As part of our coverage of the upcoming election, The Daily Star sent interview questions to candidates for contested offices, as well as key races where the sole candidate is running unopposed, in our coverage area of Otsego, Delaware, Schoharie and Chenango counties at the federal, state, county and municipal levels.
Below are the responses from candidates for state Assembly in District 121 — Republican incumbent Joe Angelino and Democratic challenger Vicki Davis. District 121 includes parts of Otsego, Delaware and Chenango counties.
Joe Angelino
Why are you running for office?
I first ran for office four years ago to continue the strong Republican representation that my good friend, Cliff Crouch, carried out for the 121st District for many years. We need a fighter for our Upstate values to push back on bad policies pushed by the downstate liberals, like bail reform, defunding the police, billions in taxpayer funds for illegal immigrants and more.
Describe your experience or qualifications for office.
I’m not a politician and never aspired to run for office. I’m a regular guy who has spent my life trying to serve and protect those around me – from my time serving in combat duty in the Marines, to serving as a member of law enforcement here at home. These experiences, combined with long track record of volunteering in our community, have provided me with the skills to effectively represent this Assembly District.
What do you believe are the challenges and opportunities facing Otsego, Delaware and Chenango counties?
We need to protect our Upstate Values against radical changes that have been implemented by (Gov.) Kathy Hochul and the downstate liberal leaders of the Assembly and Senate. They’ve pushed policies that seem more concerned with protecting dangerous criminals rather than law abiding citizens and victims of crime. That’s wrong, and I’ll keep fighting back to make sure Upstate’s voice is heard.
Is there a particular issue that motivated you to run for state Assembly?
I love our communities here in the 121st Assembly District. I was born and raised here and want to see this area thrive for generations to come. However, Albany has too often turned a blind eye as we’ve suffered job losses and young people voting with their feet by moving out of state. We need to turn the tide before it’s too late by reducing the tax burden on residents and ensuring that individual freedoms are protected.
What do you want to accomplish while in office?
My main goal is to serve as a strong voice for Upstate at a time when it seems many in Albany want to ignore us. I’m asking for re-election this year so I can continue effectively representing Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Madison and Otsego Counties.
Vicki Davis
Why are you running for office?
People deserve representation and they deserve a choice. We need a stronger voice representing us at the state level. A voice that is willing to work with everyone from both sides of the house. A voice that supports the mutual benefits available when rural and urban citizens work together. A voice that will be a resource for all of the district. I will be that voice.
Describe your experience or qualifications for office.
I have a lifelong career as a professional in a field that demands collaboration, attention to detail, budget and labor consciousness, continuously creating something that never existed before. It is a problem solver’s dream job. As a university faculty member I am attuned to the educational system and its value as a resource to our communities. In addition, I’ve had decades as a community organizer and volunteer. As a long-time member of our area, I am invested in Central New York
What do you believe are the challenges and opportunities facing Otsego, Delaware and Chenango counties?
Access to basic necessities: housing, health care, childcare, education, transportation and clean water. We have a severe poverty issue, lack mental health support and health providers. We have an opportunity to lead in response to the climate act, building stronger communities, restoring central New York as the heart of New York. Diversifying our business interests we can support unions and farms creating more opportunity, uplifting towns and strengthening connections between them. By acknowledging that schools and libraries are community centers we can encourage civic engagement, provide better living conditions for everyone, and maximize our support networks by working them into programming.
Is there a particular issue that motivated you to run for state Assembly?
People feel they aren’t being listened to. I’m listening, and finding consensus.
What do you want to accomplish while in office?
Represent the people of Madison, Chenango, Otsego, Delaware and Broome counties. Rural needs are different than urban ones. Our situation must be a part of the conversation on the state level. We have resources that cannot be replicated in the urban environment. These are our assets and they must be protected. It is crucial that as the assemblyperson we be of service to the entire district, creating programs to serve our constituents, providing resources and information, being a conduit of support to those in need. With your support I will do so.