There is much to give thanks for in Hudson. Competence prevailed over performance, and the adults are back in charge at City Hall.

Highlights From This Month’s Coverage

1. A Special Report on Kamal’s Facebook Mob
   🔗 Full article here.
   A three act reconstruction of the misinformation burst that followed Kamal Johnson’s loss and belated concession, including the false claims about the 2026 BEA budget meeting and the small online crowd he encouraged.

2. Hudson Raises Taxes 3.9% While Leaving Millions Uncollected
   🔗 Full article here.
   A clear account of how years of mismanagement created revenue gaps, unnecessary spending, a legal maximum 3.9 percent tax hike, and a six figure deficit.

We thought it would take years to unseat Tom DePietro and Kamal Johnson. Voters accelerated the timetable. So we now turn our scrutiny to the county level, where the budgets are larger and the governance is murkier…

3. Who Runs Columbia County’s $200m Government of 60,000 People
   🔗 Full Article Here
   A first look at Columbia County’s two hundred million dollar budget and the unusual structure that governs it, contrasted with Dutchess County’s strong executive model and Berkshire County’s decision to abolish county government altogether.

We have been direct in our editorials… There has been much to criticize in the city Kamal Johnson shaped. Now the city turns the page. So do we. Our real passion is ideas and talent.

We are also preparing two new series for the months ahead. “Twenty Days, Twenty Ideas for Hudson” will set out a practical agenda for the city’s incoming leadership, while “Hudson’s Got Talent” will spotlight twenty people whose instinct is not to run toward government, but who could bring real competence and creativity if they chose to serve a tour of duty. Keep an eye out on our Instagram and the Common Sense Front Page for these upcoming pieces.

If you have ideas to share, wish to contribute a Guest Op Ed, or write a Letter to Editors, please get in touch!

-The Common Sense Editors