Is davis the town idiot??

[joe d.]

Ellicott Meeting Disrupted By "Physical Intimidation"...Lenihan "Escorted Out For Own Protection"...Brian Davis Leads Raucous Protest
Written by Glenn Gramigna, Editor
FRI. NIGHT ELLICOTT DISTRICT "CANDIDATE'S NIGHT" TAKEN OVER BY THREATENING PROTESTS...CAME "THAT CLOSE" TO VIOLENCE, ACCORDING TO OBSERVER...AT NEXT MEETING, "THERE SHOULD BE SECURITY INSIDE AND OUT," SOURCE INSISTS

Multiple sources are telling us that Friday evening's "Candidate's Night" for Ellicott District Common Council seat contenders quicky took on the dark aura of threatened violence, as protesters loudly demanded that the vote take place on the spot despite the fact that only 25 to 30 of the 73 Ellicott Committe members were present. Reportedly, the protesters, led by disgraced former Ellicott Councilman Brian Davis got so menacing that "Erie County Democratic Chairman Len Lenihan had to be escorted out of the Olivencia Center, where the event was held for his own safety," according to a highly respected African-American observer.

"The amazing thing was that Davis was going around saying that Ellicott was being underrepresented and needed to have a Councilmember immediately, despite the fact that it is his personal ethical failings that created this situation in the first place," said another source. "Davis seemed to be the leader of the protesters, constantly personally attacking Chairman Lenihan in a way that made people fear for his safety. Finally, they just got the Chairman out of there and his executive director, Jeremy Zellner took over. The whole scene was terrible. It came that close to violence."

http://www.newwnypolitics.net/

[PickOranges]

Lenihan would of beat his butt..

[kernwatch]

Brian Davis appears to be the 'Village Sociopath', not the village idiot.

And, unfortunately, his "friends" are encouraging him . . .

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brian-C-Davis/81946804270
Brian C. Davis

Patty F:
Brother Brian we are truly lifting you up in PRAYER. We want you to know that GOD has something much better in store for you, so keep the FAITH and trust GOD completely.

Fri at 10:28pm · Report

AND

Denice S:
look at you looking all handsome
December 15 at 4:48pm · Report

And here is Davis himself, who last posted a month ago.
Stay tuned to keep informed . . .

Brian C. Davis:
Once again, let me just say another BIG "Thank you" to you all for the Love and Support! I would ask that you all pledge to make a difference in your communities. Our Political Leadership is going to need you. I will use this tool as a way to keep you informed and let you know how you can continue to be of assistance!
November 18 at 11:06pm

[JoeCitizen]

Brian Davis should just fade away. Lenihan made a mistake by leaving and being intimidated. You have to stand up to the school yard bully.

[WNYresident]

Are there any eye witnesses to this all happening?

If there is going to be security I hope it's not tax payer funded security.

[kernwatch]

Gramigna is reporting via one of his typical "anonymous source(s)".

Unfortunately, Gramigna did not report which candidates for Davis' vacated Ellicott Dist Council seat attended.

Marilyn Rodgers indicated last week that she would not attend & submit to the highly politicized process.

That may have been a very wise decision!

From Gramigana (undated, 12/15?):

http://www.newwnypolitics.net/index.php?limitstart=8

Rodgers Pulls Out Of Forum...Apparently Won't Campaign For Committee Nod Either

Written by Glenn Gramigna, Editor

MARILYN RODGERS WON'T SHOW ON FRI. NIGHT...NOT SEEKING BACKING FROM "ANY ENTITY, PERSON, BUSINESS, OR ORGANIZATION"

Community activist and Ellicott District Council candidate Marilyn Rodgers has written a letter to another web site declaring that she will NOT participate in the forum for Ellicott council candidates being sponsored by the Democratic Party at the Olivencia Center on Friday night. Moreover, she goes on to say that she will not attempt to get the backing of any group apart from the voters of the district themselves.

To quote the lady: "I am not seeking an endorsement by any entity, person, business or organization over the endorsement of the people of the district."

This would seem to indicate that Rogers will not seek the votes of Democratic committee members at all. While some might consider all of this a principled stand against politics as usual, her critics are characterizing her refusal to answer queries at Friday night's forum as an attempt to avoid answering hard questions. Since Rogers seems unlikely to attract Common Council backing in the absence of a strong endorsement from the party committee (or even with it, possibly), some observers are saying her chances of getting anywhere at all in the race seem slim.

[kernwatch]

This is a very important issue affecting the quality of Bflo 'governance'.

Who else is talking about what happened Friday evening?

Did the apparently unruly meeting choose a candidate?

Have any other candidates for the seat made public comments?

Have any major media reported on the meeting?

Here is the latest from BfloRising:

www.BuffaloRising.com

Candidates Night: One Good "Party" to Have Missed

Elena Cala Buscarino December 20, 2009 1:29 PM Comments: 13

Resigned Ellicott Councilman Brian Davis allegedly lead protest, Democratic Chair Len Lenihan removed for his own safety.

Last week, Ellicott District Council seat hopeful, Marilyn Rodgers, respectfully declined an invitation, in a letter to the existing council members and Democratic leaders, concerning a "Candidates Night" that was held this past Friday.

The December 18th, closed-door forum was held by the Erie County Democratic Party Ellicott District Committee Members, a group that is responsible to provide a vote for approximately 9,000 individual voters.


Considering what happened there, according to this story on Western New York Politics, Rodger's sense may have involved more than a simple wish to remain unbeholden by any one group.

Rodgers had declined the invitation, citing her emphasis on a non-political decision by the Common Council based upon the City of Buffalo Charter - Chapter C, Article 3, § 3-6 of the City Charter of Buffalo, New York on August 22, 2002. This amendment, according to Rodgers, was approved by the voters at the general election held November 5, 2002, and stamped into law on December 6th, 2006.

In her letter, Rodgers stated: "No where in this legislation is it written that the Council will appoint a successor to the seat by 'rubber stamp.' I believe, wholeheartedly, that if we do not abide by the original purpose of this legislation, as authored by an individual who was eliminated in his bid for the seat due to the "rubber stamp" of local politics, we do wrong for the people of the district. Therefore, this morning, I sent a Certified R/R/R letter to Mr. Zellner stating I would not be participating in the forum on Friday."

She continued, "A few individuals in a room that is not accessible by The People are making decisions that will influence the entire Ellicott District and our city, overall. I have stated I will not seek political endorsements. This disenfranchises the voting public. Therefore, I do not see the need for attending this closed-door event that perpetuates the politics of the past that have contributed to the stagnation and decay to our city for decades. This is my way of affecting a small manner of change while keeping my word regarding endorsements."

Most members of the Common Council have stated they are seeking an individual who is independent from political circles. Rodgers says she wishes to reinforce the Council's intent that is reflected in the City Charter.

[Michele J]

I dont blame Marilyn for not attending...She wants to represent the people not the party...she has a website and has answered questions when asked..she has been accessible.

[kernwatch]

Below is a Channel 2 report (with video) interviewing both Dem Party Chair Lenihan, who downplays reported threats resulting in his early departure, & with Marilyn Rodgers, who refused to attend.

Still no word from other candidates who were there.


Channel 2:

http://www.wgrz.com/news/local/story...72989&catid=13

Buffalo Common Council Race For Ellicott District Seat Heating Uplast updated: 12/21/2009 6:54:19 PM

Ellicott District committee members held a candidates night, according to several sources it was a heated meeting. It was their chance to interview those who want to be appointed to the seat vacated by Brian Davis.

Davis resigned last month after pleading guilty to taking campaign donations.

According to a few people who attended the meeting at the Olivencia Center, Davis and a few other members of the committee created an intimidating atmosphere and it was directed toward Democratic Party Chair Len Lenihan.

Some individuals claim Lenihan was so intimidated, that he had to be escorted out. Lenihan told 2 On Your Side, "there was some contentious type activity, I was not escorted out because of that."

Davis is one of the committeemen who will recommend his successor. Lenihan says nothing prevents him from serving on the committee.

The committee will vote a candidate to recommend be seated as Ellicott District Councilman in January. However, it is the Buffalo Common Council that has the final say in the appointment. They do not have to accept the committee's recommendation.

[kernwatch]

Finally, thanks to Jim Heaney, some real information about what happened Friday evening.

Candidates speaking at the meeting included Donald Allen, William Trezevant, Fred Heinle, Curtis Haynes, Bobby Horton Bryon McIntyre . . . & Rev Pridgen after circling the walls seven times & arrving late!

Now its time for candidates besides Marilyn Rodgers to say what they think about this nonsense!

Heaney:

http://blogs.buffalonews.com/outrage...26+Insights%29

December 22, 2009
Brian Davis at center of Friday fiasco

If you thought we'd seen the last of Brian Davis, think again. The disgraced, and convicted, former Ellicott Common Council member showed up Friday at a meeting of Democratic committeemen called to hear from the candidates who have applied for his vacant seat. Technically, Davis was within his rights to be there, as he is a committeeman, but he wasn't content to merely attend.

No, along with several other Grassroots members, he disrupted the meeting, hurling insults at Democratic Party Chairman Len Lenihan, among others, and demanding that the gathering of committeemen vote to recommend a candidate to the Council right then and there. Davis complained the district needed immediate representation, which is kind curious, given the seat is vacant because of his actions. Moreover, when Davis occupied the seat, he had the worst attendance record on the Council.

Also making a fuss was Barbara Miller-Williams, the county legislator who is cutting a deal with Erie County Executive Chris Collins to be chairman of the Legislature.

After the Party HQ folks running the meeting said "no," explaining the meeting was advertised as a forum, not a vote, Davis, Miller-Williams and others from Grassroots stormed out before hearing from the six candidates who had showed up. Those speaking included Donald Allen, William Trezevant, Fred Heinle, Curtis Haynes, Bobby Horton and Bryon McIntyre.

The Rev. Darius Pridgen showed up an hour-and-a-half late, with numerous supporters in tow. Pridgen explained his supporters were circling the building in their cars seven times to bring down the walls erected by the Democratic Party, alluding to the biblical story of the Battle of Jerico in which the Children of Israel circled the city seven times until its walls came tumbling down.

Ah ... yeah ...sure ... Rev. I'm sure your comments will allay fears that you would have a hard time separating church and state if appointed to public office.

Only 32 of 84 committeemen turned out for the meeting, and after Davis, Miller-Williams and their crew left, fewer than 20 remained. For whatever reason, Champ Eve and his faction, who, along with Grassroots control most of the committee seats, were no-shows. On balance, a pretty weird and pathetic night.

The party is expected to schedule a vote of committeemen in early January. Typically, the Council rubber stamps the recommendation of committeemen, but I suspect the antics of last Friday are going to encourage members to exercise independent judgment. I mean, if fewer than half of the committeemen can be bothered showing up, and half of those who did take their ball and go home after their intimidation tactics fail, just how credible of a recommendation is this crew capable of making?

Davis, meanwhile, has a Feb. 24 court date at which time he will be sentenced. I can't imagine his lawyer is too pleased with his conduct Friday. I mean, does it sound like Davis gets it?

[kernwatch]

Brian Davis attended the Dem Committee mtg on Saturday & his vote may well have pushed (REV) Darius Pridgen barely over-the-top to be the recommended candidate for Davis old seat.

Here is Davis' Nov 18 promise on his facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brian-C-Davis/81946804270

I will use this tool as a way to keep you informed and let you know how you can continue to be of assistance!

I can't find him now . . where is he? Has he left town? Or is he gearing up to run for his seat again . . perhaps following the path of notorious DC Mayor Marion Barry, now on the DC Council (re-arrested on July 4)??

I'm told it is 'perfectly legal' for Davis to run for his seat again!

COPY: December 20th, 2009, 04:39 PM #3
kernwatch, Gold Member, Join Date: May 2004

Brian Davis appears to be the 'Village Sociopath', not the village idiot.

And, unfortunately, his "friends" are encouraging him . . .


Quote:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brian-C-Davis/81946804270
Brian C. Davis

Patty F:
Brother Brian we are truly lifting you up in PRAYER. We want you to know that GOD has something much better in store for you, so keep the FAITH and trust GOD completely.

Fri at 10:28pm · Report

AND

Quote:
Denice S:
look at you looking all handsome
December 15 at 4:48pm · Report

And here is Davis himself, who last posted a month ago.
Stay tuned to keep informed . . .

Quote:
Brian C. Davis:
Once again, let me just say another BIG "Thank you" to you all for the Love and Support! I would ask that you all pledge to make a difference in your communities. Our Political Leadership is going to need you. I will use this tool as a way to keep you informed and let you know how you can continue to be of assistance!
November 18 at 11:06pm

[steven]

Not sure......

There is a lot of competition for that title around Erie County

[kernwatch]

I meant to focus Davis having again 'disappeared', this time from facebook

See his (former?) account at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brian-C-Davis/81946804270

"Steven": As a SU 'moderator', I urge you to resist using the off-topic 'one-liners' which tend to drive serious readers & posters away.

There appear to be very few serious posters left on SUWNY who are addressing City-of-Bflo issues.

[joe d.]

http://www.newwnypolitics.net/index....ew=article&id=

Did Davis Loot Ellicott?...Voters Still Getting To Know Kirsten
Written by Glenn Gramigna, Editor
RELIABLE SOURCES SAY DAVIS LEFT NO MONEY IN ELLICOTT BUDGET FOR SUCCESSOR...VOTERS STILL GETTING TO KNOW GILLIBRAND ACCORDING TO SIENA...DON'T LIKE JOB PATERSON IS DOING...CUOMO MOST POPULAR POLITICAL FIGURE IN STATE!

Reliable sources are telling us that former Ellicott District Common Council Member Brian Davis left no money in the kitty for his successor, Buff State Economics Professor Dr. Curtis Haynes. In fact, our sources are telling us that the situation is so bad that Councilman Haynes has no available funds to hire a staff and is going to have to rely on volunteers to work in his City Hall office.

[kernwatch]

Brianb Davis did serious damage before departing the Common Council in disgrace.

However, he is not guilty of this latest charge by Gramigna's "source".

This is from an impeccable 'source' in City Hall:

Talked with Haynes. Not true. He has all the necessary $ to make hires (volunteers are helping in the interim). Re: "discretionary $," Ellicott actually has more $ left in its account (about $8,000) than some other districts. In other words, Davis could have spent more money before leaving.