The Saratogian: ELECTION 2025: Fresh faces find seats on Saratoga Springs City Council
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — When the Saratoga Springs City Council convenes in January, it will certainly have a new look.
While Mayor John Safford and Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll will return, the remaining three commissioner positions, as well as the two supervisor posts, will all be new faces or familiar faces in new places.
Republican/One Saratoga candidates Jessica Troisi (Accounts) and JoAnne Kiernan (Finance), along with Democrat BK Keramati (Public Works), were the apparent winners in their races, while Democrat/One Saratoga candidate Sarah Burger and Democrat/Working Families candidate Minita Sanghvi were seemingly victorious in their race for the Spa City’s two Supervisor seats.
According to unofficial results from the Saratoga County Board of Elections, Troisi defeated current Accounts Commissioner Dillon Moran, 4,328-3,895, while Keramati was victorious over current DPW Commissioner Chuck Marshall, 4,361-4,019. Current Deputy Mayor Kiernan beat Shafer Gaston, 4,262-4,079, for the finance seat currently held by Sanghvi.
Running unopposed, Coll, endorsed by the Democratic, Republican, and One Saratoga parties, received 7,370 votes.
In the three-way race for the two Supervisor seats, Burger compiled 5,157 votes, followed by Sanghvi (4,354) and George Ehinger (4,021). Burger and Sanghvi will succeed longtime Supervisor Matt Veitch, who is retiring, and Michele Madigan, who was defeated by Safford, 4,318-4,031, in the mayor’s race.
Troisi described her victory as “overwhelming” and said she was looking forward to her first day in City Hall. “I need to learn my way around the office and get to know City Hall,” Troisi said. “I know it’s a very well-run office and I can’t wait to get started.”
Moran, first elected in 2021, acknowledged late Tuesday he was trailing but declined to concede. “I think the results — I don’t know what the absentee ballots are, but it looks like the results are not in my favor,” he said. “I wish Miss Troisi the best. I’ve continued to work hard for this community, and I am proud of every single thing I’ve done, every single moment I have been in office.”
While not declaring victory, Keramati spoke about his campaign and his opponent.
“I’m feeling that I ran a good campaign,” Keramati said. “I brought a lot of issues for the Saratogians to know about that they didn’t know before and I think Saratoga is better off because I ran. I don’t know how it is going to turn out, but I am happy with where I am and what I’ve done. I am grateful and I think Chuck (Marshall) was a gentleman to deal with.
While Marshall did not concede on Tuesday, he acknowledged he was not in an advantageous position. “I’ve been in a dogfight before,” said Marshall, referring to his tight Special Election victory earlier this year. “So we’ll see how this goes. Worst-case scenario, I get to spend more time with my kids.”
As the current Deputy Mayor, Kiernan hoped to get off to a fast start to tackle the city’s financial issues. “The financial security of this city is job one,” Kiernan said. “Our city is in financial stress. There’s no doubt about it. We need to build back up and set this city up for success. I’m ready for the challenge. We have to look forward and we have to be transparent. I plan to be fully transparent at City Council meetings for the public to see.”
Running unopposed, Coll, meanwhile, had a relatively stress-free evening. He said he’s ready to continue to make decisions based on the best interests of all Saratogians. “Some decisions I’ve made didn’t make Democrats happy and some decisions I’ve made haven’t made Republicans happy,” Coll said. “The reality is I will continue to look out for what I believe will be good for the city.”
Burger said she was excited and ready to get going. “This campaign was about what’s best for Saratoga Springs; not what’s best for the Democratic Party; not what’s best for the Republican Party,” said Burger, echoing the One Saratoga Party mantra of “City Before Party.” “I’m laser-focused on doing what’s best for the city. I’m excited about getting to work, reaching across the aisle with the other supervisors to get results.”
Sanghvi agreed. “Unofficial results showed we won,” Sanghvi said via Facebook. “Thank you everyone for your vote and support. Excited to represent Saratoga Springs at the county!”