Saratoga Springs focus is growth

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The fastest-growing city in the state faces a broad range of issues that come with such growth — from economic development to transportation.

The city's population grew five-fold between 2000 and 2004, from 1,003 to 5,389, leaving this year's candidates focusing on how to accommodate their new neighbors and provide needed services.

Mayoral race:

Incumbent mayor Timothy J. Parker said he his seeking a second term because his job is not finished.

"There are a lot of projects on the docket that I still want to follow through with, and I was asked by quite a few of my constituents to run again," Parker said.

Parker said his main concern would be to work with regional and state authorities to move transportation projects forward. He also wants to be involved in planning the city's parks and trails system and to create an aquatic facility at Inlet Park.

"I have brought a number of innovative proposals to the city, and we need to address our needs with that fresh outlook," he said.

Challenger J. Scott Kahn, who is currently on the City Council, said the city needs to formulate a strong plan for the future.

"My campaign theme is 'Building for the Future,' and that's really my main motivation," Kahn said. "I have a vision and I know how to build that vision."

Kahn also emphasized working with state authorities on transportation issues, he said, but on the local level the city needs to attract businesses that will not only build the sales tax base but will also provide an opportunity for residents to be gainfully employed in Saratoga Springs.

"My leadership skills are very proactive," he said. "When I say I'm going to get something done, I get it done."

City Council race:

Four political newcomers are seeking the two open seats on the City Council: Shawn Jones, Denise Kelly, Jefferson Moss and Aleta Wilkinson.

All candidates agreed that handling growth is important but said the city has other concerns as well.

For Jones, improving citizen participation in the community is a high priority, one he hopes to achieve by creating citizen committees.Jones decided to run after becoming actively involved in the community on various fronts and seeing things that could be done better. -->

"I've been involved in this city as a citizen, a small-business owner and a developer," he said. "I understand the key processes and people, and I have a unique point of view."