Council race

It's going to be interesting to see who gets appointed by the Buffalo Common Council to Mickey Kearns' vacant seat. Interestingly, I ran for this seat in 2001. September 11th, 2001. For obvious reasons, the election was postponed until two weeks later. The whole country was in shock. The last thing on anyone's mind was a Council Primary.

In a three person race, I ended up with 33% of the vote and finished 2nd to the incumbent. Unlike my city hall opponent's supporters, many of my supporters didn't even know when the rescheduled election would be. I can honestly say my heart wasn't in the race. Like most people, the 9/11 tragedy took overwhelming precedence. The following year, my election district, which had been South 25 forever, was switched to Lovejoy 12. This, despite the fact that it is nowhere near Lovejoy. People close to the city hall told me I had been gerrymandered in order to prevent another race four years later. I would like to run this year. However, despite living in the same house as I did 11 years ago, I no longer live in the district. But, don't despair, the Blogger knows there are more than one ways to skin a cat.

Due to his closeness to Kearns, Matt Fisher remains an unlikely choice by the majority faction of the Common Council. Still, Fisher has stated publicly he will be challenging the Council's pick in the September primary. We would like to know more about him. I've heard perennial Yes-man Tim Whalen is out. His shady brother-in-law, Orchard Park/Florida resident, James Keane must have spoken to him.

I have a gut feeling the Council's choice is going to be Kevin Overdorf. I spoke to Kevin by phone the other day. He laid out his resume and told me his plans for improving the district. He and Matt Fisher were both at one of our soccer games the other night. While I did chat with Overdorf, Fisher stayed away. Apparently, my vote isn't of great importance to him. I know I only represent one vote. However, I would like to know the background of each candidate before making that decision. I know Fisher came to New York State from Georgia, after Kearns delivered him a taxpayer funded position. I'm just not sure what he did before that. For all I know, he could be in the Witness Protection Program.

The Overdorf family has been very active in South Buffalo for years. Just about everyone has dealt with them for insurance purposes. And I can't think of another family who has done more to keep Bishop Timon's doors open than they have. Gene Overdorf, known affectionately as "The Mustache" by his kids, is a terrific guy who has coached every sport under the sun for decades. He now acts as the school's discipline enforcer (Mr. Stanley's old position). Ironic, since I've never heard a bad word spoken about him by anyone. Kevin has been very involved in maintaining the family business.

The Council will make their choice. The South Buffalo Committeemen will deliver their recommendation. The Blogger will make his choice. It's simply democracy at work. Those too important to tell me why I should support them should not complain later, when I discuss reasons why we shouldn't support them.

The South Buffalo Committemen met recently to discuss their pick. Interesting process to say the least...




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