There could not be a more appropriate recipient of the first Great American Place Award than the city of Saratoga Springs, New York (October). I warmly congratulate Mayor J. Michael O’Connell and all the people of Saratoga Springs and also commend American Heritage for instituting this aptly named annual tribute.

Our administration is committed to fostering heritage tourism, one of the fastest-growing segments of our resurgent economy. We are doing it through partnerships with local governments and the private sector—a collaboration which is clearly symbolized by this award.

The city of Saratoga Springs has been a place of history, beauty, celebrity, and healthful recreation for nearly two centuries and will continue to be as long as the springs flow, the horses run, the music plays, and the people care.

We have innumerable “Great American Places” in New York, and we look forward to being in the winner’s circle again and again.