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Buffalo City Council confirms police commissioner 5–4 after heated debate over $250,000 salary and philanthropic support
Summary
After extended debate about a proposed $250,000 salary and whether foundation funds would offset the cost, the Buffalo City Council voted 5–4 to confirm the mayor’s police commissioner nominee. Several members raised concerns about the size of the increase and reports of intimidation related to the vote.
The Buffalo City Council voted 5–4 to confirm the mayor’s nominee for police commissioner after a lengthy debate that centered on a proposed $250,000 salary and whether philanthropic funds would be used to offset the cost.
Council members deliberated for more than an hour on Item 3 of the agenda, with arguments focusing on budget priorities, the role of outside funding in city personnel decisions and allegations that council members had been pressured about how to vote. The roll-call vote recorded five yes votes and four no votes; the motion to confirm the nominee passed.
Why it matters: The confirmation comes amid an ongoing budget process in which council members said residents are facing a reported 25% tax increase. Several council members said using foundation money to pay a higher salary for a commissioner could set a precedent for private influence over public positions.
Council member Bowman raised constituent concerns about the salary increase, saying the proposal to set the police commissioner’s pay at $250,000 was a source of…
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