Monroe County Legislature Republicans are defending proposed changes to the county charter outlined in the CABLE Act, a day after the other side of the political aisle accused them of an attempted power grab.

The proposed act was introduced Tuesday, a week after Democrat Adam Bello secured the election for Monroe County Executive.

Legislature President Joe Carbone and Majority Leader Brian Marianetti defended the proposed amendments, which would require legislature approval for some spending and hiring in Bello's administration as added checks and balances that would bring greater transparency.

"In my opinion, I think there was some confusion and overreaction,” Marianetti said. “I think when you look at the merits of what's in there, I think there's good things in this legislation."

Democrats responded unfavorably to the proposed changes, citing it could potentially strip Bello of some of his power.

"He's still going to set up his whole administration,” Carbone said. “This doesn't move the needle that much…The people kept us as the majority.  We can't lose our teeth.  We have to have some power to govern.  If we let the whole thing go, then why should we be in the majority?"

Bello said that the proposal is not operating in good faith. On Wednesday, he criticized Republicans who signed off on the legislation after discussing it in a caucus meeting at Monroe County GOP headquarters.

Republicans say they look forward to meeting with Bello, and working with Democrats to find some sort of middle ground.

"We're here to represent the people of Monroe County,” Carbone said. “They put us in the majority of the legislature. We don't have any hostility. We're going to work this out.  And if we have to table it, we'll table it."

Carbone said he reached out to Bello today to try and set up a meeting, but there isn’t any word on when that may happen.

A public hearing on the charter amendments will likely be held next month.