Friesen running for office
City resident eyes supervisor post
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. » Pat Friesen announced her candidacy for Saratoga Springs county supervisor Saturday afternoon with a kick-off event at Circus Cafe.
Friesen, who has been endorsed by the city’s Democratic Committee, said she felt it was the right time to run.
“I feel like I’ve been working towards this for a number of years, and with the election in 2016 and attending the women’s march in New York City,” said Friesen.
“And the whole thing with encouraging people to get involved in government and run for election.”
City voters elect two county supervisors every other November. Peter Martin, a current supervisor, announced his candidacy for the commissioner of public safety in March.
Friesen considers Martin a good friend, and with him leaving a seat vacant she felt the stars had aligned to run for supervisor.
Tara Gaston received the committee’s other endorsement.
The other current county supervisor, Matthew Veitch, was endorsed by the city’s Republican committee in March. The committee also endorsed John Safford.
Friesen moved to Saratoga Springs in 1999, and she said she couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.
“As fabulous as it is, I think there’s always room for improvement, especially at the county level,” said Friesen.
“I think we can work more together.”
Friesen was a staffer for then-Congresswoman — now U.S. Senator — Kirsten Gillibrand.
“She’s written a book called ‘Off the Sidelines,’ and what that meant was for women in particular to get off the sidelines and run for office, so I am following her lead,” said Friesen.
In March, Mayor Joanne Yepsen created a human rights task force. Friesen was selected for the group.
“I feel very strongly about this being a welcoming city to all,” said Friesen.
“We need to be inclusive, and if there’s one downside to our city it’s the idea that we are not as diverse as we could be. And it would only enrich and enhance our community if we were more diverse.”
She said her passions include the arts and helping the disenfranchised. Friesen has worked with the homeless, volunteering with Code Blue.
Circus Cafe created a “Pat for Saratoga” signature cocktail special for the event, featuring a cold juice from Saratoga Juice Bar mixed with champagne.
Friesen’s ready to campaign for county supervisor.
“Let’s go. Let’s make a difference,” said Friesen. “Get off the sidelines.”