In light of the upcoming election, The Daily Star reached out to candidates for contested offices across Otsego, Delaware, Schoharie, and Chenango counties, seeking their perspectives. Among those interviewed for the seat of U.S. Representative in District 21 were Republican incumbent Elise Stefanik and Democratic challenger Paula Collins. Each candidate articulated their motivations for running, qualifications, and views on the challenges facing rural New York, particularly Schoharie County, providing voters insight into their platforms.
Paula Collins emphasized her motivation to run for Congress as rooted in the need for a robust economy that benefits middle-class families. She highlighted her qualifications as an attorney, stressing her familiarity with the law and the challenges confronting rural communities. Collins pointed to issues like climate change and sustained economic limitations as pressing concerns in Schoharie County. She advocated for the passage of the Farm Bill to support farmers, stressing its importance for pricing structures, organic certification, and SNAP benefits. Furthermore, she called for a comprehensive climate policy and improved housing and broadband infrastructure, underscoring the urgency of addressing these disparities.
Collins also expressed frustration with the current dysfunction within Congress, attributing a lack of representation to Elise Stefanik’s focus on political scandals rather than the needs of constituents. She pledged to improve immigration policies to assist small businesses, introduce tax credits to stimulate economic growth, and prioritize affordable housing in the district. For Collins, re-establishing a government that is truly representative of its constituents is paramount, and she aims to directly address issues impacting families, businesses, and the community.
Elise Stefanik, on the other hand, stated her commitment to advocating for a wide range of groups, including families, veterans, and law enforcement. As House GOP Conference Chair, she highlighted her effectiveness in delivering results and securing significant federal funding for the district, citing her proactive role in assisting constituents with various benefits. She underscored that her lifelong ties to Upstate New York confer a deep understanding of the region’s unique challenges and that her elections reflect a commitment to continuity in effective leadership.
In addressing the pressing challenges in Schoharie County and rural New York at large, Stefanik focused on economic recovery as a priority, advocating for fiscal measures to combat inflation, including spending cuts and tax reductions. She stated her commitment to enforcing Second Amendment rights and maintaining strong support for local law enforcement, indicating her readiness to tackle what she perceives as ineffective criminal justice policies. Furthermore, her plans included bolstering veterans’ services and strengthening Social Security and Medicare benefits for the region’s aging population.
Overall, both candidates propose distinct visions for addressing the needs of their constituents in District 21. Collins frames her campaign as a necessary counter to perceived dysfunction and a lack of representation, while Stefanik emphasizes continuity, effectiveness, and community roots. With differing priorities and strategies, their campaigns reflect the broader ideological divides present in contemporary American politics, particularly regarding rural challenges, economic policy, and social issues. As the election draws near, voters will have the opportunity to consider these contrasting visions and the impact each candidate may have on the future of their community.