Candidates: In Their Words, Cianciotto and Powers

AllOtsego’s 2026 pre-election coverage continues with a series of questions posed to Otsego County Board of Representatives District 2 candidates, Jason M. Cianciotto (DEM, FFO) and James P. Powers (REP, CON). These are the candidates’ responses as they were received, in alphabetical order by last name.

1: What are your top priorities for Otsego County, and what specific actions would you take to address them? Please identify one or two priorities, explain what the county board can realistically do about them, and describe how residents would be able to measure your progress.

CIANCIATTO:

My top priorities are to help families meet daily costs and keep needed services. My health insurance is through NY State of Health. I know firsthand how hard it can be to afford coverage. Congress let extra tax credits expire, raising monthly insurance costs for many people who buy these plans. For more than 20 years, I have worked in nonprofit leadership and public policy. I have pushed for budgets and policies that help people most in need, and I built strong partnerships to solve problems.
Priorities: H.R. 1 cuts support for SNAP and Medicaid. I would bring county social services, food banks, health clinics, and trained insurance navigators together to help families understand new rules, fill out forms, and find coverage and aid they qualify for. I would urge Congress to restore these cuts. On the Butternut Valley Alliance board, I helped bring SFCU to the valley, restoring local banking. I supported the community effort behind Morris’ $4.5 million NY Forward grant, which will help the whole valley. I would seek grants, maintain county roads and connect people with home repairs that lower heating bills. Residents should see yearly reports on wait times, families helped, and projects finished on time and within budget.

POWERS:

My top priorities for Otsego County are a highway facility, a working shop for building services and a new burn tower for emergency services training. In 2026, Otsego County purchased 400+ acres from the Jennifer Huntington Estate. This property borders the Meadows Complex and had been a working dairy farm until her death in 2018. I would utilize existing structures on this property wherever possible. County vehicles can be parked undercover. A burn tower can be built there and the Meadows Complex utilized for classroom training. This property has potential for other uses as well. I would like to be part of its development.

2: How would you balance the cost of county government with the need to provide essential services and maintain the county’s long-term financial health? What principles would guide your decisions about the property tax levy, county spending, staffing, infrastructure, and the use of reserves? If you support a major spending increase or reduction, how would you pay for it or manage its consequences?

CIANCIATTO:

My values include ensuring people receive good services at a tax bill they can afford. I would keep the county’s property tax levy low while meeting real needs. When my foster son was hit by a car while riding his bike, I was so grateful for the local and county emergency services that helped our family. As a foster and adoptive parent, I also know how much children and families rely on social services for care and support. H.R. 1 shifts more SNAP costs to states and counties. I would seek state help and protect staffing needed to handle cases on time. In my nonprofit work, I have fought for budgets tied to real needs. County jobs and spending should meet that same test, with funds that will last.
I would plan road, bridge and building repairs over several years so that timely repairs can prevent bigger bills. Grants also need a plan for our share and future upkeep. County savings should cushion hard times and fund planned needs under the law. Costs that return each year need steady funding. Any major spending change needs lasting funds or clear savings and an honest account of how services would change.

POWERS:

Otsego County is top heavy on administrative costs. Between the County Administrator’s Office and the Treasurer’s Office, there is unnecessary duplication of efforts. The challenge of government has always been to deliver services while holding down taxes. This means making do with what you have and where you are. I am not a proponent of the tax increase a $100 million jail complex would have precipitated. I am in favor of utilizing the renovated section of the jail, which is currently empty. Housing Otsego County inmates in the jails of other counties is prohibitively expensive.
Social Services are provided through a patchwork of programs that include government assistance, churches and food pantries. The Federal government has been cutting their costs and increasing our contribution to these safety net programs. In addition, Otsego County is not immune to the inflation and affordability issues experienced by its citizens. Better coordination of services could provide more bang for the buck. Grant programs must be actively pursued wherever the opportunity exists.

3: How would you ensure that the people you represent have a meaningful voice in county decisions, and how would you remain accountable to them after the election? How would you hear from residents with differing views, communicate important decisions and respond when constituents disagree with your position? Please give a specific example of how you would approach a difficult or controversial local issue.

CIANCIATTO:

I would listen before a vote, explain my choice and keep in touch afterward. I would share regular updates with District 2 residents, who could reach me by phone, e-mail or in person. I would seek out neighbors with views that differ from mine. They should hear about big plans while there is still time to shape them. For example, a big building project could bring jobs. It could also raise fears about farms, water, traffic and power costs. I would hear from people who support the project and those who have concerns. County staff should explain costs and risks in plain words. I would make clear which choices belong to the county and which belong to towns or villages. Before a vote on county roads or funds, I would ask who pays for upgrades. What could taxpayers owe? What would local people gain? I would share those answers before the vote. Then I would explain my vote, including the tradeoffs. If someone disagrees, I would respond with respect and address their concern. If new facts show we made a mistake, I would work to fix it.

POWERS:

I am always available by phone. I attend the town board meetings of the three townships I represent—Butternuts, Morris, and Pittsfield. These are night meetings and anyone is free to attend. I keep the town boards informed about actions of the county that may affect their towns. The town boards are free to express their concerns to me. I listen. If someone calls with a concern, I always try to help. I am not afraid to express my opinion. I am not afraid to say no. A specific example would be my opposition to ICE. I recently signed onto a letter opposing ICE. I am opposed to masked, armed individuals in unmarked vehicles roaming our streets. I prefer to put my faith in the Otsego County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police.