We’ll be the first to admit that there’s no exact science to any ranking system, but after much discussion, this is what we came up with. We’re very interested in your feedback. You can contact me at 581-2480, ext. 214, and This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Have a wonderful 2008!

1 – Future of racing in doubt

This was supposed to be the year that the horse racing franchise situation in New York was finally going to be fixed, but in many ways, it seems more broken then ever.

The New York Racing Association has been running Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens, Belmont Park on Long Island and of course, Saratoga Race Course, in Saratoga Springs since 1955. In recent years, the organization has fallen upon corruption charges, mismanagement and even bankruptcy.

A few years back knowing that its contract to run the tracks would be up on Dec. 31, 2007, NYRA began reforming from the top down to the applause of some and disdain of others.

Seeing the immeasurable benefits of running the tracks, various organizations threw their hats into the ring.

Among the many issues that the state and NYRA have been fighting since the beginning has been over who owns the tracks. Governor Eliot Spitzer, NYRA, and the Democrat-controlled assembly support a 30-year extension to the franchise in exchange for the state’s taking uncontested title to Aqueduct, Belmont, and Saratoga. NYRA officials contend that NYRA is the rightful owner of the three tracks and have taken up the issue in bankruptcy court while submitting a financial reorganization plan. Opposition to the 30-year extension has been led by senate majority leader Joseph Bruno, a Republican.

Last week, a state agency that oversees NYRA authorized the agency’s top official to strike a temporary deal with NYRA to allow NYRA to continue to run the tracks next year in the absence of a formal legislative agreement.

In recent days, creditors of NYRA are urging a bankruptcy court not to confirm the organization’s Chapter 11 plan.

The future of racing is clearly the most important issue facing the city of Saratoga Springs and the surrounding communities. Politicians and business people across the board agree that a summer without racing here would devastate the local economy. It is in the best interest of all involved that there’s a resolution in early 2008. Either way, this appears to be the early front-runner for next year’s top story as well. 

2 – McTygue out at head of DPW

For the majority of this past year, one man’s name came up in conversation almost on a daily basis. Whether he was being accused of taking down his political opponent’s lawn signs, of illegal dumping, or of being under investigation by the FBI, Thomas McTygue seemed to regularly find his way onto the cover of nearly every area newspaper.

However, the biggest news story concerning McTygue happened during the first week in November. It was then that Republican challenger Anthony “Skip” Scirocco dethroned the longtime Commissioner of Public Works.

Originally Scirocco had anticipated a tight race, but once the results from the first few districts poured in on election night, it was clear who would come out on top. Scirocco cruised to a landslide victory, defeating McTygue 5,190-3,222.

Many at Republican headquarters relished the infamous commissioner’s downfall. Each time Scirocco’s numbers were posted people cheered, but the applause was even louder every time it was confirmed that McTygue had lost a district.

Prior to his win, Scirocco commented on how there had been too much fighting going on amongst the members of the City Council. He said McTygue was very set in his ways, and had a difficult time working with people.

“I am prepared to rebuild the broken bridges between the DPW and the other departments within City Hall. I will bring civility back to the City Council by working with my fellow council members to carry out the work of the city,” Scirocco said.

One of the many groups to put their support behind Scirocco was the DPW Union. It was the first time they’d ever endorsed a candidate for the office.

Scirocco’s win marked the end of an era for the DPW. Over the years, McTygue had been elected 15 times and served the community for more than 30 years.

McTygue had previously said that whether he won or lost the election, this term would be his last. On Thursday, Nov. 8, he confirmed that he would not run again.

Shortly after the election, McTygue said he was proud of what he accomplished during his tenure at the DPW. He added that he’s looking forward to spending his time more peacefully.

3 – Holiday blizzards hit region

The beginning of 2007 saw its first significant snowfall  on two holidays  –  Valentine’s Day and the other on  St. Patrick’s Day.

In anticipation of the snow, many flowers were delivered early by florists or scheduled to be delivered after Valentine’s Day.

Some towns and villages declared a state of emergency prior to the storm hitting and Mayor Valerie Keehn declared Valentine’s Day a day of emergency. Many businesses closed early and people scurried to get snow blowers, shovels and groceries.

About 22 inches of snow fell by Valentine’s evening, which was a Wednesday. The most snow in the area fell in Porter Corners, north of the city.

Skidmore College canceled classes early on Valentine’s Day too.

Reservations were canceled at local restaurants for Valentine’s Day.

As for St. Patrick’s Day some people did venture out to enjoy entertainment and corned-beef and cabbage. Between Gaffney’s Restaurant and The Parting Glass, almost 1,000 pounds of corned beef and cabbage were made for festivities.

Local restaurants saw a slight decrease in numbers, but were pleased people make the trek out.

Ten inches of snow were expected to fall, but the total came in just over a foot for the city. Snow fell at a one to three inch per hour rate from Friday evening to St. Patrick’s Day, which fell on a Saturday.

People bundled up and kept their holiday tradition alive by going out.

4 – Year of drama for City Council

From the beginning of the year to the very last City Council meeting, there was an abundance of tension in City Hall and constant bickering.

Among the major issues that divided the five members was the future of the Public Safety building, which has yet to be resolved and will be a major issue for the incoming council.

Ron Kim, Commissioner of Public Safety, wants a brand new multi-million dollar building to be located in the High Rock Avenue parking lot behind City Hall. An angry Kim walked out a City Council meeting centered on the topic and later apologized. John Franck, Commissioner of Accounts, agrees that they need a new building, but wanted to have other potential sites looked into. There’s also discussion of renovating the current building.

The council, which was made up of four Democrats, disagreed on many topics and usually split 2-2 with Kim backing Mayor Valerie Keehn and Franck on the side of longtime Commissioner of Public Works Thomas McTygue. This led to the Democratic party not backing Keehn in the September primary, instead Gordon Boyd got the nod. Keehn soundly defeated Boyd, but he returned in the November general election as an independent.

On Election Night, it became clear that the Democratic party was divided as they lost two seats - Keehn and McTygue.

The new members of the Council, along with the returnees, have promised to make sure things are much more civil going forward.

5 – Two banks robbed within six weeks

After more than five years without a single bank robbery, two hold ups occurred over a span of less than six weeks in the Spa City.

Both happened on Broadway, and in broad daylight. No one was injured in either incident.

The first robbery took place just before 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 7 at the Saratoga National Bank and Trust Co. Michael G. Suprenant, 49, of Lot 10, Saratoga Mobile Court, 130 South Broadway, allegedly walked up to a teller with a plastic grocery bag and a note indicating he was in possession of a gun.

Suprenant left the bank with nearly $13,000, but was arrested soon after while getting a cab.

Little more than a month later, Friday the 13th proved to be an unlucky day for the Adirondack Trust Co. At 3:30 p.m. a Caucasian male carrying a dark colored portfolio entered the bank, approached a teller and placed a note on the counter indicating he had a gun. After threatening her and demanding money, the man left the bank with approximately $7,000 in cash.

On Tuesday, July 17, the Saratoga Springs Police Department announced they’d identified the man in the second robbery as Rick L. Massey. A warrant for the arrest of the 47-year-old Gansevoort resident was issued that afternoon, and six days after the robbery he surrendered to police in Nashville, Tenn.

Massey pleaded guilty on Tuesday, Dec. 18, to first-degree attempted robbery. He will likely face 10 years in prison plus five years of post release supervision when he’s sentenced on March 4.

6 – Greenwich boy, 12, goes missing

Jaliek Rainwalker, 12, of Greenwich went missing during the first week of November.

Police began an exhaustive search for the boy, but have found very few clues into his whereabouts. Rainwalker is the adoptive son of Stephen Kerr and Joselyn McDonald. 

Kerr was the last person to see Rainwalker alive. His adoptive father believes he ran off while others have different theories; saying the clues just do not add up.

7 – Saratoga Springs cop’s throat slashed

Saratoga Springs Police Officer Adam Baker had his neck slashed on Wednesday, Sept. 5, while trying to bring a man into custody. The 30-year-old patrolman underwent emergency surgery that night at Albany Medical Center, and was said to be in fair condition the following day.

On that date, city police had received a call from Four Winds Hospital that an individual brought for treatment had fled the premises. A mental health pickup order was issued and officers began to conduct an area search in the vicinity of the hospital.

At 2:52 p.m. Baker located the subject, Seth M. Dawson, at the corner of Jefferson St. and East Broadway, approximately a half mile from Four Winds. Officers John Kehoe and John Carey responded to the location to assist Baker.

Baker approached Dawson to take him into custody, and told the man to remove his hands from his pockets. At this point Dawson allegedly cut Baker’s throat with a razor blade.

Asst. Chief Chris Cole said the other two officers at the scene reacted immediately; Kehoe took Dawson into custody while Carey, a veteran officer with 22 years on the force, performed first aid on Baker’s throat. Baker was transported from the scene by an air flight ambulance to Albany.

The officer’s wound was estimated to be between four and five inches in length, and run from Baker’s jaw to his Adam’s apple. Cole said Baker didn’t lose consciousness and was still able to talk after the injury. In fact, Baker didn’t initially even realize he’d been hurt until his fellow officers noticed he was bleeding.

8 – MacFadden retires from school district

After 38 years serving the Saratoga Springs City School District, Dr. John MacFadden retired this past June.

MacFadden was appointed superintendent in 1991, and held the position for 16 years. He officially announced his decision to retire in Oct. 2006, and was succeeded on July 1 by former Deputy Superintendent Janice White.

During his career as an educator, MacFadden worked as a history teacher, assistant high school principal, personnel director, assistant superintendent and superintendent. He also served as a coach for football and track, sports he had played.

While MacFadden was at the helm, the district grew a great deal. Over the course of his 16 years enrollment shot from 2,500 to 7,000 and the budget nearly tripled.

This fall, the district’s central administrative headquarters was renamed the “MacFadden Administration Building” to celebrate the legacy of a man widely respected by his former colleagues and the community at large.

9 – New YMCA opens

The YMCA of Saratoga found a new home in 2007. After being located on Broadway the Y opened its doors on West Avenue in February.

The move more than doubled the size of the YMCA, going from 31,000-sqaure-feet to 75,000-square-feet.

The facility boasts an eight-lane swimming pool, elevated indoor track, gymnasium, sauna, child care, aerobics studio and has the potential of expansion. The 8,100-square-foot fitness room has more than 100 pieces of equipment. More than 18,000 members utilize the YMCA of Saratoga.

One of the benefits of the move to West Avenue is more parking. The new Y has 250 spots.

10 – Ballston Spa turns 200

The village of Ballston Spa celebrated a milestone birthday in 2007, turning 200.

Ballston Spa was first settled in 1771 and became a village in 1807. The village was once known for its mineral spring water. The name came from an early settler, Eliphalet Ball.

The village is now home of the National Bottle Museum and the Saratoga Historical Society at Brookside, along with bed and breakfasts, many local artists and specialty shops.

The bicentennial year saw dances, dinners, parades and re-enactments throughout the year.