Council proclaims special election for public works commissioner in January 2025 after contentious debate

The city council voted to authorize procedures for a special election to fill the vacancy in the office of Commissioner of Public Works created when the former commissioner resigned effective Aug. 16, 2024.

A resolution presented to the council directed the Commissioner of Accounts to work with the Saratoga County Board of Elections to set a lawful schedule for the special election consistent with the city charter and state election law. The resolution emphasized providing adequate notice to electors and conducting the election in a nonpartisan, fair manner.

Council debate was frank. One member said he would not support the resolution because he feared the process was being timed for political advantage and worried about potential litigation aimed at specific members; another commissioner and the mayor said their intent was simply to ensure the election moves forward and that the city is 'behind' the effort to hold a lawful special election. Legal counsel said a suit naming individual council members seemed unlikely if the council acts collectively in its official capacity.

Later in the meeting the council adopted a separate resolution proclaiming that the special election to fill the unexpired term is to be held in January 2025 and directed staff to coordinate with the county board of elections. The council also discussed, but did not successfully adopt at this meeting, formation of an interview committee to review candidates who had submitted resumes earlier in the year.

The council's action sets the timetable for the city's next steps in filling the public works post; preparations such as confirmation of dates and coordination with the county elections office will follow in coming weeks.