Yepsen will not seek a new term
Instead of seeking re-election, mayor says she will focus on projects in Saratoga Springs
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. >> Mayor Joanne Yepsen will not seek re-election.
In a letter sent Friday afternoon, Yepsen said it has been a great honor and pleasure to serve the people of Saratoga Springs.
“Our city in the country is truly the envy of cities across the state, and in fact the nation,” Yepsen said in the letter. “And that does not come from waving a magic wand. It comes from the dedication and commitment of not only our public officials, but also an active, engaged community.”
Yepsen said she’ll spend the next seven months focusing on moving forward with city projects.
“We need full attention toward completing the Unified Development Ordinance, bringing the Geyser Road Trail to the point of construction after 12 years, establishing an implementation plan for our Complete Streets policy and launching our economic cultural exchange with Nashville and other arts cities,” Yepsen said in the letter. “Finally, we need to bring to Saratoga Springs two affordable housing initiatives that will keep our residents from being priced out of their own community; and we need our continued focus, always, on human rights for all.”
Yepsen said because she’ll focus fully on moving forward with the projects, she will not seek
re-election.
“Instead, without the full-time commitment a political campaign requires, I am looking forward to spending my time and energy on bringing to fruition these and other important initiatives,” she said in the letter.
Yepsen said serving as mayor of Saratoga Springs has been the highlight of her professional career.
But the mayor also said representing and managing the city has been an 80-plus hours per week job.
“With the current parttime salary (just over $14,000 a year) I simply cannot afford to continue status quo,” she said in the letter.
She described the parttime compensation for the position as “unrealistic,” and said it keeps some people from seeking the office who might serve the city well.
“I hope our City Charter Commission is successful at addressing this and other much needed updates,” she said in the letter.
Yepsen, endorsed by the Democratic and Working Families parties, served eight years as Saratoga County supervisor for Saratoga Springs before winning consecutive mayoral races.
She said the city has been able to accomplish much in recent years, including completing the Waterfront Park, beginning Code Blue, acquiring $4.5 million in funding for the Greenbelt Trail, and preserving the Pitney Farm.
However, there have been moments of controversy during Yepsen’s time in office.
In July 2016, the Saratoga Springs Ethics Board said Yepsen violated the city ethics code by seeking employment with the Saratoga Hospital Foundation as the hospital was doing business with the city.
The ethics board decision was followed by a City Council resolution to censure Yepsen, who decided to not resign despite calls to do so.
Meg Kelly, Yepsen’s deputy mayor, will run for mayor, according to the letter.
In the letter, Yepsen gives Kelly her endorsement.
“Meg is a person who has strong ties to this community,” said Yepsen. “She is known for her hard work, her compassionate advocacy and high level of integrity.”
Voters are expected to pick a mayor in November.
Kelly is not the only person seeking the position.
The Saratoga Springs Republican Committee endorsed former City Center executive director and president Mark E. Baker for mayor in late March.