Dems Endorse Incumbent Council Members for 2023 City Elections; Two Former Council Members Cry Foul

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee announced this week it had endorsed each of the five incumbent members of the City Council in advance of the November 2023 election.

The five council members, all Democrats, are: Ron Kim for Mayor, Minita Sanghvi for Commissioner of Finance, Jim Montagnino for Commissioner of Public Safety, Jason Golub for Commissioner of Public Works and Dillon Moran for Commissioner of Accounts.

Additionally, Gordon Boyd was endorsed by the committee as Supervisor to represent the city at the county level. 

“These endorsements weren’t automatic,” Pat Tuz, chair of the Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee, said in a statement. “Candidates had to go through a questionnaire and interview process, and then appear before the full committee to defend their record and describe their plans for the next term. What impressed me most, across the board, was their commitment to serving the public and being responsive to citizen requests.” 

Two former council members – former Finance Commissioner Michele Madigan and former DPS Commissioner Chris Mathiesen, however, have criticized the Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee, alleging the committee “derailed the traditionally open process of endorsements,” according to a joint statement released by Madigan and Mathiesen on Feb. 28. The statement also served to announce their own respective candidacies in the citywide election.   

While both confirm they had been interviewed by “an endorsement committee,” they say they were “refused” the traditionally allowable abilities of addressing the full committee at which the endorsements were voted on, as well as not allowing registered Democrats to attend the meeting. 

Madigan, announcing her candidacy for Saratoga County Supervisor, and Mathiesen - announcing his candidacy for mayor, say they have now decided “to go through the arduous task of collecting signatures in order participate in a (Democratic Party) Primary.” 

The City Council is comprised of five councilmembers – one mayor and four commissioners. Saratoga Springs is additionally represented at the county by two supervisors. Republican Matt Veitch and Democrat Tara Gaston currently hold the two positions. Gaston announced earlier this year she will not seek re-election. Elections are held every two years. 

Mathiesen and Madigan will be soliciting signatures for petitions to get on the Democratic line on the ballot.