State Assembly members have elected Carl Heastie as the new Assembly Speaker.

The Bronx Democrat is the first African-American to lead the state Assembly.

Heastie replaces Sheldon Silver, who resigned his leadership post on Monday after being charged with taking nearly $4 million in payoffs and kickbacks.

Silver plans to stay on as Assemblyman as he fights federal corruption charges.

Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi says he's heartened that Heastie plans an Assembly that is much more transparent, where every member's views are respected and taken into consideration

Brindisi says he looks forward to working with the new speaker to achieve his very laudable goals.

Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney says she's hopeful that Carl Heastie will immediately reform the Assembly rules.

Tenney says as speaker of the Assembly, Heastie must tackle the hard issues of reform and restoring the public trust.

More From WIBX 950