In 2021, Gary Purnhagen filed nominating petitions and became one of only two candidates to represent the First Ward on the Common Council. In July 2021, Purnhagen announced he was dropping out, so Margaret Morris launched her write-in campaign, which she did not abandon when Purnhagen changed his mind and announced, on October 14, 2021, that he was back in the running. Despite the fact that his name was on the ballot, and hers wasn't, Purnhagen lost to Morris by 24 votes. This year there's a chance Purnhagen could lose to a write-in again.
Today, Donna Streitz made known her intention to run a write-in campaign for councilmember in the First Ward. Streitz explains her reason for running in this way:
I recently decided to run as a write-in candidate for 1st Ward Councilmember, motivated by the failed October 9 Common Council vote to clarify the City Zoning Code--a change that would have helped to protect our waterfront from intensified industrial use, consistent with the 2011 Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan (LWRP). Only one 1st Ward councilmember--Margaret Morris--voted Yes; Gary Purnhagen voted an emphatic No. That decision--and the overwhelming public support for the clarification--convinced me it's time for stronger representation.
Streitz identified these areas of focus and strength:
Accountable:
- Will be accountable to residents of the 1st Ward and will ensure that your voices are heard in City business and decision making
- Will be an active member of the Council and will provide transparency in decision making
Commited:
- Full-time resident of the 1st Ward since 2018
- Committed to the long-term health and future of the City and our waterfront
- Will consider impact on the City budget in business before the Council
Experienced:
- Co-lead on the 11 Warren Street Action Group that opposed the County's purchase of 11 Warren Street
- Active member of Our Hudson Waterfront and coalition of businesses on the waterfront, working to protect our waterfront for all Hudson residents
- Member of Ad Hoc Truck Committee
- Docent at Olana
- Over 30-year career health care consulting, specializing in oversight of major carriers to ensure fair and honest administration.
First - imagine if Morris did not win her write-in campaign a few years ago. Hudson would be beyond repair with 2 or 4 more years of Tom DePietro's virtue signaling law-making. It is as consequential for Hudson as the Bush/Gore election and the case of the hanging chads in Florida.
ReplyDeleteSecond - Gary is not the best candidate for the 1st Ward:
A - he does not understand that it is his fiduciary duty to vote for first ward resident interests, not other wards OVER and AGAINST first ward interests. It is like a Ohio Senator voting against Ohio residents and business interests to help Rhode Island because the RI issue is mainstream feel-good dogma that leads to a NYT name check.
The system was not designed that way.
B. Gary outsources his thinking, and often his votes:
He rarely articulates a view from first principles, common sense, or research, he defers to career politicians. "I asked Nick Zachos about the youth center... and I follow his advice since he seems to know.... "
Let's ask the DOD general what he thinks about military spending...
This is how Gary ended up voting for rent control measures and opening up our City Hall to outside non-resident agitators.
Third - He serves on the CHATHAM Business Alliance.
https://visitchathamny.com/about-caba/
Hudson is burning with division, stretched budgets, a pathologically dishonest mayor handing out public funds for votes with his girlfriend cum Housing "Justice" Director, the 1st Ward is being harmed at the Waterfront, our roads torn up by large cement trucks, on 11 Warren street we lose housing for County storage, accidents on the two-way/one-way Union Street, historic trees almost lost were it not for Linda Mussman stepping up...
Meanwhile Gary Purnhagen finds the time to sponsor go-nowhere, divisive, and ultimately failed Charter Commissions legislation with DePietro and helping a town 30 min away.
Gary, one of our readers asked us:
"What has Gary done for the 1st Ward other than sell us out and cosplay as a fairweather 2010s Democrat?"
Donna, Henry, and Patti are all more capable, attentive, and common sense minded than the average Council Member today, and certainly Gary the flip flopper.
Time for the 1st Ward residents to put the 1st Ward first. If we do not, on one else will, and no matter what, we foot the bill.
On the positive side, hopefully the 4 candidates running in the 1st ward will lead to a higher voter turnout.
Gary, where can residents read more about what you did for the 1st Ward? (as opposed to other wards, and yourself?)
Hugo,
DeleteYou’ve repeated for some time now that I don’t vote in the interests of First Ward residents. I disagree. Maybe the difference is that we don’t see the First Ward the same way.
Your criticism became most vocal after I voted in favor of the Good Cause Eviction Law, which I supported because I believed it would help stabilize housing for many of our neighbors who are struggling to remain in Hudson, and for local businesses that can’t grow without a stable workforce. That vote, like every vote I’ve taken, has been guided by what I believe serves the entire First Ward.
Hudson is a small city, with fewer than 6,000 people, and while each Ward has its own character, our challenges are shared. I listen to residents across the Ward and make decisions that balance compassion, fairness, and sustainability for our whole community.
I take that responsibility seriously. I’m proud to represent the most diverse Ward in Hudson, and I’ll continue to vote based on what’s right for our neighbors, not on political pressure or soundbites.
Finally, your recent post included a statement in quotation marks that you attributed to me, something I never said. If you have proof of that quote, please share it. If not, I respectfully ask that you remove it. Accuracy matters, especially when we’re discussing issues that affect our community.
Gary Purnhagen
Hudson Common Council, First Ward
Dear Gary -
Delete"Maybe the difference is that we don’t see the First Ward the same way."
The who and where of the 1st Ward is known and set by law. We are talking about the exact same streets, structures, and households.
"Your criticism became most vocal after I voted in favor of the Good Cause Eviction Law, which I supported because I believed it would help stabilize housing for many of our neighbors who are struggling to remain in Hudson, and for local businesses that can’t grow without a stable workforce. That vote, like every vote I’ve taken, has been guided by what I believe serves the entire First Ward."
0. No. We started criticizing you when you dropped in, and then out, and then in again, all because of some job somewhere that did not materialize, which seemed odd, and Gossips covered it all.
1. The overwhelming majority of economists and policy makers agree that rent control does not work.
But Gary Purnhagen, Quintin Cross, For the Many, Claire Cousins, and Tom DePietro disagree. Got it.
You voted for that resolution without even reviewing the City's federally mandated Fair Housing report, which showed zero issues. Were you just trying to help Kamal avoid eviction from the Galvan property?
2. If you genuinely cared about "our neighbors who are struggling to remain in Hudson".... you'd vote to lower taxes, or take steps to support local business that employ people. Hudson taxes are 2 to 3x the surrounding area.
3. Why don't you write out your beliefs?
And why did you delete the long Facebook post where you "explained" your vote? Could it be because the post revealed that you did not understand the law, and misunderstood key provisions, and that your post betrayed that fact?
"Hudson is a small city, with fewer than 6,000 people, and while each Ward has its own character, our challenges are shared. I listen to residents across the Ward and make decisions that balance compassion, fairness, and sustainability for our whole community."
The evidence refutes your argument:
1. Then why did you vote against your fellow 1st Ward Common Council member every time when it mattered, thereby neutralizing 1st Ward's weight in key decisions.
Are you implying that Margaret Morris does not "listen to residents... and balance compassion, fairness...". Morris beat DePietro 2:1 and received the most votes of any candidate in the most recent primary, and likely the general.
She received more votes than you did when you were backed by the Dems and she was a write-in.
In other words, if 1st Ward residents trust Margaret Morris' judgement.... they should not vote for you.
You are the anti-Margaret, based on your votes, inconsistent participation (see Friedman post) and popularity (see Election Board).
2. If you were doing a good job why are your neighbors, old and new, running against you... even as write-ins.
I take that responsibility seriously. I’m proud to represent the most diverse Ward in Hudson, and I’ll continue to vote based on what’s right for our neighbors, not on political pressure or soundbites.
0. Diverse in what sense; demographic, professional, or intellectual?
And what is your evidence for that statement?
1. You flipped flopped on running in the first place, then you flip flopped on key votes.
2. Show us the evidence of your original work? So far all we see is a muddled Sidewalk Tax implementation (why another tax Gary?) and you caving to political pressure, see the budget vote, the Bliss / Restore NY vote, and the rent control vote.
RE: "Finally, your recent post included a statement in quotation marks that you attributed to me, something I never said.
DeleteIf you have proof of that quote, please share it. If not, I respectfully ask that you remove it."
We shared below when you said it and where, pulled from our notes. Whenever any of us meet with career politician types we take and share notes. You will see in the coming weeks.
Besides, what are you implying, that you do not trust Nick Zachos' opinion on local policy?
Since "accuracy matters" - why don't you re-publish your deleted statement on the rent control law and explain why you deleted it?
In the end, your resume and day-job says "pro business", but your track record shows that you are anti-business.
How can the 1st Ward trust you with another term?
Donna has done 5X more as a resident. Henry served on the council before.
Both speak honestly and directly and do not outsource their votes and thinking to other wards and lobbyists.
If you are honest, then:
- Who are you supporting for mayor?
- What have you done for 1st Ward businesses in Hudson? (No other ward overlaps as much with Warren Street as the 1st Ward)
- What have you done for the Waterfront? (No other ward overlaps as much with the Waterfront)
- What will you do differently in the next term now that you spent the last term neutralizing the vote of your far more experienced and respected (and greater voter receiver) fellow council member from the 1st Ward?
Wonderful news for the 1st!
ReplyDeleteGreat news! The 1st needs representation that’s more assertive.
ReplyDeleteI'm selling my home and moving to the 1st Ward to support Donna! - PJ
ReplyDeleteI recently asked Gary why the 300 block of Union was not repaved as part of this year's state funded CHIPs project even though Rob Perry told and showed the council in February or March that the 300 & 400 blocks would be repaved. Gary shook his head and replied, "I don't know." He didn't seem to care, probably unaware that a long and damaged street block in his ward was scheduled to be repaved AND get several new pedestrian curb ramps at no expense to city taxpayers. Otherwise, one would expect, he would have asked Rob Perry about it at the following council meeting. You know, to hold someone in power accountable!
ReplyDeleteI have a running bet that Hugo can't go more than two weeks without mentioning me on Gossips so we are ahead of schedule. Gary has been a great council member representing the first ward in my opinion. I always found him approachable, open minded and willing to stand up both for what he believed in and what his constituents advocated for. If I was still in the first ward he would be my first choice for the council.
ReplyDeleteIf you still lived in the city of Hudson …
DeleteGary is a much better alderman than either of mine … of course, I live in the 3d ward and believe both of my aldermen died years ago or are otherwise paralyzed.
And, what, exactly, do you believe a man who abstains more than he votes and without any justification for such weak behavior, stands for? Whatever’s convenient?
To be fair, in this particular instance Gary voted no and did not abstain. He also provided a rationale twice: Once before casting the vote and once here as a comment in the other thread.
DeleteI am sure he can be criticized but I don't think this is the occasion when it should happen.
Gary -
Delete- What about voting for Rent Control (Good Cause Eviction)?
- What about voting for the spiraling budget based on inaccurate revenue projections?
- What about the RestoreNY Grant charade where you voted against the legal committee's guidance and your fellow 1st Ward council member?
Your day job is in business promotion... yet you are one of the most anti-business Common Council members in memory.
And Nick - now that you live in Greenport, and as a 5+ year paid City of Hudson employee, your past actions spending public funds remain relevant.
Unlike your fellow HBR aid-industrial profiteers, you have the education and background to articulate your views clearly, even if they are not always backed by evidence.
Besides, betting isn’t your game. Taxpayers and not for profits have been underwriting your risks and actions in Hudson for years.
Hugo, your fabricated quote remains on your post. Do you stand by it? If so, you should be able to easily verify it, if not do you plan on leaving it up? Looks to me like your AI app served you crap
DeleteGary -
DeleteMay 11th 2024 at roughly 10:20am at Verdigris you said "I asked Nick Zachos about the youth center... and I follow his advice since he seems to know... "
Do you now recant that you take your guidance from non-residents?
The only "crap" is your 2nd hand opinions that belong in the 2010s NYT opinion section.
The Editors
Hugo,
DeleteYou recently attributed a quote to me that I never made. When I asked you to provide proof, you responded that you “took notes.” Personal notes are not evidence. If you have an actual recording, email, or message from me with those words, please present it. Otherwise, I respectfully request that you correct the record and remove the quotation.
Since you’ve chosen to characterize our conversations publicly, I think it’s important for residents to have full context.
At our first meeting at Verdigris on May 11, 2024, you began by sharing your academic achievements and full scholarship to Harvard. In the same conversation, you spoke strongly against public-assisted housing and then ended by telling me you had legal counsel on retainer and were prepared to sue the City if necessary.
That first meeting set a pattern: assert authority, dismiss vulnerable residents, then threaten litigation. It is within that context that I view your ongoing criticisms of my votes and my representation of the First Ward.
I represent all First Ward residents—renters, homeowners, working families, seniors, those in affordable housing, and those investing in our future. I will continue to listen to every one of them and vote accordingly—based on facts, law, and what serves the Ward as a whole.
— Gary Purnhagen
Hudson Common Council, First Ward
Gary,
DeleteWe read your comment. Colorful stuff.
You seem far more interested in our tone than in your own record. That tells residents plenty.
We took notes, not recordings. If a line was misattributed, we will amend it. But you did say what you said: you outsource your opinions to captured insiders and support virtue signaling legislation over helping your ward.
You can call that interpretation, but you cannot call it fiction.
Your comment dwells on resumes and feelings. Ours deals in results.
Law-abiding residents and public servants do not fear litigation; they welcome accountability. Since you wish to set context, let us do it properly.
Unanswered Questions for Gary:
1. Which mayoral candidate are you supporting, and why?
2. Why did you delete your public reasoning for the Rent Control law? If it is sound, let residents see it.
3. What evidence can you show of substantive work, passed legislation, for Warren Street businesses?
4. What will you do if you earn another term?
5. Why are you volunteer in another town's pro businesses group if your own Ward is falling apart and ignored by City Hall?
These are not personal questions. They are the only ones that matter. Stop distracting, stop showing insecurity, and start accounting honestly for your record.
Why are we subsidizing your healthcare if you are not doing the work.
Donna,
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the race. First, thank you for the leadership you’ve shown through your work on the Waterfront and at 11 Warren.
I’d like to ask you a sincere question: if a very popular proposal came before you—one you supported in principle—but you believed it would lead to litigation, cost the City significant money, and ultimately fail to achieve its intended goals, would you still vote yes for it?
The waterfront issue is not just a First Ward matter; it’s a City of Hudson issue. I believe every Council member at last Thursday's meeting wanted to vote yes on this law. But when the vote results were three yeses, three noes, and three abstentions, it was clear the proposal was not ready to move forward.
If blame is to be assigned for the bill’s failure, it should fall on those who voted against tabling the measure. Tabling it would have allowed the Council the time needed to study its implications more carefully and craft a version that could withstand legal scrutiny. Those of us who supported tabling did so in good faith—because we wanted to see a strong, enforceable law passed.
Gary Purnhagen
Hudson Common Council, First Ward
Gary, our Planning Board has spent eight years behaving as though fear of litigation is their prime motivator. That's a weak, chickenshit approach that is leading us to a bad waterfront outcome. A gravel company based in Greenport that represents a constant threat of expensive litigation is a company that we don't need in our community. ~ PJ
ReplyDeletePeter I agree with you completely. We all have to work towards effective change.
Delete