The Race For The Common Council 2023

Are You Registered to Vote?

If you want to vote in this year’s primary election, you have until June 17 to register.

And the way things are shaping up, you may want to make sure you’re eligible to vote.

All of the seats on the Common Council are up for grabs this year.

At least two council members have decided not to seek reelection.

-Ellicott-

After serving 12 years on the Common Council, Ellicott District Council member Dairus Pridgen, to the surprise of many, announced three weeks ago that he would not seek re-election. As Council President, Pridgen holds the council’s top leadership post. He called his decision “A walk of faith.” Well known and respected across council district lines, the pastor of True Bethel Church was the closest thing the community had to a councilman at large.

Last October the council actually adopted a resolution that instructed the Council Staff to research the pros, cons and timetable for adding at-large seats. Pridgen called such a discussion

“timely” in the interest of what might best serve the people. Who will replace Council Member Pridgen? At press time we learned that Pastor Michael Chapman of St. John Baptist Church and President and CEO of the Buffalo Black Billion LLC is exploring a run for that seat.

-Masten-

If Council President Pridgen’s announcement to seek reelection came as a surprise, Masten District council Member Ulysees Wingo’s announcement that he will not seek re-election came as a shock.

Wingo, a staunch Brown supporter, is wrapping up his second term. He was facing a formidable challenger in the person of former mayoral candidate India Walton. Walton, a visionary young progressive, won an upset victory in the 2021 primary for mayor against Brown. And although she lost in the general election she beat Brown on his own political turf – and in Wingo’s district - Masten.

Just last week, in the wake of Wingo’s announcement that he was not running, news that Zenetta Everheart, Director of Diversity & Inclusion for State Senator Tim Kennedy, is seeking the Democratic endorsement to run in Masten. The surfacing of at least two other names of potential candidates, sets the stage for an engaging primary in Masten district to say the least.

-University-

University District. Council Member Rahseed N.C. Wyatt was elected to office in 2014.

Wyatt has flexed his independence and pushed back against the Brown machine on a number of issues such as the moneygrabbing school speed zone cameras - resulting in the cameras ultimately coming down.

Earlier this week it was reported that Kathryn Franco is seeking to oust him in the University district - for the second time. Franco tried unsuccessfully in 2019. A UB adjunct professor, she has worked at nonprofit organizations for much of her career.

Wyatt says he's running for re-election and has no problem facing Franco again.

-North-

Eve Shippens, a teacher, launched her Council bid against Councilman Joseph Golombek, Jr. for the North District seat. After 24 yearsGolombek is the longest member presently serving on the Common Council. Shippens currently teaches at East High school, and served as a campaign staffer for India Walton's mayoral run.

There are currently no women on the Buffalo Common Council.

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