There are more than a half million elective offices across the country, and here in Saratoga Springs, our unique forms of city and county government offer challenging and rewarding opportunities to serve and represent our neighbors.
The City’s Commission-Style Form of Government
Saratoga Springs operates under what’s known as a commission-style form of government. Only roughly three percent of U.S. cities employ this form of government, which requires voters to elect several commissioners (instead of city council members), who are each responsible for heading up a specific city department while also serving on the city council. In this way, commissioners serve both executive and legislative functions – overseeing department staff and decision-making, while also passing local ordinances that impact us all. In Saratoga Springs, we elect four commissioners and the Mayor every two years:
- As head of the Accounts Department, the Commissioner of Accounts serves as: City Assessor, City Clerk, Insurance Officer, Purchasing Agent, Records Management Officer, and Registrar of Vital Records.
- As head of the Finance Department, the Commissioner of Finance is the city’s Chief Fiscal Officer, and they serve as: first substitute for the Mayor, City Tax Collector, Bursar of City Funds, Internal Auditor, Custodian of City Monies, Keeper of City Financial Records, Budget Chairperson, and Certifier of City Payrolls. They also oversee the city’s IT department.
- As head of the Department of Public Works, the Commissioner of Public Works is responsible for: street and highway maintenance, the city’s buildings and grounds, maintenance and inventory of city infrastructure, upkeep and use of Congress Park and other city facilities, and oversight of the City Engineer and Utilities department, including ensuring our city water and sewer systems are in good working order.
- As head of the Department of Public Safety, the Commissioner of Public Safety is responsible for the overall operation of the Police Department, the Fire Department, Public Health, Code Administration, Animal Control, and Parking Enforcement.
- Our Mayor is the city’s official representative, and they serve as the presiding officer of the City Council. The Mayor also has significant appointment power, filling critical roles in city government, including: City Attorney, City Center Authority, Planning Board, Design Review Commission, Ethics Board, Recreation Commissioner, Housing Authority Board of Directors, and Zoning Board of Appeals.
Saratoga County Government
Of New York’s 62 counties, only 16 are governed by a County Board of Supervisors; Saratoga is one of these counties. The City of Saratoga Springs is represented by two supervisors who serve on the County Board and are elected to two-year terms. We also elect a Saratoga County Clerk, Treasurer, District Attorney, Sheriff, and two Coroners, all serving four-year terms.
So… Ready to Run?
All politics is local! Those we elect to serve in city and county roles have a direct impact on the day-to-day lives of our families and our neighbors. And the closer you are to the community you’re looking to serve, the more you know about the real issues impacting people each and every day: the roads that need paving, the parks that need upkeep, the roles of our schools, or the disadvantages some neighbors may be facing.
Having experience in a specific area that directly relates to the office you’re looking to run for helps, but it isn’t everything. Passion, a deep commitment to your neighbors, and a willingness to sacrifice nights and weekends to meet voters where they are is more than half the battle.
Think you may be interested in stepping forward to run for office? Get in touch with SSDC Chair Ron Kim to learn more: ronkimesq@gmail.com