BY NICKI MAYO
Buffalo’s Common Council is moving forward to select a new Ellicott District councilmember, some Ellicott District community leaders say the council is not moving fast enough. Nicki Mayo has the details.
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“They’ve had more than a month. More than 30 days, to interview, meet and fill that vacancy,” said George K. Arthur. The former Ellicott District Councilman says Buffalo’s Common Council is dragging its feet replacing embattled Councilman Brian Davis.
“It’s unfortunate that this has happened,” said Niagara District Councilman David A. Rivera. “But it’s no fault of the council. We’re not responsible for the vacancy itself that occurred,” Rivera said.
Brian Davis pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors and admitted using campaign funds for personal use. Davis resigned November 18th on the steps of City Hall. Six weeks later, three former councilmen and Ellicott District leaders returned to the same steps to demand the council hurry up and pick a new representative.
“Move more quickly so that people will have immediate representation,” said former Councilman At Large Clifford Bell.
Former councilmen George Arthur, Clifford Bell and David Collins say the Common Council should postpone any committee activities until after an Ellicott representative is appointed.
“Speed up that process and call a recess in the reorganizational process,” said Bell.
“Plans are being made. Dollars are being spent. And services are being provided without them being included,” said David Collins. “That’s not right and they should be corrected immediately,” added the former Masten District Councilman
The council forwarded the candidates’ resumes to nearly 80 Ellicott District Democratic committee members to review by January 9th.
“We’re not obligated to take their recommendation but we do weigh it seriously,” said Councilman Rivera.
“More tax dollars is paid form the Ellicott District that any other district. And to have them without representation I think is wrong,” said George K. Arthur
“The taxpayers of the Ellicott District are suffering. They are being taxed without representation,” said Collins.
