Letter from Mayor Caleb Ramsey

Hello Hudson,

My name is Caleb Ramsey, and I am honored to serve as your mayor. Thank you to everyone who participated in the recent election and placed their trust in me.

For those who may not know me, I have called Hudson home since 1999. I graduated from Hudson High School in 2003, served four years in the military, and returned home to raise my family. My wife, Maegan, and I have been married for 16 years and have four children who attend Hudson ISD. Like many of you, Hudson is more than just where I live – it is home, and it is where I have chosen to build my life and raise my family.

I believe one of the most important responsibilities of local government is transparency. While there are times when legal or personnel matters limit what can be shared, I am committed to being as open and honest as possible with the people of Hudson. You deserve to know how your city is operating, what challenges we face, and what we are doing to address them.

Since returning to the City Council in 2025, I have seen firsthand the challenges facing our city. Some difficult decisions have been necessary, but every decision has been made with one goal in mind: putting Hudson on a stronger path for the future.

One of those decisions was dissolving the Hudson Police Department and contracting with the Angelina County Sheriff's Office for law enforcement services. This decision was not a reflection of our officers but the result of long-standing operational issues. Sheriff Selman and his staff have provided dependable service and helped ensure our community remains safe.

The city also identified financial concerns that were reported to law enforcement. The Texas Rangers are currently investigating. While we cannot discuss details at this time, we have already taken steps to improve accountability, strengthen financial controls, and better protect taxpayer dollars.

We have also been fortunate to bring strong leaders into key positions. Interim City Administrator Gerald Williamson, who brings more than 36 years of municipal government experience, has helped provide stability and direction during a period of significant change. Public Works Director Kevin Kelley oversees the city's infrastructure and public works operations. City Secretary Candy Cox manages many of the city's day-to-day administrative functions and serves as a key point of contact for residents. Financial Manager Belinda Melancon oversees the city's financial operations and has helped strengthen financial oversight and accountability. Along with our dedicated city employees, these leaders are helping build a stronger foundation for Hudson's future. While there is still work to do, I am encouraged by the progress being made and the commitment this team has shown to serving our community.

As part of our commitment to transparency, I also want to address a recent election-related issue. We recently discovered that a procedural step required by state law was missed when the City Council did not formally re-order the election following the close of the filing period. All other aspects of the election were conducted properly, including the canvassing and certification of the results.

We have reported this oversight to the Texas Secretary of State and will follow any guidance they provide. Based on similar cases, we do not expect the election results to be affected. However, we believe it is important to be upfront about mistakes and address them openly when they occur.

Looking ahead, I am optimistic about Hudson's future. We have made progress, but there is still work to do. Our goal is simple: provide better services, be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars, and build a city government our residents can trust and be proud of.

I also encourage everyone to participate in future elections. In the recent mayoral election, only 47 votes were cast in a city of nearly 5,000 people. Local government affects our daily lives – from our roads and water systems to public safety and city services – and every vote matters.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and for caring about our community. If you have concerns, suggestions, or questions, please contact City Hall at 936-875-2358. While you may not always agree with every decision, you deserve to understand how and why those decisions are made.

Sincerely,

Caleb Ramsey

Mayor, City of Hudson