Natasha Vaughn is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media Democrat Tistrya Houghtling [HO-telling] was elected minority leader of the Columbia Board of Supervisors, Mon., Jan. 4. The New Lebanon Town Supervisor will replace Hudson 1st Ward Supervisor Sarah Sterling. “[As][t]he nation and the county struggle with four crucial priorities: COVID-19, economic recovery, racial justice and climate change, county government has an important role in creating solutions that benefit Columbia County residents, Houghtling said in a statement. "I want to thank Supervisor Sterling for her leadership role and her commitment to both county government and the Democratic Party. She has been a generous, kind, and hard-working leader.” Sterling served as minority leader for three years and she was the first woman elected to the position. Houghtling formerly served as the New Lebanon town clerk and court clerk. During the organizational meeting, the board of supervisors also re-elected Republican Matt Murell of Stockport as board chairperson and Republican Michael Benvenuto of Ghent as majority leader. “I would like to thank you all for your confidence in re-electing me as chairman of the board of supervisors,” Murell said. “I am honored to work with you and to serve the residents of Columbia County.” Among the issues on the board's agenda for 2021: completion of the county’s emergency response training center and work on the sewer line from Commerce Park to the Greenport Wastewater Treatment Plant. The board will also continue to work on an occupancy tax for short-term rental properties and on police reform. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.