Ongoing conversations about the departure of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) – 7 News has learned that Mayor Byron Brown is having conversations about a career change that could trigger a series of political dominoes in Buffalo.

The mayor could make a little more history by choosing to step down early. He is already serving an unprecedented fifth term and will become the second mayor to resign in the last 100 years.

Sources tell 7 News political analyst Bob McCarthy and 7 News’ Kristen Mirand that discussions are underway about Brown leaving before the end of his current term and other opportunities.

WKBW

McCarthy: There are certainly ongoing discussions between the Mayor and possible employment opportunities in both the public and private sectors, as has been described.

Mirand: Have you heard about where he might go next?

McCarthy: This was reported and I found out about the possibility of an OTB position there. I heard a few representatives of the private sector enter into the discussion… But let’s not forget that the mayor just obtained a higher education diploma, a master’s degree only a few weeks ago, and that makes him very even more important. no longer eligible for such a position.

Brown received his master’s degree in leadership and innovation from Daemen University on May 18.

WKBW

Mirand: It would be a big upheaval.

McCarthy: It would be a very big transition. It would be a very big transition and especially Byron Brown would be there as long as he was. We are talking about changes that people are not used to.

Last week, Mirand asked the mayor about the possibility of leaving before the end of his unprecedented fifth term in December next year.

Mirand: Do you plan to fulfill your entire mandate?

Brown: You know, I’ve always run with a plan to fulfill my full term, that’s my plan right now but we’ll see what the future brings.

If Brown leaves, according to the city charter, Buffalo Common Council President Chris Scanlon would become acting mayor.

“My understanding is that this office is aware of ongoing conversations between the mayor and possible new employers, and should that come to fruition? I would say that Chris Scanlon is ready to become acting mayor ” McCarthy said.

But it’s all about timing: If Brown leaves before August 5, Scanlon could run in a special election to become mayor in November. If he leaves after August 5, Scanlon could run in next year’s general election.

WKBW

McCarthy: That’s why so much attention is being paid to this possibility as a possibility of something happening in August.

Mirand: So we could potentially see a changing of the guard, if you will, in August?

McCarthy: RIGHT. It is – August will be a month to watch.