Is current form of governance better?
As Saratogians head to the polls next month, they will decide whether to keep or to scrap the current commissioner form of government. It is a serious decision for everyone to consider. I have not yet made up my mind on the issue.
As we weigh our choices, I do not find it helpful to read letters from some citizens declaring that there is nothing wrong with our current form of government, usually followed by a declaration that our city is the envy of everyone. While I agree with the latter, I disagree with the former.
Everyone who visits Saratoga loves the experience. Most of those of us who live here are happy to do so-I certainly am.
However, our city has recurring issues and challenges that never seem to be overcome or addressed. For example: we have an ongoing problem with a homeless population that seems to never decrease; in fact, it seems to be increasing. Setting up a Code Blue shelter is good, but where is the plan to reduce homelessness? (Please don’t tell me about the “someday” affordable apartments on South Broadway where the eyesore Spa City Diner stands, vacant and bringing down the appearance of our beautiful city. By the way, why not condemn it and knock it down so at least we don’t have to look at the decaying building?)
Our streets and roads are in terrible condition. Two issues there: many of them need complete stripping and re-paving but repairs are done in small increments that never result in any time that our city streets are all smooth and easy to travel. Repaving costs a lot of money but we need a long term solution to streets like Vanderbilt or Nelson Avenue where you could bounce out of your seat if you drove at the speed limit. And our yard debris used to be picked up within 24 hours of being put at curbside. Now it can lie there for many days, blocking the streets and creating a mess. Why don’t we have a schedule of pick up by neighborhoods so everyone would know when to put their yard debris out for pick up?
Our city council members frequently bicker and fight with each other during meetings in such an embarrassing, uncivil manner. Surely we can do better.
The need for a new police station was identified years ago; where is a viable plan to make this happen? It has been years since anyone has put forward a concrete plan, and that was by a commissioner who has been out of office for many years.
I have other concerns but I think these issues alone are enough to ask ourselves if our current form of governance is the better form as we proceed in the 21st century. Do your research, listen to both sides and good luck to everyone as they make up their minds on the issue. Arlene P. Brown Saratoga Springs