Monroe County Legislator Carmen Gumina (formerly D-Webster) announced today with GOP leaders that he has left the Legislature Democrats and will join the Republicans.  Gumina was one of, if not the only, County Democrat to vote for GOP initiatives and was the lone Democrat to vote for the 2010 County Budget which keep taxes flat for County residents. 

While the rest of the Democrat naysayers follow the orders of their party bosses and simply cast consistent partisan “No” votes without offering any substantive ideas, Gumina acted maturely and supported bills he knew were good for his district and the people he represents.

What appeared last year to be a anticipated Democrat sweep of contested GOP Legislature seats has not only resulted in Republicans holding onto the majority, but now sees them increasing their lead in the County Legislature to 16 out of 29 seats.  This is a very, VERY good thing for the people who live in this community.

It’s good to see true ideology trumping pure political partisanship by at least one Democrat in County government.  Monroerising offers our congratulations and support to Mr. Gumina for holding true to his principles and not succumbing to the Democrat political machine.  I can only imagine the abuse and pressure he must have faced from his Democrat colleagues after supporting GOP initiatives he knew were right.  He did (and now has done) what is best for his constituents and for that he should be commended.