Support Didi Barrett for Special 103rd Assembly District Election

Join the Columbia County and Dutchess County Democrats in supporting Didi Barrett for the Special Election for Assembly District 103.

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!

Sarah Sterling Wins Landslide in 1st Ward Supervisor Primary

Alderwoman Sarah Sterling has won her primary battle against incumbent Supervisor John Musall.  The preliminary totals are for Sterling 74 with only 19 for Incumbent Musall.

Ellen Thurston Wins by Landslide in 3rd Ward Supervisor Primary

Alderman Ellen Thurston has won her Democratic primary battle for 3rd Ward Supervisor with Glenn Martin. The preliminary results have Thurston taking 94 votes and Martin receiving 16 votes.

Dave Marston and Larissa Thomas Win Landslide Primary Races for 1st Ward Alderman

In preliminary results in appears that Dave Marston and Larissa Thomas have beaten incumbent Alderman Geeta Cheddie by a landslide in the Democratic primary for 1st Ward Alderman. Preliminary results indicate that Marston received 77 votes, Thomas received 76 votes and Cheddie ended up with only 27.

Sarah Sterling, First Ward Alderwoman Endorses Nick Haddad for Mayor

First Ward Alderwoman Sarah Sterling has issued the following endorsement of Nick Haddad for Mayor. 

"Hudson needs someone who will be responsive to the needs of the City.  We need someone who listens and acts, who isn’t afraid to say no.  There are jobs to be created, budgets to be adhered to and the quality of life to be upheld.  The person to do this is Nick Haddad. ( Nicholas C. Haddad on the write in line!)  A vote for Nick is a vote to ensure that Hudson has an honest, caring and forceful leader as our next Mayor".

Former Mayoral Candidate Michael O'Hara Endorses Nick Haddad

Former Democratic Mayoral Candidate Michael O'Hara Endorses Nick Haddad for Mayor

I have known Nick Haddad for ten years and find him to be a person of integrity who has demonstrated competence in managing people, handling finances and planning for the future. When faced with difficulty, he has used his own creativity and determination to find solutions to problems. As a long time resident of Hudson, he has has worked in many ways to improve the economic conditions of the City. These are the sort of skills we should look for in a person asking for election as chief executive of the City of Hudson. The challenges this community will face in the next few years will require the talent and experience of someone who can focus Hudson's limited resources in an effective way and get important things accomplished. I am confident that Nicolas C. Haddad has the right character, experience and ideas to be Hudson's next mayor and I wholeheartedly give him my endorsement.
 

J. Michael O'Hara

Haddad Campaign Releases TV Ad

Council President Don Moore Endorses Nick Haddad for Mayor

Common Council President Don Moore has issued the following endorsement of Nick Haddad for Mayor of the City of Hudson.

Hudson is a special, complex community.  Its success has always depended upon tenacious, smart leaders in business and government who are committed to making Hudson a growing place to work and live.  I am convinced that Nick Haddad is a leader in that Hudson mold.  He has built a business and raised a family in Hudson.  He has a big heart the reach to embrace our City – all of it – and make it better.

Having spent a year and a half now getting to know what Hudson needs from its elected officials, I can tell you that being a success as Mayor means you are willing to go out of your way when people need help.   That is the Nick Haddad I know.  We need somebody who can get things done, who can organize the most effective city government possible and do so with our limited resources.

It isn’t enough to say Nick is smart.  Sure, he is.  But he is also capable and experienced, which means he’s shown he can put his talents to work consistently and effectively.

And he has a great sense of humor. That’s what provides balance when events try to knock you off your game.  Part of that is just Nick’s nature.  He enjoys life, especially as he lives it here.  Part of it also comes from being tested by life and succeeding when others might think the odds are too great.  That’s what entrepreneurs do.  That is what Nick will bring to the job of Mayor.

It is a pleasure to support Nick for Mayor.

Don Moore
Hudson Common Council President

Supervisor William Hughes Jr Endorses Nick Haddad for Mayor

4th Ward Supervisor William Hughes, Jr. has endorsed Nick Haddad for Mayor, sending a letter to constituents with specific instructions for Tuesday’s primary. Hughes writes:

"Nick’s campaign slogan is 'Let’s Move Hudson Forward, Together'. That is exactly what we need, to all be working together. The Hudson City Democratic Committee and the Working Families Party have endorsed Nick Haddad for Mayor and I urge you to vote for Nick too. Nick is a long-time Hudson resident and business owner and I believe that he is the best person in the race for Mayor for us".

City Treasurer Eileen Halloran Endorses Nick Haddad

Hudson City Treasurer

Eileen Halloran 

has officially endorsed 

Nick Haddad for Mayor

Nick Haddad and Eileen Halloran

Treasurer Halloran said:

“As a fellow Democrat, I hope you will join me in writing in the name Nicholas C. Haddad for Mayor on September 13th. Nick is a real candidate with local business experience and these are serious times. I would welcome the opportunity to work with him in City Hall.”

Detailed information about writing in Nick’s name on Tuesday can be found at this link.


If you’d like to make your own endorsement of Nick, you may do so on on Nick's website.

Vote for Ellen Thurston for 3rd Ward Supervisor

Ellen Thurston

On Tuesday September 13th, there is a Democratic Primary in Hudson's 3rd Ward for Supervisor.


Current Alderman, Ellen Thurston is the endorsed Democrat for 3rd Ward Supervisor.

Ellen has the Knowledge and the Experience to represent the 3rd Ward on the County Board of Supervisors.

AS A THREE-TERM HUDSON ALDERMAN

Presently:

• Democratic Majority Leader
• Board Member of Hudson Development Corporation
• Board Member of Hudson Community Development & Planning Agency
• Board Member of Hudson Industrial Development Agency
• Chair of Common Council Legal Committee

In Past Terms:

• Chair of Common Council Arts, Entertainment & Tourism; Youth & Aging; and Legal Committees
• Chair of 2009 Quadricentennial Committee
• Chair of Columbia County Partners in Tourism Committee

AS AN ACTIVE & INVOLVED COMMUNITY MEMBER

• Hudson Rotary Club 2010 Citizen of the Year
• Producer of the Hudson Opera House Winter Walk for the past ten years
• Publisher of a widely distributed e-mail newsletter on Hudson events
• Board member of the newly forming Hudson Co-op Food Market

• To see a Sample of the 3rd Ward Ballot click here
• 3rd Ward residents vote at St.Mary's Academy on Allen Street just above 3rd Street.
• The polls are open from Noon until 9pm.
• If you need a ride to the poll or you need an absentee ballot, please call 518-444-0175.

"Like" Ellen's Facebook Page