SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. — In a significant achievement, Sarah Burger secured her position as one of the two new Saratoga County Supervisors, garnering a total of 5,458 votes in the recent election. This total includes 4,330 votes from the Democratic Party and 1,128 votes from the One Saratoga Line. Expressing her gratitude for the broad support she received from the community, Burger reflected on her journey to office and the responsibilities that lie ahead.
“It feels great, and it means that what I did worked. I’m very grateful to have received very broad support,” Burger stated in an interview with the Saratogian. She emphasized the importance of her diverse voter base, which extended beyond party lines. “The numbers in my election show that I was broadly supported by Saratogians, not just Democrats or moderates. The results speak for themselves.”
As she prepares to take on her new role, Burger expressed her excitement about the opportunity to serve the public. “Until you’re really in it, you can’t feel it the same way,” she noted. She attributed her decision to run for office to her experiences in various Democratic campaigns and her leadership roles, which include serving as the former Chair of the City Democratic Party and her current position on the executive committee of the New York State Democratic Committee.
Reflecting on her motivations, Burger explained that witnessing missed opportunities during the Department of Public Works special election in early 2025 spurred her to seek the supervisor role. “This time around, I decided, now’s the time. You’re always going to be busy, and there’s always a reason to say no, but this time, I said to myself, ‘I’m doing this,’” she remarked.
Vision for the Future
Burger believes that her background as an attorney and lobbyist positions her to make a significant impact on the County Board. She sees the role as one that allows supervisors to operate more effectively as legislators without the additional responsibilities faced by town supervisors. “Given my skill set, I felt that the county was the place where I could make the most difference,” Burger explained, especially in addressing pressing community issues.
One of Burger’s immediate goals is to foster relationships with county employees and fellow supervisors. She believes that strong connections will facilitate effective governance. “The better you can connect with people, the more you can get done,” she stated.
Among the pressing issues Burger intends to tackle is the longstanding debate over bar closing times in Saratoga Springs. She identified this as a priority, particularly for her and her fellow supervisor-elect, Minita Sanghvi. Burger expressed her disappointment that prior efforts to adjust closing times had not succeeded, attributing this to a perception that it was a localized issue rather than a broader county concern.
“I’ve heard feedback from supervisors of other towns that they didn’t see it as important or thought it was just a Saratoga Springs problem,” she said. She proposes adopting a schedule similar to that of Warren County, where establishments close at 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends. “This issue, which has been around for over a decade, needs to be addressed. It’s a public safety concern,” Burger added.
Another critical area of focus for Burger is homelessness. With the city’s temporary low-barrier shelter set to close in late 2026, she recognizes the urgent need for a permanent Code Blue Shelter. The county has acquired land on Ballston Avenue for this purpose, but Burger acknowledges the complexities involved in planning and construction.
“We can’t just keep kicking the can,” she stated. “There are negotiations to be made about the land lease, and we need to ensure that the facility serves multiple purposes.” Burger has also been invited to join the Saratoga North Country Continuum of Care, an organization focused on eliminating homelessness across several counties.
Commitment to Collaborative Governance
As she prepares to enter office, Burger is considering which committees to join, indicating interest in Law and Finance, Public Safety, Economic Development, and Trails and Open Space. She acknowledges that while the Democrats do not hold a majority in the county, recent elections have changed the landscape, and collaboration with supervisors from both parties can lead to meaningful progress.
“We could be very close to a majority if some Republican supervisors decide to align with us,” Burger noted. “That’s exciting, but it also feels a bit daunting. The uncertainty can be interesting, but we want to ensure our county continues to thrive.”
In her transition, Burger has communicated with her predecessor, Matt Veitch, to gain insights into her new role. She and Sanghvi have discussed their respective strengths and how they can work together for the benefit of the city and county.
While currently serving in the City Council without a vote, Burger advocates for a change that would grant county supervisors a voice in council meetings. “I’ve always supported the idea that we should change the form of government,” she stated. “This is not modern at all, and we must adjust to ensure effective governance.”
Burger also hopes to establish a Citizens Advisory Committee composed of Saratogians who can collaborate with her on community issues. Interested individuals can reach out to her at [email protected].
With a clear vision and a commitment to serving her community, Sarah Burger is poised to make a significant impact as Saratoga County Supervisor, beginning her term with a focus on collaboration and addressing pressing local issues.
