Aliya Schneider is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media Democrats in Hudson's 2nd Ward go to the polls Tue., Jun. 22, to choose their candidates for Common Council. Current 2nd Ward Alderperson Tiffany Garrigan is running for 2nd Ward Supervisor, leaving Dewan Sarowar as the only incumbent in the race in addition to newcomers Mohammed Rony and Willette Jones. Rony, 33, is a biotechnology specialist at Regeneron who grew up in the 2nd Ward. He attended Stony Brook University in Long Island. Rony is also a founder the Hudson Bangladeshi Cultural Fair, an annual event that actively promotes the vibrant food and culture unique to Hudson. “I have seen all the problems that plague my neighbors and friends and family in the 2nd Ward,” he said. Rony said he is running to do his part to improve the lives of his neighbors and community members in the 2nd Ward and in the city at large. “The 2nd Ward is suffering from a serious shortage of affordable housing for those that are long-term members of the Hudson community,” he said. “The recent revival of Hudson has been swift and beautiful in many aspects. But more needs to be done so that those that are already living here are considered and made to be part of this long needed urban renewal.” Sarowar, 43, is serving his fourth year on the council and is running for third two-year term. Sarowar works as a shipping manager and security officer. Public safety and equal job opportunities are the top issues facing the community for Sarowar. “Hudson is what it is today because of the residents who live here,” he said. “They deserve to live in a safe environment where they are protected and can rely on the police department.” Everyone has the right to be employed no matter their race, gender or sexual orientation, Sarowar said. He chaired the council’s Police Committee and served on the Police Advisory and Reconciliation Commission. He helped the Bengali community get its own cemetery, set up a COVID-19 clinic, delivered food to families in need during the pandemic and created a satellite program at Bliss Towers for the departments of Social Services, Aging and Public Health, Sarowar said. Jones did not respond to multiple requests to provide her responses to a candidate questionnaire. The Democratic primary will be held 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., June 22.. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.