SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York — In a decisive victory, Sarah Burger has been elected as one of the two new County Supervisors for Saratoga Springs, securing a total of 5,458 votes. This includes 4,330 votes from the Democratic line and 1,128 votes from the One Saratoga line. Burger expressed her gratitude for the broad support she received from the community in her first general election.
Reflecting on her victory, Burger stated, “It feels great, and it means that what I did worked. I’m very grateful to have received very broad support.” She emphasized that her support came not only from Democrats but also from moderates, underscoring her appeal across party lines.
Transitioning into Office
As Burger prepares to assume her new role, she is focused on building relationships with county employees and fellow supervisors. She believes that strong connections are essential for effective governance. “The better you can connect with people, the more you can get done,” she noted.
One of her immediate priorities involves addressing the longstanding issue of bar closing times in Saratoga Springs. Burger, alongside fellow supervisor Minita Sanghvi, aims to change the existing regulations, advocating for a schedule similar to that of nearby Warren County, where establishments close at 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends. “The bar closing issue… has been percolating around for over a decade,” she remarked, highlighting its importance as a public safety concern.
Another significant focus for Burger will be tackling homelessness, especially as the city’s temporary low-barrier shelter is set to close in late 2026. With the county recently acquiring land on Ballston Avenue for a new shelter, she recognizes the need for thoughtful planning. “Some negotiating has to go on… and decisions have to be made about the design purpose,” Burger explained, emphasizing the importance of providing necessary services for the community.
Goals and Committee Aspirations
Burger has also been invited to serve on the Saratoga North Country Continuum of Care (SNC CoC), which aims to eliminate homelessness in the region. She is eager to contribute to this initiative as part of her broader commitment to public service.
In terms of committee involvement, Burger expressed interest in serving on the Law and Finance, Public Safety, Economic Development, and Trails and Open Space committees. She believes that these areas align with her skills as an attorney and her background in local government.
Looking ahead, Burger acknowledged the recent electoral gains made by the Democratic Party in the county, despite not holding a majority. She noted that the dynamics could shift depending on how some Republican supervisors choose to align themselves with Democratic initiatives. “There could be some meaningful change,” she said, expressing both excitement and caution about the future.
As she prepares to take office, Burger has engaged in discussions with her predecessor, Matt Veitch, to ensure a smooth transition. She also plans to work closely with Sanghvi to identify and leverage their strengths for the benefit of the city and county.
Furthermore, Burger highlighted the need for a change in the governance structure, advocating for the County Supervisors to have a voting voice in City Council meetings. “It’s time that we make some changes,” she asserted, pointing out that the current system is outdated and may not adequately serve the community’s needs.
Burger is eager to involve the public in her decision-making process and plans to establish a Citizens Advisory Committee. This group will consist of Saratogians from diverse backgrounds who will meet monthly to discuss pertinent issues. Interested individuals can reach out to her at [email protected].
As Burger embarks on this new chapter in her political career, she remains committed to serving the people of Saratoga Springs and addressing the challenges facing the community.
