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Two candidates vying for the position of mayor in Hudson, New York, are set to participate in a debate tonight (October 22) at Hudson High School. Democrat Joseph Ferris and Republican Lloyd Koedding will discuss key issues at 6:30 p.m. Incumbent Mayor Kamal Johnson has opted to skip the debate, choosing instead to focus on his campaign trail efforts. Johnson stated, "I just at this point, I don't see what it could do," expressing his belief that there is no benefit for him to participate in the debate.
The debate, organized by the Register-Star, will be moderated by Editor Mary Dempsey and will run until 8 p.m. It is open to the public and will also be livestreamed. Each candidate will have two minutes for opening and closing statements and one minute to answer each question, with a 45-second rebuttal opportunity for the opposing candidate.
Joseph Ferris, a lifelong Democrat, aims to prioritize transparency, efficient government, and street safety if elected. He has highlighted concerns about city management and plans to address issues such as uncollected property taxes and dangerous intersections. Ferris has self-funded a significant portion of his campaign, raising over $65,000, with $49,100 coming from his own funds.
Lloyd Koedding, running on the Republican and Harmony Party lines, intends to bring a fresh perspective to the office. He emphasizes speaking from the heart and aims to connect with voters through his message. Koedding has drawn inspiration from President John F. Kennedy, focusing on what citizens can contribute to their community.
With early voting starting this weekend and Election Day on November 4, the debate provides an opportunity for voters to hear directly from the candidates about their visions for Hudson's future.