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Local officials respond to possibility of migrants being bused here

May 12, 2023 12:23 am

Nancy Kern reports for Columbia-Greene Media about local officials actions and opinions on the arrival of migrants in the Hudson Valley. On May 11, Hudson Mayor Kamal Johnson joined an online meeting with New York City Mayor Eric Adams about his plans to bus migrants arriving in New York City to the Hudson Valley. Catskill Town Supervisor Dale Finch said he agreed with Gov. Kathy Hochul's decision to declare a state of emergency in New York State. Finch said, “I feel the governor’s response is appropriate, although somewhat reactive.... Congress needs to fix the immigration problem. There needs to be a better legal immigration system. I do not foresee a major impact in our immediate area. The larger cities are most likely to see a larger influx of immigrants.” Athens Town Supervisor Michael Pirrone said his town is ill-equipped to deal with many arriving migrants. “The only emergency gathering places are relatively small and would require security and social services personnel to handle the population needs,” he said. “Public transportation can be provided via the Greene County Bus Service. Some food services may be provided by our local volunteer food pantry organizations. Health conditions and care are the most important to ensure, protect and prevent any communicable illness from spreading. It is disappointing that plans, services and facilities are not already established to handle this situation.” Read more about this story at HudsonValley360.com.