Sustainable Saratoga Questionnaire: Answers by Mayor Scott T. Johnson

Q1.  During these challenging economic times, do you view economic diversity and local production as stabilizing factors for our local economy? If so, please provide us with an example of a policy action or decision you will make or promote in the upcoming term that will improve our community’s economic resiliency.

A1.  Economic diversity and local production certainly are stabilizing factors for any successful local economy, particularly during the continuing economic uncertainty.  In fact, one of the top issues facing our community is the continued promotion and improvement of our local economy.  With so many forces beyond our local control, particularly at the state and federal level, we must do what we can locally to control the risks and make us more resilient to external forces.  A prime example of strengthening our local economy and expansion of our tax base is the current plan to construct a parking deck on the Woodlawn Avenue surface lots, to address the long acknowledged parking need downtown.  This project is also the first public private partnership undertaken to achieve this solution in the most cost effective manner.  Additional revenue, both public and private, will be generated from the expansion of parking.  In addition, the environmental benefit will follow by reducing the emissions currently generated by motorists who continually circle around City streets looking for parking.  This more centralized, prime location for parking expansion will minimize both traffic congestion, while looking for street parking, and the reduction of harmful emissions.

Q2.  As our region continues to grow and develop how will you work to maintain a community that has policies and infrastructure that support walking, biking, and public transportation?

A2.  To ensure a successful and sustainable community, all communities should have in place policies and infrastructure that collectively support activities and transportation without undue reliance on the automobile.  More and more, municipalities must collaborate on both a regional and neighboring basis to promote consistency and complimentary policies and procedures.  An example of a collaborative approach is found in the citizen group Shared Access Saratoga, with representation of twenty four members that represent diverse community interest, including Healthy Transportation Network, Sustainable Saratoga, AARP, Saratoga Hospital, Skidmore College Sustainability, Saratoga Chamber of Commerce, Complete Streets, Cool Cities, and local developers.  With all the stakeholders at the table, we are increasingly well positioned to create a policy document that is effectively tailored to the City’s needs and processes, as well as to provide a well guided implementation of policies, such as Complete Streets, within our decision making process.

Q3.  As you know, the State has passed Complete Streets legislation.  With your leadership, what will Saratoga Springs do to comply and promote sustainable transportation? 
Would you create bike infrastructure (such as bike lanes and signs) when roads are repaved? 
Would you consider adding hybrid vehicles to the municipal vehicle fleet? 
Would you promote education about the negative health effects of idling vehicles, buses, and trucks?
Why or why not?

A3.  The City has already been very supportive of the general idea of Complete Streets, as demonstrated through the City’s development review process which always factors in all users of the streets in the approval process for City development.  We have been participating in a leadership role with a group known as Shared Access Saratoga, as aforementioned, which consists of a very diverse membership from practically every aspect of the community.  To further this collaboration, the City is applying for a Complete Streets technical assistance grant, through Smart Growth America, to assist with policy development and implementation.  Regardless of whether the issue is bike infrastructure, alternative energy vehicles, or the negative effect of idling vehicles, the environmental impact must always be addressed within the context of City operation and the cost of services to all residents in the most cost effective, responsible manner.

Q4.  Do you believe that Global Climate Change is real?  Please cite your reasoning with specific examples and give an example of how your belief may or may influence your policy-making decisions.

A4.  At this point in time, global climate change is, or more should be, accepted as reality.  As part of our policy making decisions, we have taken steps and are currently applying as part of a regional consortium, representing the eight county area, under the creation of a Regional Sustainability Plan with measures such as a NYSERDA Grant Cleaner Greener program to improve energy efficiencies throughout the community, promote renewable energy, and result in reduced emissions of carbon.  By the City applying for the creation of this plan with neighboring municipalities, throughout the eight county capital region, the focus toward a regional approach and solution as a top priority is advanced.  This effective sharing of resources and regional strategy provides the maximum accountability and facilitates the short term and long term sustainability goals for energy supply, transportation, water management, waste management, land use, open space, agriculture, housing and economic development.  Also, as a signatory to the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement in 2009, the City has been working with local sustainability initiatives and organizations to complete the inventory of global warming emissions in City operations and in the community, to then set reduction targets and create an action plan.  Also, as part of land use policies, the City has long ago adopted a Comprehensive Plan with goals to reduce sprawl, preserve open space, and protect and enhance our walkable and vibrant urban setting.  Open space initiatives have also progressed over time, including the most recent completion in 2010 of the Spring Run Trail, continued advancement of the Railroad Run Trail, with complementation to and consistency with the county wide system of trails.  In the end, education is the key component toward truly achieving sustainability, with the education being a cooperative effort between the public, schools, organizations, associations, businesses and local industry toward any realistic reduction of global warming pollution.