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Now, the work begins. 

Legislators met Tuesday for the first time in 2024. The highlights of the reorganizational meeting included electing Aileen McNabb-Coleman as Legislature chairperson. McNabb-Coleman, D-Sennett, held the post for two years, in 2020 and 2021, and led the county through the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In her first remarks as chair, McNabb-Coleman said it's time for a reset. 

"We're not settling for the status quo," she continued. "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 problems, innovate new ideas and leave the county better than we found it." 

Legislator Ben Vitale, an independent who caucuses with the Democrats, was elected vice chair and majority leader. Legislator Mark Strong, a Republican, was named minority leader. 

There were fewer legislators in the chamber because a change approved by voters in 2022 is now in effect. New district lines were drawn and the number of legislative seats was lowered from 15 to 11. 

Newcomers Jonathan Anna (District 1), Tom Winslow (District 3) and Stephanie DeVito (District 10) were sworn in for their first terms. The returning legislators include Robert Shea (District 4), Hans Pecher (District 6), Heidi Nightengale (District 8) Elane Daly (District 9) and Brian Muldrow (District 11). 

Democratic-endorsed lawmakers won seven of 11 seats to claim the majority. Over the past four years, Democrats and Republicans alternated control of the body. But Democrats are expected to be in power for the next four years. 

There was one resolution approved at the meeting to adopt the rules of order. The rules were changed to adjust the number of legislators and end the weighted voting system, which is unnecessary now that new district lines are in effect. Pecher, a Conservative who caucuses with the GOP, was the lone vote against approving the rules. 

In other news:Ìý

• Cayuga County Clerk Brian Scanlan, an independent who ran with the Democratic Party's backing, was sworn into office. He will serve a four-year term and succeeds longtime clerk Sue Dwyer, who retired after five terms. 

After Scanlan was sworn in, he administered the oaths of office to McNabb-Coleman, Strong and Vitale for their leadership posts. 

• McNabb-Coleman surprised her predecessor, former Cayuga County Legislature Chairman David Gould, with a proclamation declaring Tuesday as David Gould Day in the county. 

The proclamation recognizes Gould's long career in law enforcement and public service. He served as county sheriff for 12 years and was county Legislature chair for the last two years.