Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The race is on and heating up in the Ellicott District for the seat of retiring Common Council President Rev. Darius Pridgen.
Retired Buffalo Police Officer Cedric Holloway made his announcement Saturday.
"I was born and raised in the Ellicott District and service is in my blood," said Holloway. "I served as a Buffalo Police Officer for 32 years, and I have led a prominent youth mentorship program for 20 years, right here in Ellicott. My father, Johnnie B Wiley, instilled in me the idea that this community was worth fighting for. I have dedicated my life to protecting, mentoring and fighting for the families who live here. I am running to be your next Ellicott District councilmember because our community deserves someone who knows these neighborhoods."
Holloway's efforts to collect the necessary signatures to appear on the June 27 ballot are underway.
Leah Halton-Pope, a senior advisor to Assembly Majority Leader Crystal People-Stokes, also announced Sunday morning she has joined in the race.
Halton-Pope's campaign says her efforts have helped to create
community schools, legalize cannabis, cap Fruit Belt property taxes, permit resident parking in the medical campus, and secure a $50 million investment for the East Side.
"I've spent the majority of my career in government improving the lives of Buffalo residents, especially those who are often left behind," says Halton-Pope. "I want to continue that important work and establish a
stronger voice for a better, more inclusive City."
