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Politics & Government

Burchill Plans to Defend Hudson Mayorship Against O'Malley Challenge

Hudson Mayor Alan Burchill has released a statement saying that he plans to run in the April 3 election to defend his mayorship.

About three weeks ago, of the City of Hudson—and now the mayor himself has announced that he plans to run as well. 

Hudson Mayor Alan Burchill issued the following statement to Hudson Patch on Thursday morning:

It's been one year that I've served as mayor of Hudson. It's been a privilege and an honor to serve the people of Hudson, and it has been an event-filled year.

Find out what's happening in Hudsonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

This budget has been the most challenging of my six years working on the council. With a reduction in funding of $250,000 the City Council and I came up with a fair budget. Tough decisions were made, and we didn't lay off any employees, and we won't have any major reductions in services to our citizens. Thank you, City Council.

Last week, with the approval of a Uline development agreement, 150 jobs will be brought to the City of Hudson and with a $25 million facility.

Find out what's happening in Hudsonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We also must continue to improve our streets and infrastructure. The St. Croix River is a major asset for our community, and we must do everything we can to protect and preserve its natural beauty. 

Public Works has been working on a storm water utility to protect the river from the storm water runoff from our streets and parking lots. This utility will give us the funding to do things we cannot fund out of operating expenses—catch basins, storm water retention ponds, and their maintenance and upkeep.

I'm excited about the future of our city. We have an opportunity for steady and measured growth in our community as the national economy improves. 

I filed papers this morning to seek the office of mayor for the next two years.

Burchill, former Sixth District alderman,  in a special city council meeting on Nov. 29, 2010, and is serving the remainder of former mayor Dean Knudson's term which ends in April 2012. Knudson now serves in the Wisconsin State Assembly. 

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After Burchill issued his statement, Hudson Patch asked him a few quick questions.

Hudson Patch: What's been tough for you over the past year?

Alan Burchill: The amount of time it takes. It's a challenge to try to get everything done that needs to get done. I think the budget probably has been the most challenging. Of all the things that have happened, balancing this budget was challenging. 

Patch: What have you enjoyed most about being mayor?

Burchill: I have enjoyed dealing with the public, and dealing with businesses, particularly Uline. I really enjoyed bringing a new company to the city. Having the opportunity to bring jobs to our citizens is very rewarding to me. Making sure we get the proper fees, and at the same time enticing them to come here is a challenge. So, that's fun. I enjoy that.

Patch: Why would you be a better choice than Scot O'Malley?

Burchill: At this point I think I'll wait until all the candidates file before talking about those things. I'm just announcing today. Let's wait until everyone's signatures are in, and we can talk about it at that time.

Patch: Do you anticipate that there will be other candidates?

Burchill: Possibly. I don't know. When I filed this morning, I think it was just Scot and me so far, but they've got until Jan. 3. At that point, then we can start talking about comparisons. One of the good things is that we both have voting records on the City Council. There will be plenty of time for people to note the differences.

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UPDATE (2:07 p.m., Dec. 1, 2011): Scot O'Malley sent the following statement to Patch this afternoon:

"I look forward to discussing with Alan the issues and opportunities that will bear on Hudson's future.  A full airing of those points on which he and I agree and disagree can only be helpful to voters who will decide in April how they want Hudson to move forward.  I've worked alongside Alan during his time on the Council and we get along well.  I do believe, though, that there is a better way to improve on our city's assets and to prepare for the near-future opportunities, and I look forward to talking about those during the campaign."  

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