The County Legislature is the governing body of the County, exercising a wide variety of administrative, as well as legislative responsibilities as defined in the State Constitution and Statutes. Prior to 1984, the County was governed by a thirty-four member Board of Supervisors, each representing one of the County's thirty-two towns and two cities. Following approval by the voters in 1983 of a reapportionment plan, the County was divided into thirteen legislative districts. The resulting seventeen-member legislature, reflecting the "one man, one vote" principle, uses a weighted voting system based on County population. The votes represented by each legislator are shown.

The Legislature is divided into eight Standing Committees to more efficiently carry out the responsibilities of County government. The Finance Committee has the overall responsibility for preparing the County Budget to present to the Legislature, as well as an ongoing function in reviewing County financial activities. The Rules Committee is generally involved in the operation of the Legislature itself, as well as the internal affairs of County Departments. Each of the other six committees oversees a specific aspect of County government.

Until a change in procedure adopted in 1994, County Legislators were elected for two-year terms, with all legislators coming up for re-election at the same time. In the 1995 election, half of the Legislators were elected to a four-year term, and half for two. Subsequently, all Legislators will be elected to four-year terms, with half the Legislature running for election every two years. Each January following an election the Legislature holds a reorganizational meeting and elects a Chairman and Vice-Chairman for the next two years. The position of Chairman carries with it considerable authority and responsibility. The Chairman appoints the members and Chairman of each standing committee, and is an ex-officio member of each. The Chairman presides over all meetings of the Legislature, and represents the County and the Legislature in various capacities, both ceremonially and as a member of various boards and organizations.

2006 STEUBEN COUNTY LEGISLATORS

Dist. 1 - CITY OF HORNELL
(451) Richard A. Argentieri, Dem., 62 Jane Street, Hornell, NY 14843
(451) Gary D. Swackhamer, Rep., 67 North Main Street, Hornell, NY 14843

Dist. 2 - CITY OF CORNING
(542) Donald B. Creath, Rep., 86 Cintra Lane, Corning, NY  14830
(542) Francis Gehl, Dem., 355 W. First St., Corning, NY 14830

Dist. 3 - TOWN OF BATH
(605) Patrick F. Donnelly, 301 Maple Heights, Bath, NY  14810
(605) L. Ronald Nielsen, Rep., Route 415-N, Box 7142, Bath, NY 14810

Dist. 4 - COHOCTON & WAYLAND
(694) Patrick McAllister, Rep., P.O. Box 338, Wayland, NY 14572

Dist. 5 - PRATTSBURG, PULTENEY, URBANA
(601) David Stachnik, Rep., P.O. Box 188, Hammondsport, NY 14840

Dist. 6 - DANSVILLE, HARTSVILLE, HORNELLSVILLE
(660) Kenneth E. Isaman, Rep., 1148 County Route 58, Arkport, NY 14807

Dist. 7 - AVOCA, FREMONT, HOWARD, WHEELER
(597) John Walsh, Rep., 8261 Hemlock Hill Road, Bath, NY 14810-9573

Dist. 8 - BRADFORD, CAMPBELL, WAYNE
(562) Thomas J. McIntyre, Rep., P.O. Box 458, Campbell, NY 14821-0458

Dist. 9 - CAMERON, CANISTEO, THURSTON
(593) Lldon E. Jamison, Rep., 5360 Route 36, Box 121, Canisteo, NY  14823

Dist. 10 - GREENWOOD, JASPER, RATHBONE, TROUPSBURG, WEST UNION, WOODHULL
(625) Dan Farrand, Rep., 6360 Co Rt 21, Addison, NY  14801

Dist. 11 - ADDISON, LINDLEY, TUSCARORA
(595) Robert V. Nichols, Rep., 743 Thompson Road, Addison, NY  14801

Dist. 12 - TOWN OF ERWIN
(723) Philip J. Roche, Rep., 5 Fox Lane East, Painted Post, NY 14870

Dist. 13 - CATON, CORNING, HORNBY
(513) DeWitt T. Baker, D.V.M., Rep., 11859 E. Corning Rd., Corning, NY 14830
(513) Thomas C. Schwartz, Rep., 2651 Morrcrest Drive, Corning 14830