SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — In the recent elections, Sarah Burger emerged as the top vote-getter for one of the two Saratoga Springs County Supervisor positions, securing a total of 5,458 votes. This included 4,330 votes from the Democratic line and 1,128 votes from the One Saratoga Line, highlighting her broad appeal across the political spectrum.
Reflecting on her victory, Burger expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support she received from the community. “It feels great, and it means that what I did worked. I’m very grateful to have received very broad support,” she stated in an interview. She emphasized that her electoral success demonstrates her ability to connect with not just Democrats, but also moderate voters, indicating a robust and diverse backing.
As she prepares to take office, Burger is eager to engage with constituents and her fellow supervisors. She believes that establishing strong relationships is vital for effective governance. “Knowing what I now know about the City Council positions, how things work, the time commitments, our form of government and having been through all of this many times now, the county supervisor looked especially appealing,” she explained.
Plans and Priorities as Supervisor
Among Burger’s top priorities is addressing the longstanding issue of bar closing times in Saratoga Springs. She remarked that this has been a contentious topic for over a decade and aims to adopt a schedule similar to that of Warren County, where establishments close at 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends year-round. “The bar closing issue… unfortunately, didn’t make it across the finish line last year, and I think that’s something we really need to deliver,” Burger noted.
Another critical area of focus for Burger will be addressing homelessness in the community. With the city’s temporary low-barrier shelter set to close in late 2026, there is an urgent need for a permanent solution. Burger highlighted the county’s acquisition of land on Ballston Avenue for this purpose but acknowledged the complexities involved in moving forward with the project. She aims to ensure the new facility meets the broader needs of the community, beyond just seasonal shelter.
Burger has also been approached by Lindsey Connors, Associate Executive Director of RISE, to serve on the Saratoga North Country Continuum of Care. This organization focuses on providing comprehensive housing and supportive services to combat homelessness across multiple counties, including Warren and Washington.
Building a Collaborative Environment
As she transitions into her new role, Burger has expressed her intention to build a collaborative environment among county supervisors. She acknowledges that while political affiliations vary, the shared goal is to improve the community. “I believe all of the supervisors really have good intentions and want the best thing; it’s just always a matter of how you get there,” she said.
In her anticipation of working alongside her fellow supervisor-elect, Minita Sanghvi, Burger is keen on leveraging their combined strengths for the benefit of the city and county. They have discussed their committee preferences, which include Law and Finance, Public Safety, and Economic Development, among others.
Looking ahead, Burger recognizes the potential impact of the recent “blue wave” in the county elections. While Democrats do not hold a majority, key seats have been gained, which could facilitate meaningful change. “There could be some meaningful change. That’s exciting and a little bit daunting,” she stated, referring to the opportunities that lie ahead.
In her commitment to transparency and public engagement, Burger plans to establish a Citizens Advisory Committee, comprised of Saratogians from diverse backgrounds. This committee will meet monthly to discuss pressing issues and ensure that the voices of the community are heard in the decision-making process.
As she prepares to assume her responsibilities, Burger has initiated conversations with her predecessor, Matt Veitch, to gather insights that will aid in her transition. She aims to advocate for a more integrated role for County Supervisors within the City Council, suggesting that they should have a vote to modernize governance structures.
With a firm focus on collaboration, community engagement, and pressing issues, Sarah Burger is poised to make a significant impact as she steps into her role as Saratoga County Supervisor.
