Hudson faces enormous budget risks in the coming years. The city is moving forward with necessary infrastructure projects. It is unclear how much of the funding for these projects will come from Federal sources. In the current environment, there have been multiple instances around the country where Federal funding has not been delivered as promised. Hudson cannot afford to sleepwalk into a fiscal crisis.

Yet the city’s budget process remains opaque. Council members and the public are often shut out of meaningful discussions. The mayor’s annual budget presentation is little more than a speech, with scant opportunity for questions or public input. This year, I pushed for and secured a more substantial discussion, but one meeting is not enough. The residents of Hudson deserve to understand how their money is being spent and to have a real say in setting priorities.

The President of the Common Council is one of three key members of the Board of Estimate and Apportionment, which sets the budget and evaluates departmental needs. I have attended every BEA meeting for four years as a member of the public — without a voice at the table. As Council President, I will change that. I will fight for greater transparency, regular public presentations, and real Council oversight. It’s your money. You deserve to know where it’s going — and why.