Otsego County Board of Representatives Candidates: In Their Words
With the November 4 election fast upon us, and early voting underway as of Saturday, October 25, AllOtsego continues its coverage with questions and answers to candidates competing for seats on the Otsego County Board of Representatives. There are contested races in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th and 13th districts. Not all candidates replied to the e-mailed questions. The responses from those who did are included below.
Describe your qualifications and experience for this office and explain your reasons for running. How would you be an asset?
JASON M. CIANCIOTTO (2nd District, Butternuts, Morris, Pittsfield): I’ve spent my career as a leader in nonprofit social service and public health organizations that strengthen communities through collaboration, public-private partnerships, and accountability. As a foster parent to three children, I experience daily how the gaps in our county safety net harm the most vulnerable among us. I’m running because I know county government can do better. I’ll be an asset to the board by combining data-driven problem solving with empathy and a deep commitment to the well-being of our neighbors. My work on the committee that helped to bring Sidney Federal Credit Union to Morris is an example of my commitment to District 2.
JAMES P. POWERS (2nd District, Butternuts, Morris, Pittsfield): Incumbent. Did not respond to e-mailed questions.
RICHARD BROCKWAY (3rd District, Laurens, Otego): Incumbent. Did not respond to e-mailed questions.
PAMELA WIK-GRIMM (3rd District, Laurens, Otego): I am an Otsego County business owner with a career background in business consulting and leadership development. I also serve as a coxswain with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, which has strengthened my commitment to service, safety and teamwork. I’m running because I believe in building a stronger local economy by supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs that form the foundation of our county’s vitality. I bring a practical, problem-solving approach, transparency in decision-making, and a collaborative mindset to every challenge. My goal is to help the county grow responsibly, support local enterprise, and ensure that government remains responsive and accountable to the people it serves.
MICHELLE CATAN (4th District, Oneonta Town): Incumbent. I have been the county representative for the past four years. My qualifications and experience come from my career as a business advisor (14 years), commercial banker (20 years), business owner (20 years) and my bachelor’s degree is in business economics and an AAS degree in accounting.
EAMONN HINCHEY (4th District, Oneonta Town): Service to the community has been at the center of my work and volunteer life, and this role feels like a natural continuation of that commitment. The first board I was asked to serve on was Otsego County Conservation Association, back when I was in my 20s. It was such a great experience, and it really helped me understand the natural resources we have in our region and learn solutions on how to maintain and protect them. I am currently serving on the Oneonta school board, which has been such a privilege. My professional background has been in education, land consultation and real estate. I am currently working at SUNY Oneonta as an adjunct professor as well. In my jobs, I have always offered my analytical expertise along with the courage to fight for better solutions that protect the things that matter most, in essence exactly like what Otsego County does for its residents.
JENNIFER MICKLE (6th District, Decatur, Maryland, Westford, Worcester): Incumbent. Did not respond to e-mailed questions.
JOANNE TOBEY (6th District, Decatur, Maryland, Westford, Worcester): I am running for District 6 because I believe in public service; I want to contribute to the community. I am active in my town of Westford, currently serving as chair of the ZBA and as deputy town clerk. I’m also the treasurer of the Westford Historical Society. I have served on a number of nonprofit boards in the county and, in my professional life, have been a manager for many years, with budget responsibility. I have a master’s degree in business administration, which has trained me to be analytical, looking at the big picture as well as details. In my current position as director of development for the Community Foundation of Otsego County, I work with many community leaders and our nonprofit organizations, so I have a good sense of need in the county and the ways in which people are working together to address challenges and set Otsego County up for success.
LESLIE BERLIANT (7th District, Cherry Valley, Middlefield, Roseboom): I worked in public and traffic safety for nearly a decade, working with government agencies, nonprofits, sports leagues, and businesses across the country to improve health and safety in order to save lives. I also worked in organized labor, helping ensure that seniors and people with disabilities could get the services they need to live independently with dignity. In addition, I was chief of staff in the New York State Senate, where I saw first-hand the challenges that county governments face, and the importance of strong advocacy for the needs of our communities. I will use that experience to contribute to the well-being of our community and a positive future for Otsego County, making sure that we can maintain our open spaces and farms, our clean water and fertile soil, and our close-knit communities. I want to ensure that everyone here has access to quality housing, jobs, healthcare and education, with the opportunity to thrive.
DAVID BLISS (7th District, Cherry Valley, Middlefield, Roseboom): Incumbent David Bliss has withdrawn from the race, though his name remains on the ballot. He has endorsed James McCartney.
JAMES McCARTNEY (7th District, Cherry Valley, Middlefield, Roseboom): I’ve spent my career working in both the public and private sectors, giving me a strong understanding of how government functions and how it can work more efficiently for taxpayers. I’ve served on local boards and committees, where I’ve built consensus, managed budgets, and helped find solutions to real problems that affect residents’ daily lives. I’m running because I believe in a responsive, common-sense government—one that listens, acts transparently and delivers results. My experience with budgets, infrastructure, and community engagement will help ensure our county stays fiscally responsible while continuing to invest in public safety, roads, and quality of life.
MICHELE CLAPPERTON (13th District, Oneonta City – Wards 5 & 6): Having lived and worked in Otsego since 2008, I have a vested interest in the success of our government at the local level. I have worked in marketing and advertising for a majority of the last 25 years, helping business grow. While doing this, I have had the opportunity to listen to the people in our area discuss what’s needed and what isn’t working for them both personally and in business. I have also served on the board of directors for several years that created Friends of Recovery, recognizing the needs and services that are needed in our area for the recovering community. I am also in my third year as a board member for Foothills Performing Arts Center, which is also woven into the fabric of this community not only bringing arts and music to our area, but a hub for other services that benefit our area. I plan to spend the remainder of my life in Oneonta, and I want to be in a position where I can, in some small way, effect change for the best interest of our county.
DONALD SCANLON (13th District, Oneonta City – Wards 5 & 6): Incumbent. Did not respond to e-mailed questions.
Many residents don’t understand county government. How would you explain the county’s primary responsibilities and services?
CIANCIOTTO (2nd District): Otsego County government manages the essential services that help to make daily life possible: maintaining our roads and bridges, supporting emergency services, protecting public health, and funding social services that help families and seniors. It’s the layer of government that ensures our communities are safe, connected and cared for. Many residents don’t realize how much the county affects their lives until something goes wrong—a bridge gets washed out or federal budget cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) Program cause people to go hungry and increase the need for local food pantries. As a representative, I will help demystify county operations so people know how their tax dollars are being used and how to access the services they need to help them thrive.
WIK-GRIMM (3rd District): County government provides many of the essential services that affect daily life. These include maintaining roads and bridges, supporting public health and emergency medical services, law enforcement through the sheriff’s department, and social services such as child welfare, senior programs, and mental health support. The county also guides planning, economic development and environmental stewardship. Residents deserve to understand how these services are funded and to know their tax dollars are managed responsibly. My focus is on transparency, clear priorities and fiscal discipline, so every dollar strengthens our communities.
CATAN (4th District): The county is responsible for safety through the sheriff’s department and corrections department, infrastructure, roads, and emergency services for the entire county. The county is also responsible for caring for our veterans, seniors, including the mental health and social services of those that need those services. Other responsibilities include collecting our sales, property, and occupancy taxes, county solid waste facilities, county buildings and grounds, DMV, our legal services and district attorney’s office, and much more.
HINCHEY (4th District): I think that the easiest way to understand the county’s function would be to look at the three top expenditures: department of social services, county roads and public safety. All three of these are common sense, no argument kinds of issues. The bulk of the county’s role is to maintain infrastructure, both socially and physically. The county government’s job to ensure that these vital systems are funded and achieving their goals.
TOBEY (6th District): The county board is an administrative entity. It oversees the public services provided across the county, including public health, safety, elections, court, roads, economic development, etc. These services are investments in our people, and the board needs to make decisions about how to best accomplish our common goals and navigate trade-offs.
BERLIANT (7th District): The county government is primarily responsible for the local services we count on regularly to help our communities function, like the transfer stations, maintaining county roads, and making sure our communities are safe. In addition, the county legislature oversees areas that we don’t always need, but when we do, we’re glad they’re there, like county health and mental health services, support for seniors and kids with special needs, addiction recovery, employment and training services, and our tourism promotion that helps support our local businesses.
McCARTNEY (7th District): County government serves as the bridge between our local towns and villages and New York State. It’s responsible for services that can be too large for individual municipalities to handle—like maintaining county roads and bridges, supporting law enforcement and emergency services, managing public health and social services, administering elections, and overseeing economic development initiatives.
CLAPPERTON (13th District): The role of county government is to pass local laws or resolutions as provided for in county law and municipal home rule. That’s the official definition of the role. I feel that it’s my responsibility to listen to my constituents and bring their voices to the table when such laws are enacted. Until I decided to run, I had lived in the 6th Ward for eight years and had no idea who my county rep was…part of the onus is on me for not questioning that, but even more so my constituents need a face and a voice and someone to really hear them.
What are the main challenges facing your district within the county? How would you advocate to address those challenges?
CIANCIOTTO (2nd District): Our district’s challenges include crumbling infrastructure, limited cell and broadband access, gaps in healthcare and mental health support, and the impacts of federal budget cuts. In May, my oldest son was in a car accident—t-boned by a bus on Route 23 in an area with no cell coverage. I only learned of the crash second hand, and I had no idea how seriously injured my son was or even which hospital they were taken to. No one should face that kind of fear because we lack basic connectivity. I’ll push for public-private partnerships that increase broadband and cellular coverage. I’ll ensure funding for safer roads and invest in emergency response. I’ll also be a champion for families struggling with poverty, hunger, and untreated mental illness and substance use—issues I see firsthand as a foster parent.
WIK-GRIMM (3rd District): In Otsego County, several interconnected challenges call for attention, especially for small business owners, homeowners and young families. Small business development remains a critical need. Entrepreneurs face hurdles accessing capital, hiring skilled workers and navigating regulations. As someone who runs a business and works as a consultant in the county, I will advocate for streamlining permits, expanding outreach for start-ups, and building partnerships that help local enterprises grow and hire locally.
Property taxes and affordability are also major concerns. The median household income here is under $70,000.00, and about 14 percent of residents live below the poverty line. Local businesses, working families and retirees all feel the strain of rising costs. I will prioritize fiscal discipline, transparency in spending and targeted tax relief for those most affected, including entrepreneurs investing in our community.
To address these challenges, I’ll promote business-friendly policies, ensure tax burdens remain fair and tied to clear value, and strengthen collaboration between county departments, municipalities, and residents. My goal is to bring practical experience and public-service teamwork to the board table so our district’s voices are heard and progress continues.
CATAN (4th District): The Town of Oneonta is one of the largest sales tax collection municipalities within the county. Bringing water and sewer to the East End of Oneonta is an economic priority. I will continue to work with the town supervisor and county planning department to find infrastructure funding that can help with this project. Other challenges include smart-growth strategies, maintaining the parks and pool for the town residents, and maintaining our beautiful farm land.
HINCHEY (4th District): One of the main issues in my district, like other districts, is land use. There have been multiple attempts at rezoning lately, but what we really need is more residential neighborhoods. Another challenge we are facing is how to adapt to a growing seasonal economy in the summer that has altered our neighborhoods and strained our housing market for residents. Personally, I think that the best solution to changes in a community like this is to update our comprehensive plan (which at this point is outdated). Creative planning and thoughtful policy are the most common-sense strategies to deal with these problems.
TOBEY (6th District): Like most of the county, District 6 is challenged to fully staff road departments and its town governments. I would like to see how we might collaborate to find solutions that benefit everyone. I also think we need to be forward-looking and prepare for changes that might be coming. District 6 has 88 running through it. With that accessible transportation corridor, what development should we prepare for? Are our zoning regulations robust? Have we made sufficient investments in housing? Are we prepared for commercial solar, data centers, distribution centers? Are we aware of state funding opportunities and are we taking advantage of them? Otsego County is a great place to live and to work. What do we need to do so that we can be ready to take advantage of any opportunities that come our way?
BERLIANT (7th District): Like in other areas, folks are being priced out of housing, while the costs of food and other necessities continue to rise. We are also already seeing pressures on healthcare in our district with the future of the Cherry Valley Clinic in limbo. Roseboom continues to struggle with access to basic services, like cell and Internet, and in Middlefield, we are concerned about the quality of our roads, and the health of the lake which provides drinking water to some of our residents. In addition, cuts in federal funding—particularly Medicaid and the ACA Enhanced Premium Tax Credit—will have an enormous impact on rural communities like ours. We must increase local resilience by investing our resources wisely, and supporting smart growth that is sustainable and lasting. The county legislature should be a resource and partner to our towns and villages, working together to find solutions. As we face challenges, I will be a voice at the table to make sure that the decisions we make about the resources we have are focused on doing the most good for the people who live here.
McCARTNEY (7th District): Our biggest challenges include rising property taxes, aging infrastructure, and the ongoing struggle to attract and retain both businesses and young families. We also face issues with rural broadband access. I’ll advocate for smarter, more efficient spending, target state and federal grant opportunities, and work closely with town and village leaders to prioritize local projects. By focusing on economic growth, responsible budgeting and infrastructure upgrades, we can make our district stronger for the next generation.
CLAPPERTON (13th District): The biggest challenges that I see in our county is the lack of affordable housing, mental health services and addiction services. While we have some services, we are sorely lacking. I would hopefully be on the Health and Human Services Committee, because that is where my passion lies. I want to be part of a comprehensive plan to address these issues—every citizen deserves a home, decent healthcare, food on the table, and services for those with mental health and addiction issues.
What will be your strategy for effectively communicating with constituents?
CIANCIOTTO (2nd District): I believe in transparent, two-way communication with constituents, Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. I plan to hold regular community meetings, maintain an active online presence and provide plain-language updates about county decisions. Listening is as important as informing. I want constituents to see me as their direct line to the county. I’ll also make it a priority to show appreciation for those who serve our community every day—especially our teachers, school staff and first responders. The people working in our schools and service agencies are the heart of District 2, and they deserve to know their work is valued and supported.
WIK-GRIMM (3rd District): Effective communication is essential to good representation. I plan to stay connected with residents through both modern and traditional channels. Social media offers an important way to share timely information, explain county decisions and hear directly from constituents. Used responsibly, it bridges the gap between government and the people it serves. At the same time, there’s no substitute for face-to-face connection. I will attend community meetings, local events, and neighborhood gatherings to listen and respond to concerns. Combining online communication with personal engagement ensures that every constituent has an easy way to be informed, share ideas, and hold county government accountable.
CATAN (4th District): I have attended as many Town of Oneonta board meetings as I can the past four years and given updates on the county board and committee meeting each month. I am always available to speak with town residents, follow up on any issues that are brought to my attention and maintain good working relationships with all town board members.
HINCHEY (4th District): I believe that the best way to find out about how people feel is to hear from them directly. My goal is to attend both planning board and town board meetings as often as possible. Quarterly, I would like to hold town hall meetings and produce a digital newsletter for my constituents. If these strategies aren’t effective, I am very flexible and would be happy to regroup and find new ways to connect.
TOBEY (6th District): In Westford, there’s a lot of information shared and supportive conversations going on social media, so that’s certainly a channel I would use for communication. I would also attend the town board meetings.
BERLIANT (7th District): In addition to using social media to communicate, I will hold quarterly coffees for folks to come and ask questions, share ideas and concerns. I will also have an e-mail list that folks can join to stay up to date with what is happening in the county legislature and how it might impact them.
McCARTNEY (7th District): Accessibility and transparency are key. I plan to maintain open lines of communication through newsletters and social media updates. I’ll make myself available by phone and e-mail and will actively seek input from residents before major decisions are made. I believe government works best when people are informed, engaged, and heard—and that’s the type of representative I will be.
CLAPPERTON (13th District): I will be available not only via e-mail, but if I get the honor of serving, I will also have a dedicated direct phone line dedicated to the constituents of District 13. I would also like to have a monthly (either evening or weekend) face-to-face with my constituents, so that I am available to them. In my canvassing, most of my constituents don’t know who their representative is. I plan to change that.
If the county had an unexpected $10 million budget surplus, how would you allocate those funds?
CIANCIOTTO (2nd District): Constituents should have a say in how funds are spent—whether by increasing funding for critical programs or through targeted and responsible tax cuts—through participatory budgeting. I’d prioritize the investments they identify, especially those that strengthen our families. To me, that includes repairing roads and bridges and ensuring local public safety, healthcare services, and food banks that can meet the increased need caused by federal budget cuts. I’m open to targeted property tax cuts, and I’d also advocate for a reserve fund to protect constituents no matter what is happening federally. Every dollar should move us closer to a healthier, safer and more connected district.
WIK-GRIMM (3rd District): If the county were to receive an unexpected $10 million surplus, I would focus on using those funds for both immediate relief and long-term benefit. First, I would direct a portion toward property tax relief to ease the burden on homeowners and retirees. Second, I would invest strategically in economic development and small business support, helping entrepreneurs expand and strengthening our local job base. Finally, I would dedicate funds to critical infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and broadband, to improve daily life and make our county more competitive. Together, these priorities would turn a one-time surplus into lasting value through stronger communities, a healthier economy and fairer taxes for everyone.
CATAN (4th District): I would earmark some of these funds to the county fund balance, as a way to ensure future funding streams. I would use some to purchase vehicles and additional funding for the Veterans Affairs and Office for the Aging for transportation and other needs of those vulnerable communities. I would earmark some for small businesses, economic development and workforce development. We have thousands of tourists and college students that come to our county every year, so we need a strong business economy, good roads, beautiful amenities, and an inviting community for all.
HINCHEY (4th District): My initial thoughts were to spend the money on re-establishing a department for county parks and recreation. However, with so much uncertainty in the federal government right now, I think that it would be wise to allocate the money into our fund balance, if able. Currently, Otsego County’s largest allocation is to its General Fund (82 percent of total budget) of which 8.8 percent comes from Federal Revenue, which is roughly $11.4 million. If that money were compromised in any way, the unexpected surplus could quickly turn into an unexpected shortfall.
TOBEY (6th District): I would allocate a surplus to address the priorities at the time. Is there a sufficient operating reserve? If not, invest in that. Have there been essential programs that have been underfunded for a while? If so, direct funding there to stabilize those services. Is there a capital project that, if funded, would position the county for further thoughtful growth? We could return money to towns and have them make decisions about how best to use it locally. I’d also make a decision informed by why we had a surplus. Is this a sustainable change or very short term? If we anticipate challenges in the near future, I might be more conservative in how I would recommend we use the surplus.
BERLIANT (7th District): I would engage the public in the decisions on how we allocate those funds, because it’s their money. Some projects that I would support include: raising county salaries to attract the best talent and fill critical positions like social workers and recovery staff that are currently vacant; retrofitting existing homes for energy efficiency to save people money and improve the housing stock; addressing the unhoused population from fully staffing recovery and supports services, to housing options; investments in affordable senior and workforce housing to help people live, work, and retire locally.
McCARTNEY (7th District): First, I’d want to ensure that any surplus was the result of responsible fiscal management and not short-term underfunding of essential services. I would prioritize reinvesting a portion into long-term infrastructure projects like roads, bridges and broadband—areas that benefit every resident and strengthen our economy. Another portion should go toward reducing the tax burden on property owners. Finally, I’d reserve a percentage for a rainy-day or stabilization funds to prepare for future challenges, ensuring that Otsego County remains financially sound and resilient.
CLAPPERTON (13th District): I would want to earmark those funds for affordable housing, services for the lower income, mentally ill, and addicted populations. I was taught long ago that the only time we look down on another human being is when we are giving them a hand up.
Early voting is currently underway at the Brenner Building in Oneonta’s Neahwa Park and at The Meadows Office Complex in Cooperstown. Visit https://www.otsegocountyny.gov/departments/board_of_elections/index.php for details.
