Spa City mayor to seek re-election

Meg Kelly, three other Democrats, plan to run

Mayor Meg Kelly, along with other incumbent Democrats, including Commissioner of Accounts John Franck, Commissioner of Finance Michele Madigan and Supervisor Tara Gaston, will be seeking re-election.

The city’s Democratic Committee chair, Courtney Deleonardis, made the announcement in the Saratogian over the weekend, but emphasized that the four have yet to win the city’s committee’s endorsement.

“They are still in the interview process,” Deleonardis said, adding that the committee will not officially endorse any candidates until its meeting on Saturday.

She also said that Dillon Moran, co-owner of Druthers Brewing Co., will seek the nomination for Commissioner of Public Works, a seat now held by Republican Anthony “Skip” Scirocco.

Kendall Hicks, a retired New York Army National Guard sergeant, said he will seek the endorsement for public safety, in a bid to replace retiring Commissioner Peter Martin.

“Basically, I thought there was a need for a change in leadership,” Hicks said. “I have volunteered for several organizations and my public service is inspiring me to run. I have a background in leadership and I see the need for more transparency in public safety.”

Though endorsement decisions have yet to be made, Deleonardis said the committee has adopted a platform, reflective of the national party for the 2019 general election.

“The Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee, which promotes open and inclusive governance for Saratoga Springs, to maintain and continually improve the quality of life for all city residents,” Deleonardis said in a statement released on Monday.

Among the committee’s policy goals are:

■ Protect democracy in local government

■ Safeguard the “City in the Country,” protecting open space and environment

■ Preserve and enhance public health and safety

■ Promote economic opportunity for all

■ Maintain and upgrade physical and technology infrastructure

“As Democrats, we believe in grassroots communication to strengthen people’s understanding of Democratic Party principles, and we encourage and support Democratic candidates who aspire to local positions,” Deleonardis said. “We ask that the elected leadership of Saratoga Springs commit to be guided by these principles for the future of the community we love.”

The chair of city’s Republican Committee, Matthew Hogan, said the GOP will be announcing its endorsed candidates soon.