At the HCDPA (Hudson Community Development and Planning Agency) meeting yesterday, Quintin Cross, bemoaning the fact that, because all seats on the board are ex officio, there is no continuity, revealed that First Ward alderman Rebecca Wolff will not be seeking reelection. Since Wolff was at the meeting and didn't deny it, it can probably be accepted as fact.
I have spent the past four years watching and learning here in Hudson. I've noticed that our city, while a wonderful place in so many regards, has dramatic opportunities to improve equity, sustainability, communication, and inclusion. Part of what makes Hudson so unique is the vibrancy of the people who live here. We have a responsibility to provide affordable housing to the people who call Hudson home, educational and work opportunities for people to build happy and productive lives, and services for people in need. It's a simple idea, though the path is certainly not smooth. I want every resident of Hudson to feel welcome, safe, and happy in their community.
I will be spending the rest of 2021 attending Common Council meetings, speaking with current and former representatives of Hudson and Columbia County, and doing the research to find models for how Hudson can better serve its community. I will also be listening to residents of Hudson to better understand what you want. Again, no issue is too big or too small. I am here to listen and to act.
There is certainly an incredibly low bar in terms of petitioning for an individual to get on the ballot this year (it takes only a handful of signatures on a petition to run in the Democratic primary.) Given the elevated importance this cycle of relatively inexpensive and accessible tools, such as Facebook and Zoom, running for office should be a consideration for a broad number of Hudson residents who want to help steer the community in a positive direction.
ReplyDeleteConsidering the Democratic Committee (HCDC) has been managed into a disorganized shamble and Galvan seems to have his thumb on the scale of the local Working Families apparatus, endorsements from individuals will be especially important this year. I hope people who want to make a difference give the idea of running some serious thought-both for public office and for seats on the Democratic Committee.
Anyone who has questions about petitioning should contact the Columbia County BOE directly-I wouldn't recommend contacting the HCDC for advice.
I just want to make this clear on behalf of Hudson Catskill Housing Coalition and the Working Families Party we do not or have never received funding from the Galva Foundation or any entity associated with Galvan Foundation. HCHC and the Working Families Party believe Housing is a Human Right and we will continue to advocate for affordable housing for residents of the City of Hudson.
ReplyDeleteQEC