Media

Interviews and Appearances

 

Hospital workers, union hold prayer vigil in front of Columbia Memorial

Register-Star

Health care workers are vital to the well-being of the community, Michael Chameides, Hudson 3rd Ward supervisor, said during the vigil. “That means that we need you to have fair wages so you can take care of not only yourselves, but the rest of the people, you’re loved ones, and our entire community,” he said. Hospital employees are also important to the economy, Chameides said. “When workers have fair wages, the whole community works the best,” he said.

Protesters kayak across river at Athens, against Iroquois pipeline expansion

Register-Star

“What do we want our future to look like?” Hudson 3rd Ward Supervisor Michael Chameides said. “I want a future where we can go out with our friends and enjoy the environment and that the world around us is a sustainable place that feeds us healthy food, that we enjoy and we can enjoy together. But an alternative is that corporations are extracting our resources, they’re making a lot of money, and it’s all at our expense, where the environment is actually causing increased harm to us. That’s the decision point ahead of us.”

Proposed ‘EATS’ Act could devour NY agriculture laws

Public News Service

“There’s a real urgency to pass a robust Farm Bill that really does support rural communities and support farmers and support people all around the country to get healthy, safe and affordable food,” Chameides contended. “There's lots of reasons for Congress to take action to support farmers and the EATS Act is not it.”

NY county creates facial recognition, privacy protections

Public News Service

“Michael Chameides, Hudson 3rd Ward representative on the Columbia County Board of Supervisors, said residents told him they want privacy, arguing the technology is overused elsewhere. He pointed out the new protections can guarantee privacy rights and more.”

County gets $200K to exend bus service to Chatham

Register-Star

One of the county’s priorities outlined in its transportation plan is to expand public transportation in geography and hours it is available, Chameides said. “We also have some really big challenges to be able to do that,” he said. “When you’re in a rural community, transportation is difficult and there’s some unique challenges to rural communities that we need to address both at the state level and the federal level.

Columbia County gets $200,000 for a Hudson-to-Chatham bus run

Times Union

Hudson Third Ward Supervisor Michael Chameides, the chair of the county’s public transportation committee, said ridership on the shuttle increased by 25 percent last year and the system carried 40,000 riders in 2022, but there was not enough public transportation to fulfill residents' needs.

Super wants to talk policies on new county security cameras

Columbia Paper

“The new cameras include facial recognition technology and license plate readers, and some are to be located where they could neighboring residences, Supervisor Michael Chameides pointed out. He suggested a policy that respects the community's privacy.”

County Renews Contracts for Bus Service

Columbia Paper

“The shuttle has more riders on even its traditional hours. In 2023, Mr. Chameides said, the Shopper Shuttle had the highest ridership ever.”

Forging a Rural Policy Action Plan

Barn Raiser

“You go anywhere in the country and people talk about housing and healthcare, but the specific challenges of a rural community are different and therefore the specific solutions are different as well.”

County transportation plan approved by state DOT

Register-Star

The 2023 transportation plan will provide the county a way to set its priorities to take actions to maintain its fleet, and increase revenue and communication

Sustainable Energy Costs

Register-Star

“The NY HEAT Act provides for an energy affordability guarantee, capping utility bills at 6% of income for low- and moderate-income households,” Chameides said. “Without this provision, the statewide transition from fossil fuel risks falling unfairly on those most harmed by our extractive energy system and least able to pay.”

Need a ride? Here’s what the county offers now

Columbia Paper

“Following on an extensive Transportation Planning Analysis issued in draft form by the County Transportation Planning Task Force in February, 2023, and updated and issued for public comment in August, the Board of Supervisors is now scheduling hearings to address those very questions.”

Emerging Movement to Build Multi-Racial Power in Rural Communities

Barnraiser

“We have to work together in order to be able to live full, safe lives in our communities. But it’s not just about fighting for good local government. We also need federal leaders, national media and progressive allies in urban areas, to fully see rural communities for who we are and what we need to do.”

Would House budget cuts derail Amtrak?

Columbia Paper

“Passenger rail service is important to Hudson and Columbia County. It’s a valuable economic engine that connects our community to Rensselaer, New York City, and towns along the Hudson. I’d like to see investments in Amtrak to increase service, and I oppose attempts to reduce opportunities for people to travel to Hudson by rail.”

Shuttle riders can view live updates of bus location

Columbia Paper

“I'm grateful to offer this new feature to riders who utilize this vital service.”

Local elected officials from around the state call for immigrant protections from feds

City & State

I want my friends and neighbors to feel truly safe, that’s why I joined with 50 elected officials to support the New York for All Act

Extended hours for bus operation

Register-Star

“In 2022, more than 21,000 passengers rode the shopping shuttle, and more than 30,000 on Columbia County public transit.”

Hudson's $1 ‘shopper shuttle’ to Greenport now has extended hours

Times Union

“Public transportation contributes to economic development, public health, and quality of life,” Public Transportation Committee Chair and Supervisor Michael Chameides said. “I’m grateful to be working with great partners to improve this vital service.”

County eyes Ghent site for expanded services

Columbia Paper

“Mr. Chameides said that conversations with the public and the affected departments will be needed to weigh options. ‘We have to consider how it will impact the public. The ultimate goal is the public good.’”

County to expand public transportation services

Columbia Paper

“We want to make public transportation accessible to more people, for school, work, medical appointments, recreation,” Mr. Chameides said. “Our goal is for people to be able to get places they want to by public transportation.”

County committee agrees to back a Clean Slate law

Columbia Paper

“People will make a mistake in their life,” said Supervisor Michael Chameides, Hudson, 3rd Ward. “They need a chance to reintegrate into society.”

GOP says this is safer. Dems ask, ‘Why now?’

Columbia Paper

“Supervisor Michael Chameides (D-Hudson 3rd Ward) mentioned that this felt rushed. Supervisor Chameides asked for [a] bi-partisan committee to be formed to look at the issue, and pointed out the timing of removing a division of the Sheriff’s Office when a new sheriff had just been elected. ‘This was not the will of the voters,’ he said.”

Emergency Management

Register-Star

“Chameides suggested formation of a bipartisan committee of supervisors and representatives of emergency services who will be able to talk through the pros and cons and create a plan for how to improve emergency management.”

2 routes eyed to reduce Hudson truck traffic

Register-Star

“The truck study has collected and analyzed the data. Now we have two great options to improve safety and economy,” Hudson 3rd Ward Supervisor Michael Chameides said in a statement. “An updated route would benefit county residents, and we need to move forward with the next stage of feasibility study.”

How much will cameras tell us?

Columbia Paper

“Mr. Chameides continued. When more than one police officer is at the scene [at a use-of-force incident], he said, the public wants to have a report from each officer’s view, before the officers view the footage from their own and each other’s cameras and agree on a narrative. ‘The public will know there has been collusion,’ he said.”

Police panel hones new regs

Columbia Paper

“The committee is going point by point through a list of eight recommendations for body camera use that Mr. Chameides issued on April 3.”

Hudson filmmaker questions body camera policies

Register-Star

“As the county creates its first-ever body camera policy, I’ve suggested we invite Mr. Anthony for a discussion with the implementation committee. Unfortunately, he has not been invited. It’s a missed opportunity and we aren’t taking advantage of our local resources and talent.”

Starting at 22:30, Randall Martin, Alan Skerrett, and Rev. Kim L. Singletary interview Michael about police reform.

Protesters call for extension of eviction moratorium

Register-Star

“Chameides said the county has hundreds of thousands of dollars set aside for COVID-19 relief for housing but people cannot access the funds during the moratorium. Those funds should be unlocked before the moratorium ends, he said.”

Anti-vax group, health officials feud over vaccine safety

Register-Star

“3rd Ward Supervisor Michael Chameides emphasized Wednesday the importance of the vaccine to curb the spread of COVID-19. ‘The key thing is that the vaccine is the most critical thing that we have to avoid the continued spread of coronavirus,’ he said, adding the vaccine has been thoroughly tested and is continually monitored at the federal, state and local levels.”

Deputies now wear body cams

Columbia Paper

“Having a bad body camera policy is a serious risk to the public,” Mr. Chameides said. “There have been uproars” over incidents involving police, civilians and body cameras when there is no clear policy about releasing what the cameras show.

County green-lights body cameras for sheriff’s office

Register-Star

“In advance of the meeting, Hudson 3rd Ward Supervisor Michael Chameides sent a list of policies and procedures for the cameras which he suggested be included such as banning video manipulation methods, require officers to inform members of the public that they are being filmed, opt out of all data-sharing agreements with Axon and require a note in the video file for every time a video file is opened, downloaded, shared or modified in any way.”

‘Hudson Roots’ Will Help with Rent to Fight Displacement

The Other Hudson Valley

“Lower-income Hudson residents passed over by state and federal rental assistance programs may find help with a local program meant to fight displacement in communities of color.”

Advocates push COVID relief for immigrants

Register-Star

“The Columbia County Sanctuary Movement on Friday held a forum that was part press conference to talk about immigrant workers who have been excluded from COVID-19 relief.”

County buys deputy cameras

Columbia Paper

“Supervisor Michael Chameides (D-Hudson, 3rd Ward) had additional concerns. “For body cameras to be effective tools, there needs to be a good policy on how to use them.”

Inauguration watchers hope for unity

Register-Star

“I’m heartened by the millions of people who worked hard to elect President Biden and Vice President Harris,” Chameides said. “Our country’s leadership will work with the people to better address coronavirus, racial injustice, climate change and an unfair economy.”

Dem Supervisors elect Tistrya Houghtling as Minority Leader

Columbia Paper

“We have an urgent opportunity to help people overcome the risks of coronavirus, economic instability, and inequality, said Mr. Chameides."

CMH picket sends strong message

Register-Star

“The picket was held to call attention to the labor-management disagreement over salary raises and health care costs that have stalled negotiations during the pandemic.”

Report: 47% of trucks lack Hudson destination

Register-Star

“The study gives the city a chance to merge personal stories with data and informed analysis, Chameides said Thursday.”

State grant to help housing

Register-Star

The county Department of Social Services has partnered with St. Catherine’s Center for Children, Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York and Columbia-Greene Continuum of Care to expand housing services and support. The initiatives are funded through a $253,000 grant from New York state through the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

Elected Officials Demand No Confirmation Until Inauguration

State Innovation Exchange

The letter calls for support for states and localities as they grapple with the pandemic and health care emergency, racial injustice, economic crisis, and current election

City revives truck route study

Register-Star

“‘New York State truck routes traverse the city of Hudson and deleteriously impact the community’s quality of life and economic vitality,’ Chameides said. ‘The study will collect data and propose alternative truck routes.’”

Volunteers sought for painting pedestrian zones

Register-Star

“‘These are public improvements, initiated by the public for the public,’ Chameides said. ‘By taking a fun day to create the improvements ourselves, we are participating in an ongoing process of shaping our city.’”

Hospital extends union contract to Nov. 30

Register-Star

“Michael Chameides attended part of the negotiations in his role as a Columbia County Supervisor from Hudson’s 3rd Ward. ‘I’m thankful to our health care workers. They help us stay healthy and care for us at times when we are most in need,’ he said. ‘I support the worker’s efforts to secure a fair contract.’”

Hudson vigil honors Ginsburg’s life, legacy

Register-Star

“Chameides said the event gave the community a chance to find inspiration from Ginsburg together.”

Hudson wants feedback on sidewalk conditions

Columbia Paper

“Creating this public input process is part of a larger effort to increase accessibility in Hudson.”

Power of the People - Forum of speakers discussing the issue of criminal justice and injustice in Columbia County, New York. I speak at 25:17.

Letter Urging Governor Cuomo to Stop Danskammer Power Plant

Food and Water Watch

“...these elected leaders are urging Governor Cuomo to reject new fossil fuel infrastructure like Danskammer, and commit to renewable energy. ”

Johnson signs measure to finance energy-efficiency construction

Register-Star

“‘This is a way to help people economically while also helping the environment, and we are excited to be doing a project like this,’ Chameides said.”

Starting at 1:25, Randall Martin, Alan Skerrett, and Rev. Kim L. Singletary interview Michael about police reform.

DRI details waterfront plans

Register-Star

“Downtown Revitalization Initiative representatives hosted an open house at Promenade Hill Park on Tuesday night to get community feedback on its planned projects.”

Speaking at Black Lives Matter Event

Hudson seeks Climate Smart Community certification

Register-Star

“This task force is an important opportunity to create an institutional commitment to a sustainable future. The COVID-19 crisis shows us the importance of following science and the need for planning and preventive action.”

Supervisors approve fly-overs looking for weed

Register-Star

"Four members of the Board of Supervisors voted against the agreement, including Canaan Town Supervisor Brenda Adams, Hudson 1st Ward Supervisor Sarah Sterling, Hudson 4th Ward Supervisor Linda Mussmann and Hudson 3rd Ward Supervisor Michael Chameides.

‘Attempting to eradicate marijuana is the wrong use of resources. We should be focusing on evidenced-based solutions, successful pathways to recovery and harm reduction,‘ Chameides said during the vote.”

Bridge Authority merger proposal under fire

Register-Star

County tests expanding Hudson area bus schedule

Columbia Paper

Starting at 11:20, Kristen Buckbee interviews Michael about how county government functions.

Columbia County expands public transportation hours

Register-Star

“Public transportation contributes to economic development, public health, and quality of life...”

We will survive the plastic bag ban

Register-Star

To help Columbia County residents manage the changeover, 3rd Ward Hudson Supervisor Michael Chameides organized a tote-bag collection

Local stores ready for plastic bag ban

Register-Star

Hudson receives grant to tackle housing displacement

Register-Star

Chameides named to oversee ADA coordination

Register-Star

County urges state to delay and rework bail reform law

Columbia Paper

"One of the six supervisors who voted against the resolution, Michael Chameides (Hudson, 3rd Ward), said the day after the vote, ‘It’s so important that we treat people equally regardless of income. It’s so arbitrary when somebody who has not been found guilty languishes in a holding cell, sometimes for weeks, because they can’t afford bail. And during this time they can lose their jobs, not take care of their children, miss going to classes that will train them to get a job with which they will be able to afford bail.‘“

Columbia County Supporting Lawsuit Against EPA Over Hudson Clean-up

The Other Hudson Valley

"City of Hudson Third Ward Supervisor Michael Chameides, who introduced the resolution supporting the lawsuit, said PCBs have harmed Columbia County."

Creativity and Community

WGXC 90.7-FM

Grant gives Hudson money for crosswalks

98.5 The Cat

“It’s important that people feel safe walking in Hudson and crosswalks can make an intersection safer” says Michael Chameides, 3rd Ward Supervisor who helped coordinate the grant. “Safe streets make a more just city, a better quality of life, and improve our economy.”

Will app improve public health?

Columbia Paper

Delgado talks affordable housing

Register-Star

Fund the EPA

Register-Star

"During one particularly heavy rainstorm this July, the city of Hudson spilled almost two million gallons of sewage into the Hudson River. Spills like these are routine up and down the Hudson, wherever our cities’ older sewer systems channel wastewater and stormwater into the same pipes."

The endless waves of reinvention in Hudson

Chronogram

“If you work on creating an environment where it’s possible—and safe—for kids to walk or bike to school, then you’re also inherently taking on issues of public safety, traffic, and zoning, and building a community in which people look out for the well-being of children they see around town, even if they don’t know them. It’s also much more likely that a kid who enjoyed their childhood will stick around as adults.”

Local Elected Leaders Call On McDonald’s to Clean Up Act on Sexual Harassment

Local Progess

“...officials decry McDonald’s failure to protect its workers from groping, lewd comments, and other forms of harassment and violence, and demand that it bring workers to the table to establish a policy to eradicate sexual harassment.”

County Transportation Update

Register-Star

City to consider county’s short-term rental tax

Register-Star

Lawmakers upgrade county bus route, schedule

Register-Star

Delgado sets priorities in ceremonial swearing-in

Register-Star

Is this your stop? If it’s Hudson, maybe not

Columbia Paper

Talked Census 2020, transportation, and affordable housing on the Drive Time Radio Show. I come on around the 45-minute mark.

Airbnb business rises as Columbia County continues occupancy tax discussion

Register-Star

Hudson Planned Parenthood seeks support for new center

Register-Star

Delgado opens new Hudson office on Columbia Street

Register-Star

Columbia County partners with youth organizations to launch new bus route

Register-Star

Supe Says Better Bus Service Starts with Signs

Columbia Paper

Alderwoman cites lack of ADA access for missed meetings

Register-Star

Vacant properties law back on the table

Register-Star

Facilitating Congressional CD-19 Candidate Forum.

Forum: Airbnb, affordable housing at odds

Register-Star

Protesters call for legislation on separation of families at the U.S.-Mexico border

Register-Star

Tom Roe talks with Michael on WGXC.

Facilitating forum on Affordable Housing.

Sanctuary City Discussion Continues

The Gossips of Rivertown

Prospect of ACA repeal draws sharp criticism

Register-Star

"People survive because of their health care and to threaten that is really dangerous."

House cuts threaten 1,310 wild acres in NL and Canaan

Register-Star

Soccer players, council dribble over park usage

Register-Star

“Chameides said the city’s signs at the park forbidding soccer are unjustified. He argued that officials should be encouraging the city’s youth to exercise at the park, which he said they could all agree is a special public space.”

Learn more about Michael