The Cayuga County Legislature held its reorganization meeting Tuesday night.
The Honorable Thomas Leone swore in each of the 11 members, including four newly elected to their positions – Johnathan Anna (District 1), Ben Vitale (District 2), Tom Winslow (District 3), and Stephanie DeVito (District 10). The remaining seven were returning faces, having won reelection in November. They are Robert Shea, (District 4), Aileen McNabb-Coleman (District 5), Hans Pecher (District 6), Mark Strong (District 7), Heidi Nightengale (District 8), Elane Daly (District 9), and Brian Muldrow (District 11).
Leone then administered the oath of office to County Clerk Brian Scanlan.
With Democrats holding a majority of seats on the legislature, Aileen McNabb-Coleman is once again the legislature’s chairperson, having previously held the position in 2020 and 2021. She told the legislature it’s time to set a new course for the county.
“We’re not settling for the status quo,” said McNabb-Coleman. “There are incredible opportunities before us and we together have the opportunity to shape our county’s response. We’re setting a new course for Cayuga County; we’re going to work closely with the City of Auburn and regional partners to solve the problems, innovate new ideas, and leave this county better than we found it.”
Ben Vitale was selected to serve as both the Vice Chair and Majority Leader while Mark Strong was selected as Minority Leader.
Before concluding, McNabb-Coleman recognized her predecessor and former sheriff, David Gould, for his years of public service by declaring Tuesday as David Gould Day in the county.
It’s been my honor to serve as chairman these last two years,” said Gould as he received his proclamation. “It’s certainly opened my eyes to a lot of things I didn’t know. I’ve lived in the county all my life and I’ll die in this county because I love this county. So, thank you very much, again.”
