BUFFALO, N.Y. — There have been persistent rumors and statements, including one from a political journalist on our Town Hall Monday, that Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown may at some point step down from that position. That is, even as he is serving now in the second year of his fifth term.
On Tuesday, as voters were deciding Primary Election races for some Buffalo City Council seats, Channel 2 asked Mayor Brown directly if he intends to stay in office to complete that term.
We are used to seeing him at various press conferences and events but with potential changes coming to Buffalo City Hall's political landscape, does Mayor Brown still want to be "Mayor" Brown?
"There's been a lot of whispers about you and whether or not you might consider resigning as Mayor to take another position - what would you say to the voters and residents of the city of Buffalo as to whether or not you intend to fill out your term?
"Well right now I'm staying very focused on continuing to move Buffalo forward," Brown replied.
So going "forward"...we tried again.
Reporter: "Do you intend to fill out your four-year term?
Brown: "My intention is to fill out my four-year term but you never say never."
Reporter: What does that mean-never say never?
"We don't know what the future might hold. Ran for a fifth four-year term with the intention of serving as Mayor of the City of Buffalo for at least another four years. And there are some folks who have been saying to me that perhaps six is in the mix," Brown said.
But anything else in the "mix" for him otherwise since he did leave some future wiggle room.
"Reporter: Would you consider another job - is there anything else you'd like to look at?
"I'm very focused on being Mayor of the city of Buffalo. I'm thankful that the residents have placed their trust in me again and very thankful for all the support that I get from the people of Buffalo."
So one more time. "Reporter asked: So you're not going anywhere for the next two or three years?
"I am focused on the City of Buffalo," he said.
It's been reported previously this year that some officials and faculty at SUNY Buffalo State University were trying to convince Byron Brown to take the job as university president with his previous connections there. But the Mayor's office responded back then that he was "focused" on the City of Buffalo. But again, he did say "never say never" regarding the future. So we leave it there for now.