The city of Saratoga Springs has been operating without a full City Council for more than two months, and that may continue for a while.

In mid-August, Department of Public Commissioner Jason Golub resigned to take a job with the state.

That left the council with two Democrats and two Republicans. After weeks of negotiations, the council agreed to hold a special election on Jan. 28 to fill the position. They passed a resolution and sent a request over to the county.  

However, Saratoga County Elections Commissioner Joseph Suhrada denied the request. He takes exception with the council choosing that date.

“I am sure none of you would dream of engaging in voter suppression by holding this spectacle in the darkest and least expected time of year,” he wrote.  

He writes this election is at the wrong time and without lawful premise, he concludes that he won’t allow it at this point.

Dillon Moran, who is the elected Saratoga Springs accounts commissioner and city clerk, says Suhrada went too far.

“I’ve never seen such an unprofessional means of communicating in my life. And it demonstrates this man does not have the necessary qualities as an individual to exercise his duty and I think he should resign,” he said.

When contacted by phone, Suhrada responded: “I’m sorry, I hurt Dillon Moran’s delicate sensibilities, but the law is the law and the facts are the facts.”

Serata said there is no provision under state election law to hold a local special election. Moran says the city is prepared to sue to get the special election on the ballot on Jan. 28.