I am Dr. Chris Mathiesen, a retired local dentist who practiced in this community for nearly 45 years. I am running to be elected Mayor of Saratoga Springs on the ONE SARATOGA ballot line (Row E). I have been a Saratogian since the age of three. I graduated from St. Peter’s Academy, Saratoga Springs (’68). I then went on to Boston College for my BA and to Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Dentistry where I earned my DMD. I returned to Saratoga Springs to raise my family and to practice my profession. My wife, Fran, and I raised our five children in a blended family and we now have six grandchildren. I know this City well and I love our community.
I am a graduate of the Leadership Saratoga Program (Class of 2000). I served on the Zoning Board of Appeals for seven years (2000-2006), two as chair. I initiated some important procedural improvements for the ZBA and I was able to have two year limits placed on land use decisions with options for extensions to avoid past abuse. I understand the importance of good zoning and planning and of our much admired Comprehensive Plan.
I was Commissioner of Public Safety from 2012-2017. It was a very productive administration. We completed a million dollar renovation of the police department. It is now safe and secure. We initiated the ambulance transport program for the SSFD which greatly improved emergency medical coverage and provided significant income for the City. We made important strides towards a crucial third fire/EMS station which is finally being built, improved traffic flow downtown, implemented a vacant properties registry and improved the noise ordinance. We conducted regular forums so that communication between the Public Safety Department and the public could be improved. I will be just as productive as Mayor, always putting the interests of our community first.
My goals as Mayor include continuing to work towards the long-term goals of safe pedestrian access throughout the City, especially for the outer west-side neighborhoods (Grand Ave., Pine Road, Kirby Road). I will continue to push for a safer nightclub district with an earlier last call for alcohol sales as I did when I was Public Safety Commissioner. I will strongly advocate for imposition of significant restrictions on the number of short-term rentals in residential districts. I will foster improved coordination and communication among City departments. We will improve communication with residents through frequent public forums, support our successful downtown while maintaining a focus on quality of life for residents and restore order, respect and decorum throughout City Hall and, most importantly, during City Council meetings.
