AUBURN - Peter Tortorici won the battle, but he doesn't want to take office until he knows he's won the war.
Tortorici Wednesday turned down a chance to serve out the rest of Jeff Blauvelt's term as District 10 representative on the Cayuga County Legislature. It had been offered to him after his GOP primary win over John Rogalski Tuesday.
But Tortorici said he's focused on "seeking the support of the people of our district as they decide who will represent them beyond this interim period and into the future. In the days leading up to this November's election, it is my intention to make every effort to contact my fellow residents of District 10 and ask for their support of my candidacy.
"I strongly believe the people of District 10 would be best served if consideration for this interim appointment is given to someone not actively seeking to be elected to this position in November," Tortorici wrote in a letter rejecting the offer.
Tortorici, who beat Rogalski 146-111 and faces Democrat Rick Tinti Nov. 4, made no suggestions who should be appointed.
Legislature Chairman Ray Lockwood, R-Aurelius. Lockwood had set up a special meeting for tonight to appoint Tortorici, and then canceled it.
"I was surprised," Lockwood said about Tortorici's decision. "I just assumed he won the primary and he would be coming aboard. It was on the request of Republican legislators he was being asked."
Lockwood will now go back to lawmakers and confer again to see if Blauvelt's seat will be left open.
The slot has been empty since July after Blauvelt, a Democrat, was forced after pleading guilty to a felony. Lockwood said Republican members found it wisest to wait until after the primary to fill Blauvelt's seat.
Tortorici, 42, owner of Peter's New York Pizzeria on Standart Avenue, likened the appointment situation to when James Moochler was appointed interim sheriff because he said he would not run for his own term.
Besides, Tortorici wants to concentrate his time "reaching out to people in his district to hear their opinions " which he can't do if he's already on the legislature, he said. He also cited the difference in enrollment: there are about 600 Republicans to 1,200 Democrats in District 10, that he has to overcome.
He said his choice was not part of a plan to distance himself from the 2004 budget process this fall, sure to be contentious and likely carry a large tax hike.
"It never entered my mind," Tortorici said. "I'm not shying away from anything. My focus is to get out to the people. My goal is to listen, not just to the district, but to people within the county."
Tortorici said he's attended just a few legislative meetings, but "will be attending a lot more meetings in the future."
Legislators are paid $9,500 a year and serve four-year terms.
But Tortorici said he's focused on "seeking the support of the people of our district as they decide who will represent them beyond this interim period and into the future. In the days leading up to this November's election, it is my intention to make every effort to contact my fellow residents of District 10 and ask for their support of my candidacy.
"I strongly believe the people of District 10 would be best served if consideration for this interim appointment is given to someone not actively seeking to be elected to this position in November," Tortorici wrote in a letter rejecting the offer.
Tortorici, who beat Rogalski 146-111 and faces Democrat Rick Tinti Nov. 4, made no suggestions who should be appointed.
Legislature Chairman Ray Lockwood, R-Aurelius. Lockwood had set up a special meeting for tonight to appoint Tortorici, and then canceled it.
"I was surprised," Lockwood said about Tortorici's decision. "I just assumed he won the primary and he would be coming aboard. It was on the request of Republican legislators he was being asked."
Lockwood will now go back to lawmakers and confer again to see if Blauvelt's seat will be left open.
The slot has been empty since July after Blauvelt, a Democrat, was forced after pleading guilty to a felony. Lockwood said Republican members found it wisest to wait until after the primary to fill Blauvelt's seat.
Tortorici, 42, owner of Peter's New York Pizzeria on Standart Avenue, likened the appointment situation to when James Moochler was appointed interim sheriff because he said he would not run for his own term.
Besides, Tortorici wants to concentrate his time "reaching out to people in his district to hear their opinions " which he can't do if he's already on the legislature, he said. He also cited the difference in enrollment: there are about 600 Republicans to 1,200 Democrats in District 10, that he has to overcome.
He said his choice was not part of a plan to distance himself from the 2004 budget process this fall, sure to be contentious and likely carry a large tax hike.
"It never entered my mind," Tortorici said. "I'm not shying away from anything. My focus is to get out to the people. My goal is to listen, not just to the district, but to people within the county."
Tortorici said he's attended just a few legislative meetings, but "will be attending a lot more meetings in the future."
Legislators are paid $9,500 a year and serve four-year terms.
The Citizens' Say
There are No comments posted.