MONROE COUNTY, N.Y. -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Friday he has appointed Irondequoit Town Supervisor Adam Bello (D) as the new Monroe County Clerk. Bello has served as the Irondequoit supervisor since 2014.

The Monroe County Clerk position has been open since Republican Cheryl Dinolfo was elected County Executive at the end of last year.

“It was a difficult decision to do this because I love my job and I love the town of Irondequoit, but I see these larger problems that I think I can impact,” Bello said. "I enjoy working in government to try and get things done and that's my track record here. I think I always try to look at projects, problems, talk to residents to try and find solutions to things. It's what I like to do, it's what I'm motivated by and I'm delighted to continue serving just in a different capacity."

Some Irondequoit residents however, said it’s a move they are sad to see.

“I think it’s great for Adam,” Irondequoit resident Ida Cook said. “He’s done a lot for Irondequoit and hopefully he can continue his good work, except Irondequoit is going to miss him.”

Irondequoit resident Ken Speciale said he believes Bello deserves the new position.

“He was instrumental in getting the mall situation taken care of over here with Angelo Ingrassia and what not, so I think the county is going to definitely make out with Adam, I really do,” Irondequoit resident Ken Speciale said.

Throughout his time as supervisor, residents said they felt he moved the town forward especially in the development of I-Square, the building of the new library, the handling of Medley Center, and creating more family-friendly events.

“I think bringing more things for families to come to in Irondequoit, like the Winterfest and the ice skating rink have been really great,” Irondequoit resident Maureen Heron said. “I’m happy for him. I’m sure that’s a great opportunity, but I think the town is losing a really good supervisor who tried to do a lot of good for Irondequoit and was trying to make the town a better place to live.”

Another issue residents felt he tackled well is zombie homes. Bello said he hopes to take that experience to the county level. He announced he will be creating a task force to solve that problem.

“I think there’s a lack of leadership on this issue,” Bello said. “We’ve done a lot of work on this in Irondequoit. We’ve got a strong start. We’ve been doing great. We demolished two houses, we’re renovating another one. We’ve created the vacant property registry, but what we’re really lacking is leadership to lead a community wide effort here.”

While residents said they are a bit worried about the future of their town, Bello said he believes the momentum he has created will continue moving it forward.

“We did that with a team,” Bello said. “It’s not just about one person. It’s a team. The town board that we have here is wonderful to work with. They share the same vision, so does the staff."

Irondequoit’s Deputy Supervisor John Perticone will serve until a new supervisor is chosen.

Assembly majority leader Joe Morelle is throwing his support behind the governor's appointment of Bello. In a statement he said in part:

"Adam brings to the County Clerk's Office a wealth of talent, experience and a commitment to public service that will be a tremendous asset to the hardworking taxpayers of Monroe County. Adam is a dear friend and partner in government and I wish him all the best."

Monroe County republican chairman Bill Reilich with a different sentiment on Bello's appointment saying Bello burdened Irondequoit residents with the highest property tax rate in the county. He also said the sale of the Medley Centre was nothing more than a band aid.

"Additionally, financial woes are already apparent as I-Square is failing, and his greatest accomplishment to-date is cutting the ribbon on a library his predecessor built," said Reilich.

I-Square developer Michael Nolan has responded to Reilich's statement on the project.

"I am deeply concerned about the harm this will cause to our business and its reputation. Mr. Reilich’s damaging words about I-Square are not true and are completely out of line. To lie about the viability of a locally owed, family business for political rhetoric is immoral and is harmful," said Nolan.