Four seeking Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Finance post
A quartet of candidates are seeking to become the Spa City’s next Commissioner of Finance in the Nov. 2 election.
Minita Sanghvi, appearing on the Democratic and Resilient Saratoga lines; JoAnne Kiernan, appearing on the Republican and Conservative United Saratoga lines; Sierra Hunt, appearing on the Working Families line; and Adam Israel, appearing on the Saratoga Stronger Together line, are running to replace Michele Madigan, who announced in 2020 she would not seek a sixth term in office.
The Saratogian reached out to candidates running to get their responses about their candidacies. The following are the responses from Sanghvi and Kiernan. The other two candidates on the ballot, Hunt and Israel, could not be reached to participate.
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Sanghvi: “I moved to the US in 2001 to live my truth as a gay woman. My wife and I moved to Saratoga Springs in 2014 and our son was born here. He goes to school here, plays Little League Baseball and Soccer at the YMCA. We’ve set our roots here. I’m a tenured business professor and have been serving our community since 2015.”
Kiernan: “I am a CPA with over 26 years of experience working with businesses creating and managing budgets as well as providing financial and accounting services. I served on the Saratoga Springs City School Board for 9 years, I was president for 2.5 years and served on the finance committee for all 9 years as well as other committees as the need arose. I am the past treasurer of our homeowners association and Caroline Streets PTSO as well as serving on other various community committees. I have lived in Saratoga for the past 18 years with my husband Todd and 2 sons.”
2. Why did you want to run for this position? Sanghvi: “I’m running because I saw how COVID exposed the fault lines in our city’s finances, and knew I had the skills to navigate the challenges we face post-pandemic. The city is recovering, but we are not prepared for what the future may hold. We need to complete the new EMS/Fire station, create a greener infrastructure to cope with climate changes, and rebuild our fund balances. We also need to rebuild relationships between our city leadership and the community, so that we can work together to build a better Saratoga Springs for all.”
Kiernan: “I believe in giving back to our community. After serving on the school board for the past nine years, I wanted to continue to give back to our city. When I was approached to run
for the Commissioner of Finance position, I thought it would be a great opportunity to continue to serve the city I love and give back to our community.”
3. Why do you believe you’re the best candidate for this position?
Sanghvi: “I am the most qualified candidate in this race, with an undergraduate degree in accounting, an MBA and a PhD in business. I’ve worked in Fortune 500 companies and come from a family of entrepreneurs. I have committed myself to public service, and have worked on the City of Greensboro Human Relations Commission, Saratoga Springs Human Rights Task Force, and currently serve as the Finance Officer for the Saratoga Springs Public Library Board of Trustees.”
Kiernan: “I am the only candidate with a CPA and I have been working in accounting and finance my whole career. I have real world, practical experience and the knowledge to lead our city’s finance department. From serving on the school board I have learned we have much more in common then not and it is the common ground that I want to build off of. So much can be accomplished with respectful dialogue and active listening.”
4. What do you think the biggest issues facing the community are right now?
Sangvhi: “Saratoga Springs was not prepared for the challenges of the past two years. We have seen our finances diminished, our public trust eroded, our infrastructure and public services compromised. We need a city council that not only has the skills to work with budgets and manage services, but has the ability to work with each other and members of the community to tackle tough problems. The Council must prioritize rebuilding trust and improving communication. The protests and related incidents have not been handled in a manner that would de-escalate tensions, and that needs to change. The current situation is not benefiting anyone — not public safety employees, our residents, or our visitors. We must build and fully staff the third EMS station — a long overdue safety measure. We need the financial resources to weather emergencies and prepare for climate change as well.”
Kiernan: “There is a breakdown between community members, city officials, and our police department. I believe we all want to have a community where everyone feels welcome, safe and heard. We need to have better communication and more open dialogue. Effective communication is hard work and an on going process. We need to stay focused on the issues so we can make the best decisions for our city.”
5. What would you hope to achieve during your first 100 days in office?
Sangvhi: “In the first 100 days, I will undertake a thorough review of our city finances to assess city needs, identify opportunities for savings, and develop plans to generate additional revenues. I will initiate a citywide Climate Action and Resiliency Plan which would create long term savings, prepare for climate changes and identify opportunities for smart and responsible economic growth. I will work with the council to create a city government that respects every Saratogian, and finds solutions that create a greener, more prosperous and inclusive community.”
Kiernan: “I will work with the finance department personnel to understand the operations of the office and how it works with the other departments and commissioners. I will work with the other commissioners to do an in depth review of their financials and gain an understanding of their priorities, concerns and what will be needed in the future. I will gain an understanding of the work in progress at the council table, so I can continue and contribute to the work of the city. I will also continue to meet with community organizations and business leaders to understand the relationship with the city and how we can continue to work together and make improvements. I will work with the other commissioners to help heal the divide in the city that many feel now.”