Matthew's View

As a fifth-generation Saratogian, my family has deep roots within the community and a history of community involvement. The Veitch family owned the Olde Bryan Inn for many years, and my father grew up in that old house. Although my family’s incomes were modest, they could afford to live in Saratoga Springs and raise their families here in this great city. I am happy that the tradition continues; I too am able to own my own home within Saratoga Springs. Along with my wife and two children, we are proud to call this city home.

Although the rising property values of Saratoga Springs are a sign of the City’s unparalleled success, it is also a sign that families of modest means who once could afford to live in this city must either move to the outlying towns, where property and rents are less expensive, or to purchase homes that are priced outside of their means in order to live within the City. Working families in Saratoga Springs are responsible for the success of this community. They also have a stake in the continued success of Saratoga Springs. They deserve affordable and convenient housing within the City limits.

I am a candidate for Supervisor of Saratoga Springs. As Supervisor, I will represent the City’s interests at the County Board of Supervisors. One of the things I would do as Supervisor would be to ask our County friends to assist us with our task of creating quality affordable housing amid our rising property values. I would ask that the County make a contribution to the City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund; in return I will ask the City to find some sort of continuing form of financing for the Fund, whether it be redirecting existing City fees to the Trust Fund, or by creating some sort of small fee that will be exclusively used for affordable housing initiatives. That will allow the City to add to the contribution that I hope the County will give. I believe doing something, even if it involves small steps, is better than doing nothing on this significant issue. By keeping housing affordable in this city, we will keep the character of our community strong.

My hope is that someday my children, and even their children, can afford to live and work in this city. If the Olde Bryan Inn were for sale today as a residence, no one in my family could afford to live there. By continuing to work together on a solution, we will make housing more affordable for the working men and women of Saratoga Springs.