Candidates: In Their Words, Day and Marietta

AllOtsego’s 2026 pre-election coverage continues with a series of questions posed to Otsego County Board of Representatives District 8 candidates William Day (REP) and Andrew Marietta (DEM, FUS). 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.

DAY:
My top priorities are fiscal responsibility and maintaining the infrastructure and essential services our communities depend on. As someone who manages multimillion-dollar construction projects, I understand the importance of planning, controlling costs and delivering results. I would work to ensure county spending is carefully evaluated, infrastructure investments are prioritized based on need and taxpayer dollars are used effectively. I would advocate for regular reviews of major projects, including their budgets, timelines and progress. Residents should be able to measure our success through responsible budgets, projects completed on schedule and clear reporting on how their tax dollars are being spent.

MARIETTA:
As a county representative, I have contributed to many county achievements, including the investment in our county department heads and personnel through the implementation of a compensation study; the creation of a county-wide ambulance service that is a safety net for many communities and is a key partner to Bassett Healthcare Network; the development of a strong partnership with Otsego Now focusing on growing businesses and economic development; the development of a strong partnership with Destination Marketing of Otsego County that continues to grow tourism and generate more tax revenues; and the development of a strategic plan for Otsego County that reflects the priorities and real-time progress of our county departments viewable anytime here: https://county-otsego-ny-cleardoc.cleargov.com/23303/904253/d.

As I run for re-election, I ask the residents of Cooperstown and the Town of Otsego in District 8 for their support to continue my government service and focus on the key priorities of leveraging county partnerships to help address funding cuts forecasted for 2027, while also facilitating a county comprehensive planning process that builds on our strategic plan and focuses on a county-wide vison for future growth and how to maximize economic, social and environmental benefits for our community.

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?

DAY:
In business and construction management, you learn quickly that every dollar matters. County government should operate with that same discipline. My approach would be to control unnecessary spending, protect essential services and make responsible investments that benefit taxpayers over the long term. I believe property tax increases should be a last resort, not the first solution. Staffing decisions should reflect actual service needs, infrastructure investments should be carefully planned, and reserves should be protected for emergencies and legitimate long-term obligations rather than used to support ongoing spending. I would also look for efficiencies and available outside funding before asking taxpayers to shoulder additional costs. Good financial management isn’t simply about spending less; it’s about spending wisely and planning for the future.

MARIETTA:
Given the negative impacts from federal legislation, such as H.R. 1, which have resulted in increased costs and cuts in funding for Otsego County, we are now having difficult discussions focused on prioritizing essential and mandated services. Furthermore, our residents have already been negatively impacted by H.R. 1, including 241 residents who have each now lost access to their SNAP benefit totaling hundreds of dollars in monthly food support.

It is my duty to advocate for the health, safety, and well-being of Cooperstown and Town of Otsego residents, and work to preserve county services. Unfortunately, Otsego County cannot repair the damage from the federal government’s actions with tax increases, and the county will have to reduce services to ensure long-term financial health. In addition, Otsego County must increase its reserve fund as it explores planning for priority capital projects that include a new highway building and fire training center.

In my role as the chair of the county’s Technology and Strategic Planning Committee, we are utilizing our strategic plan to guide county priorities in response to these challenges, and we are now in the process of developing a multi-year fiscal plan focused on how to maintain fiscal strength while growing the fund balance.

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.

DAY:
I believe good government starts with listening. As a local business owner, educator, and member of the Town of Otsego Zoning Board of Appeals, I’ve learned the importance of hearing different perspectives, asking questions, and making thoughtful decisions. I would remain accessible to residents, communicate important county decisions and explain not just how I vote, but why. When disagreements arise, I believe people deserve honest answers and respectful conversations, even when we don’t see eye to eye. For example, if a major infrastructure project required significant taxpayer investment, I would want residents to understand the costs, alternatives and long-term benefits before a decision is made. I would listen to their concerns, carefully evaluate the financial implications and make the decision I believe best serves our community. Accountability doesn’t end on Election Day.

MARIETTA:
When I was first elected to the Otsego County Board, the only way someone could learn about board actions was to attend a meeting in person. I advocated and fought to improve county board transparency and accessibility through my own social media efforts, as well as the recording of our county board meetings. Fast forward to today, and now all our committee and board meetings are live broadcast on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@otsegocountynewyork/live and then archived.
I have always encouraged Cooperstown and the Town of Otsego residents to voice their opinions, perspectives and issues regarding Otsego County government directly to me. My direct contact information is listed on the county website and many have utilized it or spoken to me in person. More recently, numerous constituents contacted me about the actions of Sheriff Devlin. They shared their agreement with my opposing his direct attack on the freedom of speech by county residents who shared their criticism and concerns about the problems occurring under his management. Furthermore, because of Sheriff Devlin’s actions, I have been involved in improving Otsego County’s social media policy and credit card policy to protect county residents from future censorship and combat taxpayer waste.