A strong community rests on a cornerstone principle: harmony.

It’s more than just peace; it’s a cultivated sense of respect, appreciation, and understanding between residents, businesses, and leadership. This harmony fosters a sense of belonging, encourages collaboration, and allows everyone to reach their full potential.

Recently, negativity threatened to erode this precious harmony in Saratoga Springs. Anger and hostility hampered progress and left residents feeling disconnected. As your Mayor, my focus is to rebuild civility and cooperation. With this foundation, Saratoga Springs can again become a vibrant example of a community where everyone feels valued.

Many of you, like me, felt the heart of our community losing its way. There was an urgent need to return to genuine respect for our city, our leadership, and each other.

For over 200 years, Saratoga Springs thrived as a resort destination. Our slogan, “Health, History, and Horses,” embodies this spirit. Yet, negativity among our elected officials threatened this positive energy.

I view Saratoga Springs, our “Hamlet” of 29 square miles, as a corporation. As Mayor, I serve all residents, not just those who voted for me. This is evident in the recent improvements at City Hall, creating a more welcoming environment.

Just like a CEO, my role is to manage Saratoga Springs effectively. This means maintaining a balanced budget, keeping the city running smoothly, and providing affordable housing for our essential workers.

The rising cost of living may be ignored on the national level, but we feel it here. Our community, reliant on tourism, also experiences this financial strain.

Since 2020, expenses have increased while our purchasing power has decreased. This affects everyone, including our resort businesses.
As Mayor, I represent all 28,491 residents, not a select few. Effective leadership requires cooperation from elected officials and city staff.

Civility and respect are essential in government service, especially in our beautiful city. We, as civil servants, are paid by taxpayers and expected to uphold these values. A divided community weakens, as the saying goes: “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”

Let’s rebuild the spirit of cooperation that has always defined Saratoga Springs. Together, we can create a vibrant future where everyone feels valued and respected.

John Safford is Saratoga Springs Mayor.