UTICA, N.Y. --- In just 9 days, voters will decide whether Democratic incumbent Marianne Buttenschon or Republican John Zielinski will be representing the 119th district in Albany. On Sunday NEWSChannel 2 had the opportunity to speak with both candidates about the issues facing the area.

Republican John Zielinski hopes to unseat Democratic incumbent Marianne Buttenschon. A move Zielinski hopes will lead to reducing the Democratic majority in the Assembly. Zielinski said Upstate New York issues have been ignored by downstate lawmakers.

"The problem with being an upstate Democrat, is that you have to follow the party line and that means being quiet sometimes," said Zielinski.

Incumbent Marianne Buttenshchon said she's taken our area's concerns to Albany on a regular basis.

"Never ignored in the sense from me. That's something that I spend three times a week on calls with the Governor's office regarding our concerns," said Buttenschon.

When asked about the economic concerns relating to the Coronavirus, both hope to help those who lost their jobs and hope to fight for economic development.

"We have the Cree project, we have the Nexus project in the Utica area, in Rome we have the Air Lofts coming forward so so many projects when we look at the economic development whether its a positive or a challenge, we still have to put them in the forefront, said Buttenschon.

"I intend to advocate strongly for economic development, which will result in job growth. To back the police to make sure we have adequate police coverage and to represent the values of our people," said Zielinski.

Information on polling locations and times can be found here.