Voters to decide on new school levy, contested school board and city council seats

by Judy Stringer

Hudson voters will determine the fate of Issue 9, a proposed 5.5-mill operating levy for the Hudson City School District, when they cast their Nov. 7 ballot. Collections for the 5.5-mill operating levy, if passed, would begin in 2024. The levy would cost the owner of a $100,000 home an additional $192.50 per year, or $16.04 per month. It would provide the district with $7.2 million of tax revenue annually.

School board and city council spots are also up for grabs.

Four residents are vying for two open four-year seats on the Hudson Board of Education. Incumbent Tom Tobin is seeking re-election to a third term against campaign newcomers Laura Jones, David Justice and Matt Romano. Jones is currently serving on the board, having been appointed last year to fill a seat left open by former board President Dave Zuro’s resignation. Current school board member James Field is not seeking re-election.

In addition, two residents are running to complete Zuro’s unexpired term, which goes through the end of 2025. They are Matthew Clapper and Mark Dzurec.

School board members serve four-year terms and are compensated $80 per meeting for up to 24 meetings a year.

Hudson Life featured a Q&A with both sets of candidates – as well as with Mayor Jeffrey Anzevino who is uncontested in his bid for re-election – in the October issue.

In this issue is a Q&A with city council contenders in each of the four wards. With incumbent Kate Schlademan stepping away, newcomers Dr. Patricia Goetz and Todd Zedak are competing for the Ward One seat. For Ward Two, Council President Chris Foster is being challenged by resident Madeline Lepidi-Carino. Write-in candidate Michael Donovan is seeking to unseat current Ward Three Representative Skylar Sutton. Finally, Scott Ruffer, appointed to council earlier this year following the resignation of Beth Bigham, will defend his seat against newcomer Mike Bird.

During their four-year terms, council members are compensated $80 per meeting for up to four meetings a month. ∞