New Saratoga Springs finance commissioner making history

SARATOGA SPRINGS – City Hall in Saratoga Springs is taking on a new look in the new year. The first Asian-American mayor, and the newly elected finance commissioner is also making history, becoming the first woman of color and openly gay person on the council.

Born and raised in Bombay, India – Minita Sanghvi grew up in a culture that does not fully embrace people who are gay.

Her parents wanted to arrange her marriage. However, in India – you don’t just marry the person – you marry into the entire family.

"I started panicking. I was like, ‘What am I going to do, how am I going to get out of this,’" said Sanghvi. "I didn’t have any way of saying no. There was no reason I could give them as to why I don’t want to see boys."

Her excuse – continue her education. She brought up the idea of getting another master’s degree.

Now, 20 years later – she is proudly out – telling her truth to her parents, who have embraced her. She’s also gotten married and started a family. Her son Jamie is 7.

Her wife Megan stood by her side as she was sworn in on January 1 as the new finance commissioner of Saratoga Springs.

Hear about Sanghvi’s hopes for the future of the city, and about the challenges she faced campaigning door-to-door – like when a concerned resident called police – by watching the video of Subrina Dhammi’s story.