Hudson City Democrats Blog

The Hudson City Democratic Committee now has a blog too. Check it out and spread the word.
http://hudsoncitydemocrats.blogspot.com/

Hudson City Democratic Committee prepares Lawn Sign for the Home Stretch

Hudson City Democratic Committee prepares Lawn Sign for the Home Stretch for all contested races in Hudson.

Mike O'Hara
Mayor
Sarah Sterling
Common Council President

John Musall
Supervisor
1st Ward

Abdus Miah and
Wanda Hughes Pertilla
Alderman

2nd Ward

Joe Finn
Supervisor
3rd Ward










William Hughes
Supervisor
4th Ward











Ronald Grant
Supervisor
5thWard

New Democratic Committee Posters

These are the new posters

which the

Hudson City Democratic Committee

is printing.

The posters will be ready this Monday October 22.

Warren Street Banner for Mayor Mike, Sarah Sterling and the Democratic Line

This is a mock-up of the banner which will be installed on the side of 307 Warren Street (Jeffrey Aronoff's Shop is in the building) facing the parking lot next to Red Dot.

Michael O'Hara on Hudson's Public Transportation System

TRANSPORTATION

Hudson’s public transportation system does not meet the needs of our citizens many of whom do not drive or own their own car and need to get to places where they work, shop and learn. There are other systems operated within Columbia County, but there is no official coordination between transport providers that allow people to transfer between systems or even find information about possible connections. The lack of a well-designed system of transportation options is an obstacle that must be overcome on our way to a better local economy.

THE O’HARA SOLUTION
• Design a local transportation system in consultation with local residents on their needs, to extend Hudson's existing bus service to include the areas of Greenport where Hudson residents work, shop and learn.
• Create a transportation coordination system at the county level with a dispatcher who can connect people with transportation throughout the region on existing vehicles.
• Plan for regional transportation expansion, including the adjacent counties.

Michael O'Hara on The Environment in Hudson

THE ENVIRONMENT

Hudson’s future is tied to our environmental sustainability. We must deal with the city’s need for clean water, transportation, energy and waste disposal effectively now. These solutions should not compromise the ability of future generations to live and thrive in our community. To live within our environmental and financial means is not only possible but also absolutely necessary.

O’Hara’s training in environmental systems design and experience as Hudson’s Commissioner of Public Works inform his vision of Hudson as a sustainable community, able to deal with the challenges of climate change and higher energy prices.

THE O’HARA SOLUTION
• Develop and implement clean energy policies for the city and its people.
• Eliminate the combined sewer overflow problem.
• Ensure that solid waste, recycling and sewage policies are state of the art.
• Develop an Energy Commission to work with homeowners, renters and utility providers for more energy efficient and cost effective ways of saving money and energy.

Michael O'Hara on Hudson's Senior Citizens

SENIOR CITIZENS

Eighteen percent of Hudson’s population is 62 years old or older. Our seniors are an important part of our community and deserve our respect and support.

THE O’HARA SOLUTION
• Work with the County Office for the Aging to guarantee our seniors receive the resources and services to which they are entitled.
• Ensure that public places are physically accessible to seniors and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Provide programs and critically needed information about services to support the quality of life for all seniors, such as assistance with utility bills, home maintenance and taxes.
• Assure that city codes are enforced so that ice and snow do not build up on walkways

Michael O'Hara on Fiscal Responsibility in Hudson

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

Hudson’s limited tax base does not provide enough revenue to sustain adequate city services. The people of Hudson deserve a city government capable of providing both basic and quality city services to all residents without overtaxing Hudson’s property owners.

THE O’HARA SOLUTION
• Lead the city to sound financial footing through best business practices, zero-based budgeting, and comprehensive long-range planning.
• Encourage the development of enterprises which can generate new revenue for the city
• Require fiscal transparency and public accountability of all city agencies and contractors.

Michael O'Hara on Housing in Hudson

HOUSING

Hudson has more than its share of failing and unsafe properties and not enough affordable housing. Aging housing stock needs to be improved. Rental property owners face higher property taxes, rising fuel and maintenance costs and mortgage interest, and difficulty evicting delinquent tenants. Higher taxes and escalating property values are making home ownership unaffordable for many of Hudson’s citizens.

THE O’HARA SOLUTION
• Work with the Common Council to create a housing plan and policy for Hudson which will encourage and direct the development of affordable housing in the Hudson/Greenport area.
• Support the PARC Foundation’s plan for mixed use properties in central Hudson which includes affordable housing.
• Support the development of a Community Land Trust to allow for creation of housing that will not be affected by land speculation and higher taxes.
• Promote resident ownership and control of housing.

Michael O'Hara on Justice and Equality in Hudson

JUSTICE & EQUALITY

A healthy, vital community cannot thrive in an atmosphere of polarity: old timers vs. newcomers, black vs. whites, low income vs. the moneyed, gay vs. straight. Lawsuits against the city’s many inequitable practices cost taxpayers money, squander human resources and diminish opportunities for growth.

THE O’HARA SOLUTION
• Unite Hudson in a shared vision for the future.
• Create opportunities for people from all walks of life to participate in Hudson’s civic arena and have ownership.
• Work tirelessly to understand and respond to the concerns of all members of our community.

Michael O'Hara on Hudson's Education System

EDUCATION

All of Hudson’s children deserve education that prepares them for success in the world. The Hudson city government must take a greater role in ensuring that they get it.

THE O’HARA SOLUTION
• Appoint a Commissioner of Education as liaison to the Hudson City School District, who can lobby on behalf of Hudson’s kids.
• Strengthen and facilitate a working network of not-for-profit organizations serving youth.
• Ensure that school facilities are available for the use and enjoyment of the entire community at no additional cost to the community.

Michael O'Hara on Hudson's Property Tax Assessment

TAX ASSESSMENT

Hudson's current assessment process is unfair. We need a reality-based fair assessment process that is based on current data. Property owners must be able to to see the assessment of their property to be a fair representation of value.

THE O’HARA SOLUTION
• Commission a fair audit of data on the city's tax rolls.
• Commitment to a transparent assessment process.
• Performance based reviews for the assessor.

Michael O'Hara on Hudson's Economic Development

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

What will it take to attract new jobs to Hudson? An educated workforce, an excellent school system, affordable housing, a well-run city, and a city government committed to making Hudson a great place to live, work and visit.

THE O’HARA SOLUTION
• Establish an adult learning center in Hudson, with childcare, to help Hudson parents continue their educations and learn marketable skills.
• Actively promote Hudson outside the region as a great place to do business.
• Create a business incubator program for new business development.
• Work with the county government to create a comprehensive economic development plan for Columbia County.