Kirsten Gillibrand's appointment as New York Senator came as a surprise to many and that includes our leaders here in Western New York.

Gillibrand is from near Albany. She is being called the first senator from upstate in 40 years. Although she hasn't spent much time in Western New York, Rochester Mayor Bob Duffy is hopeful she'll work hard for Rochester.

“Senator Clinton and Senator Schumer were not from here or upstate, but they were here a lot,” Duffy said. “But to come here to listen, to act upon the concerns we have is the most important thing."

The Monroe County Democratic Committee Chair is more skeptical.

“Obviously she lives in upstate, but it is a different experience than if you lived in Rochester,” Joe Morelle. “I'm anxious for her to come along that corridor and particularly to Rochester to learn about those challenges and to talk about ways she can help us meet those challenges.”

Gillibrand is considered a conservative democrat, a far cry from Former Senator Hillary Clinton.

Niether Morelle and Duffy have not heard from Gillibrand yet. They hope to meet her and learn more about her soon.

“By early next week we'll at least have a conversation, and I look forward to her coming to Rochester,” Duffy said.