Hudson City Democrats Announce Election of a New Chairman

Hudson City Democrats elect Aaron Enfield as new Chair.

The Hudson City Democrat Committee announced today that Aaron Enfield has been elected to serve as the new Chair of the Hudson City Democratic Committee (HCDC). 

Until recently, Enfield served as the Constituent Liaison for Assemblymember Didi Barrett. Prior to that he was instrumental in her reelection campaign in Columbia County. He previously served as a Regional Field Organizer for the Human Rights Campaign in the successful fight for Marriage Equality in New York State. He currently works at the long awaited restaurant, Fish & Game.

Mr. Enfield steps into the Chair previously held by Victor Mendolia, who served in the role  for 5 years before stepping down last month. Mendolia will now move into the Vice Chair position.

Chairman Enfield said “I am excited to build upon the great work the committee has done electing Democrats in the City of Hudson and I am looking forward to building on that success and thank the committee for placing their trust in me. My aim is to help elect a broad-based coalition of leaders and to make the city a model for transparent government, smart development and sustainability as we moved forward.”

_______________________________

Democratic Committee Announces Open Call For Candidates

The Hudson City Democratic Committee has announced an open call for people who would be interested in running for office in the City of Hudson, along with interview dates for potential candidates.

Chairman Aaron Enfield said “Every seat in the City of Hudson with the exception for City Judge is up for election in November. We want to be certain that everyone in the City knows that the process is completely open and that we want to hear from as many people as possible. Even if you are only considering run, we encourage you to contact the Committee now.”

Potential Candidates will be interviewed by the committee on one of two upcoming dates, depending on the seat they will be seeking.

Candidates for Mayor, Common Council President and Treasurer will be interviewed on the evening of Tuesday, April 23.

Candidates for Supervisor and Alderman positions will be interviewed in the morning or afternoon of Saturday, April 27.

***Note: You do not necessarily need to be an enrolled member of the Democratic Party to seek our endorsement and ballot line.

Potential Candidates should download a copy of our candidate questionnaire and have it completed for your interview. http://goo.gl/H1xPx

Interested parties must make an appointment by sending an email to

hudsoncitydems@gmail.com or by calling 518.291.9080

Want To Run For Office?

Ever Thought of Running for Office?



We Want You!!

This year in the City of Hudson, nearly every seat in City government is up for election. If you are considering running for office, the Hudson City Democratic Committee is interested in hearing from you.

Please fill out our candidate questionnaire 
return it to us at hudsoncitydemocrats@gmail.com

Hudson Democrats Call on Common Council and Supervisors To Ban Fracking

At the March Meeting of the Hudson City Democratic Committee, the Committee voted unanimously to call on the Hudson Common Council and the Columbia County Board of Supervisors to pass local laws banning the process of Hydraulic Fracturing commonly know as "Fracking" as well as the storage, processing or disposal of Fracking by-products.

Hudson City Democratic Committee

Fracking Resolution

Passed Unanimously Tuesday, March 12^th

Whereas, the process of natural gas extraction called hydraulic fracturing (fracking) injects millions of gallons of water and chemicals (fracking brine) into shale to release natural gas, and

Whereas, the by-products of fracking involve the release of formerly stable toxic chemicals, some radioactive, and

Whereas, oil and gas drilling is currently exempt from disclosing the makeup of fracking chemicals and by-products and is exempt from liability for any spills and contamination that results from such drilling, and  

Whereas, gas wells using hydraulic fracturing require the transport by truck of millions of gallons of fracking fluid, and

Whereas the nature of Columbia County roads and infrastructure are mostly of a rural nature and unable to support increased heavy truck traffic, and

Whereas fracking brine is being proposed as a low cost road de-icer, and

Whereas the possiblity of an accident from the transportation and/or storage of fracking brine poses a danger to the health and safety of Hudson and Columbia County residents, and

Whereas, the Hudson City Democratic Committee is concerned about the health and safety of our community, and

Whereas, the significant adverse environmental impacts from hydraulic fracturing are likely to result in the degradation of the City and County's aesthetic resources, community character, local economy, open and recreational spaces, and water resources.

Therefore be it resolved that the Hudson City Democratic Committee opposes hydraulic fracturing and encourages Hudson's Common Council and the Columbia County Board of Supervisors to enact local laws through their home rule authority, banning oil or gas drilling, banning the storage of any fracking brine or by-products, banning the processing of fracking fluids at water treatment facilities and banning the use of any fracking by-products for deicing roads.

Hudson Election Results

Hudson Democrats Make 2012 Endorsements in Key Races

Hudson NY - The Hudson City Democratic Committee has made endorsements in a number of upcoming races.

For Congress, the committee endorsed Julian Schreibman in the 19^th Congressional District.

    Hudson City Democratic Committee Chair, Victor Mendolia said, “We are thrilled to endorse Julian Schreibman for Congress. In essence his campaign is all about fairness. He will fight to protect the public from unscrupulous financial speculation and to protect the environment and our all-important natural resources. He will continue the work of the great Maurice Hinchey who is retiring after representing much of the new 19^th Congressional District so well. Julian Schreibman’s background in law enforcement and public service is also particularly outstanding. We could not ask for a better candidate.”

For Assembly, the HCDC endorsed Didi Barrett in the 106^th Assembly District.

    After winning a Special Election in the 103^rd Assembly District this past March, Didi Barrett is seeking to continue representing most of the same territory in the newly configured 106^th Assembly District.
    HCDC Chairman Mendolia had this to say about Didi Barrett: “Didi has shown that she understands the issues of Columbia and Dutchess Counties. Her interest in supporting and fostering farmers, the arts and our civic institutions—such as our outstanding volunteer fire departments—makes her a great candidate. We've seen Didi Barrett in Hudson and Columbia County more in the past several weeks than we saw the previous Assemblyman in two years,” he noted. “She is connected and supports the advances that Hudson has made,” he continued. “We look forward to working together for an even brighter future for Hudson and Columbia County in the next term.”

For Hudson City Judge, the committee endorsed Judge John Connor Jr.

    John (Jack) Connor Jr. has served the City of Hudson in many roles. Before being appointed to the city judge vacancy left by the election of Richard Koweek to County Court Judge, Jack Connor served as Acting City Attorney and previously held the position of City Judge. In addition to his public service he has a long history of involvement in the community as a coach and volunteer. 
    “Jack Connor is perfectly suited to be Hudson's City Judge,” said Chairman Mendolia. “His judicial temperament and his knowledge of City Code are his greatest strengths. His involvement in the community is just the icing on the cake. We wholeheartedly support Judge Connor for Hudson City Judge.”

For 1^st Ward Alderman, the committee endorsed Nick Haddad.

    After being appointed to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Larissa Thomas-Parks, Nick Haddad must run in November for the remaining year of the full term of office. The committee wholeheartedly supports the election of Alderman Haddad.
    Chairman Mendolia added, “Nick Haddad has shown himself to be an important part of our team. His graciousness and dedication to Hudson is why he was appointed unanimously to the vacancy on the Common Council and we are behind him 100% in his election bid.”

All of the endorsement votes were unanimous!

Nick Haddad Appointed 1st Ward Alderman

In a strong show of unity, 

Hudson's Common Council has appointed

 Nick Haddad as New 1st Ward Alderman.

City Clerk Tracy Delaney swears in Nick Haddad while Common Council President Don Moore looks on.

At a special meeting tonight, called for the sole purpose of filling the vacancy left by the resignation of Larissa Thomas-Parks, the Hudson Common Council has appointed Nick Haddad to the seat.

The appointment was unanimous with the exception of 4th Ward Alderman Ohrine Stewart who was absent.

Alderman Haddad was sworn in immediately following the vote.

1st Ward residents met the previous Saturday at a meeting organized by Supervisor Sarah Sterling and Alderman Dave Marston. A straw poll was conducted which went overwhelmingly for Haddad. Sterling and Marston also brought forth a number of constituent emails and letters supporting Haddad.  A petition circulated by 1st Ward residents supporting Mr. Haddad was also presented to the Council, urging them to appoint him as 1st Ward Alderman.

The Hudson City Democratic Committee thanks 1st Ward residents who made their voices heard and the Common Council members who supported the will of 1st Ward residents. 

We also congratulate Mr. Haddad and look forward to him serving the people of his Ward.

Didi Barrett Sweeps Hudson

Assembly candidate Didi Barrett has swept the City of Hudson by a huge margin. 433-131, a more than 3 to 1 margin.

In the rest of the Columbia County portion of the district, Ms. Barrett also carried the towns of Austerlitz, Ancram, Canaan, Ghent and Hillsdale.

 

1st Ward Residents Meet to Discuss Vacancy

1st Ward Residents Straw Poll goes overwhelmingly for Nick Haddad. 

Hudson Democrats also endorse Haddad.

An informational meeting about the open seat caused by the resignation of Larissa Thomas-Parks was organized by 1st Ward Supervisor and Alderman Dave Marston at the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce on Saturday morning March 17th.

Two people have currently expressed interest in the vacant seat, former Mayoral candidate Nick Haddad and former Alderman Geeta Cheddie. Cheddie was not present but sent a prepared statement which was read by Alderman Marston. Nick Haddad was present and touched on areas he would like to focus on.

1st Ward Voters line up to vote in straw poll. Photo courtesy of The Gossips of Rivertown

 

At the end of the meeting, a straw poll was taken amongst all First Ward residents who attended the meeting, regardless of party affiliation. The results of the straw poll will be presented to the Common Council by Alderman Marston and Supervisor Sterling at the meeting to choose Ms. Thomas-Parks successor on Thursday March 22nd.

Whomever is appointed will have to run again in November in a special election for the seat, which is currently in the third month of the first term. The seat would be up for election again in 2013.

Read More in Register-Star and Gossips of Rivertown

A Conversation With Didi Barrett

On Sunday March 18th at 3pm, 

the Hudson City Democratic Committee 

invites you to 

A Conversation with Didi Barret.  

The event will take place in the intimate P.M. Wine Bar.  

Didi will discuss some of the issues she stands for and we will then open it up for questions and answers.

This will be the final time to meet Didi in Columbia County before the Special Election on Tuesday March 20th.

P.M. Wine Bar is located at 119 Warren Street in Hudson

All Five Hudson Supervisors Endorse Didi Barrett for Assembly

(l-r) 3rd Ward Supervisor Ellen Thurston, 4th Ward Supervisor William Hughes Jr, Assembly Candidate Didi Barrett, 5th Ward Supervisor Rick Scalera, 1st Ward Supervisor Sarah Sterling, 2nd Ward Supervisor Ed Cross

In a strong sign of unity, all five Hudson Supervisors have enthusiastically endorsed Didi Barrett for Assembly.  

The special election will be held Tuesday March 20th.

Democratic Aldermen and Supervisor Candidates Score Huge Victories

There were 4 Contested Alderman seats, 2 contested Supervisor seats and of course the citywide positions. 
Our endorsed candidates won every one of those seats by landslides.

Supervisors-elect Ellen Thurston and Sarah Sterling

Aldermen-elect Dave Marston and Larissa Thomas

With this election, every seat on the Common Council and every Hudson seat on the Board of Supervisors will be held by Democrats.

Thank you to everyone for their support.



Following is a chart of the election returns for Alderman and Supervisor.

Hudson Supports Countywide Candidates and Elects Koweek

Every Democrat for Countywide or Supreme Court positions won the City of Hudson by wide margins. The city also helped elect native son Judge Richard Koweek to the County Judge position. 
The chart below show the Hudson vote for Supreme Court and the Countywide seats.

Senator Gillibrand Endorses Nick Haddad for Mayor

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, who until recently made her home on Mt Merino, just outside Hudson, has endorsed Nick Haddad to be Hudson's next Mayor.

The Hudson City Democratic Committee is honored to have the Senator's support for Nick's campaign.


About the endorsement, Senator Gillibrand had this to say, 

"Hudson needs a Mayor who has the business experience and management skills to attract new business, foster and expand the businesses that exist today and to develop Hudson's greatest asset, its waterfront. Nick Haddad has just those skills. Nick will build upon Hudson's strengths and get Hudson back to work. I look forward to working with Nick as Hudson's next Mayor."

After receiving word of the Senator's endorsement Nick Haddad said, 

“Having lived here Senator Gillibrand really knows Hudson, she understands our city and what it needs to reach its full potential. So I am humbled and honored to receive her endorsement."

Reacting to the endorsement, Hudson City Democratic Committee Chair Victor Mendolia commented,

"We are so proud of Senator Gillibrand and thrilled that she remains as engaged in Hudson and Columbia County as ever. She sees what we have been saying all along, that Nick Haddad is the right person to take Hudson forward. We sincerely appreciate the Senator's endorsement and support".

For more information please visit: www.nickhaddadformayor.com

What makes a Candidate Qualified?

Hudson City Court Judge Richard M. Koweek and the Democratic endorsed candidate for Columbia County Judge, has been rated “Qualified” by the Independent Judicial Election Qualification Commission (IJEQC) for the Third Judicial District. 

Judge Koweek is the only candidate for the position of Columbia County Judge to achieve this distinction.

“I am deeply honored". Said Judge Koweek, "The IJEQC process was very detailed and demanding. It was clear during the interview that my judicial experience and demeanor, combined with varied legal knowledge, were significant to the members of the IJEQC. The ‘Qualified’ rating from an independent panel of both lawyers and non-lawyers speaks to my unique qualifications for the position of Columbia County Judge.”

Hudson Democrats Chairman Victor Mendolia said, "It comes as no surprise that Judge Koweek has received a 'Qualified' rating. Everyone who knows him, knows he's qualified.

"The bigger question here is why his opponent did not subject herself to the same scrutiny" said Chairman Mendolia, "It is a shame that Columbia County voters did not have the opportunity to hear where this independent body of lawyers and non-lawyers would have stood, as it regards Ms. Cozzolino's qualifications to sit on the bench.

The IJEQC’s have been established in each judicial district. Each independent screening panel evaluates the qualifications of judicial candidates who voluntarily submit their credentials and experiences to the IJEQC’s scrutiny. Candidates are then interviewed by the interview panel.

 

For more see the Register-Star

We Need Your Help NOW!

We have 9 contested races this year in the City of Hudson and 4 on the County level. 

Each of our candidates is far superior to their opponents.


In Hudson
Citywide
Nick Haddad for Mayor
Don Moore for Common Council President
Eileen Halloran for Treasurer
1st Ward
Sarah Sterling - Supervisor
Larissa Thomas & Dave Marston- Aldermen
3rd Ward
Ellen Thurston - Supervisor
4th Ward
Ohrine Stewart & Sheila Ramsey - Aldermen

In Columbia County
Countywide
Judge Richard Koweek - County Judge
Gene Keeler - District Attorney
Peter Stoll, CPA - Treasurer
Dr. George Davis - Coroner


But in order to win these races, we need your help!

We are seeking support from 100 residents and business owners to make a contribution of ANY AMOUNT.

Please take a moment right now to make a donation in any amount you can, by going to our 100 for Hudson page on ActBlue. 


Help us win these races. It's up to you.

2011 Might Just Be the Year for Competency

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
 

This year in Columbia County, voters are going to have a real choice. They can choose whether to support the same old bunch of people, who don't seem to get much done. Or they can chose the incredibly qualified Democrats who are running Countywide this year.

Competency!

(l-r) Richard Koweek, Peter Stoll, Eugene Keeler, Dr George Davis

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
 

Judge Richard Koweek for County Judge

Richard Koweek grew up and has lived is entire life in Columbia County. He raised great kids here too.

He's practiced most every kind of law that is handled at County Court. He was also elected City Judge in 2009 and currently sits in Hudson City Court. That experience will serve him well on the bench. It will also serve the people of Columbia County well. His opponent is sorely lacking the broad based experience that Judge Koweek brings to the bench.

County Court jurisdiction is broad and diverse, and the position of County Court Judge is multifaceted. It requires a person who can deal with emotional family issues with sensitivity and understanding yet is firm and forthright when dealing with people who have harmed others. He also understands the legal complexities of estate and civil practice. But most of all, he is fair and respects all who come before the Court.

Judge Koweek’s background, temperament, and experience uniquely qualify him to be the next Columbia County Court judge

Visit Judge Koweek's website.

Judge Koweek has been endorsed by:
Columbia County Democratic Committee,  Working Families Party, and the Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation

 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Peter Stoll CPA for County Treasurer

Peter Stoll is a Certified Public Accountant licensed and registered in New York State with extensive audit and income tax experience. He also has an extensive knowledge of information technology, financial systems, and internal controls. Skills that have been sorely lacking, as our county has thrashed back and forth from one unthought out scheme after another.
Peter Stoll has managed the finances for several mid-size businesses for the past 35 years. In this way he has developed the skills required to manage, monitor, and control the way public money is spent in Columbia County. He has a record of implementing major cost savings. Something that the next few years are going to require. He is eager to put his skills to work for the benefit of all of us, and to help reduce the cost of managing the County’s government.

These times require that we seek out and hire only the best people we can find to help solve our financial situation. That is what elections are supposed to be about, hiring the best person for the job at hand. We have found the best person for the job. He is Peter Stoll, the only CPA in the race.

Learn more about Peter on his website.

Peter Stoll has been endorsed by:
Columbia County Democratic Committee,  Working Families Party, and the Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Eugene Keeler for District Attorney

Gene Keeler is an institution in Columbia County. He is a former elected district attorney and has held the positions of public defender, conflict public defender, and, currently, director of legal and advocacy services at COARC. Gene holds a J.D. degree from the University of Memphis and a master’s degree from the University of Tennessee. He is an attorney with 30 years of general practice that includes criminal law and elder law, and is a licensed master’s-level social worker.Gene Keeler knows what is wrong with the system, because he has seen it from every side.

He has been telling the people of this county that the system is rotten and broken for years. Everyone knows about the cronyism, favoritism and shoddy work at the DA's office. But only one person was willing to stand up and call it out for what it was. That man is Gene Keeler. Lots of people have no problem with what goes on there. Because they figure that if they ever need to get off of a DWI or a domestic assault, that there familial, business or political connections, will get them off. When they have issues with the police or the DA's office, everything is just taken care of, with easy sentences if it even goes to court and rarely does anyone read about it in the paper.

But the regular Jane or Joe, who work hard, pay their taxes try to be good citizens, get the book thrown at them, in order to keep the conviction rate high at the DA's office. Political connections should not buy you a "get out of jail free card". Gene has promised to end the “get out of jail free” program for the well-connected. Instead he will give all citizens equal treatment under the law.  Isn't that what we should all expect?

He cares about justice, not statistics. While at the same time, he will make sure that all evidence gets to court and will ooperate fully with the police and community agencies. He will work full time to save the taxpayers money, and will work especially hard to assist victims and to lock up hard-core criminals.

It's time to clean up the mess at the District Attorney's office and stop playing political games with people's lives. Gene will make it a place where all of the citizens of Columbia County will feel that they have an impartial and fair person sitting in the prosecutors chair. Eugene Keeler is the right person for District Attorney.

Eugene Keeler has been endorsed by:
Columbia County Democratic Committee  Working Families Party, and the Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Dr. George Davis for County Coroner

Dr. Davis has served one four year term as County Coroner. He is also the only doctor in recent memory to serve as Coroner. Shockingly, the Coroner's position does not require any medical training at all. All that is required is getting the most votes on Election Day. 

Not many people understand what a corner does. Most people think that the coroner pronounces people "dead". In fact the coroner often gets to the scene quite a while after a person has died. What the coroner mostly does, is investigate why or how the person died. In essence the coroner is the advocate for the deceased.

Dr. Davis has four years experience as County Coroner. He has 30 years’ experience in family practice medicine in Columbia County. He has done extensive training in death investigation. He has a detailed knowledge of the legal system and ethics, and holds a Master’s Degree in bioethics, along with extensive experience in grief work.

He is the advocate for those who have no voices. He is the compassionate doctor who tends to the grieving families. He is the only candidate in the race for coroner with the education, experience and medical training to do the job properly.

He has earned the thanks and apprecaition from so many people in Columbia County, because he was there for them at one of the worst times in their life. He's earned their respect and he should have your vote. Keep the doctor at the corner's office.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Labor Groups Make Endorsements in Hudson and County Races

The Hudson Valley Area Labor Federation

&
Upper Hudson Central Labor Council

have announced their endorsements in the

2011 Hudson and Columbia County elections

UH CLC President Mike Lonigro presents the Labor Group's Endorsed Candidates

The Endorsements

Hudson Races
Mayor - Nicholas Haddad

Common Council President - Donald A. Moore

1st Ward Supervisor - Sarah Hoe Sterling

4th Ward Supervisor - William Hughes

3rd Ward Supervisor - Ellen Thurston

1st Ward Aldermen (2 Seats) - Larissa Thomas & Dave Marston

County-Wide Races

County Court Judge - Richard Koweek
District Attorney - Eugene Keeler
County Treasurer - Peter Stoll

Hudson Democrats Chairman Victor Mendolia Speaks at Endorsement Announcement

Hudson Democrats Chair and newly elected Columbia County Democrats 1st Vice Chair, Victor Mendolia, spoke at the endorsement press conference saying.

The Hudson City Democratic Committee is grateful to have labor’s support in this years election.  The support of organized labor helped our five excellent Hudson candidates who faced primaries, to win those races by unheard of margins. Now we will continue working together, and go on to win in Hudson and Columbia County in November.

Columbia County Democrats Chair, Cyndy Hall speaks at the endorsement press conference

Newly elected Columbia County Democrats Chair, Cyndy Hall spoke at the endorsement press conference and had this to say.

The Columbia County Democrats, together with the Central Labor Council, will keep fighting for this county’s middle class.  We say no to the extreme right’s anti-worker agenda and are committed to saving and bringing in, living wage jobs.

Columbia County Democrats Elect Officers

Columbia County Democratic Committee Elects New Officers

Cyndy Hall elected Chair.

Hudson Democrats Chairman Victor Mendolia 

will serve as 1st-Vice Chair. 

(l-r) Outgoing Chair-Chris Nolan; Newly elected Chair-Cyndy Hall;  
2nd Vice-Chair-Peter Bujanow; Parliamentarian-Keith St. John;  
Secretary-Kaye Abraham; and Treasurer-Carol Sacks.
Note: 1st Vice-Chair, Victor Mendolia, had another commitment and is not pictured.

On Thursday September 15th, the Columbia County Democratic Committee elected new officers at its re-organizational meeting.  Cyndy Hall of Claverack was elected Chair. Miss Hall has served as 1st Vice-Chair of the Columbia County Democratic Committee for the past 4 years. Elected 1st Vice Chair was Victor Mendolia, Chairman of the Hudson City Democratic Committee. Peter Bujanow of Kinderhhook was elected 2nd Vice-Chair. Carol Sacks was elected Treasurer, a role she has held for the past 4 years,  Kay Abraham of Germantown was elected Secretary of the Committee. Keith St. John of Kinderhook was appointed by the Executive Committee as Parlimentarian of the Columbia County Democratic Committee.

Upon election as Chair, Cyndy Hall said "We are so proud of our newly elected team. They all have the skills and experience we need to move the Columbia County Democratic Party forward. Electing officers from Claverack, Hudson, Kinderhook and Copake, ensures that the urban, suburban and rural issues of Columbia County are all represented. We look forward to finding common ground on the serious issues which affect all Columbia County residents. Decreasing the burden on taxpayers, supporting existing business and attracting new business which will provide living-wage jobs will be our priorities. We need to hold the line on all County spending and begin thinking "out of the box" to resolve these issues for the people of Columbia County."

Hall invited all Columbia County Democrats to the next County meeting which will be held on October 20 at SPACE 360 on Warren Street, Hudson at 7pm.

Haddad Wins the Democratic Primary by 2 to 1 Margin

Nick Haddad has won the Democratic Primary for Mayor with 319 votes for Haddad, 157 for Mussmann and a few dozen for Hallenbeck!