BATAVIA — When the newest member of the Genesee County Legislature takes office Jan. 1, he will be joining a mostly Republican body, many of whose members re-elected last month have served from eight to 18 years.

Robert J. Radley defeated City Councilwoman Rose Mary Christian in last month’s election to represent Batavia city Wards 1 and 6. He succeeds a fellow Republican, John J. Hodgins, who chose not to run for a fifth term.

Radley, a civil engineer, is president of a Rochester-based engineering and architectural firm. His only other experience in elected office was 10 years on the Batavia Board of Education, including two terms as president.

The senior legislator is Mary Pat Hancock, who represents the towns of Batavia and Stafford and is beginning her 10th two-year term. She has been chairwoman of the Legislature for nearly half that time.

Esther G. Leadley, of Pavilion, has 10 years’ tenure, while Charles

N. Zambito, of Elba, Bergen and Byron, and Edward DeJaniero and Hollis D. Upson, both of Batavia, are eight-year veterans. Upson, the Legislature’s vice chairman, has an additional year as an appointee in 2000.

Jerome J. Grasso, of Le Roy, and Annie M. Lawrence, of Pembroke, are embarking on their second two-year terms, and Raymond Cianfrini, of Oakfield, is completing his first term.

In a county where 45 percent of the registered voters are Republicans, DeJaniero is the sole Democrat on a nine-member body.

Competition is rare since Democrats rarely field candidates. This year Upson won over Chris Charvella. Two years ago, Upson and Grasso beat Democrats by 2-1 margins.

Term limits never have been seriously discussed. Longevity belongs to Republicans — County Clerk Don M. Read, with 16 years, and District Attorney Lawrence Friedman, who is beginning his fourth four-year term.