Ashley Hupfl is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media Hudson city officials took the oath of office at a ceremony held January at the Hudson Opera House, now known as Hudson Hall, before a packed room of friends, family and residents. Former 1st Ward Alderman Rick Rector was sworn in as mayor. “I love our city and I celebrate our history, I celebrate our diversity and I celebrate our future together,” Rector said after taking the oath. “My campaign slogan ‘One Hudson’ … has always meant more to me than a simple gimmick. It’s something I truly believe in and hope to bring it to all aspects of my being your mayor.” Rector was elected unopposed. The mayor and newly sworn Common Council members said the Downtown Revitalization Initiative was a major priority for 2018, and all said they hoped to continue to get along. “Our top priority is to keep this sentiment of everyone working together for as long as possible because right now, everyone is getting along quite well, which is not typical of Hudson,” said new Common Council President Tom DePietro. “We hope to maintain that.” Ed. note: DePietro is an active WGXC programmer. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.

Recorded live at the Hudson Opera House, now Hudson Hall, on Mon., Jan. 1, 2017, by Lance Wheeler (11:46). [Audio begins at 1:12. NOTE: Quality declines at 2:37 and requires adjustment when played on the air.]