BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN)....Masten District Coucilwoman Zeneta Everhart dropped a political bombshell during what was a much-anticipated public vetting of nominated Buffalo Police Commissioner Erika Shields.
During Everhart's remarks during Tuesday's Buffalo Common Council's Civil Service Committee meeting, the councilwoman said she received several calls urging her to vote for Shields and, in return she would earn unspecified political favors.
"I don't need favors," Everhart said. "I was elected to represent the Masten District and that's what I am doing."
Everhart declined to identify who called her.
The councilwoman did say she received "several calls."
Representatives of Mayor Sean Ryan's administration denied making the calls, and, in fact said the first time they heard of the calls to Everhart was during the council committee meeting.
Shields called the report "troubling to hear."
Everhart said she hopes either the Erie County District Attorney's office or the state Attorney General's office investigates her claims.
Everhart is opposed to hiring Shields because of concerns about her past stints as police commissioner in Atlanta and Louisville - both of which ended in controversy.
"I have nothing against the candidate<' Everhart said. "I just have questions about her past jobs."
The common council is expected to vote on Shields' nomination at its April 28 meeting.
If the council approves Shields, she will earn $250,000 annually - making her one of the highest paid police commissioners in the U.S.
Shields will also be Buffalo's first ever female police commissioner..
Councilwoman says incident should be investigated.
Councilwoman says incident should be investigated.
