Spa City Dems update platform statement

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.>> In anticipation of upcoming city elections, the Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee updated its platform statement. The Democratic Committee said it believes it is more vital than ever to stand together, embodying an American community that accepts people’s differences and rejects bigotry and divisiveness.

“We believe it’s important for our community and its elected leaders to set an example that stands against the unacceptable policies of the current Republican Administration in Washington,” SSDC Chair Charles Brown said in a statement.

The platform statement addresses six areas and is in its entirety below:

• Keep city government fair: The Democratic Committee supports public debate to improve government. Public debate and decision-making should take place through civil conversation, in an open, understandable way. The City must take active steps to inform people, encourage their engagement and listen to diverse points of view. We require our elected officials to demonstrate principled leadership, conducting themselves in office so as to earn mutual trust and respect from

colleagues and constituents. We expect City leaders to maintain their integrity, act ethically, adhere to core values, put the interests of the City first, accept responsibility and make sound, clear decisions. In setting policy, they should weigh all public input and consider the impact on all of our residents.

• Safeguard open space and the environment with smart sustainable development: Decisions about development in Saratoga Springs should be guided by a comprehensive vision for our “City in the Country”— a plan that balances continued economic growth with the essential need to preserve our open lands and the wellbeing they provide. The City’s stewardship of our natural environment should include energy efficiency, conservation of natural resources and adoption of rules and practices to broaden the benefits of renewable energy. Policies and actions should encourage business growth and a diversified, innovative economy, while supporting a vibrant, accessible downtown in accord with the City’s master plan. In 2015, Saratoga Springs adopted a Comprehensive Plan.

• Maintain and promote the quality of life: Besides smart, sustainable growth, [Saratoga Springs Democrats] value a robust mix of opportunities that build community, diversify our economy and make our City a wonderful place to live. These features are not accidents—sound public planning and support are essential for them to thrive. Through public/ private initiatives and responsible allocation of resources, the City must continue to foster such treasures as the rich cultural capital created by our artsbased community; the compelling entertainment and educational offerings available throughout the year; and the triad of “health, history and horses,” plus many other attractions drawing visitors here from all around the world. We must keep expanding people’s access to fitness and enjoyment, as afforded by our streets’ walkable, bikeable character, our beautiful parks and our growing recreational trail system, as envisioned in the City’s Complete Streets, Greenbelt Trail and Urban Forest policies.

• Plan for the long-term: infrastructure, water resources and financial stability: Sound, proactive fiscal planning must continue to protect the excellent financial health our City has achieved and to ensure it keeps meeting residents’ needs. City government should make long-term budgetary and operational plans to ensure our public facilities and infrastructure stay well-maintained and can be upgraded when necessary to provide quality service in all parts of our City. [Saratoga Springs Democrats] consider delivering a safe, adequate supply of drinking water among the most serious responsibilities of City government. Included in “infrastructure,” [Saratoga Springs Democrats] embrace the modern communications needs of our businesses, residents and visitors, including seamless broadband capacity downtown and in public facilities.

• Preserve and enhance public health and safety: While our police, fire and emergency medical responders provide services on the front line, all City Council members and their departments play a role in protecting the safety of the City and the health of its residents. We advocate for speedy response times to all neighborhoods in Saratoga Springs. We support the role of police in protecting civil rights, shielding people targeted by hate and reducing violence. We favor common-sense gun safety provisions. In partnership with our many and diverse healthcare providers, City leaders also have a responsibility to promote public health. We expect the City to preserve access to necessary services; to foster healthful lifestyles for all age groups; and to prepare and communicate contingency plans in case of major emergencies or health threats.

• Address housing needs and services: The City lacks enough housing that is affordable for people who work here, retirees, and younger residents. The need has reached a critical point for low- to moderateincome households. It presents an economic obstacle for the service industry on which our economy heavily depends, impairs diversity, and makes it hard for Saratoga Springs to remain a multi-generational, family-friendly community. Also acute is the question of safe, appropriate solutions and services for people who find themselves homeless. The City must consider ways to expand affordable housing and create stable, temporary refuge for people with no place to live, while supporting their transition to long-term homes.