Saratoga Springs is starting the new year with a new mayor and new public safety commissioner. They took the oath of office on Monday, along with other city and county leaders.

John Safford, Republican veteran and entrepreneur, defeated Democratic Mayor Ron Kim in November.
Republican and former FBI agent Tim Coll claimed victory over Democratic Public Safety Commissioner Jim Montagnino.

Kim and Montagnino had been elected in 2021. They were both ousted in three-way elections, which came after the two publicly fought over the handling of disruptions to city council meetings.

Both Republican Party victors ran on the idea of eliminating drama in city hall, a message voters appeared to embrace.

The most pressing task is creating a more permanent plan to address homelessness in the city, Coll said. Safford said the issue is also at the top of his priority list.

Hear Safford’s message about uniting the community by watching the video of Stella Porter’s story.