Current Spa City government not a failure

The hot topic of this year’s local elections is the debate over whether or not to change the city charter. It is good for people to have a healthy discussion of this issue and then let it be decided at the ballot box. We are, after all, a democracy and all citizens should have the opportunity to let their voice be heard.

I taught history and government for over 30 years. While I acknowledge that our commission form of government is unusual, it is not the failure that some people are making it out to be.

I respect the efforts of the charter commission but I disagree with their suggestion that we change to a city manager form of government.

The commission form of government works in Saratoga Springs. This city is enormously successful and I see no reason to change course. The biggest flaw I see in the charter group’s report is the proposed elimination of deputies in government. I have had the good fortune of getting to know almost all of the deputies and elected officials in this city over the last 35 years. With few exceptions these people have done outstanding positive work for the citizens of Saratoga Springs.

Each commissioner and their deputy become expert in their area of jurisdiction. They bring to the council table well researched points as to how to move the city forward. The proposed city manager style eliminates these deputies as a way to save money. However, the last paragraph of the charter commission’s report states that the deputies may continue to serve at the city manager’s pleasure. If they continue to work this would add over $500,000 to the financial figures in their document. If they are done away with we lose the expertise we now have in five separate departments.

Are there arguments at the city council table? Yes. But this is what democracy is all about. You need a majority of elected officials to move a project forward. We are not a scientific experiment, we are a government of the people and by the people for the people. I would rather have elected officials making decisions for Saratoga Springs rather than putting those decisions in the hands of a non elected city manager.

I vote to keep the city charter we have. I ask you to join me and vote no to the proposed new charter.

Dave Patterson Saratoga Springs