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?