LIBERTY -- District 6 Legislator Luis Alvarez is once again a Democrat. He's switching back to the party he has been affiliated with for most of his life after approximately a decade as a Republican.

Alvarez said he became a Republican a decade ago due to a “misunderstanding among him and [local Democratic] party leadership.” He is a former vice chair of the Sullivan County Democratic Committee (SCDC).

With the switch, the county legislature now has three Democrats -- Alvarez, Ira Steingart and Nadia Rajsz.

Six legislators (Chairman Rob Doherty, Vice Chair Michael Brooks, George Conklin, Joe Perrello, Nicholas Salomone and Alan Sorensen) are members of the Republican Party.

“I don't like to quit. I like to fight. I really want to be involved in politics and local government in Sullivan County, which I know inside and out,” said Alvarez of his decision to leave the Republican Party, “and I feel like no one has gotten me involved or asked me to be involved [from the local Republican Committee]."

Alvarez said there are a lot of great people in the Sullivan County Republican Committee, but acknowledged that a few of its members are a big reason why he left the party.

Alvarez is quick to point out his job is to serve the people of Sullivan County and the constituents of his district. He has done so in more capacities than just that of a legislator.

Alvarez noted his involvement with the New York State Association of Counties, the National Association of Counties, and as a member of the New York State Black and Latino Caucus. The Governor's Office is heavily involved in the latter, so Alvarez has had the opportunity to work with New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo who he considers a friend.

On future plans as a Democrat, Alvarez, who was the first Hispanic person to chair the Sullivan County Legislature, wants to do more with the growing Spanish speaking population.

“I plan on getting them more involved, especially the young people,” said Alvarez.

SCDC Chairman and Town of Fallsburg Supervisor Steve Vegliante believes, fundamentally, Alvarez is back home where he belongs.

“Obviously Luis is well-known to all of us,” said Vegliante. “I don't think his party affiliation matters as much as his dedication to Sullivan County. But we welcome him back to the Democratic Party.”