Buffalo Common Council President Chris Scanlon says he’s getting his ducks in a row for possible acting mayor position
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — WIVB News 4 spoke with Buffalo Common Council President Chris Scanlon for the first time since Mayor Byron Brown was offered the position of CEO and president of Western Regional Off-Track Betting last week.
He says he’s getting his ducks in a row should he become the acting mayor of Buffalo.
“Twelve years of experience now in the council I think would help, ya know,” Scanlon said. “I’ve always prided myself on being someone who likes to collaborate. … I think the fact that I’ve collaborated with the different levels of government and the administration for my 12 years in office would lend itself well to me hitting the ground running.”
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Scanlon has represented the South District for 12 years and he has served as council president since January. Scanlon has stated that he is “prepared to lead and serve the residents of the City of Buffalo as their mayor” should a vacancy open.
WIVB News 4 asked Scanlon what his top priorities would be as acting mayor should Brown resign early.
“I’ve consistently worked on as council president the health and safety. If we’re not keeping residents healthy, we’re not keeping them safe, everything else is really secondary so the wellness and health and safety of the residents is paramount to me,” he said.
“Obviously everyone talks about some financial issues that are on the horizon that have to be dealt with, it’ll be some of the initial things that I deal with if this should play out but those are some of the things we’re looking at right now.”
Scanlon said Brown gave him a call after the OTB extended the offer, promising to keep Scanlon updated on the ongoing negotiations. If he becomes acting mayor, Scanlon would fill out the remainder of Brown’s term before the next mayoral election in 2025.
For now, both men will remain in their current positions at city hall.
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