The Tioga County Legislature held their First Special and Organizational Meeting of 2026 on Friday, January 2. During the meeting, Legislators unanimously elected Tracy Monell to serve as Chair of the Tioga County Legislature for the 2026 term.
As Chair of the Legislature, Legislator Monell will preside over legislative meetings, appoint Legislative Standing Committee assignments, and provide leadership on county policies and Legislative priorities. Legislator Monell has served as the District 4 Legislator since January 1, 2009.
“To my fellow Legislators and citizens of Tioga County, I thank you for your continued support and confidence. I look forward to working together to continue the County’s tradition of fiscal responsibility for our County and to a successful 2026,” Chair Monell stated.
Monell takes over for Martha Sauerbrey, who served in the Tioga County Legislature for 20 years, including the last 12 as its chairwoman.
The Legislature also elected Legislator William H. Standinger, III to serve as Deputy Legislative Chair for 2026. Legislator Standinger has served as the District 7 Legislator since January 1, 2012.
Chair Monell and Deputy Chair Standinger were sworn into office by County Clerk Klett.
During the meeting, the Legislature welcomed and swore in newly elected Legislator Jo Ellen Rose, District 2, for her three-year term of office and newly appointed Legislator David Cantella for his one-year term of office commencing January 1, 2026. Legislator Cantella will run in the November 2026 General Election to maintain his seat on the Legislature.
County Clerk Klett also swore in Legislators Ron Ciotoli (District 1), Tracy Monell and W. Jake Brown (District 4), County Treasurer Barbara Roberts, and County Coroner Keith Lewis for their three-year term of office and District Attorney Kirk Martin for his four-year term of office.
Additionally, the Legislature elected Legislator W. Jake Brown to serve as the Republican Majority Leader for 2026 and Legislator Jo Ellen Rose to serve as the Democratic Minority Leader for 2026.
The Legislature also appointed County Administrator Jackson D. Bailey II, County Attorney Peter J. DeWind, Clerk of the Legislature Cathy Haskell, and Public Defender Michael Arcesi to serve three-year terms. All were sworn in by County Clerk Klett.
The Tioga County Legislature conducts monthly meetings, with meeting dates and agendas posted on the County website. www.tiogacountny.gov.
