Democratic candidate Janet Tweed joined Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo to discuss her campaign for New York State Assembly District 102, her experience in local government and healthcare, and the issues facing rural communities ahead of the November election.

Tweed is running against Republican candidate Mark Molinaro for an open seat that includes Greene and Schoharie counties and portions of Albany, Delaware, Otsego and Ulster counties.

A physical therapist with 20 years of experience and a trustee on the Village of Delhi Board, Tweed previously ran for the Assembly in 2024.

During the interview, Tweed said her work in healthcare and local government has shaped her priorities, particularly when it comes to improving access to medical services and ensuring smaller communities receive adequate state support.

Healthcare was a major focus of the conversation. Tweed discussed the challenges residents face when seeking primary care, specialists and emergency medical services in rural areas, where hospitals and healthcare providers can be far from home.

She emphasized the importance of supporting critical access hospitals, which provide essential services in rural communities and connect patients with larger medical facilities when additional treatment is needed.

Tweed also discussed her support for the New York Health Act, legislation that would establish a statewide single-payer healthcare system.

She argued that the proposal could expand access to healthcare while reducing administrative costs. She also highlighted the need for improved mental healthcare, dental and vision services, and long-term care.

Beyond changes to healthcare coverage, Tweed said New York should invest in training programs for nurses, doctors, therapists and other medical professionals, particularly through SUNY, CUNY and BOCES programs.

She also discussed tuition assistance and workforce initiatives designed to encourage healthcare professionals to remain in rural communities.

Infrastructure funding was another major topic.

Tweed said smaller towns and villages often struggle to compete for state grants because they lack the staff and resources available to larger municipalities.

She proposed establishing more predictable state funding for infrastructure projects, including water and sewer systems, using a model similar to the state’s existing highway improvement programs.

Tweed argued that dedicated funding would allow municipalities to plan repairs and improvements rather than waiting for competitive grants or facing expensive emergency projects.

Housing affordability was also discussed. Tweed acknowledged the challenges of expanding housing options while preserving the rural character of communities across the district.

She discussed the importance of giving local governments more flexibility to address their housing needs, including support for planning and development that reflects local conditions.

The conversation also addressed renewable energy projects and the growing interest in developing artificial intelligence data centers.

Tweed said communities considering these projects should have a meaningful role in deciding where they are located and what protections are required.

She argued that developers should contribute to the costs of infrastructure improvements, including electricity, water and wastewater systems, rather than leaving those expenses to local taxpayers.

Tweed also emphasized the importance of protecting nearby residents from environmental impacts, such as noise and other disturbances, while ensuring local emergency services have the resources to respond to potential incidents.

Education and workforce development were additional topics.

Tweed called for a review of New York’s Foundation Aid formula, which helps determine state funding for public schools. She said the formula should better reflect the changing needs of rural school districts.

She also discussed the importance of shared services among smaller schools, supporting students with disabilities and maintaining educational opportunities in communities experiencing population changes.

Tweed highlighted the role of SUNY and CUNY institutions in preparing students for careers in healthcare and other high-demand fields.

When asked why voters should choose her over Molinaro, Tweed pointed to her professional background and experience as a local elected official.

She said improving healthcare and supporting the needs of rural communities would be central priorities if elected.