Chris Scanlon assumes role as acting mayor of Buffalo: “An incredible responsibility”

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Following Byron Brown’s resignation as the 62nd Mayor of Buffalo, Chris Scanlon accepted the role of acting mayor.

Brown served as mayor for nearly 19 years and held the office longer than anyone else in the city’s history.

“Serving as mayor is an incredible honor and an incredible responsibility,” Scanlon began his first press conference. “And it’s one that I enter into with excitement and optimism.”

He told Buffalo residents that he is prepared to represent “every corner” of the city. Scanlon also said his past roles in City leadership have prepared him to hit the ground running on day one.

Scanlon said he’s met with the City’s commissioners and executive directors to prepare for the transition and have discussed ideas for the city during Scanlon’s time as acting mayor.

“During my time on the [Buffalo Common] Council, I’ve had the great fortune of getting all across the city of Buffalo and meeting all sorts of different people,” he said. “It’s provided me a unique opportunity to continue to serve the residents of Buffalo, having gotten to know them so well during my time in office.”

Governor Kathy Hochul congratulated Scanlon on his new position in a statement.

“Serving on the Buffalo Common Council for more than a decade, he’s demonstrated his commitment to this City and his dedication to its extraordinary people,” she said. “We both know that Buffalo’s success is critical to the success of the entire Western New York region, and I look forward to a productive working relationship with Acting Mayor Scanlon as we work to support the city we love.”

Scanlon extended his well wishes to Bryan Bollman, who as of today is acting in Scanlon’s former role as Common Council president.

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Adam Duke is a digital contributor who joined WIVB in 2021. See more of his work here.

Patrick Ryan is an award-winning reporter who has been part of the News 4 team since 2020. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.

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