BY NICKI MAYO
Buffalo’s Common Council heard the final five candidates vying for the vacant Ellicott District seat. Nicki Mayo has details on the selection process as the council narrows down who will hold the position.
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The Buffalo Common Council heard from the second round of candidates hoping to fill the Ellicott District seat. Embattled former councilman Brian Davis resigned last month after pleading guilty to using campaign funds for his personal use.
Six candidates were scheduled to appear. Five showed up. Sales Marketer Todd Maclin was a no show.
Political newcomer Nicholas Primerano interviewed Monday but, was disqualified for registering late as a democrat to be considered for the seat.
Council members say the five that showed up were noticeably more prepared than Monday’s candidates.
“The Common Council is like the board of directors of any organization,” said Masten District representative Demone A. Smith. “So if you’re coming on the council you should know what the city budget is,” Smith added.
Attorney William Trezevant advocated job creation and says the council needs to increase the city’s aid to Buffalo Public Schools.
“That amount represents on a per capita basis the smallest percentage of any city in terms of their contribution to their school system for all of upstate New York,” said Trezevant.
Buffalo Public Schools Career Advisor Dudley Gilbert says urban renewal and development projects need to reflect Ellicott’s diverse make up.
“It seems like the progress that’s being made is not going to include anybody black, red, yellow, disenfranchised, white or brown,” said Glibert.
Buffalo State Economics Professor Curtis Haynes, PhD. says more needs to be done to retain Buffalo’s tradesmen and young professionals.
“We can’t build a 21st century if everybody thinks about money coming in and money going out. We need to build assets,” Dr. Hayes said.
Subway Restaurant owner Bobby Horton recently made headlines for his efforts to stop a slaughter house from moving near his William Street shop. Horton says that motivated him to take an active role in the council.
“When I began to fight for my business, something that I worked hard for, I learned to be sensitive to the needs of the people,” Hortaon said.
Surrounded by a sea of supporters dressed in red, True Bethel Baptist Pastor Reverend Darius Pridgen answered questions of scrutiny as to why a religious leader would consider jumping into politics.
“Some have suggested that I should stay in my place. That a pastor has no business in politics,” said Rev. Pridgen. “they suggested that politics is dirty and I disagree.”
One thing that stood out was the absence of Ellicott District residents present in the council chambers. More than 150 supporters showed up to support Rev. Pridgen, but once the pastor left, a mass exodus followed. That left 14 people in the council chambers. Only three of those people were Ellicott district residents. Three candidates had yet to go before the council.
“I think it’s very important that we don’t get an anti-mayor or pro-mayor candidates. But somebody who can be a councilman for all season and reasons,” said Ellicott resident Thomas Gleed.
The Common Council is waiting for the Democratic Party committee to vet the candidates and suggest who should fill the $52,000 a year position.
“As a courtesy to them, we’ll listen to their recommendation,” said Niagara District Councilman David A. Rivera. “The way it looks right now, we’re looking at the next week or so.” Rivera added.
