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Resident says he was photographed while circulating petitions; trustees say they are not aware of any official involvement
Summary
During public comment resident Keith Lewis said he was photographed without consent while circulating nominating petitions on April 25 and that the image was shared with a message aimed at discouraging his political activity; several trustees said they were not aware of such conduct and the mayor said staff would check communications.
Keith Lewis, a Ballston Spa resident, told trustees during new public comment on May 11 that on April 25 he was photographed without his knowledge while lawfully circulating nominating petitions, and that the photograph and an accompanying message were transmitted to others in a manner he said amounted to political pressure.
Lewis said the image "was taken from a distance by a camera in a fixed elevated position" and that it was transmitted to others "including the candidate I was supporting along with the message that my involvement in the campaign was unwelcome and that there would be consequences for that candidate if I continued to participate." He said the conduct occurred while the village and he have pending litigation in Saratoga County Supreme Court and that he has filed a FOIL request for village communications on the dates in question.
Trustees responded on the record that none of them were aware of coordinated surveillance or official involvement. One trustee stated, "Just to answer Keith's concern, I am not aware of anyone doing that." Another trustee and the chair likewise said they had no knowledge of such actions. Chair acknowledged a separate, personal incident in which someone took a photograph of him in a public place and said staff would check communications and follow up.
Why it matters: Lewis framed the allegation as an intimidation risk tied to constitutionally protected political activity (circulating petitions). Trustees' public denials do not constitute a formal investigation; Lewis said he has filed a FOIL request and suggested the board has the ability to address and prevent similar conduct. The matter could involve FOIL‑traceable communications and any responsive findings would be for the record.
Next step: Lewis said he has filed a FOIL request seeking communications for the dates in question; trustees said staff will check on relevant communications and the chair asked that the concern be noted in the minutes. No formal investigation or motion to refer the matter to outside counsel was made at the meeting.
