Democratic members of the Monroe County Legislature held a virtual morning meeting on Thursday where they voted to appoint City Council Member Jackie Ortiz as the new Democratic Board of Elections commissioner.

The appointment of Ortiz has been a point of contention within the Democratic Party. 

What You Need To Know

  • Jackie Ortiz was sworn in as the new Monroe County Democratic Board of Elections commissioner on Thursday

  • Vince Felder, ousted as minority leader earlier this week, claims that the vote was invalid and that Ortiz' appointment would also be invalid without his approval

  • Four other legislators split off and formed of a new Black Asian Caucus this week

  • Ortiz says she plans to work closely with the Republican BOE commissioner and will count on those who work in the office

Earlier this week, Democrats voted to oust Vince Felder as minority leader. Felder, who has previously opposed the appointment of Ortiz, claimed the vote was invalid and that any appointment of Ortiz without his approval would also be invalid.

Four other legislators split off in their own direction on Wednesday as they announced the forming of a new Black Asian Caucus. 

Ortiz was sworn in Thursday afternoon, taking the oath at the Monroe County Clerk's Office.

Ortiz has resigned from her position as a Rochester city councilmember to take on the new role.

“It is certainly a point of pride for myself, my family, members of the Latin community, but also for so many others," said Ortiz.

Ortiz is replacing Deputy BOE Commissioner, LaShana Boose, who has been the acting commissioner for several months.

Spectrum News asked Ortiz is she will keep Boose on and accept her help. 

"I will more than likely be taking a different path, but I absolutely appreciate all of her service,” said Boose.

The man who says he remains in the position of Democratic Minority Leader, Vincent Felder, is responding critically to the change in BOE leadership. Felder held a news conference late Thursday.

"The fact is, that Jackie Ortiz, as far as I’m concerned, is not the Democratic elections commissioner for Monroe County Board of Elections,” Felder said. "I’ll be very clear about that, Yversha Roman is not the minority leader of the Democratic caucus, I’ll be very clear about that. Those things will be settled but they’re not settled yet. She has not been appointed according to the law.”

A group of Democratic caucus members replaced Felder as minority leader.

However, Felder says it was an underhanded move done improperly, which is why he believes the vote to appoint Ortiz as BOE commissioner is not valid.

“I think everyone has a right to their opinion. Everything as far as I’m aware has been followed by the book in terms of process and we are here as a result of that," said Ortiz.

Friday is Jackie Ortiz’ first day on the job. She says her first order of business is introducing herself to her staff and getting to know her team.

When asked how she will take on the enormous responsibilities during this election season, she says she plans to work closely with the Republican BOE commissioner and will count on those who work in the office.

“So even as the new leader, even as a potentially new person coming in, you have to rely on the strengths that do exist within that office and there are several," said Ortiz.