The Columbia Paper

Health department issues reminder on swine flu

May 15, 2009 by STAFF

HUDSON—Columbia has so far not had any confirmed cases of the A(H1N1) influenza virus, commonly called swine flu. But the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) anticipates that there will be more cases and more hospitalizations associated with this new virus in the coming weeks, and the county Department of Health issued a reminder Friday, May 15, about flu precautions and procedures for people who believe they may have the flu.

There are 3,352 cases in 45 states to date, but the county health department believes it is likely cases will be detected in our area as the virus spreads. The state Department of Health Laboratory has an increased capacity to test specimens for the swine flu virus, allowing results to be obtained in 48 hours. Since the virus symptoms have been milder than the seasonal flu, school closure is no longer being recommended when a student contracts the illness.

Hudson Dems turn to Scalera for mayor

May 15, 2009 by PARRY TEASDALE

HUDSON—At a special meeting Thursday, May 14, the Hudson City Democratic Committee voted to endorse Mayor Richard Scalera as its candidate for mayor in November.

Victor Mendolia, chairman of the committee said in a release, “We are in the early stages of what looks to be a long period of economic stress and political upset. The HCDC believes that in this time of stressful change, Hudson will be best administrated by someone with the hands-on experience of managing the city, who is able to argue effectively on behalf of the city in the state and federal arenas.”

Mr. Mendolia praised both the mayor and city Treasurer Eileen Halloran, the only other person to seek the committee’s endorsement, as “talented individuals” and said Ms. Halloran was “a key member of the Hudson Democratic Party.”

No other candidates have announced their intention to run for the post. Mr. Scalera is seeking his seventh two-year term.

In his last race in 2007, Mr. Scalera was spurned by his own party in favor of Michael O’Hara. Artist and community activist Linda Mussmann also entered that race. But Mr. Scalera, running with the endorsement of the Republican and Independence parties, won more votes than the combined total of his two opponents.

To contact Parry Teasdale email .

Do dips in local daycare reflect sour economy?

May 15, 2009 by DEBORA GILBERT

HUDSON—Across the country day care providers are losing kids. “A lot of providers are seeing that with mom or dad losing their job, they are losing children,” said Kristin Scace, a referral counselor for the Child Care Council of Columbia.

Over 11 million children participate in daycare programs while their parents work. Recent data show that 13 million Americans are now out of work, with another 9 million unable to find full-time jobs, settling instead for part-time employment. Nationwide, parents are taking kids out of daycare, and national labor statistics show a loss of 2,900 childcare jobs.

Hudson Mayor Scalera seeks seventh term

May 15, 2009 by PARRY TEASDALE

HUDSON—The names are familiar, but the political landscape in Hudson has changed.

Last week long-time Hudson Mayor Rick Scalera announced he would seek his seventh term in the November general election. The mayor, a Democrat in a heavily Democratic city, was at odds with an insurgent party leadership over much of the past decade, but he won handily two years ago running on the Republican and Independence Party lines. This week he was back seeking his party’s endorsement for his new bid only to find himself once again facing a challenge from within his party.

Harrison runs for re-election

May 13, 2009 by Staff

SPENCERTOWN—Sheriff David W. Harrison Jr. will seek a second term as Columbia County Sheriff this November.

A Sheriff’s Office veteran of 25 years, he began as a deputy sheriff jailer in 1984 and worked his way up through the ranks until he was elected sheriff in 2005.

In a recent press release, Sheriff Harrison, a Republican, said he is proud of his first term accomplishments, adding, they could not have been realized without the hard work and support of the law enforcement, corrections and civil members of the his office.

No other candidates have announced their intentions to seek the office.