One Saratoga not controlled by parties

On Oct. 12, The Gazette published a letter from Gordon Boyd, (“Don’t want MAGA’s influence in Spa City,”) who identified himself as a member of the New York State Democratic Committee, regarding One Saratoga.

One Saratoga is an independent body that endorses local candidates based only on their proposals for the future of our city and on their suitability to serve, regardless of their major party affiliation.

In his letter, Mr. Boyd claimed that One Saratoga is controlled by Elise Stefanik and MAGA Republicans. Nothing could be further from the truth. Only three of the seven One Saratoga-endorsed candidates are Republicans. The One Saratoga Committee includes many registered Democrats, including two former chairs of the Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee. It accepts individuals of any party who are committed to an independent approach to city politics.

Elise Stefanik and MAGA Republicans have absolutely no influence over the endorsements or the activities of One Saratoga. Mr. Boyd should stop spreading misinformation about One Saratoga.

Christian E Mathiesen DMD

Saratoga Springs

The writer was a committeeman for the Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee and served on the City Council as Commissioner of Public Safety as a Democrat from 2012-17.

Republicans enable Trump’s abuses

Donald J. Trump is consumed by revenge. His hate-fueled rage and revenge tour has no limits, nor do his lies.

It is chilling to see his ICE agents, fully masked, attacking and abducting innocent people while denying them their right to due process.

It was sickening to hear Trump and Hegseth belittle and disrespect the men and women in uniform. Imagine — our nation’s most famous draft dodger, lecturing all the highest brass about “fitness” to serve. He and Hegseth brought shame to our nation.

Trump did the same at the UN meeting where he ranted and raved incoherently about subjects that had no relevance for the audience, who he also belittled and disrespected.

He raged against the UN after one of his own people caused the escalator to stop. He raged against the Haitian people in Ohio for eating the cats and dogs. He raged against the Biden economy and promised to fix it on Day One.

Everything now costs more thanks to his tariffs (Trump Tax).

He raged against job numbers so he fired the messenger. He rages against journalists, late-night comedians, governors and mayors who are Democrats, judges who don’t rule in his favor. He rages against peaceful protests. He rages against protecting God’s creation.

Should this unhinged, vengeful person really be in charge of the nuclear codes?

All Republicans in the House and Senate are responsible for allowing Trump his unbridled power and lawless actions. All should be voted out of office, including Elise Stefanik.

Kathy Sieg

Gloversville

Nisky needs leaders with accountability

My independent voting decisions are based on issues, not party allegiances. My core concerns revolve around town government committed to safe streets and neighborhoods, fiscal responsibility, competency and transparent leadership with sound policies.

Did any current town board members sign the Route 7 safety petition? Vote against the utility rate hike? Vote against town budget hikes, or support simple, sensible updates to our historic town logo? Nope.

They closed the transfer station for a $20,000 revenue loss, then spent $30,000 on a utility “rate study” to justify a rate hike. I don’t support partisanship pitting residents against one other, stymying public records access, restricting town social media pages from comment, cutting off public speaking at board meetings, chastising residents, or criticizing political opponents and media, like The Gazette, for covering issues that town hall would rather avoid.

Incompetent policies and decisions harm public trust and hamstring a community’s well-being.

I vote on issues, not some party line. I’ve considered the candidates’ words and deeds. I understand their plans for Nisky, where we are now, and where we could be headed post-election.

I’m voting for John Rickert because we need accountability and leadership, not party politics and games.

Joseph Yakel

Niskayuna

Salvatore ready to transition to sheriff

Jackie Salvatore is the real deal for Columbia County’s next sheriff. As a lifelong resident of Columbia County with over 31 years of law enforcement experience, including three and a half years as the county’s undersheriff, the Number 2 officer in the Sheriff’s Office, Jackie has the on-the-job know-how that will not only make her a great sheriff, but also will make the transition seamless.

Jackie is firmly committed to our safety. She is focused on crime prevention, rapid response to emergencies and officer preparedness.

She knows the value of training the deputy sheriffs and offering professional development.

Jackie also understands the significance of trust between law enforcement and the public. As undersheriff, she created the Sheriff’s Office’s first Community Liaison role.

I remember the first time I heard her speak. She remarked that if we hadn’t met or known her yet, we would by Election Day, and she has worked toward that ever since by attending community meetings and other public events.

Jackie is the future of law enforcement in our county. She has my vote for sheriff on Nov. 4.

Marcy Feld

Hillsdale

Overlook politics in support of peace

Whether you claim to be Democrat, Republican or Progressionist, it just might be time to drop pretenses and bask in the peace which has taken place in the Middle East.

Whether you are Jew, Christian, Muslim or some other religious sect, drop the shaming and posturing taking place in the American Congress and in the national media. Whether we agree with the American president’s efforts or not should not dictate or alter our beliefs in good over evil.

We just might be living in a period of time when the continuation of peace and prosperity could, if we give it a chance, preserve peace in our own lifetime. To cite an old adage, “Give peace a chance.”

Allen R. Remaley

Saratoga Springs

Ferris the leader that Hudson deserves

Hudson deserves leadership that delivers real results, not more talk and broken promises. That’s why I’m voting for Democrat Joe Ferris for mayor of Hudson.

For years, City Hall has promised progress on the issues that matter most to our community: the waterfront, the Depot District, affordable housing, and the dangerous truck route cutting through our neighborhoods. Yet every year, the same problems remain. Hudson can’t afford to wait any longer.

Joe Ferris has a plan to move us forward. He’ll make the waterfront accessible to everyone, not just developers. He’ll revitalize the Depot District to support small businesses and create good jobs for residents. He’ll work with the state........

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