Two years ago, when I first announced my candidacy for Supervisor, I chose High Rock Park as the site for the announcement.  The reasons for this were significant:  I wanted to make the point that this was a new beginning for me, running for elected office, and making my contribution to our city; and for our City’s Government.  That spot was where our City was founded, and also the spot where my family has lived for generations.  I also spoke of our City becoming more of a partner with our County neighbors, by acting in a civil, constructive, and cooperative manner, while always keeping in mind that the unique needs of Saratoga Springs, my home, and our City, will always come first.  I believe I have been successful in achieving the goal of civility and cooperation with the County, and there is much more we need to do.  That is why I am announcing today, that I am a candidate for re-election as Supervisor of Saratoga Springs.

It has been a privilege serving as your Supervisor and I thank you for giving me such a wonderful opportunity to represent you.  I have worked diligently during my first term to make certain the residents of Saratoga Springs receive the leadership they need and the rewards they deserve.  I want to take a moment and let you know some of the work I have done for you over the past year.

First, as chairman of the Saratoga Gaming and Raceway Foundation in 2008, I was proud to be a part in distributing $27,400 to various not-for-profit organizations in Saratoga County.  I have been chosen as Chairman for a second year in 2009, and I look forward to doing my small part in helping those in our community who are less fortunate. 

Progress is also being made on the Geyser Road Trail, which is now in the first stage of engineering and planning.  As local advocate for trail development in the City, I was instrumental in working with my fellow colleagues at the Board of Supervisors in establishing the County’s first Trails Committee, and am now serving as its first Chairman.  This committee is working to open up walking trails on County-owned land near the Wilton Mall for use of City and County residents.  Stay tuned for a Grand Opening event in June.  More trails are on the horizon, and I am glad that you have given me the opportunity work to improve the quality of life of City residents and County residents.  

As Chairman of the Racing Committee, I again worked constructively with my colleagues to lobby our State government to preserve VLT revenues for City and County.  In addition, through the guidance of the Racing committee, the Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution urging the State to quickly resolve the issues surrounding VLT operations at Aqueduct racetrack.  The future economic success of our City and County depend upon a healthy and prosperous horse racing industry.

As Chairman of the County’s new Green Committee, I am working to find ways that the County can operate with better energy efficiency and to realize cost reductions to save taxpayers money, by implementing ‘green’ initiatives.

In addition, I was successful in gaining County support of a proposal supporting State legislation for fair assessments of Condominium units.  I was also at the forefront in obtaining a $15,000 grant for the Saratoga Rowing Association in the 2009 County Budget.

This year, I have chosen this spot for a reason as well; my house is located just across the fence, this is where I am now.  This is where we are now as a City, in our relations with the County.  We must continue the hard work that we have begun-looking to the future, while improving upon past achievements.  I believe where we are now is an improvement over where we were, and I still believe that our best days as a City, and our best days as a County are ahead of us. 

Looking ahead, there are many things still to do on the horizon.  We are living in difficult, uncertain times.  As an elected official, I am always mindful of my stewardship over your money, your quality of life, and your well-being.  We should always look at things we do at all levels of government and make sure that it is working the right way…for you.   I have come to learn in my term in office that issues that come up are not Democrat or Republican issues…they are just issues that we are elected to solve.  My experience as a Supervisor has taught me that success is not about personal gain or glory. It is about working with others, as a team, and putting our differences aside…to constructively work through our issues, in order to make this City, and County the best they can be.  With that in mind I will always seek to do the right thing, to make the right decisions, and I will be positive, ethical, and civil in my campaign for re-election.