The County Legislature's GOP majority has one more member as of this morning.

During a press conference at Republican headquarters, GOP chair Bill Reilich announced that Carmen Gumina is switching parties. That now gives the Republicans 16 members in the Lej, and Democrats 13.

Gumina said he made the decision "after much careful thought and deliberation." The caucus's priorities, he said, reflect his own core beliefs about fiscal conservatism and protecting taxpayers.

The "watershed moment," he said, came during the budget vote five weeks ago. He said he believes the administration presented a fiscally responsible budget, but yet he was the only member of his caucus to vote for the proposal.

"This is a change I needed to make," Gumina said. "I needed to make it to stay true to my core beliefs."

County Executive Maggie Brooks said the switch affirms the fiscal policies of her administration and the GOP caucus. And Gumina, she said, will now have a stronger voice he can use on behalf of his constituents.

In a press release following the announcement, county Dems said that they are disappointed and betrayed by Gumina's switch.

Gumina "needs to explain to his constituents why he has taken this action," said Minority Leader Harry Bronson. "Frankly, it defies logic how a person who has dedicated his life to education, who had Republicans campaign against him regarding his performance in the field of education, is now leaving the party that has championed services for children and education."