My candidacy for Saratoga Springs mayor
Our city is at a crossroads, and we have a City Hall that is shutting down instead of listening and sowing division instead of bringing Saratogians together. We need experienced and steady leadership that will speak up when something is not right, leadership that can listen, solve problems, and rebuild trust between residents and the city.
I’ve dedicated my career to serving and standing up for others — in government as a budget expert and Public Safety Commissioner, in the conservation movement raising funds to fight climate change, and taking on big banks and insurance companies to protect people as a consumer attorney. That’s why I’ll be ready On Day One to make things work better so we have a safe city in which everyone is heard and treated equally.
I was born in Schenectady and grew up in Glens Falls where I attended the public schools. I received a bachelors from Colgate University in 1981, a master’s from the University of Chicago in 1983 and a law degree from Fordham University in 1989. My family and I moved to Saratoga in 1993. My three children grew up in Saratoga Springs, graduated from the public school system, and have used that excellent education to springboard into thriving and exciting careers. Since 2000, I have maintained a small business law practice focusing on consumer and employee rights.
For over 20 years, I have fought on behalf of sexual harassment victims, consumers cheated by large financial institutions, and regular people who fell on financial hard times.
I was appointed to the Saratoga Springs Zoning Board of Appeals, where I eventually served as Chairperson from 2001 to 2004. In 2005, I was elected Commissioner of Public Safety and served two terms on the City Council.
With turbulent times facing our city in the aftermath of a global pandemic and a renewed push for racial justice, I believe I am the only candidate with the experience and determination to bring trust, accountability, and results to City Hall as the next Mayor of Saratoga Springs. I will be ready On Day One to open a dialogue between City Hall and the people it serves, and to work toward uniting our city.
On Day One, I pledge to begin work on issues important to the quality of life in Saratoga Springs:
• Support local businesses and residents by creating an emergency plan for the next pandemic-like crisis. Construct the badly needed, long delayed, East Side Public Safety Station.
• Partner with Congressman Tonko, Senators Schumer and Gillibrand to obtain Federal funding to repair our crumbling infrastructure.
• Lead our City to a carbon-neutral Saratoga Springs by 2030.
• Work with law enforcement and community members to ensure public safety and accountability so we have the safety we deserve and the justice we need.
Now is not the time for learning on the job. I’m the only candidate who will put people first, be a mayor for every neighborhood, and who has the experience to deliver on these important priorities.