The Constitution of the United States. It's not only the blueprint by which our federal government is supposed to operate, it is also the founding document of our entire nation. And while it's true that some public officials only pay lip service to the handiwork of our Founding Fathers, this is clearly not the case for Erie County Sheriff Tim Howard. Whether you agree with all of his views of its precepts or not, it's clear that his love of James Madison's pet project is a constant companion, not just an occasional visitor.

“Under our constitution, we the people are the government,” he solemnly declares. “In our country, it is the people who run the government, not the government running the people. That's why I have been so concerned about some things that have been coming out of Albany.”

With regard to Gov. Cuomo's SAFE ACT, Sheriff Howard believes that the biggest thing wrong with the new law is that it was passed too quickly without enough consultation with the average person.

During his first two years in office, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo pursued a bi-partisan agenda to the delight of many Republicans. More recently, however, perhaps lured by dreams of Democratic presidential primary victories, the Governor has followed a much different path in the view of many GOPers.

Now Republican legislators like Amherst's Assemblyman Ray Walter are looking at what they can do to work with the Governor to make Albany work better for all the people of New York.

“I liked what Gov. Cuomo did in this first two years to cut excessive state spending and to reduce our deficit,” the Assemblyman recalls. “ I liked what he did to promote regional economic development in WNY, the $1 billion for development in this area, his support for the SUNY 20-20 program, formerly UB 20-20. What I have not liked is that nothing has been done to reduce the burden of state mandates on local governments..”

Take Medicare, for example.

Erie County Democrats Unite for Opening of New Party Headquarters

Party leaders celebrate the committee’s storied past and look toward the future with new candidates for 2013

 The Erie County Democratic Committee today hosted the grand opening of their new headquarters in the Larkin District. The event brought together elected officials, candidates and supporters from all over Western New York.  The ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by Congressman Brian Higgins, County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz, Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown, Legislature Chairwoman Betty Jean Grant, and Legislators Lynn Marinelli and Timothy R. Hogues, was followed by an event introducing the countywide slate of endorsed candidates. Bert D. Dunn and Lynn Szalkowski who received the committee’s unanimous endorsement for Sheriff and Comptroller, respectively, were joined by Mary G. Carney and Paul Crapsi, who were previously endorsed for Erie County Family Court. A final candidate, Erie County Surrogate Court Judge Barbara Howe, completes the final countywide slate.

 “This is a great day to be a Democrat,” said Chairman Jeremy Zellner. “We recognized the achievements of those who have come before us and launched the campaigns of tomorrow’s leaders. Our party’s strength comes from the hard work and effort of the men and women who built our organization. Today’s generation of Democrats is charged with maintaining their legacy of service to the community, and I look forward to our countywide candidates playing a large role in our party’s future.”

The Democratic Party’s new office, which is another example of the ongoing adaptive reuse of former industrial space in Larkinville, is located in the Larkin Center of Commerce, which is the largest building in the historic Larkin District. The facilities were designed specifically to suit the needs of the party and include state-of-the-art technology and campaign resources, larger meeting spaces and pictures and memorabilia honoring the history of the Democratic Party in Erie County.

 A rally following the grand opening brought together party leaders, elected officials and Democratic supporters. Chairman Zellner introduced past Chairmen Leonard Lenihan, Vincent Sorrentino and Joseph Crangle. A plaque was unveiled in the new office displaying supporters’ names and Chairman Crangle’s long-serving Executive Director, Joanne Cavalieri, was honored for her decades of service to the party.

 Photos of the festivities are available here.

MAYOR BYRON BROWN ENDORSED BY COUNCILMAN DARIUS PRIDGEN

ENDORSEMENT SEEN AS ANOTHER SIGN OF STRENGTH IN MAYOR’S BID FOR RE-ELECTION. SEVERAL PROMINENT MEMBERS OF THE CLERGY ALSO IN ATTENDANCE.

Buffalo, NY- Mayor Byron Brown’s bid for re-election received another boost today with the endorsement of Ellicott District Councilmember Darius Pridgen. Mayor Brown received the endorsement at the 550 Genesee Banquet Hall with several prominent members of Buffalo’s clergy community in attendance.

In making his endorsement, Councilmember Pridgen stated, “It is with great pleasure that I endorse Mayor Brown for re-election. He has been a strong leader and partner, the City of Buffalo is on the right track, and Byron Brown has earned another term as Mayor.” After receiving the endorsement, Mayor Brown stated, “I am truly honored to receive the endorsement of someone who has not only been a dynamic leader on the Buffalo Common Council but also a pillar in our community for many years. I have tremendous respect for Councilmember Pridgen and I am grateful for his support.”

Also on hand for the endorsement were Bishop Robert Sanders and Pastor Robert Sanders of Greater Refuge Temple of Christ, Pastor George Woodruff of Durham Memorial AMEZ Church, Pastor Robert Lowe of New Beginnings COGIC, Pastor Alan Core of First Centennial Baptist Church, Pastor Dwayne Jones of Mt. Aaron Baptist Church, Pastor James Lewis of Miracle Mission FGBC, Pastor Rhonda Henderson of Worship Without Walls Ministries, Pastor Ivory Daniels of Baptist Ministers & Vicinity, Pastor Staples of First Shiloh, Pastor Ronald Benning of King Solomon Holiness Church, Pastor Daniel Benning of Upper Room Church of God in Christ, Pastor Gregory Nelson of Delaine Waring AME Christ, Pastor, Pastor James Giles of Back to Basics Outreach Ministry, Pastor Antwan Diggs of Hananiah Lutheran Church, Pastor Jeffrey Bowens of Love Alive, and other prominent members of Buffalo’s clergy. Unable to attend, but sending support included Bishop T. Anthony Bronner of ELIM Christian Fellowship, Bishop James Bowman of Faith to Face Ministries, Pastor William Gillison of Mount Olive Baptist Church, and Pastors Angel Gauthier, Alonzo Lanzot, Rosetta Swan, Craig Douglas and Kathy Bowman.

Councilmember Pridgen joins a long list of elected officials who have publicly supported the Mayor’s bid for re-election, including Congressman Brian Higgins, Assembly members Crystal Peoples-Stokes, Michael Kearns and Sean Ryan, Senator Timothy Kennedy, Common Council President Richard Fontana, Majority Leader Demone Smith, President Pro Tem Bonnie Russell, along with Councilmembers Joseph Golombek, David Rivera, and Christopher Scanlon.

Erie County Democratic Headquarters Grand Opening

Erie County Democratic Chairman Jeremy Zellner will host a ribbon cutting ceremony for the party’s new headquarters in in the Larkin District on Saturday, May 4, 2013. Following the ceremony, a party will be held for supporters and to introduce the endorsed countywide slate.

The candidates will be present for remarks and questions from the media. A party with food, music and speeches from honored guests will follow the ribbon cutting.

WHO:             Chairman Zellner, the Executive Committee of the Erie County Democratic Committee, candidates, supporters.

WHAT:             HQ ribbon cutting ceremony and party for candidates and supporters.

WHEN:          Saturday, May 4, 11:00 a.m.

WHERE:       Ribbon cutting at 671 Seneca Street, rally on the 8^th floor of Larkin Center of Commerce, 701 Seneca Street.

It turns out that we've been overly optimistic re the negotiations between the Erie County Democratic Party and the 2^nd floor of City Hall re a possible headquarters endorsement of the Mayor's re-election campaign. The truth is that the talks are just beginning with plenty of obstacles to overcome and mutual mistrust to get past. Still, it could happen if the parties really want it to happen. 

Democrats in the City of Buffalo have begun preparing for this year’s elections. The Buffalo Democratic Zone Chairs Association announced today that they have elected a slate of officers, with Darien Pratchett as Chair. Although Zones are an entirely political creation, with no role in government operations, they provide structure and representation to city Democrats and assist with getting out the vote.

“I am proud to have been reelected Chair of the Zone Chairs Association,” said Pratchett. “I look forward to working closely with my fellow Chairs this year to turn out Democrat votes in the City of Buffalo”

The slate of officers elected today is as follows:

·         Chair Darien Pratchett, Zone 18 representing the East Side

·         Vice-chair Mike Agostino, Zone 26 representing North Buffalo

·         Secretary Megan Corbet, Zone 1 representing South Buffalo

·         Treasure Jen Dunning, Zone 20 representing the West Side

·         Sergeant at Arms Andre Payne, Zone 17 representing the East Side

“This is another sign that Erie County Democrats are prepared to wage competitive campaigns in the city this year,” said Erie County Democratic Chair Jeremy Zellner. “We are prepared to fight on behalf of endorsed Democratic candidates in both the Primary and General elections.”

In order to ensure parity on the Erie County Democratic Committee’s Executive Committee, the City of Buffalo is divided into 27 Zones, a number equal to the 27 Towns and Cities in Erie County.

Everyone is invited to the grand opening of the new headquarters of the Erie County Democratic Party, under Chairman Jeremy Zellner, at the Larkin Center of Commerce, ground level - 671 Seneca Street this coming Saturday, May 4. The event is free. Activities include a ribbon cutting ceremony, tour of the new offices, and a banquet on the 8th floor with plenty of food and fun.

RSVP via Facebook by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by calling headquarters at 853-2511.

Supporters of Chairman Zellner are pointing to the “grace under pressure” he has shown in assemblying what looks like it's going to be a high quality slate of endorsed candidates despite being attacked seemingly by opponents on all sides. The slate looks like it's going to include: Byron Brown for Buffalo Mayor, Mary Carney and Paul Crapsi for Erie County Family Court, Bert Dunn for County Sheriff, and Lynn Szalkowski for County Comptroller.

Szalkowski, a newcomer to the political world, is described by supporters as a young CPA, equipped with good professional credentials, “an Alfreda Slominski type.”

By the way, the momentum for the Brown endorsement continues to build, with even headquarters supporters who have not been friendly to the Mayor in the past strongly backing the move.

Speaking of ECDC supported candidates, it looks like Legislator Tom Mazur IS running for re-election despite all those rumors that he would not. He will face former Cheektowaga Town Council Member Rick Zydel in a September primary showdown.

Meanwhile, the two Democratic Sheriff candidates, Dunn and Dick Dobson, are continuing to snipe at each other over their voter registration histories. It turns out that neither one has a long history of being a dyed in the wool Democrat.

As for the current Sheriff, Tim Howard, he will have some interesting things to say in Part II of our interview with him. It turns out that his objections to Gov. Cuomo's SAFE ACT relate, not only to the substance of the law, but how it was passed. He feels that such a major change should come “from the people,” not as a result of a speeded up process in Albany.

“This is America,” he says. “It's the people who rule the government here, not the government ruling the people.”

The entire WNY political community is united in sending prayers and condolences to the family of Steve Pigeon, whose mother, Barbara Pigeon passed away Tuesday morning. By all accounts, she was the “consummate mother” who truly adored all of her children and vice versa.

We are being told that negotiations which could lead to an endorsement of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown's re-election by the Erie County Democratic Party are progressing, though definitely not completed.

Candidates loyal to Cheektowaga Democratic Chairman Frank Max won big victories at Monday's endorsement meeting for local contenders. Incumbent Councilman Stan Kaznowski won with 32,753 weighted votes, while fellow Councilman Jim Rogowski won with 31, 984 weighted votes. Also sweeping to a big victory was challenger Tim Meyers who garnered 27,154 votes.

Among the highlights of the well attended affair was a proclamation read by Assemblymember Dennis Gabryszak honoring 30 year town council veteran Pat Jaworowicz, who was forced to resign after a long and distinguished career earlier this year due to ill health.

Some supporters of Cheektowga Democratic Chairperson Frank Max are a little miffed at County Executive Mark Poloncarz for remarks made by the CE which seem to cast doubt on attendance and gross receipt figures released by the Cheek Dems.

Says one Cheektowaga Democrat: “Our attendance and gross receipts figures are legit and they will be submitted to the Board of Elections exactly the way we've announced them. The problem with Mark is that his own events don't do nearly that well and maybe he's a little envious.”

Speaking of Max, sources close to him are denying reports that the Cheektowaga Chairman would NEVER, NEVER endorse Bert Dunn for County Sheriff if he is also backed by County Democratic Chairman Jeremy Zellner and his County Democratic Committee.

Explains one loyal Max man: “Look, Frank is going to go with the guy he thinks is the best candidate, no matter who else endorses him. Don't forget that the Cheektowaga Democratic Part was the first to endorse Surrogate Court Judge Barbara Howe for re-election, after which the ECDC also backed him....So it doesn't really matter to Frank who does it first. It's supporting the best candidate that is most important to him.”