Hartwick Town Supervisor Candidates: In Their Words

AllOtsego’s 2025 pre-election coverage begins this week with a series of questions posed to Town of Hartwick supervisor candidates Cody E. Moore (REP, HUN) and Andrea Vazquez (CON). There was no word limit given. These are the candidates’ responses as they were received.

1. If elected, what will be your top priorities?

MOORE:

First and foremost, we must restore trust in our town government. By working together, we will protect the taxpayers and foster a more respectful, productive environment on the Town Board. Hartwick needs a leader who can bring people together, focus on solutions and move our town forward.

VAZQUEZ:

My priorities are forward focused. Reliable town services that foster a safe and healthy community.

2. What are the top three challenges currently being faced by the Town of Hartwick, and how will you address these?

MOORE:

• Fiscal responsibility: Rising costs impact every member of our community. We must carefully review spending, seek out efficiencies and hold the line on taxes, while still delivering essential services. One of the first things I would postpone would be the confidential secretary line. I am committed to this position and have the time to commit to the position. No need to pay someone to help me do my job.
• Town Board division: Dysfunction has hurt progress. I will set a professional tone, encourage respectful debate, and make sure meetings are run fairly and efficiently. Town residents must be listened to and heard, not bullied and harassed.
• Infrastructure and services: From roads to water systems, we must maintain and improve our infrastructure in an efficient and sustainable way. I will prioritize long-term planning and actively pursue grants to reduce the burden on local taxpayers.

VAZQUEZ:

We face three major challenges: aging infrastructure, financial strain and a need for forward momentum. I am focused on smart planning, securing outside funding and making decisions based on what strengthens the town long-term. We can’t afford to stand still—it’s time to move Hartwick forward.

3. The Town of Hartwick Board has frequently reached impasses over the last year and some board meetings have gotten out of hand, requiring the presence of local law enforcement. What do you see as your role as supervisor, if elected, in addressing this?

MOORE:

The supervisor must set the tone. Period. I will run meetings professionally, keep discussions focused on the issues, and ensure that every board member has a chance to be heard respectfully. By encouraging civil dialogue and enforcing order when necessary, I will work to restore dignity and productivity to our meetings. Sadly, my opponent is part of the current board that creates this turmoil. I have the leadership skills necessary to bring everyone together.

VAZQUEZ:

Did not answer.

4. Recently, the Town of Hartwick experienced a boil water order and town officials are currently working on improvements to the building that houses the town’s well. What will you do to make sure local drinking water is safe?

MOORE:

Safe drinking water is an essential service we must provide. I will work closely with state and county health officials, engineers, and our water operators to ensure that our systems meet all safety standards. I will also push for proactive maintenance and upgrades so we’re not solely reacting to problems, but preventing them.

VAZQUEZ:

We’re fortunate to now have two professional, capable water operators who are doing an excellent job managing our system. I’ll continue supporting their work, ensuring they have the tools and resources they need to keep things running efficiently and safely.

5. If elected, what steps would you take to put the Town of Hartwick on a firmer financial footing?

MOORE:

I will implement stronger budgeting practices, carefully track spending and provide clear financial reports to the taxpayers. I will also look for shared services with neighboring towns to cut costs and aggressively pursue state and federal grant opportunities to reduce the burden on local property taxpayers. I will be sureto make sure grants, FEMA and CHIPs programs are turned in timely to not skew the budgets.

VAZQUEZ:

We shall focus on careful day-to-day management—monitoring spending, planning ahead for known expenses and looking for efficiencies wherever possible. Every decision should reflect common sense and respect for taxpayers’ money.

6. Local municipalities often rely on funding from the state to meet their needs. What are your priorities in securing funds from the state, and how will you approach that process?

MOORE:

My priority will be securing funding for infrastructure improvements, first responders and long-term planning that benefits residents. I will build strong relationships with our state representatives and agencies and I will make sure Hartwick’s voice is heard in Albany so we get our fair share of resources.

VAZQUEZ:

Over the past few months, I’ve gained significant experience working with the state on grant reimbursements, which has strengthened my knowledge of the process. I’ve also secured numerous smaller grants over the years to help offset taxpayer costs. Recently, I hosted a well-attended grant writing workshop at Hartwick Town Hall through the New York State Association of Towns, where I learned new strategies and connected with key contacts who can assist the town. I’ve already taken steps to ensure Hartwick is eligible for critical funding—and I plan to continue building on that momentum.

7. The national political climate has grown intense, including multiple assassinations and assassination attempts over the last year. What do you believe are local answers for maintaining peaceful political engagement?

MOORE:

At the local level, we need to lead by example. That means listening to one another, debating respectfully, and remembering that we’re all neighbors first. I believe community forums, open communication and fair leadership can help keep political engagement peaceful and productive here in Hartwick.

VAZQUEZ:

Did not answer.

8. President Trump has made mass deportations one of his top priorities, often in partnership with local municipalities through arrests, detention, sharing data about immigrants, and more. Should Otsego County/the Town of Hartwick collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement? If so, how?

MOORE:

My focus as Hartwick town supervisor will be on the issues directly impacting our residents — taxes, infrastructure, services and lowering the burden on all of us. While we will follow the law, immigration enforcement is a federal matter and I believe our town government should not be diverted from its core responsibilities to taxpayers.

VAZQUEZ:

Did not answer.

9. Housing costs continue to be a challenge for many New Yorkers and Otsego County residents. What policies and programs do you support to keep the cost of housing affordable for your constituents?

MOORE:

We must make sure families, seniors and young people can afford to live here. I support policies that encourage responsible development, promote home ownership opportunities, and provide access to state and federal housing programs. I also believe we should work with the county and nonprofits to expand affordable housing options, without overburdening local taxpayers.

VAZQUEZ:

I am in the final stages of securing the Pro-Housing Certification through New York State for the town which fosters affordable housing in addition to expanding eligibility for grant funding.