Well it is almost here, Election Day Tuesday November 3rd. How can you tell? The land is covered with signs, so many in
fact you can’t tell who the candidates are.
The local newspaper has a subscription rate of at least 700
homes so we know that Saratogians can’t get their information from there. The
candidates have to get their information out themselves, that’s why every one
of them need to go door to door themselves and talk to voters themselves.
The Mayor’s race is one that gives me a chuckle. We have a Mayor that has a good track record
and a newcomer who has not gotten involved in or on any commissions but
declares himself ready because of him being in the military and advising some
homeowners associations. The old lip
service that he must get rid of a career politician (10 years) and bring
stability back to the Council is just that lip service. Mayor Yepsen has had to control the Council
but Madigan, Matheisen and Scirocco clearly do not want harmony so 2 times a
month create a circus atmosphere and even the new candidate won’t be able to
handle unless he rolls over and is subject to them. He also talks about career politicians yet I
don’t hear him trying to get rid of Skip for going for his 4th (8
year’s) and his (8 years as Supervisor) for a total of 16 years times in office,
wouldn’t he be classified as a ‘career’ politician? Stafford isn’t upset about this? Isn’t this kind of being two faced and not being
honest about his feelings and statements?
On to the DPW race.
Skip has done too many questionable things to be re-elected. There are too many lawsuits against the City
(against Skip), including but not limited to the Betty French suit, The giving
away of over $1 million dollars to 1 developer concerning water hookups without
getting Council approval (required), changing the Charter and eliminating the
hookup fees then charging certain developers water hookup fee but not the one
he gave $1 million dollars to, also during this past very cold winter a
plumbing firm I will not name the outfit but I’ll give you the first letter of
their name ‘B’ was repairing a water line break and had to dig up the road over
to the house, however when they didn’t finish that day left the hole open
causing sever water main breaks.
The major repairs are now being done on
Washington regarding this and hopefully the plumbing outfit will be paying the
City for the work and not us taxpayers, also the pressure he put on his Party
to not have any Republican to run against Democrat Madigan for Commissioner of
Finance even when the Party had 2 qualified candidates that wanted to run for
the position and well just for being Skippy who is like past President Coolidge
“Silent Cal”, we call him “Silent Skip”,
although Skip does try to get into a discussion but forgets what he is discussing 1 minute into
talking and when he does discuss an item and he gets around the ooh’s and uhm’s
and finally sounds like he might make a stand he reverts to voting along with
Madigan & Matheisen.
Skip’s opponent is former DPW Director of Public Works and
he did a good job while doing his job.
The one mark most people think Bill has is his last name, McTygue. Bill’s brother Tom was a good Commissioner
for years and the Skipper ran a successful election victory beating Tom
McTygue. However, Bill is his own man
and he was involved with many popular and important projects. The one thing noticed by City residents and
tourists alike is the appearance of Downtown and how dirty and unkempt it
is. This is not good. Infrastructure was
certainly updated during these years and won’t be a problem. Let’s do as John
Stafford says and vote out a career politician and give a chance to someone who
will probably be a better fit for the job and the City.
As for Madigan & Matheisen, their absolute disregard to
the majority of citizens who have spoken on issues in the past 2 years and one
who it appears wants to close businesses down and the M & M’s are the same
two Commissioners who have gotten condescending and downright mean to citizens
when they (citizens) are speaking, just about gives the nod for their seats to go
to qualified opponents.
Of course everyone should thank all citizens who want to
take their personal time to serve the City, there aren’t many and we do
appreciate it.
So, here are our picks.
Mayor - Joanne Yepsen – she should continue to add to all
the good projects she has done.
Commissioner of Finance – Ken Ivins, a former Commissioner
who should be back in because of his knowledge and positive contact with
citizens. It’s time to vote out one of two Commissioners who have gotten
condescending and downright mean to citizens
Commissioner of Public Safety – Richard Wirth (it should
have been Sarah Burger), it’s time to vote out one of two Commissioners who
have gotten condescending and downright mean to citizens
Commissioner of Public Works – Bill McTygue – We need to
get someone in that position who know what the heck is going on and one who
will talk to, reply to and answer citizen’s questions directly.
Commissioner of Accounts – John Franck (running unopposed)
‘he can’t be beat even with an opponent.
Remember to vote, it is a right no one can take away from
us, if you are going to be away get an absentee ballot.
Election Day Tuesday November 3rd,
6:00am – 9:00pm
Don’t complain about issues if you don’t vote.
