Thank You Hudson.

A big thanks goes out to everyone who worked on the campaign so tirelessly and thank you to all of the people of Hudson who supported and believed in us.

The Mayor Mike 2008 Campaign

Michael's bio

Here's a link to Michael O'Hara's biography:
click here

Vote for Mayor Mike and all the Democrats this Tuesday Nov 6th

Mayor Mike's Plan for Hudson's Future En Espanol

Mike's Plan

para el Futuro de Hudson

DESARROLLO ECONOMICO

La solucion O’Hara

• Trabajar con el governo del condado para crear un plan de desarrollo economico comprensivo para el condado de Columbia que se basa en las necesidades de Hudson. Establecer un centro de educacion para adultos en Hudson, con cuidado de ninos, para ayudar a que los padres de Hudson pueden continuar con su educacion y que tengan la opcion de aprender habilidades basicas.

• Promover activamente Hudson afueras de la region como un gran lugar para hacer negocios.

• Crear un programa de incubador de nogocios para nuevos negocios en desarollo.

EDUCACION

La solucion O’Hara

• Elegir a un Comisionado de Educacion que sirva de intermediario entre el Distrito de Eligir de Esuelas en Hudson, quien va a recomendar nuevas estretegias y recursos a favor de los ninos en Hudson.

• Escuelas abiertas a favor de la comunidad sin ningun costo.

• Fortalecer y promover organizaciones que ayuden a nuestra juventud.

JUSTICIA Y IGUALDAD

La solucion O’Hara

• Unir a Hudson para obtener una vision compartida del futuro.

• Abrir “City Hall” a toda la comunidad para crear oportunidades de envolvimiento.

• Comprender y responder las preocipaciones de la cuidadania.

VIVIENDA

La solucion O’Hara

• Trabajar con el consul comun para crear un plan de vuivienda y polisa para Hudson la cual promovera y dirigira el desarollo de viviendas de precios rasonables.

• Apoyar el plan de “fundacion PARC”.

• Apoya el desarollo de un plan de territorio de confiansa para la comunidad.

• Promover la titularidad de residente de en control de la vivienda.

• Desarrollar una commission de energia para ayudar a propetarios de vivienda hacer sus casas mas eficientes de energia.

RESONSIBILIDADES FISCALES

La solucion O’Hara

• Encabezar la cuidad con majores pacticas de negocios basadas en zero presupuestos y unos comprensivos planes a futuro.

• Animar nuevos negocios que pueden generar desembolso sobre los ingresos para la ciudad.

• Transparencia fiscal y publica acontabilidad para toda agencia de la ciudad y contractores.

PERSONAS DE LA TERCERA EDAD

Las personas de la tercera adad son muy importantes y merecen nuestro resto y apoyo en nuestra comunidad.

La solucion O’Hara

• Trabajar con la oficina del condado par alas personas de la tercera edad para garantizar que nuestros miembros de la tercera edad recivan los recurosos y servicios los cuales merecen.

• Asegurar que los lugares publicos sean fisicamente accesibles a las personas de la tercera edad.

• Promover programas y servicios para apoyar calidad de vida para la gente de la tercera edad.

• Imponer los codigos de la ciudad para que ni hielo ni nieve se acumulen en las banquetas.

ECOSISTEMA

La solucion O’Hara

• Eliminar los problemas comvinados del cano.

• Desarrollar un implementer limpias de polisas de energia para la ciudad y su gente

TRANSPORTACION

La solucion O’Hara

• Extender el servicio autobuses publicos existente de Hudson a partes de Greenport donda residents de Hudson trabajen y aprendan

• Crear un sistema coordinado de transportacion con un responsible quien pueda conectar a la gente a traves del condado.

• Plan para extender la transportacion regional incluyendo los condados vecinos.

Please vote for me, Michael O’Hara for Mayor on Tuesday November 6, 2007.

Por favor, vote por mí, Michael O'Hara Alcalde para el Martes 6 de Noviembre de 2007.

Gracias,

Michael O’Hara

Ver mi página web: mayormike2008.com

Paid for by Mayor Mike 2008

Mike Twice in the Register-Star

The Register-Star ran a letter by Mike TWICE this week.

Here is Mike's letter:

Clearing the Air

In my race for mayor, I have visited the homes of hundreds of people here in Hudson. Throughout these visits I have been thrilled to find that the overwhelming number of citizens of Hudson share my vision for Hudson's future based upon responsible leadership.

But lately, a number of people have relayed conversations they had with Rick Scalera or members of his inner circle during which they have told outright lies regarding my positions. Let me state clearly what my position on these matters is.

· The Hudson Police Department will not be outsourced under my administration. I believe that more community-based police work is what is called for not less.

· Our Police Officers and the city have suffered with an inadequate Police Station for more than 10 years. I have a plan to provide a proper and modern facility that will meet the department's needs well into Hudson's future. But unlike Mr. Scalera's previous "great deals"
that have saddled the city's taxpayers with an almost unending burden and expense I will do it responsibly.

· The Hudson Fire Department will not be converted from a volunteer to a paid force. Hudson's brave firefighters have an excellent performance record which I have every expectation would continue. It is absurd to think that I would advocate adding more than one million dollars annually to the already strained budget, when we already have one of the best forces in the nation.

I don't mind competing in this race on the record, but I do not want to compete with lies and distortions. If you hear anything that doesn't seem quite right, I urge you to ask me about it personally. My phone is 828-3417 or visit my website at mayormike2008

I hope that you will support me in my effort to make Hudson work using
responsible leadership. Hudson deserves nothing less.

Sincerely,


Michael O'Hara

Video Link to The Hudson Channel's Mayoral Debate

The
Hudson Channel's
Mayoral Debate

This is a link to the Hudson Channel's 2007 Mayoral Debate with Michael O'Hara, Rick Scalera and Linda Mussmann. The debate was held on WSSN Channel 21 which was hosted by Arthur Schiff

Find out more
about The Hudson Channel at thehudsonchannel.com

Michael O'Hara's Questions and Answers - Chamber of Commerce Mayoral Forum

On Wednesday  October 24 2007

The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce

held a Mayoral forum 

at Space 360 in Hudson

with 

Michael O'Hara

Rick Scalera

and 

Linda Mussmann

To read Mike's questions and answers

Click Here

Mayor Mike's Google Hits Go Through the Roof

In the past few days we've noticed something pretty amazing. Mike's webpages have been seeing a huge increase in views. Our ratings on google searches are through the roof as well.

For the most complete list of all of
Mayor Mike's webpages click here.

Mike lays out
an environmental vision
for Hudson's future
Michael O'Hara's answers to Sierra Club Questionaire
He received the organizations endorsement in his race for Mayor of Hudson.

1. Environmental Organizations - I am a member of all of these environmental organizations, with different degrees of activity on my part.
1. Sustainable Hudson Valley
2. ZERI USA
3. Sierra Club (life member)
4. Friends of Hudson
5. American Farmland Trust
6. Capital Region Energy Forum
7. Center for a New American Dream
8. Clearwater
9. Earth Policy Institute
10. Environmental Business Association of NY State
11. Environmental Defense Fund
12. Hudson Watershed Alliance
13. League of Conservation Voters
14. National Association of Rail Passengers
15. Regional Farm and Food Project
16. Schumacher Society
17. Post Carbon Institute
18. World Watch
19. Chatham Real Food


My most active involvement is with Sustainable Hudson Valley. I am the co-chair of the Cool Communities committee which recently organized a conference of 80 municipal officials to work on regional solutions to and adaptations to climate change, held at the DEC Norrie Point Environmental Center. Other organizations supporting and participating in the conference included NYDOS (Division of Coastal Resources), The Nature Conservancy, NYSERDA, and Scenic Hudson. I can point to accomplishments relating to amount of people involved, groups engaged in the process and notice gained by our efforts by state officials.

I was trained and certified as an environmental systems designer in the ZERI (Zero Emissions Research and Initiatives) school of Santa Fe, NM in 2001. The work of the designer involves optimizing industrial and/or agricultural processes so as to minimize waste and maximize profitability while enhancing the environment and creating jobs. Since 2001 I have been offering consulting services to manufacturers, focusing mostly on the electronics industry. I have been working on an extension of the ZERI curriculum with several of my colleagues so as to open a branch of the ZERI training on the East Coast, possibly in NY State.

I worked extensively with Friends of Hudson (Hudson, NY) during their fight against the St. Lawrence cement factory proposed for our region. I continue to collaborate with them in relation to the development of Hudson's waterfront. The work I did for them was part of a much larger group, but it is work I feel most proud about.

2. Open Space Plan

Hudson is a city of 7,200 people in a land area of only 2.2 square miles. The core of the city was laid out in 1783 and remains mostly intact today, with a streetscape of brick and wood townhouses built up against the sidewalks in front and touching the adjacent structures left and right. There is very little in the way of "open space" to preserve which hasn't already been designated parkland or wetland. That being said, there is an LWRP being prepared by committee here, which aims to re-do our zoning and land use regulations for the Hudson waterfront. The area in question has been used industrially since earlist times and is now a mix of recreational, industrial and protected wetlands. I support land use regulations (not limited to zoning) which will preserve our historic architecture and promote appropriate in-fill development.

3. Regional Planning

The first step in promoting regional planning in Columbia County will be to get a majority of Democrats elected to the Board of Supervisors this year – something I think will happen given the electoral shifts and retirement of several Republicans. I have gotten agreements with several of the Democratic supervisors to push for the development of a Comprehensive Economic Development Plan for the county. In my role as Commissioner, Public Works for the city of Hudson, I worked with the NY DOT to push the county officials to convene a meeting recently as the first step in writing a county-wide transportation plan. I have gotten the agreement from our adjoining town of Greenport to work with Hudson in extending our current city bus system into their territory and will be discussing with them the possibility of combining certain of our government administration functions. I have also discussed with the town of Catskill the idea of extending a bus route across the Hudson river to join the two communities. These transportation related ideas will pave the way for broader planning initiatives.

4. Organic Farms

While Hudson itself has no "farms" in the general sense, we have a community garden operating on city property in a low-income neighborhood. We also support a weekly farmers' market, which includes only locally farmed product (some of which is organic and some is not). I will be promoting the extension of the farmers' market to a larger size with additional vendors and better outreach to the community. I will be seeking to create a business incubator center with a commercial kitchen to as to support the development of small-scale food related businesses which can add value to our agricultural output and create jobs.

5. Sustainable Energy

I support the shift to sustainable energy for NY State. I also support the use of alternative energy by the governments, although municipalities must be supported in this effort by the state government as the budgets of the smaller entities cannot support additional fees on their own. Certainly tax incentives are needed for private homes and business to adopt these technologies at this time, before the true costs of fossil fuel are acknowledged and before the economies of scale become effective for the alternatives. I intend to incorporate strict environmental standards into the city building code, including materials and energy efficiency. We will expand the allowable list of building materials to those which not as well known but which are environmentally superior and will train the building inspectors appropriately.

6. Residential and Business Development

The avenues for residential and business development in Hudson are in place – we will be doing "in-fill" and adaptive re-use of existing structures. We will be encouraging the "traditional downtown" usage pattern with existing and new structures, in which retail and offices are co-located in the same buildings with residential. There are building owners who are resisting the mixed use idea (leaving their upstairs apartments vacant) but we're looking for ways to encourage this mix so as to maximize the availability of housing units. Recent gentrification has pushed up rents and has created a housing crisis. I will be creating a housing task force to study the situation and come to consensus about how much housing we need and where it should be supported. We are currently working on a new zoning law and will be having dialogues about where a business of a certain type might be encouraged or discouraged.
The city of Hudson is very dense and is therefore an ideal environment for bicycles in many ways. We have alleys between many of our streets which can function as bikeways but which need to be brought up to a higher standard of maintenance to allow for smooth cycling. We will be placing bike racks in several points around the city and will be encouraging bicycle use in any way we can.

7. Pesticide Neighbor Notification Law, etc.

I support the PNNL and support the banning of carcinogenic pesticides. We will be a model of responsible land use. I have spoken to local landscapers for recommendations on how we can shift from grass to other plants for areas of our public land not used as playing fields or parks so as to minimize mowing and chemical use. We don't use herbicide on right of ways.

8. Wetlands

We have considerable wetlands of our own, (which are known to the NY State authorities) and are developing plans for their protection and recovery. Scenic Hudson is conducting a study of the ecology of both our northern and southern wetlands and we will take advantage of the results to guide our planning efforts. We are looking for funding to do a comprehensive hydrology study in connection with our Combined Sewer Overflow problem. The CSO creates a periodic negative effect on our wetlands and the city is under a Consent Order from the DEC to address the problem. I plan to reduce the total stormwater effect by encouraging "raingardens" and rainbarrels for implementation with city staff assistance for many of the buildings in the city and these measures (along with others) should solve the problem.

9. Liveablity

My program for Hudson involves the creation of a strategic plan for sustainability. This plan will be a follow-on the (Sierra Club sponsored) Cool Cities initiative, which our mayor signed last year. I was part of the committee that created our plan for reducing our greenhouse gas contribution but which included many different elements which will have other beneficial environmental effects. As previously mentioned, I will expand our public transportation system and make it more user friendly. The city passed a law last year committing the equipment and staff of the DPW to assist in planting sidewalk trees. We're just now starting on a tree inventory, which will help guide future urban forest development and will help with acquiring funding for trees. I will be guiding the choice of new technologies for our (soon to be replaced) waste water treatment plant along the lines of anaerobic digestion and local power generation from methane. I will be working with the county and regional business organizations to encourage the development of companies which will take advantage of the energy crisis, providing services and products specifically targeted to reduce energy costs and providing local jobs for our citizens. More local work means less commuting to far away places and keeps more of the money generated in the local community, providing tax revenues we can use to do what cities do – in an environmentally sustainable way.

Mayor Mike's New TV Commercial

Mayor Mike's new TV Commercial

is ready

and starting to air on

Mid-Hudson Cable.

Check out the commercial on

YouTube.

Video by Brian Branigan wwwbrianbranigan.com

Sierra Club endorses Michael O'Hara for Mayor

Mike O'Hara receives the endorsement of the oldest and largest environmental group in the nation.

The Atlantic Chapter and the Mid-Hudson Group of the environmental group, Sierra Club have endorsed Michael O'Hara for Mayor of Hudson. 

From the Sierra Club Website:

he Sierra Club's members and supporters are more than 1.3 million of your friends and neighbors. Inspired by nature, we work together to protect our communities and the planet. The Club is America's oldest, largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization.

Find out more about the Sierra Club here SierraClubNewYork

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/

Michael O'Hara's Credentials for Mayor of Hudson

Following is our letter which was mailed to Hudson voters laying out Michael O'Hara's credentials for Mayor of Hudson.




Dear Hudson Voter,

On Tuesday, November 6, 2007, citizens of Hudson will go to the polls to elect a new mayor and other important city officials. We have an opportunity, as never before, to chart an exciting new course for city government based on responsible leadership. There is so much to be accomplished. We need to ensure our taxes are fair, our budgets are carefully planned and that the city’s revenues are prudently spent. In so doing we will be able to provide the best services for our citizens that the city can afford.

My Background

• I worked for 29 years in sales, training, marketing, and management with a number of organizations, including MCI Telecom. My professional experience in business taught me to plan, organize and manage for results. I learned how to motivate people to move in the same direction and accomplish important projects. Working in different countries taught me how to bridge cultural differences and get people talking to each other. My most recent work involved working as a consultant to the electronics industry, helping manufacturers reduce waste, comply with environmental regulations and be more profitable.

• My parents taught me to get involved in my community and I have always followed that instruction. I am an active member of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce and have worked with them to support local business. As a co-founder of Columbia County Futures, I helped create public awareness of our region’s problems and opportunities with public meetings on economic development, taxes, and housing. As a member of the Fourth Down neighborhood association, I helped put on several street festivals to bring neighbors together for music and food.

• I learned how Hudson city administration really works as the Commissioner of Public Works in 2006-07. The department is responsible for vital city services and over half of the total spending in the city budget. I brought increased professional and technical management to the operations and implemented a much needed safety program and began the process of getting the city in compliance with state regulations for our sewer problems.

My Plan for the Future

I ask you to read my plan for Hudson’s future which is included here. Please join me in my effort to modernize and update Hudson’s government and infrastructure. Together we can and must make this city a vital and strong place to live and do business.

Please vote for me, Michael O’Hara for Mayor on Tuesday November 6, 2007.

Thanks,


Michael O’Hara

Check out my campaign blog and view my Plan for Hudson’s Future
at www.MayorMike2008.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.