Former Watertown City Council member Cliff Olney, a Democrat and outspoken progressive voice, goes head-to-head with Hans Wilder, editor-in-chief of WatertownPost.com, in a weekly political exchange focused on the race for New York’s 21st Congressional District.
From now through Election Day, Olney and Wilder will examine the issues, arguments, controversies and campaign developments shaping the contest between Democratic nominee Blake Gendebien and Republican nominee Anthony Constantino.
Each week, one subject. Two perspectives. No carefully rehearsed campaign talking points, no cable-news shouting panel and no pretending that everybody in Northern New York thinks alike.
This is Point / Counterpoint—a continuing debate about the candidates, the district and the political direction of the North Country as voters prepare to make their choice on November 3, 2026.
New arguments posted weekly through Election Day.
Cliff, the Watertown Post’s endorsement of Anthony Constantino has more to do with Donald Trump’s national agenda than with Anthony Constantino personally. We believe President Trump has a master plan to repair the economic, industrial and political mess created over several decades by both parties. Anthony will go to Washington and help move that plan […]
The Watertown Post has been pressing both candidates in NY-21 on Canada, tariffs, trade and the growing economic strain along the northern border. On that point, I agree completely: these are exactly the kinds of questions anyone asking to represent the North Country should be expected to answer. Where I differ is in what I […]
-Hans Wilder Cliff Olney’s argument is not really a counterpoint so much as an ongoing list of grievances, government programs, administrative concerns, and progressive minutiae. Broadband, housing, tourism, airports, healthcare, zoning, border traffic, constituent services, advisers, agencies, permits, town halls—the list keeps expanding until the central question disappears. Who is actually prepared to go to […]
—Cliff Olney Hans Wilder is right about one important point: NY-21 can’t settle for the same old approach. The district needs investment, infrastructure, housing, jobs, transportation, broadband, and a stronger economic future. But casting Anthony Constantino as the builder and Blake Gendebien as the steward sets the bar too low for both men. NY-21 should […]
– Hans Wilder Cliff’s argument is thoughtful, but it ultimately confuses understanding the North Country with having the ability to change its direction. Blake Gendebien’s farming background may give him an appreciation for land, agriculture, and rural life. Those are valuable qualities. But NY-21 is not choosing a farm manager. We are choosing a member […]
— Cliff Olney Why Blake Gendebien Understands What Must Be Protected—and What Must Be Allowed to Grow People across the North Country have asked the same questions for years: Why is housing so difficult to build? Why do water and sewer extensions take so long? Why do promising developments disappear into studies, reviews, permits, and […]
