Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Buffalo Common Council President Chris Scanlon says he is preparing to take over the Mayor's Office if Byron Brown steps down to take over as president and CEO of Western Regional Off-Track Betting (OTB).
Scanlon feels having been a member of the Common Council for 12 years has helped him prepare for this moment. He understands one key responsibility as Council President is being prepared to step in as Acting Mayor, should a vacancy occur.
"By accepting that role, I knew it was a possibility," said Scanlon on Monday. "If the mayor does decide to accept a job and leave and create a vacancy, I'm prepared to step in Day 1."
The biggest thing Scanlon says has helped in his preparation is having to deal with people, and interact with people in different communities across the city.
"Hearing about their perspective on things in Buffalo, what's working for them, but more importantly, what's not not working for them, and having those conversations and building those relationships with people," Scanlon said.
As far as whether Scanlon would run for mayor in 2025, he says he wants to get his feet under him and prepare to become interim mayor. Scanlon did say he would consider a run come next November.
Brown was offered the president and CEO post at Western Regional OTB earlier this month. He would have to leave City Hall to take that post.
