Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - It was a political Kumbaya moment that saw the Buffalo Common Council members elect a new slate of leaders for 2026.
"Actually, it was a sign of unity," corrected Leah Halton-Pope, who was re-elected as Council Majority Leader for the third year in-a-row. Halton-Pope represents the Ellicott District.
In a series of unanimous 8-0 votes (University District N.C. Wyatt was absent due to an illness), Delaware District Councilman Joel Feroleto was elected Council President, and Masten District Councilwoman Zeneta Everhart was elected President Pro Tempore.
For both Feroleto and Everhart, this marked the first time they were elected to their new posts within the Council's leadership structure.
All three agreed that the Council needs to work closely with newly-elected Mayor Sean Ryan and his administration but also, at the same time, maintain a level of independence.
"I'm sure there will be times when we disagree or have different viewpoints," Feroleto said. "That's to be expected, but I suspect we can work with Mayor Ryan to find a common ground."
Buffalo's issues are deep and complex beginning with ways to grapple with a projected $54 million budget deficit.
The Council will begin a mid-fiscal year review of the city's finances beginning this month, Halton-Pope said.
But, there are other issues to including negotiating new union contracts with the Buffalo Police Department; dealing with ways to revive downtown Buffalo; tackling neighborhood issues and restoring good working relationships with those both inside Buffalo City Hall and outside the hall, such as a wary private sector.
"Together, we have to come up with solutions," Feroleto said. "And, we have to be transparent about it."
As Council President, Feroleto receives a $15,000 stipend on top of the $84,472 all Council members are paid.
Feroleto is also a private practice attorney.
In what he called "a very touching" moment, Feroleto's mother, Paula - a State Supreme Court Justice - administered the Council President's Oath to her son.
Feroleto was first elected Delaware District Councilman 10 years ago.
"Joel has this ability to stay calm and work through any problem," said Chris Scanlon, who returned to his South District Councilman's seat after spending 14 months as acting Buffalo mayor.
Scanlon was Council President until he was appointed Mayor in October 2024 when Byron Brown resigned to become president and CEO of Western New York Regional Off Track Betting Corp.
"It (Council President) is not an easy job," Scanlon said.
Feroleto said the Council is united.
"We have set aside any differences for the greater good of the community," Feroleto said.
And, echoing words that Ryan spoke during his Jan. 1 inaugural address, Feroleto challenged his fellow Council members to:
"Let's get to work," Feroleto said.