AUBURN -- The Cayuga County Legislature unanimously appointed Peter Tortorici as chairman of the Legislature for 2009 during its annual reorganization meeting Monday night.

Tortorici, R-Auburn, was nominated by county Republicans last month. He had vied for the $30,000 seat the past two years.

"My view of the chairman's position is not to be the CEO of the county but rather be the point for communication and coordination of the Legislature -- to represent each of its members and the districts they serve," Tortorici said after he was sworn in by Judge Mark Fandrich. "It is my intent for the upcoming year to keep members of the Legislature informed on all issues, seek their advice and to focus all of our energies, experiences and expertise to work as a single unit."

There were no other nominations for chairman.

Tortorici's family was with him celebrating as he accepted the appointment Monday night. His wife, daughters and grandson stood by him while he was being sworn in.

"He's got a lot of work ahead of him but I'm confident that he'll do a wonderful job," said his wife, Mickey.

And the long hours Tortorici will spend on the sixth floor are no surprise to Mickey, because he does that already, she said.

"We have a lot to keep us busy and we try to plan things around him so that he's not excluded," she said.

Tortorici was grateful for the support he received from his fellow legislators.

"I'm honored to have the confidence of my colleagues and to lead Cayuga County during these trying times," he said.

He also said he would work hard to be transparent and to keep the lines of communication open between his colleagues and the people of his district.

"There are cases where we have to go into executive session but if I feel that it's not an executive session issue, that it should be in the public, that's where it will be," he said.

In addition to selecting the chairman, the Legislature appointed George Fearon, R-Springport, as vice chairman, and Christopher Palermo, R-Sterling, and Daniel Schuster, D-Auburn, as majority and minority leaders, respectively.

Cynthia Aikman, D-Auburn, was sworn in as legislator for the 15th district, replacing Patrick McIntosh.

"I'm profoundly aware that my contributions are but a reflection of others' investments in me," she said.

Aikman will be serving on the Health and Human Services Committee, Planning and Economic Development Committee and Judicial and Public Safety. After meeting with department heads, she decided these were the three committees she could contribute the most to, she said.

"That's where I have the most passion, interest and where I bring the most experience to be helpful," Aikman said.