The new Mayor has set an agenda for her term of hard work
for all citizens, for getting things done and for breaking down the barriers
that the previous administration had put up as a barrier between themselves and
the everyday citizens. It looks like the
‘good old boy network’ here in Saratoga
has been put in moth balls for a while.
The best move so far has been the code blue she helped install in the
City and the second was the removal of Clifford Van Wagner as head of the
Planning Board.
Also, I am glad that she and the Council haven’t and
hopefully won’t take a vote on the sitting of the Casino in Saratoga Springs , let the State Committee do
their work.
Saratogian’s hear all the time from the Save Saratoga group
about the 58%. I will tell you now that
if a vote were taken today it would be 50-50 or less than 50% for those against
casino in Saratoga . I have heard from many people that voted
against Proposition 1 and have changed their mind since it passed, that they
would rather have the Casino here than in another community close by. The worries of Save Saratoga (a) HIGHER
HOMELESSNESS is happening at an alarming rate without the Casino, (b) INCREASED
GAMBLING ADDICTION, (most of the players will be bussed in and those who visit
and stay in hotels will certainly take advantage of our downtown and
restaurants), and the problem gambling issue can be addressed by the fine
agency we have now in The Prevention Council.
(c) HIGHER CRIME – take a look in the papers, it is accelerating already.
There is no worse gambling addiction than horse betting and I have never heard
a peep about helping to control this affliction here. Downtown merchants shouldn’t worry because if
at least 20% of the people drawn to Saratoga
by the Casino shop or eat downtown, that would be 20% more than now.
The water issue is another issue that seems to be going back
and forth in Council meeting discussions.
The Commissioner said we have enough water for emergency conditions and
that the back up sources are able to pump enough water to make up the
difference in case we need it. The other
side has said that according to a DEC study the Bog Meadow wells cannot pump
enough water to fill a water truck daily.
The Geyser wells are going bad as residents say the water pressure is
quite bad. The study done a few years
back should be updated if only to give us the number of g/p/h can our existing
wells and lake can pump.
A fact that all Saratogian’s should be worried about was
discussed on a radio show I listen to.
Carrie Woemer lost a bid for our Assembly seat in November against Tony Jordan,
who was also running for Washington
County DA Saratoga and
Destination Saratoga should come together on this issue of representation for Saratoga as well as the
communities in our District.
