Saratoga Springs Public Safety Candidates

Saratoga Springs Public Safety Candidates Discuss Issues of Concern to Voters

Timothy Coll, Kristen M. Dart, and James A. Montagnino

The League of Women Voters held a virtual Candidate Forum on October 10, 2023 featuring candidates for the office of Commissioner of Public Safety for the City of Saratoga Springs. All three candidates participated, including Timothy Coll, Kristen M. Dart, and James A. Montagnino. Candidates answered questions about conflicts among members of City Council, policing in the City, police response to protests, downtown safety issues near bars, regulation of short-term rentals, pedestrian and bike safety/complete streets, and support of crime victims.

A full recording of the event is available for viewing on the LWVSC YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDZfukr9Or0.

Check out press coverage of this event by the local media:

• Daily Gazette: “Three seek Saratoga Springs Public Safety Commissioner position” (10/18/23)

• Times Union: “Saratoga Springs candidates discuss policing, short-term rentals, civility” (10/12/23)

• WAMC Midday Magazine: “Saratoga Springs Public Safety Commissioner candidates met to answer voter questions” (10/12/23)

• Saratogian: “League of Women Voters hosts candidate forum for Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Public Safety” (subscription access) (10/11/23)

Don’t Be Impatient for Election Results!

Curb Public Expectations for Immediate Election Results

With the increase in absentee ballots expected in 2020, tallying votes will take more time, and it is highly likely ballots will be counted late into the night all over the country. Use these talking points when helping the public and voters feel comfortable in the likely delayed election results.

• Voters should not expect all election results to be called or announced on Election Day as in previous elections, and that’s okay.

• A delayed result with an increased number of mailed ballots means the system is working as it should to ensure the integrity of our election process.

• A surge in mailed ballots requires our election officials to adapt their ballot counting practices, and it is important for voters to be patient. A complete and accurate ballot count is more important than a fast ballot count.

• With the increase of absentee voting in 2020, it is essential that every vote is counted and every voter’s voice is heard. We should all prepare for many election results to be announced after Election Day.

• Remember, in New York State, absentee ballots can arrive up to a week after Election Day, if postmarked on or before Election Day. So we can’t have complete results till after November 10th.

Barbara Thomas Oct. 22, 2020