Council split over scheduling special election to fill vacant DPW commissioner seat

The Saratoga Springs City Council repeatedly discussed whether to request a special election to fill the vacant Department of Public Works commissioner seat, but motions to request an election did not pass.

Supporters argued the city charter and voters’ right to choose a successor required a special election and urged the council to ask the governor and boards of elections to set a date (some advocates sought a date before year‑end). "The public needs the right to decide whom they want," Commissioner Sangvi said in support of a resolution requesting a special election.

Opponents raised legal and logistical concerns, including deadlines for ballots and absentee military ballots; one commissioner said they had received advice that running a special election within a 90‑day window might be unlawful. Council members agreed to ask the city attorneys to get formal written guidance from the New York State Board of Elections and the county elections board before taking further action. The council also debated whether to appoint an interim commissioner until a special election date is set, with some members saying they would not support an appointment absent a clear election timeline.

Two versions of a resolution (one requesting a date before Nov. 5 and a second requesting a date before Dec. 31) were brought forward; both efforts failed to gain the votes needed on the floor during the Sept. 3 meeting. Council directed attorneys to provide written guidance on the legal timeline and process for any special election.