HUDSON – This fall is an election year in this city and Sunday night Hudson Democrats endorsed 12 candidates at their Club Helsinki Fundraiser. While many of the candidates are either running for reelection or are officeholders seeking a different post, the party endorsed a political newcomer with no political affiliation as its choice for mayor, businessman Nick Haddad.
Mr. Haddad, who grew up in Red Hook, has lived in Hudson for the past 23 years. He owns Red Hook Electrical Supply, which is affiliated with Hudson Electrical Supply owned by his wife Carrie Haddad and his brother Randy Haddad. Ms. Haddad also owns two galleries on Warren Street and is a former alderwoman.
At the March 27 gathering, city Democrats also announced that Alderman Sarah Sterling will run for Common Council president, a post now held by Don Moore. Mr. Moore will run for city treasurer. The incumbent treasurer, Eileen Halloran, is not seeking reelection.
Mayor Rick Scalera announced recently that he will run for county supervisor representing the 5th Ward. Alderman Ellen Thurston will run for supervisor of the 3rd Ward.
County Supervisor William Hughes, Jr., Alderman Abdus Miah(2nd Ward), Wanda Pertilla (2nd Ward) and Alderman Chris Wagoner(3rd Ward) will run for new terms.
The party endorsed Michael O’Hara, who ran for mayor in 2007, for supervisor from the 1st Ward, and Larissa Parks and Timothy Rogers for aldermen from the 1st Ward. John Friedman will run for Alderman in the 3rd Ward. Carmine Pierro, aide to the mayor, will run for alderman from the 5th Ward, a position he held from 1996 to 2000.
Also at the gathering, Democrats honored Treasurer Halloran, Supervisor Hughes, Hudson Pride Foundation Chair Martha Harvey, videographers Dan and Mary Udell, and designer Bob Mechling.
Although Democrats hold a registration edge in Hudson, the party has split in the past, and there is still the possibility of a primary in September if challengers appear. The names of candidates for city office are on the Hudson ballot in November.