Aliya Schneider is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media Hudson 3rd Ward Alderperson Calvin Lewis Jr. resigned July 1, to avoid a conflict of interest following his appointment to the position of assistant director of the city Youth Department. Lewis began working for the city on June 21, Director Liz Yorck said. Mayor Kamal Johnson confirmed Lewis’ resignation July 2. “I’m happy for him in his new position,” Johnson said. “I think it’s a huge loss for the council and he has done a lot of amazing work for his constituents.” The vacancy Lewis leaves on the Common Council will have to be filled before the end of the year. Johnson said the council will call a special meeting to discuss its next steps. Common Council President Thomas DePietro said Lewis’ intention was always to do the right thing. “He has served honorably on the council, especially leading the Tourism Board through a tumultuous time. The council’s loss is the Youth Center’s gain.” Lewis is now the former chair of the Tourism Board. Note: Johnson and DePietro are volunteer on-air WGXC programmers. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.