Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Erie County Democratic Committee is preparing to hold its final Mayoral convention Tuesday night, in a bid to endorse a candidate by the end of the week.
Four candidates have been invited to appear before the committee at the Buffalo Convention Center: Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon, State Sen. Sean Ryan, former Buffalo Fire Commissioner Garnell Whitfield, and University District Councilman Rasheed Wyatt.
"After the last election we set up three city wide conventions," said Jeremy Zellner, Chairman of the Erie County Democratic Committee, on WBEN Tuesday.
"The first one was open to anyone looking for the endorsement. The second one was for anyone else who was interested. After that, we asked committee members to choose the top four candidates. That's who we invited to tonight's final forum."
The executive committee plans to endorse a candidate on Saturday.
"We want someone who can win the election," explained Zellner. "But we also want someone who will serve the community and every neighborhood in it. And all four of the folks on the stage tonight have very good qualities. We have four solid people to choose from."
Additionally, he said the city is in a financial struggle, facing a projected $17 million or more budget deficit. "It's going to take someone who can take the bull by the horns and get the job done," Zellner added.
Once an endorsement is made, what happens to the other three candidates?
"They can still run," he said. "This is an endorsement. The people who vote in the Primary in June will choose who carries the Democratic banner in the fall."
Zellner said he hasn't heard anything about a Republican candidate for mayor.
The petition process begins Feb. 25, where candidates have to go out and get signatures.
On a separate note, Zellner was asked if he would ever consider running for office.
"I have in the past. I'm not sure. I've always been interested in the State Legislature. When Assemblyman Robin Schimminger retired, I thought that was the right opportunity. But times dictate what happens." He ended with, "you never know,"