Johnson vows fiscal conservatism

During his opening remarks, Johnson thanked his fellow City Council members, Commissioner John Franck, Commissioner Kenneth Ivins, Commissioner Skip Scirocco and Commissioner Ron Kim for making the Council a more civil and professional experience during their administration.

"If we continue with civility and professionalism, we can live up to the demands and expectations of all Saratogians," he said. "We should be able to agree to disagree, at times, and still move on to do the City's business."

Johnson first addressed the "unforeseen and unpredictable economic challenges" that currently face the city, state and nation.

"Many financial analysts are comparing the current economic downturn to that not seen since the Great Depression," he said.

Johnson said while the city may be better able to weather the economic downturns than other communities due to its success as a destination and resort community, it still must brace itself for uncertainty in 2009 and beyond. He stressed fiscal conservatism as a way for the Council to move forward with the best interests of the city.

"The charge to our City Council is obvious: fiscal conservatism, better management and improved efficiency. If nothing else, a tax and spend policy has no place in our current approach."

He stressed that the many fiscal challenges facing the city will require Council members to make non-traditional, creative and affordable solutions on behalf of the city.

"The days of simply bonding for infrastructure or other capital needs is unacceptable to the present day taxpayer who already feels overtaxed," he said. "Part of the solution is we must all, as a united community, continue to work toward promoting our year-round economy and expanding our tax base, to then lessen the burden on the average taxpayer."

Johnson also reinforced the idea of optimism, a renewed attitude and a sense of purpose from within the community during the economic downturn.

"These challenging times dictate that we renew our purpose as a community, recognize our priorities and work together for the common good," he said.

Johnson also ensured people that the city remains strong and committed to preserving and enhancing the quality of life residents have come to enjoy. He said the best example of the city's year-round economy can be seen in the expansion currently being planned for the City Center. He said the project will allow the city to remain competitive in the convention and tourism business, citing that it would be financed through State grants and hotel tax paid by visitors to the city with no increase to taxpayers.

"The plan's focus is the future of Saratoga," he said.

Saratoga Springs Democratic chairman Allan Turkheimer issued a response to Mayor Johnson's address on Tuesday. The statement said Johnson gave a "small and half empty" presentation unworthy of Saratoga Springs. He went on to say that the party agrees with Johnson that the city must become more productive and efficient, but his just saying the words "fiscally conservative" won't make it happen as he offered no real suggestions on how to accomplish this goal.

"He seems to confuse mere words with concrete action," Turkheimer said in the written statement.

Commissioner of Finance Ken Ivins, a Republican, said he was encouraged by Johnson's address and that he would be backing his call for fiscal conservatism.

"The economy is tough; we have to tighten our belts and keep within our means," Ivins said.
Ivins also said that going along with the mayor's encouragement for the council to work together, Scirocco, Kim and he will be heading to meet with Senator Chuck Schumer to see if any of the city's capital projects will qualify for President Obama's stimulus package, including the police station, an EMS facility on the city's East Side, the indoor recreation center or any other infrastructure needs of the city.

"We are very interested in applying for these projects not only to stimulate our own economy, but also to save taxpayers' money that they won't have to bond to make those projects happen," he said.