A pillar of Saratoga Springs politics is stepping away from his long-held post.
Republican Matt Veitch has represented the Spa City on the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors since 2008. Veitch announced Friday that the time has come for a new chapter.
“It’s been an honor to serve the residents of the city of Saratoga Springs and to serve them at the county level and to represent their interests. And it’s been a long 17-year run for me and I think it’s just time for me to pass the torch to some new folks to represent us down at the county,” said Veitch.
Saratoga Springs has two spots on the county board. Veitch’s current counterpart Michele Madigan, a Democrat, is running for city mayor, leaving the spots open. Democrats Minita Sanghvi and Sarah Burger are both running, while no Republicans are in the field.
Veitch had received the endorsements of both the city’s GOP committee and the nonpartisan One Saratoga group. He tells WAMC he’s proud of the work he’s been able to accomplish.
“I feel like I’ve accomplished a lot there. My biggest probably accomplishments at the county are in the realm of trails and open space as well as being the chair of the board all the way back in 2015 which is almost 10 years ago. You know, leading the county from the Saratoga Springs community and participating in all the various initiatives we’ve had over the years, I feel like it’s time to move on,” said Veitch.
Veitch’s tenure has coincided with a handful of different city administrations and he prides himself on his ability to work across the aisle.
“You know, compromise is not a bad word and it shouldn’t be a bad word in politics. And it really is the strongest way to achieve success for the constituents that you serve. And it builds trust with the public if you can do things like that. So, that would be my advice for the council going forward. Again, it’s been an honor to work with them and all the different commissioners I’ve had to work with over the years,” said Veitch.
Sanghvi, who currently serves as the city’s Finance Commissioner, said she’s learned a lot from Veitch.
“Whether it’s sewer systems for South Broadway. Or whether it is property tax issues or NYRA admissions, working with them on Saratoga County tourism, occupancy tax. He’s got a wealth of knowledge; he’s got a deep history and love and understanding for the city. He genuinely represents politics above and beyond the parties,” said Sanghvi.
First-term Republican Mayor John Safford, who is seeking reelection in November, said it’s the end of an era.
“I don’t think that Matt is going to be unavailable for advice at all, it’s just having somebody who’s been there that long and knows how things work at the county and having somebody brand new go in there, it will be a deficit for us, there’s no question,” said Safford.
Veitch had been the only official Republican candidate running for city supervisor. City GOP committee chair Mike Brandi praised Veitch’s tenure but says the announcement wasn’t a total surprise.
“So, Matt and I had had some discussions over the past few weeks, so we knew this was a possibility and was likely coming so, we had been planning for this. So, now what happens with the declination of Matt, we have until next Friday, I believe, for our Committee to Fill Vacancies to meet and to select a new candidate. So, those conversations are happening, so meetings are actually on the calendar for early next week so we expect to have a release as to our county slate next week,” said Brandi.
Veitch did not say what his next steps were Friday, but adds he’s keeping his options open.
