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Mayor Brown Launches his re-election campaign

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For Immediate Release

May 9, 2009

MAYOR BROWN ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR SECOND TERM; CITES PROGRESS IN MOVING BUFFALO FORWARD

Highlights Decrease in Crime, Lower Taxes & Strengthening Neighborhoods

BUFFALO – Mayor Byron W. Brown today announced his candidacy for a second term as Mayor of the City of Buffalo. Surrounded by his family, government, civic and faith-based leaders, the Mayor pointed to several accomplishments over the past 3 ½ years, while stating that more work remains to be done.

“I come here today determined to continue the progress we have made over the past 3 ½ years,” said Mayor Brown. “In that time, we have reduced the city’s crime rate, cut property taxes, eliminated government waste, built record budget surpluses, successfully negotiated several union contracts, started the process of returning cars to Main Street, ensured that all city employees receive a living wage and resolved the long-standing Hickory Woods controversy.”

The Mayor was joined by his wife Michelle, their son Byron and several public officials including: Congressman Brian Higgins, New York State Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples, Senator Antoine Thompson, Assemblyman Mark Schroeder, County Legislator Tim Kennedy, and Common Councilmembers Demone Smith and Joe Golombek.

“I will continue the great partnerships with people like those who have joined me on this stage and continue the collaborations that are beginning to improve opportunity for all Buffalonians – but I am not done carrying out the programs and policies that I know will make the City of Buffalo a better city to live, work, invest and raise a family,” said Mayor Brown. “I am here today to formally declare my intention to seek another term as your Mayor of the City of Buffalo.”

Among the accomplishments of the past 3 ½ years, Mayor Brown cited the creation of CitiStat Buffalo, his Administration’s public accountability initiative that has changed the way business is done in City Hall. In addition, the launching of the Mayor’s Zero Tolerance law enforcement effort brought in a new, crime fighting strategy including the highly successful Mobile Response Unit, the reestablishment of the Cold Case Squad, installing surveillance cameras in high crime areas and, most importantly, putting new police officers on our city streets.

“With the recommended city budget I sent to the Common Council last week, I have cut the property tax rate four straight times. All totaled, I have reduced the tax rate for residential properties by 12.5% and 14.9% for commercial properties,” stated the Mayor. “I’m proud of that and I will continue to fight for our city’s property owners, which includes our demolition and rehabilitation agenda for the thousands of vacant buildings that threaten the quality of life of our residents and the stability of their neighborhoods.”

Mayor Brown highlighted progress has in his Administration’s continuing crime fighting effort, which has brought an overall 7% reduction in crime between 2005 and 2008.

“It is clear our Zero Tolerance strategy is working,” said the Mayor. “In fact, between 2006 and 2008 the men and women of the Buffalo Police Department reduced homicide by 50%. Those responsible for violent crimes are being relentlessly pursued and brought to justice by the dedicated officers of our Police Department. Every year during my tenure as Mayor, the Buffalo Police Department’s success in solving homicides has increased, reaching 89% in 2008.”

In the area of economic development, Mayor Brown highlighted several initiatives, including the city’s First Source Agreement program, which works with businesses investing in Buffalo and offers a service of providing trained and qualified city residents for job opportunities created by new businesses.

“My Administration has created a new program for businesses investing in Buffalo to hire city residents – as a result 146 city residents have new jobs,” remarked the Mayor.

“With the benefit of the growing Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, we are moving ahead with our plans to make Buffalo a national center for electronic medical records. This will create 550 new jobs. This summer I am creating 25 summer youth positions for city youth to work in these 21st Century jobs.”

In addition, the Mayor stated that his Administration will direct federal stimulus funds to projects like energy conservation improvements to city-owned buildings with $2.7 million in new funding. It is estimated that this project will create nearly 100 new “Green Collar” jobs for city residents.

“I intend to continue to fight for additional stimulus funding to create more jobs to build on the progress we have made,” said Mayor Brown.

The Mayor concluded by reemphasizing his continuing outreach to the residents of Buffalo, meeting directly with them to listen to them, hear their concerns and enact programs and policies that will meet their needs and expectations..

“From Black Rock to Hamlin Park, Central Park to Kaisertown, the Old First Ward to the West Side, and North Buffalo, the City of Buffalo is a collection of neighborhoods that have contributed to our city’s strength,” said Mayor Brown. “I know this firsthand because I have met with block clubs in every section of our city and our residents deserve the best that we can offer.

“Make no mistake about it – we are making progress. But I will not rest on these successes; there is still more work to be done. And that’s why I am running for another term as your Mayor of Buffalo. I love Buffalo and its people. I know that we have made progress in many areas and there’s more work to do. It has been a great privilege and honor to serve you as your Mayor and I am ready to pursue a second term to finish the work we started 3 ½ years ago and continue the progress we have made in creating hope and opportunity for every Buffalo resident!”