Buffalo's Comical Council

 
As I've said many times, the Buffalo Common Council is completely irrelevant and it's members should be made part time. This was proven to be true yet again when Council President Rich Fontana named rookie Councilman Chris Scanlon as chairman of the Finance Committee. When it came on the news, my windows were open and I could hear the laughter all the way from Seneca Street over to Abbott Road. No matter how Fontana tries to spin it, it is simply outrageous, and everyone knows this. I encourage you to read James Heaney's current article on the topic from Artvoice Magazine. Here are some excerpts...


“The people of the district are looking for a young, independent thinker devoid of ties, someone not looking to appease political factions, but looking for someone who can think on their own, vote their conscience and only do what’s in the best interest of South Buffalo,” Scanlon said. 

New blood? Really? 

Consider that Scanlon is the son of John “Scanoots” Scanlon, Griffin’s patronage chief whose work history suggested he either worked long, long hours or had himself a no-show job or two. 

Also keep in mind that Scanoots has given Brown’s campaign committees $1,640 since 2007 and kicked in another $100 to a Brown-controlled committee used to finance candidates friendly to the mayor. 

So much for being “devoid of ties.” 

How does the young Scanlon stand on his own? 

His resume gives no hint of civic engagement, unless the Bishop Timon Lawn Fete counts.

Seriously, this appointment is an embarrassment to the community. Mr. Scans has given Urkel $1,700 to buy his influence. No wonder these corrupt families talk about how the "Mayor has been good to them." 
A Council Lacking

Council interviews

Thank you candidate Patrick Burke for sending me this. Here are the interviews for the vacant South District Common Council seat. Some of these people might be running in the Fall. I would encourage readers with the time to educate themselves on the candidates...


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Orchard Park Bills

From the It's never going to happen department: The Buffalo Common Council discussed the possibility of building a new football stadium in downtown Buffalo.

Councilmember Damone Smith hopes the idea takes flight so his wife won't have to drive all the way to Orchard Park to steal more money from the team...

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Fontana putting politics ahead of S. Bflo residents

It appears as though the Rich Fontana-led Common Council is going to appoint Brian Bollman to fill the shoes of outgoing Councilman Mickey Kearns. If that name doesn't ring a bell, it shouldn't. Bollman has never been an active resident of the South District. I believe he moved here two years ago from another part of the city. Surprise surprise. He works as an aide to Fontana himself in the Lovejoy district.

So now, the Common Council will effectively have two Lovejoy members and zero South Buffalo representatives. Personally, I could care less. It's not like any of these Councilmembers are needed anyway. Kearns' seat could stay vacant for ten years and it wouldn't affect you or I one bit. However, I believe Fontana is underestimating the residents of the South District (many of whom read this blog weekly). This is clearly a political move on his part.

Fontana's going to get in front of the microphones and say Bollman has the best resume.

Personally I Think That's A Load Of Crap
He's going to act as if they actually look at qualifications before making their selection. We all know this is a load of B.S. I'm not thrilled with either of the two neighborhood candidates with solid backing (Whalen or Fisher). But at least they both have lived in South Buffalo. Despite what Fontana will say to the press, it's simply an effort to get another rubber stamp for Mayor Brown on the Council.

There are ten other candidates vying for this appointment, and nine of them actually live in the district. I would encourage the ten candidates to bring as many supporters as possible down to Council chambers on 4/16 at 9:30AM to show Rich Fontana that we don't appreciate him interjecting blatant politics into the appointment. In fact, with Bollman being one of his staffers, he should recuse himself from the vote. I would also encourage residents to talk to Councilmember David Franczyk. He represents the anti-Brown faction of the Common Council and might be able to publicly question Fontana's motives. This move represents City Hall politics at it's worst. I can't imagine the residents of South Buffalo allowing this to happen without a great fight. I'm surprised Councilmember Fontana doesn't see it. He's about to be in the eye of a hurricane.

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Three more seek Kearns' vacant seat

There are now six people officially in contention to be appointed to Mickey Kearns' vacant Council seat. A nurse, a professional kickboxer, and a nurse who wants to be a professional kickboxer. Linda Bain, Patrick Burke, A.J. Verel, and Jovino Morales joined Tim Whalen and Matt Fisher in their submitting paperwork this week. I wish all six good luck, as it does takes guts to put your name out there. Perhaps blog contributor Burke can give us the real explanation behind this. Whatever it is, I'll believe him over Kennedy...

Patrick B. Burke, who worked as an aide to then-Erie County Legislator Timothy M. Kennedy about six years ago, filed documents Friday. Burke is currently a bartender at the Buffalo Irish Center, according to his resume.

Even though he claimed on his resume that he worked for Kennedy for several months, a spokesman for Kennedy said Burke was not an aide, but in fact an unpaid intern who was only with the office for about a week.

I feel bad for anyone who thinks this is an actual interview process. The Council members will be talking to political operatives and picking the one they feel will do their bidding. I remember when about a dozen people, including Mickey Kearns, "applied" for Mark Schroeder's vacant County Legislature seat. Some had impressive resumes and were very good speakers. Tim Kennedy grabbed a pair of pom poms and began a cheerleading rant for the local Democratic machine. I was legitimately embarrassed for him. Of course, he was already their handpicked choice. Who needs a skill set when you're willing to prostitute yourself to Brian Higgins and the neighborhood hacks?

***(Note:Patrick Burke did respond to this article via email. And I believe what he says based on Tim Kennedy's reputation as a liar and a fink)...

I read the News article and I'm a little surprised at the audacity but not from the person it is coming from. Fact is, I submitted my resume to the clerk's office along with a cover letter explaining my opinions on the seat. Out of 5 work experiences listed on the resume #5 was Aide to then County legislator Tim Kennedy. I was an unpaid intern. (I see aid and intern as synonyms) I worked in his office for the better part of six months not a week. I even represented him in meetings. In one instance, I was Kennedy's representative for a meeting with Mark Schroeder, Mickey Kearns, Father Art, Father Judge and a Mr. Barnes. It was the discussion of the school merger which resulted in St. Martins becoming Notre Dame Academy. Throughout my time there, I became quite disheartened with Kennedy's politics and I distanced myself from him. We grew further apart from there. When I supported Jimmy Griffin over Jim Keane, I saw Kennedy at a Lawn Fete where he and another political insider accosted me and asked me, "Burkey, why don't you like being a winner?" My response was that I was a lifelong Red Sox fan and that there are worse things then losing.

Bottom line is that I did work in a legislative office for six months and when putting in a resume to be a public representative that is kind of important. I absolutely do not want to be categorized as a Kennedy staffer.

Three more throw hat in ring for South District Council seat

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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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Well, we can cross one name off the list...

Should Higgins and company try to push perennial Yes-man Tim Whalen for Kearns' vacant Council seat, Kearns' forces will undoubtedly save this telling quote from the Buffalo News for the September Primary...

Whalen told The News he is interested but is still thinking about whether to toss his hat in the ring. He said he will consult with some prominent figures in South Buffalo politics — Rep. Brian Higgins, State Sen. Timothy M. Kennedy and his brother-in-law, former county executive candidate James Keane—before making a decision.

We found some footage of Tim Whalen asking Brian Higgins for permission to run for the vacant seat...

Next!!!
If Whalen can't decide for himself whether to run or not, what makes you think he's capable of making his own decisions on the Common Council? So, the voters overwhelmingly rejected Jim Keane for County Executive and Brian Higgins' handpicked candidate for Assemblyman, Chris Fahey. Yet, Whalen thinks it's a good idea to advertise the fact he is incapable of making his own decisions to all of the News' readers. I guess that's why they call him Einstein. Get out the gong!

You might remember Whalen as the guy Len Lenihan had tossed off the Erie County Legislature (under the guise of downsizing) after he decided (or should I say Higgins decided for him) to jump ship and side with Chris Collins and the Republicans. Great career move.
Five may seek Kearns’ Council seat


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Tensions flare at Common Council meeting

Supporters are calling it "right sizing" the Common Council. Detractors feel the new plan proposed by the Council's new majority represents politics as usual. Councilmember Joseph Golombek has been a vocal critic of his counterparts having a third legislative assistant with benefits...

Much of the outgoing majority's criticism over the staff reduction was directed at North Council Member Joseph Golombek Jr., who has been a vocal opponent of Council members having a third staff member with benefits.

Golombek said he believes no Council office needs three staff members, adding that his stance boils down to fairness and equity.

Some Councilmembers are even questioning the amount of time their peers are putting into the job...

LoCurto took a shot back at Golombek, asking if it was now his business that some Council offices, like Golombek's, are only open until 4 p.m. instead of 5 p.m.

Rivera said Golombek's comments were "condescending and arrogant."

"Don't tell me what's good for my district and what the residents need in my district," said Rivera, who added that this was never raised as a concern when former Ellicott Council Member Brian Davis held the office and had a third staff member.

Councilmember Bonnie Russell tried to end the debate with a conciliatory remark...

"Taxpayers don't want to see fighting and bickering," she said Tuesday before the Council meeting.

I disagree. I think it's great when the Councilmembers fight. It's the only time we ever hear the truth come out of their mouths. If they're all happy and lovie-dovie, you can bet they're ripping us off. I want to know that Joseph Golombek doesn't work a full day. Personally, I'd like to see flyweight Councilmembers Golombek and Michael LoCurto drop the gloves like Japanese lawmakers on a TruTV episode. Golombek reminds me of the kid in the neighborhood who owned the expensive football. In fact, the only reason he was even allowed to play was because it was his ball. If a call didn't go his way, he would take it and go home in protest, while everyone else made fun of him and called him a crybaby.

Please cut all the salaries. Eliminate all the jobs. We are already bombarded with too much government and very poor results. Just don't even think of cutting the City Hall Rooster's hours or salary or there will be unprecedented acts of civil disobedience all over town.

Council debate gets heated over 'right-sizing'

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New Council tries to rip us off already

This is nonsense and new Common Council Majority Leader Rich Fontana should no better. The new majority is trying to approve a $2,500 "stipend"(that's the word they use when they don't want to say salary) to some useless committee member. Opponents are calling it a "Christmas gift." That's real money. That's our money. Use it to fix sidewalks or towards tearing down an abandoned house.

Don't believe them when they say they have the money because they spent less elsewhere. They are trying to sell the taxpayers a bill of goods. Don't fall for it. The Blogger says, "No!" Therefore, the people will say, "No!" Get your hands off our wallets, crooks. This is the type of thing Rich Fontana fought against before he became entrenched in city hall...



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The Last Supper

I wonder what the average citizen makes of a story like this. Two council members in Buffalo disputing whether a meeting at Francesca's Restaurant on Seneca Street violates the Open Meetings Law.

Politics is clearly at the center of the debate. At stake is the Council Presidency. Dave Franczyk seems like a decent guy, but he's simply been in city hall way too long. Perhaps Rich Fontana will inject some new ideas into the council. Maybe both of them can pull a "Charlie Fisher" and lie down in front of a city garbage truck. Whoever holds their ground the longest gets the Presidency. (Incidentally, that publicity stunt turned out to be the highlight of Fisher's underwhelming career as a lawmaker.)

I have a question of my own: Was the City Hall Rooster informed about this meeting? As a correspondent to this website, he should be given press credentials to every event, especially those where free meals are being offered. It will be interesting to see which member of this Last Supper embraces the role of Judas. One thing I learned about politics is that it is Ground Zero for backstabbers and finks. Remember what Tip O'Neil once said, "If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog." So true. And I'm sure the same can be said about city hall politics...

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Three's Company

Nobody likes nasty, below the belt, mean-spirited political races. Except me of course. The race for Dave Franczyk's Fillmore District seat on the Buffalo Common Council is becoming a Polish bloodbath. The 25 year incumbent (he was off for two years after losing the Council President's race) Franczyk is being challenged by Mayor Casey's handpicked buddy Larry Adamczyk...


Franczyk had some not so choice words for Larry in today's Buffalo News...

Franczyk doesn't hide his contempt for Adamczyk, calling him "sleazy," "cynical," "lazy," and "corrupt."

Franczyk also points to Adamczyk's financial problems, which he says stem from his affinity for gambling.

"I'm afraid he will shake down developers, steal and rob," Franczyk said.

"I think Brown wants to destroy the independence of the Council and open the door to a corrupt individual who's going to steal," said Franczyk.

Wow. This race even has a dark horse in perennial candidate Samuel Herbert, whose campaign slogan might as well be," Vote for me. I'm the only black guy in the race." Personally, I hope he wins, as Herbert seems like the only independent candidate of the three. And if he does win, it will be like something out of a 1980's Richard Pryor movie.

Later in the article, Franczyk seemed to soften his stance a bit on Adamczyk...

"I love the neighborhood, and I do it for all the right reasons," he said. "I would step aside for a better person. But this is not a better person. He's a scoundrel."

"This is a guy who is a serial debtor, who for his own selfish reasons is unworthy of public trust," Franczyk said.

Come on Franczyk. Who are you kidding? You wouldn't step aside for anyone. Some people from Kabul, Afghanistan recently visited his Broadway/Fillmore neighborhood and immediately asked if they could return home. Franczyk has had 25 years to turn things around and the neighborhood looks like a third world country.

And Adymczyk? If you shake his hand, you better count how many fingers you have left when you're done. He doesn't care about the Fillmore District. He's probably been offered a big job by Brown in exchange for his candidacy. Herbert has all the signs of a crackpot. If I lived in the Fillmore District, I'd probably write in Lech Walesa or Pope John Paul II...

Intense contest for Fillmore seat draws big names

www.buffalonews.com

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City Hall politricks

So much for Andrew Cuomo's peace deal. It only took Mayor Steve Casey about 72 hours to turn his back on the governor and the local Democratic party. Casey and Deputy Mayor Brown sent their hacks out to collect signatures for Larry Adamczyk and Ralph Pornandez. The two are looking to unseat incumbents Dave Franczyk and David Rivera, respectively. It says here, both were offered high paying jobs or some other perk by Mayor Casey in exchange for their candidacy.

Adamczyk is a former adviser to Dennis Gorski. I think he's a decent guy (probably because he gave me a job once). Pornandez must be trying to capitalize on the great job he's done in turning around Buffalo's schools. Brown was also probably trying to find someone to run against Mickey Kearns. South Buffalo has no shortage of chumps talking a good game in January, but when push comes to shove, they'd rather sit on the sidelines (or their bar stools). Kearns would have been tough to beat, giving the name recognition he earned in taking on Lord Byron in the mayor's race two years ago.

I could care less who wins in the Battle of the Puerto Ricans. However, Pornandez strikes me as a major weasel/turncoat, although I used to work with his niece and she was hot.

The Battle of the Polocks has to go to Adamczyk. Franczyk is little more than a fossil. He's had plenty of time to get things done in city hall and what are his accomplishments? The Fillmore district looks like the city of Beirut during the 1980's. Adamczyk at least has a sense of humor. Franczyk strikes me as a babbling bohunk....
Byron Brown to Andrew Cuomo: Take Your Deal and Shove It « WNYMedia.net


Political opportunist Mark Jaskula (sporting shades and a Village People-esque porn stashe), earns ass-kissing points by signing people into David Francyk's party on the Waterfront.



The pan rolled and found it's cover. This S. Bflo hack's been groomed to be a sycophant since childbirth. Come on Baj girl. Why not use your considerable talents and charisma and find a job in the private sector? On second thought, you might be better off continuing with the family business (kissing up mercilessly to entrenched incumbents).

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South Bflo. now part of Fillmore District

This is the old map of the council districts. The new map will have the Fillmore District sink into South Buffalo to keep career politician David Franczyk's district predominantly white.

The reapportionment panel, a group of hangers-on associated with various Buffalo Common Council members, has come up with their plan to change the Council districts in the city of Buffalo.

The process is nothing more than an absurd charade. The whole objective of the committee is to make sure each district stays "voter friendly" for each of the council members, while keeping the district populations roughly the same. After all, these aren't temporary positions, but positions for life. This process has been made more difficult by the mass exodus taking place in every district except North and South Buffalo.

Voters in my district (the area between St. Agatha's Church and Tifft/South Park will undoubtedly be surprised to learn that they will soon be considered part of the Fillmore District. That way, perennial do-nothing, career politician Dave Franczyk will be able to keep his district predominantly white, ensuring many more years of twiddling his thumbs in city hall.

It's funny how the leaders of the city preach racial unity, yet go out of their way to divide neighborhoods by race and class. I'm calling for radical change. Under my plan, the Common Council would consist of seven people (two blacks, two whites, two Puerto Ricans, and the Council President, who will be of Burmese descent.

The district boundaries will be completely eliminated. The white residents of the city will pick two white representatives, the black residents will pick two black representatives, and the Puerto Ricans will pick two Puerto Rican leaders. The Council President will be chosen by a local witch doctor from Grant Street. If you have an issue, you call your representative. Why not? I'd rather do this than have stupid names like Lovejoy, Fillmore, and South that have nothing to do with where we live.

I notice that Coolidge Rd. is not part of the new Fillmore District. What would the McKinley Circle Lady do if that happened? All of her government funded flowers would probably wilt. She talks a good game, but she doesn't want to live next door to anyone who is not white, or working for the city. Why don't they just change the name of the new Fillmore District to The South Buffalo White Trash Region? That's obviously what the people downtown think of it. Personally, I could care less. I consider my neighborhood a lawless, tribal region (like Eastern Afghanistan).

We don't answer to any of the city hall suits, anyway. The people in my district listen to the words of the Rooster and read the words of the Blogger. The Rooster knows more about what goes on around here than anyone in city hall. With his Polish surname, perhaps the Rooster would make a good opponent for Franczyk next year in a three way race with Darnell Jackson...

Council works to finalize revised map

www.buffalonews.com

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Paladino- No Fan of Darius Pridgen

I received a copy of this email sent from Carl Paladino to Tom Baurle regarding the Reverend Darius Pridgen. According to Paladino, the Lord has been very generous to the minister. I don't have anything against Pridgen. In fact, I've written two positive articles about him. I don't really know any of the other candidates. It will be interesting to see how this vacancy plays out. I still think Pridgen will get it at the end. Here are the allegations Paladino makes against Pridgen in the email to Baurle:

Tom, can someone please talk about the potential appointment of Darius Pridgen to the Ellicot Council seat? The man lives in a $400 k townhouse on the waterfront that is 100 % tax exempt. No church business takes place there but he still is able to avoid the taxes. This is public record however the reporters at the Buffalo News aren't allowed to talk about it. He just purchased this year alone a brand new Hummer & Cadillac (all tax exempt) under the name of his church as well. How can a church that serves some of the lowest income & impoverished people in Buffalo (and is funded by them) even explain having over a million dollars in properties (he has a summer home as well) and 3 luxury cars all over $50k regsistered to them. How can the Common Council or the citizens of Buffalo benefit from a person who lives within the district but doesnt even pay taxes? The other residents are paying $10 k a year in taxes on their homes where he lives and he pays nothing. Even his suits are tax exempt. I just cant understand why he isnt being questioned on this?

It will be interesting to see who the council selects. Darius Pridgen is friends with Byron Brown and Carl Paladino is no fan of Brown .You never know. With Pridgen's ethics now being questioned, it might open the door for a fresh face in local politics. Maybe, it will be this guy...

Common Council's Interviewing Process is a Joke

If Councilmember Dave Franczyk wasn't annointed Councilman for life in the Fillmore district, he would be selling Polish sausages at the Broadway Market. Seriously, is this blowhard ever going to get a real job?

What an insult to the residents of the Ellicott District that the Buffalo Common Councilmembers go through this charade. They are talking to the media and by extension the public, as if politics isn't the only thing determining who will get Brian Davis' seat. Dave Franczyk, whose been in office for 65 years, describes Allen as "smart and savvy." How would he know? He's neither. Joseph Golombek's opinion shouldn't mean a whole lot, either. He tried to make himself out to be the council's independent voice until he recently began pimping himself out to the mayor. Go back to Riverside chump. It's just funny listening to these guys talk as if there is an actual interviewing process going on. Longtime Buffalo voters know better. We'd respect them more if they just came out and said it. The anti-Brown faction wants someone who is anti-Brown. The-pro Brown group wants someone aligned with the mayor. There's only one way to settle it. Put all the candidates in a boxing ring and have a ten man battle royal. Last person left in the ring gets the job.

Actually, here's a better idea. Eliminate most of the current seats on the common council and make the remaining ones part time. Do you really think there would be any difference in our "representation."? I highly doubt it.
Allen receives Fontana’s backing for Ellicott District Council seat : Buffalo/Erie County : The Buffalo News

Fossils Uncovered on Steps of City Hall

Some fossils were uncovered today on the steps of city hall. Former councilmembers George Arthur, Clifford Bell, and David Collins showed up to grandstand and try to incite racial politics. They were joined by Mr. Insignificant himself: Frank Messiah, President of the local chapter of the NAACP. The group claims the Ellicott district is not being represented while the interviewing process is taking place for a new councilmember.

Where was there outrage when Brian Davis was missing meetings and running the district like a criminal enterprise? How come they weren't worried about their representation then? Arthur and the rest of this group represent 100 years of ineffectiveness in local government. Theirs is the mindset that we need government to run our lives and provide for us. Sorry. But we need less government. This protest is just an attempt for these half dozen people to get their names in the paper. Where was the outrage when the barbershops got tens of thousands of dollars from Byron Brown, or is that the "representation"they so badly miss?

Former Council members criticize Ellicott District vacancy : Latest Local News : The Buffalo News#comment#comment

Council Should Appoint Pridgen to Vacant Post

I've always believed that city residents should pick their own representatives. That sounds great in theory but in practice, it is often the neighborhood political goons who manipulate the process.

In the Ellicott District, Brian Davis has been forced to give up his seat and several people are vying for it. Here's how the process works.The neighborhood committeemen and women recommend someone (usually a like minded bottom feeder) to the Common Council. The council traditionally rubber stamps their appointment and the city goes on operating in it's typical dysfunctional way.

This time, it's different. The council's majority is an all white faction, composed of people in direct opposition to Mayor Brown. The Ellicott committemen will recommend someone but the all white majority on the Common Council are under no legal obligation to go with their choice. They, in essence get to pick from the several candidates being interviewed for the $50,000/year post.

East side residents recently showed up wearing all red clothing in a show of unity behind the Reverend Darius Pridgen from the True Bethel Baptist Church. In my opinion, the council should select Pridgeon from this field. He is clearly the candidate most respected by residents of this district. Any other choice would be motivated by politics. I wouldn't want Damone Smith telling me who should be the next South District Councilmember. Dave (I've been in office for 100 years) Franczyk shouldn't get to pick Davis' successor.

Pridgen could be the person best suited to bridge the racial divide on the council. He has been known to speak out on controversial issues. Recently, he called for his congregation to help capture the black teenagers accused of beating up a white high school student for having a black girlfriend. I believe he is the most independent of all the serious candidates. Pridgen is also a great organizor. His church has grown tremendously under his watch and even has a Subway Restaurant inside of it. In the end, I think the council will have no choice but to select him. But with this group and Buffalo politics, you never know?
Pridgen supporters for Council seat pack interview : Buffalo/Erie County : The Buffalo News

Davis Quits Council

Brian Davis resigned his seat on the Buffalo Common Council this afternoon. Davis admitted that he spent just under $2,000 of campaign contributions on personal items. He pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors. In recent days, the usually split council unanimously called for Davis' resignation.

I felt Davis should resign because he hasn't been showing up to meetings and lied about his college experience. Davis claimed to have graduated from a Trinity College but no Trinity College has any record of a Brian Davis graduating from their schools. This whole $2,000 thing seems kind of minor to me however. There have been other local examples of politicians betraying the public trust where nothing was done. Assembly dinosaur Sam Hoyt recently admitted having affairs with his young interns in a series of embarrassing emails. He also admitted spending campaign funds to pay for a babysitter and nothing was done about either of these things. Probably because he's the spoiled/entitled son of the late Bill Hoyt.

A few years ago State Senator Bill Stachowski admitted that he used his campaign funds to pay for Buffalo Bill's season tickets. He must have gotten away with it by being the privileged son of Stan Stachowski. I don't see how this is any different than Davis spending money on himself. Former County Legislator Mike Fitzpatrick pleaded guilty to more than one DWI yet his seat was never in jeopardy.

How about these people that retire with huge warchests like Joel Giambra, Tony Masiello, Tom Reynolds, and Jack Quinn? You don't think they are spending this money on themselves through bribes, err I mean campaign donations to other people? Give me a break. Yes. Davis is a crook. However, he appears to have plenty of company. He was just lousy at covering his tracks.
Davis resigns Common Council seat*

Your Tax Dollars at Work

Councilmember of the year Brian Davis is in the news again. County and state investigators were looking for him on Wednesday. The only problem was they couldn't find him. As it turns out, he was still in bed. He was scheduled to be at two committee meetings but they didn't agree with his personal schedule.

On Friday, he said the committee meetings, "were already over before I got there." That's a great line. It means the same as "I was late, so I blew them off" but doesn't sound quite as harsh. Spoken like a true politician. Davis is the same guy who wrote bad checks to half the businessmen in Buffalo, lied about having a college degree, and gave himself a discounted house from some government program. Don't worry. Davis will soon say he's the victim of racial discrimination. It's too predictable. Because showing up to mandatory meetings has so much to do with skin color. You know you're going to hear the phrase "witch hunt". Believe me, it's not racial. I'd like to see half the white councilmembers hit the streets as well.

It might be time to put ankle bracelets on all of these guys so we know how they spend their days. Some of them probably already have them from past experience. Why is this job even full time? They should make it part time, pay them $5,000/year instead of $50,000/year, and let them get real jobs like the rest of us. Don't kid yourself. There's nothing going on at City Hall that the department heads couldn't handle themselves. Buffalo is becoming a ghetto city. How long before we find money in freezers or one of these guys smoking crack in front of a hidden camera?
Davis misses questions, meetings*

How Does This Guy Keep His Seat?

It seems like every day there is a new story about Ellicott Councilman Brian Davis. He writes one bad check after another. He lies on his resume and claims he graduated from college when it is not true. We now find out he was "managing" the failed One Sunset restaurant. Doesn't a councilman have other things to do besides manage a restaurant? My favorite line during the whole One Sunset fiasco was when Mayor Brown's Deputy Mayor (also named Brown) said she was aware that the restaurant was having some "hiccups". That's has to be the understatement of the century.

I don't understand why there appears to be no outrage among Davis' constituency. This guy is no good. I'm certain there are very good people in his district that would love to take his place and actually serve the public. Someone powerful has to be protecting him or he would have been led to resign some time ago. The whole thing would be funny if it wasn't for the fact that Davis is in a position to make decisions that affect the whole city. Where are the leaders on the East side of Buffalo? Davis needs to step down.
Davis hasn’t made good on check, landlord says*