On a couple of occasions, Koedding referred to his opponent, Democratic candidate Joe Ferris, as a "same-old-story kind of candidate." In some respects, that was true. Ferris answered each question the way one might expect a candidate to respond--clearly and directly. Koedding did not. When asked if he would direct the Hudson Police Department to cooperate with ICE, Koedding would not answer yes or no. When asked about protecting the LGBTQ community, he responded, "I'm confused. Aren't they a protected group?" When asked about the potential impact on the city budget of cuts in federal funding, he questioned the existence of such a problem. When asked about climate change and its potential impact on the waterfront and the city, he declared, "Science people are part of the problem. They falsify information. They fake studies." In responding to a question about the gift of Galvan's Hudson properties to Bard College, Koedding opined, "Hudson should offer Galvan indemnification for any harm done to the city in exchange for the properties."
At several points during the debate, Koedding made reference to the novel The Celestine Prophecy, a copy of which he had with him and occasionally brandished.
In his closing remarks, Ferris outlined three key issues:
- Bringing competence back to City Hall
- Communicating with residents through open office hours, town halls, and newsletters
- Bringing a sense or urgency to addressing housing and safety issues
In his closing remarks, Koedding urged people to "start being real with yourselves and find your essence." He also said he was leaving copies of The Celestine Prophecy for members of the audience.
The entire debate can be viewed here.
To learn more about Joe Ferris and to ask your own questions about his views on Hudson issues, attend his town hall this Saturday, October 25, at 1:30 p.m., at the Park Theater.
