Mayoral politics. The horse race in horse racing.
Mayor speaks to Gov. Hochul about mental illness.
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Mayor speaks with Gov. Hochul
Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford told the Dispatch that he met with Gov. Kathy Hochul briefly last week and discussed Short-Term Rental legislation. He later followed up and spoke an aide to the governor about STRs and getting more mental health services to the people who need them.
He mentioned that in her State of the State speech she mentioned “being more proactive” with individuals who cannot help themselves, especially with people who suffer from mental illness.
The mayor brought this up during a conversation about the city’s camping law that he maintains is a method to get people with disabilities into the city’s system of care. He said he is waiting to see what the governor’s ideas are.
According to the state website: The Office of Mental Health’s budget has risen to $6.3 billion, a net increase of $373.3 million from last year. The governor’s budget also includes another $16.5 million to “bolster” involuntary commitment and “Assisted Outpatient Treatment” at the county level throughout the state. Also the state has $2 million for additional OMH staff to increase reporting and monitoring, enhance statewide training, and provide additional support for counties and providers.
Correction: In the original draft of this story, we said the mayor spoke with Gov. Kathy Hochul about mental health services. They did not, the mayor corrected in a text to the Dispatch. He spoke to the governor about Short-Term Rental legislation. He spoke to an aide about mental health and STRs, as short-term rentals are known. It was our error and we apologize for the mistake.
Carpenters support Madigan in Mayoral race
Chris Dugan with the North Atlantic States Regional Carpenters Council confirmed for the Dispatch that his union plans to endorse Michele Madigan in her race for Mayor of Saratoga Springs. The official announcement should be forthcoming.
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