Political Developments
The Register-Star reports today that Nick Haddad, First Ward alderman, has announced his intention to run for mayor: "Haddad declares candidacy for mayor." Amid unconfirmed rumors that William Hallenbeck, a Republican, may not seek a third term, there are now two Democrats--Haddad and Tiffany Martin Hamilton--seeking the office. Haddad ran for mayor in 2011, losing to Hallenbeck by only 53 votes.
Also, in the political news, David Marston announced on Tuesday his resignation as First Ward alderman, made necessary by his decision to accept a work opportunity requiring temporary relocation to another state. Marston also announced a First Ward meeting to take place at 12 noon on Saturday, March 21, in the Chamber of Commerce conference room at 1 North Front Street. All First Ward residents are urged to attend.
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After looking at their respective profiles on LinkedIn, I wouldn't vote for Nick Haddad nor Tiffany Martin Hamilton. Perhaps I'll run for mayor since I appear to have superior qualifications and experience in the public sector.
ReplyDeleteUm, don't you live in Catskill?
Delete(No need to answer, since it's Yes.)
You are mistaken. My wife and I own a house on the 500 block of Union Street in Hudson. I have a sailboat at Bliss Marina in Catskill. That's why I am a member of Riverkeeper -- and why I'm working to stop water pollution in the North Bay.
DeleteIn that case, I certainly beg your pardon sir! I'd misunderstood your emails.
Delete(As a separate issue, anyone who cares about ecology in the way that you and I do has every right to weigh in wherever we find the river threatened, as it is now threatened by the City of Hudson.)
So if you will allow me to reverse myself entirely, I hope that you DO run for mayor!
Only an environmentally-minded person has the right kind of long-term vision to revitalize Hudson's waterfront.
What city leaders have done till now is frame every waterfront consideration in terms of this or that terrestrial interest. From one or another narrow perspective, you get zoning, infrastructure, and water access - pretty much in that order - and soon the planning crashes against state guidelines telling us what a waterfront is meant to be, and also who gets to decide. (Ah, but no one ever reads these guidelines because nobody reads anything.)
All of the guidelines for all of the federal/state water-related programs (e.g., LWRP, LTCP, BOA [NYS]) not only require, but actually privilege public participation.
Hudson gets it the wrong-way round every time. Here we've got a growing trail of programs which failed because the public was left out (BOA, LTCP), or routinely cheated in some way (LWRP).
City leaders never, ever, learn from this, and the city even appears to double-down with each failure. With each failure, these same people on the public payroll conclude that they still weren't exclusive enough.
Consequently, whenever the public's invited to anything it is as window dressing only. And then the circle of resentment begins all over again.
What a stupid, stupid place.
When it comes to running for mayor, the more the merrier.
Speaking of our river, I will be leading a cleanup of the shoreline at Dutchman's Landing Park in Catskill on May 9, 2015, as part of the Riverkeeper Sweep event. I hope a lot of people from Hudson and Catskill will join me.
DeleteLosing David Marston is most definitely sad sad news.
ReplyDeleteThe 1st Ward is despondent, but wishes Dave well.
DeleteWe hope the residents in the Hudson Terrace on the south side are given notice hmm.
ReplyDeleteWe are contacting all current voters in the First Ward that we have phone numbers for. I will also be knocking on doors as my health permits. Helpers welcome as a lot of us are down with the dread virus going around. If you want an up to date list of voters registered in the First Ward you can contact Hilary Hillman at the Board of Elections 518 8283115. It's available printed (small charge) and email (free). My phone # is 917 699-5688 my email sarahsterling12534@gmail.com. best Sarah Sterling County Supervisor, Hudson First Ward
ReplyDelete