City Council positions, but because it is so early no name has been honed in on as of yet.
*END OF UPDATE*
Brown said the committee will also be discussing its platform Saturday and may send it out. If they do you can read about it in The Saratogian (I'll post the full press release here).
I also asked him about whether Joanne Yepsen had ever intended to announce her candidacy on March 20, as I had heard. Brown said he couldn't comment on whether that was true or not.
*Another Update*
I'm leaving for the day and I have heard nothing from the Democrats on their platform or their announcement about upcoming announcements. That doesn't mean the committee didn't decide anything this morning, just that they didn't tell me about it. I'll be following up on Monday.
*Update added Monday* Brown said "we're still doing some fine-tuning" of the platform and they have not released it yet.
The presumption is that it will be her announcement that she is running for mayor.
Brown said Yepsen's been meeting with an exploratory committee for some time, "talking through her options."
One of the conversations that I've heard was been going on for some time is whether she could run for mayor and maintain her seat as a city representative to the Board of Supervisors. Most everyone agrees it is legal, but Brown said there is a question as to "whether that would be seen as a power grab."
Highlighting the fact that most supervisors on the legislative BofS also act in an executive capacity in their town governments, Brown called it "the norm" in the county.
Still, what works for towns like Day and Galway, won't necessarily work for Saratoga Springs.
It seems she may no longer be considering that as a viable option, but Brown said "she put seven years into that seat at the county and she wants to make sure that it will be taken by someone who will take up the work she has done."
*Update for clarity* Brown emphasized that the Yepsen is no longer considering running for both offices simultaneously (adding it is not a foregone conclusion that she is running for mayor at all). Any announcement that will be coming from her, likely won't happen until early April. *END of update*
The newest talk around town is that another Democratic member of the City Council may be exploring his/her options in that regard and may run for both positions simultaneously.
"That discussion is ongoing," Brown said Friday.
Here is where I start with speculation:
So John Franck and Christian Mathiesen both have full-time jobs on top of their positions on the City Council.
The only Democrat that leaves is Michele Madigan.
I called her a little while ago and will post her comments when I get them.
*UPDATE: I haven't talked to Madigan, but I received a message from her*
"I've been hearing a lot of rumors about supervisor but my name, as of yet, I had not heard in relation to that rumor. My main concern is running for finance commissioner, not running for supervisor... that wouldn't be my main concern, anyway."
She said endorsements should be coming out in the next month and we'll have to wait and see.
Another source in the Democratic party said the talk was started with Yepsen and has drifted to the other City Council positions, but because it is so early no name has been honed in on as of yet.
*END OF UPDATE*
Brown said the committee will also be discussing its platform Saturday and may send it out. If they do you can read about it in The Saratogian (I'll post the full press release here).
I also asked him about whether Joanne Yepsen had ever intended to announce her candidacy on March 20, as I had heard. Brown said he couldn't comment on whether that was true or not.
*Another Update*
I'm leaving for the day and I have heard nothing from the Democrats on their platform or their announcement about upcoming announcements. That doesn't mean the committee didn't decide anything this morning, just that they didn't tell me about it. I'll be following up on Monday.
*Update added Monday* Brown said "we're still doing some fine-tuning" of the platform and they have not released it yet.
Labels: Charles Brown, City Council, Democrats, Election 2013, Joanne Yepsen, Mayor, Politics, Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee
posted by Unknown at
6:10 PM
15 Comments:
Yepsen is not the answer. She has made her position known on gun control to the displeasure of many. It may please Cuomo who's elected by downstate. We vote here.
I think it is a great idea to hold both offices. Joann is capable and able to do both. If both offices are held she would know what's best for the city. Go for it Joann and best of luck.
No she was not
You were misinformed
Be careful how much stock you put into that blog lucian
Pie in the sky Lucien,this person has alot of ambition...run at state senator and now a run for supervisor and Mayor at the same time,sounds power hungry to me:Question,is it legal to use campaign contributions for personal use like living expenses?
Anonymous 7:21 a.m.: If you are referring to Saratoga In Decline, that is not where I received my information (and would not have put it up here if I had). I have talked to others who have corroborated the reasons that blog lists for why Yepsen cancelled the March 20 announcement.
Two political offices at the same time raises a flag that a person wants power rather than represent the people.
So relieved to hear Lucian.
I read that blog once in a while and wonder if he ever gets tired of making things up.
Anyway, I guess it's just a coincidence that you both came up with totally wrong information and then chose to perpetuate it.
Also, idk if Yepsen should run for mayor while holding the supervisor job. I know most other supervisors also hold town leader positions, but saratoga is not used to that idea so the thought might get misinterpreted at a power grab. Although, I personally think its fine.
@8:00am, I don't care how much you dislike a politician, you should be ashamed of yourself accusing something as severe as contribution misappropriation without proof!
Charles Brown,
Democratic Committee Chair
I would like to clarify a couple of points.
"The presumption is that it will be her announcement that she is running for mayor"
There maybe a presumption on some peoples part. However I and our committee have not made any 'presumption' concerning her decision. We are keenly aware of the importance of Supervisor Yepsen's decision and are thoroughly supportive of her proceeding with all due diligence.
Any decision Supervisor Yepsen makes will greatly effect her own life, and as an advocate for our city for the last 7 years, we are well aware that her decision will effect the way she can best serve our city.
Our Committee did discuss and work on our platform for much of our meeting on Saturday. After the input from our full committee, the platform sub committee will implement the agreed upon changes and will again bring it to the full committee for approval. So It may be a few weeks before we release it. (The democratic process can be slow at times).
Anonymous 5:51 p.m. It wasn't wrong information, it just changed.
There's a difference.
You are right Lucian, there is a difference. Are you saying your information came from supervisor Yepsen directly? No is the answer to that. First you perpetuate hearsay, then in your comment you claim it's truth! Sources Lucian, sources.
On the Mayor/Supervisor position. It is stated in our Charter that a person may run for and hold both offices. We in Saratoga hold our Charter so near our hearts, I don't know why anyone would think this would be considered a power grab.
She is far from a power grabber! I think it is a good idea. Go for it Joann. She is one of the nicest people I have ever seen. She could run both offices out of the mayors office and be available to all. Get rid of the republican power grabbers...please don't count her out on one issue, gun control. Look at all the good she has done.
5:51pm,maybe you can answer that general question,proof could be forth coming,no one has accused anybody of anything just asked a general question,does the old adage a guilty conscience needs no accuser apply here?
Joanne states she is vey close with the Governor. If she really supports the racing industry she better do her homework and understand that is casinos become legal in this state and no dollars go to the breeding indistry racing will be finished within five to ten years. She has no in depth knowledge of the racing industry or any industry for that matter. She is great at consulting non-profits which are only non-profits after everyone at the top gets their six figure salary. A very nice women with a major ego and a tendency to streaych stories to meet her agenda.
I would never trust a Democratic Chairman who refuses or doesn't understand he should remove his beret during the Pledge of Allegiance. That is shameful!!
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