Clearing the record

Saratogian readers saw several false statements in a recent Reader’s View by my opponent in the race for Finance Commissioner. I believe similar inaccuracies are being spread doorto-door by her campaign. Here’s what I want people to know:

My opponent implies I have a “conflict of interest,” specifically relating to Saratoga Hospital’s proposed expansion. The supposed “conflict” is attributed to “several thousands of campaign contribution dollars from the Hospital Board of Trustees and their spouses, but also the Hospital’s attorney.”

There is much wrong with this charge, but here’s the important point: My vote is not now, has never been, and never will be for sale. To imply otherwise is scurrilous, fact-free defamation of my character, and of those she accuses of trying to buy my support. It’s typical of my opponent’s tactic of repeating untrue, discredited ethics-related charges and spreading fear about complex land-use issues in order to win this election.

Here’s the truth: only 3 individuals (out of the 18-member board) have ever donated to my campaign, and I have received $0 from the Board of Trustees itself. My long-standing friend Matt Jones (the attorney), hosted a fundraiser for me this year, and spent more hosting it than is legally allowed. My campaign coordinated to ensure he was reimbursed for the overage, which is the correct, transparent, and ethical thing to do.

Difficult choices will need to be made to balance the needs of our Hospital with the rights of its neighbors. The Hospital is a vital resource that serves our community well. The quality of care continues to grow and contribute to the value of living in our city.

Importantly, the citizen board who hammered out revisions for our adopted 2015 Comprehensive Plan unanimously approved a change that envisions zoning the land in question for hospital-related uses. The Comprehensive Plan, and certainly the residents of the neighborhood, also value open green space. I recently met with the two members I appointed to the Comprehensive Plan Committee (both from Sustainable Saratoga) to hear their views about the Hospital change. I received tangible ideas that could help fashion a solution everyone can live with, my appointees remained supportive of their Comprehensive Plan decisions and votes. It is considerations like this – not campaign contributions – that count with me when arriving at a decision that’s fair for all: The Hospital, the patients it serves, and people in the neighborhood.

I encourage voters to question the assertions of my opponent, whether you encounter them in print or at your front door. She claims she has already “unseated” me, when in fact the election is on Nov. 5. Approximately 1,500 people voted in the primary and I received 49% of those votes. When the real decision is made, over 18,000 people can vote.

I’m proud that my name will appear on three ballot lines – the Independence, Working Families and SAM parties (no Republican is running). I am running hard for re-election and I humbly ask every voter for your support.

Michele Madigan Saratoga Springs Finance Commissioner