Amherst, N.Y. (WBEN) - According to Shawn Lavin's children, come Jan. 1, he will be Amherst "mayor."
"It is cute, but I don't have the heart to correct them," Lavin said.
In reality, at the stroke of midnight, Lavin will assume his new role as the 39th town supervisor in Amherst's history.
For Lavin, the hardest part was the 58 days between winning the general election on Nov. 4 and assuming the supervisor's post on Jan. 1.
"The wait was definitely longer than I thought," Lavin said.
While Lavin does officially become town supervisor on Jan. 1, a ceremonial inauguration won't take place until Jan. 3 in a noon time ceremony in Amherst Town Hall. Lavin and newly-elected town board members John Davis and Jack Kavanaugh will be ceremonially sworn in that day.
Lavin said the two day lag time was a matter of scheduling.
Lavin takes over one of the largest municipalities in New York State. Amherst, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, has 130,862 residents - up 1.16% from the 129,359 that was reported in 2020.
Amherst has 978 employees and a $178 million budget with a median household income of $93,119 and a median household age of 39, according to Census Bureau data.
Lavin is replacing Brian Kulpa, who was term limited.
In the more immediate time frame Lavin said will be adjusting to his new role including making it a point to meet with the town's rank-and-file workers to understand their concerns and listen to their suggestions.
"They are the ones that run the programs, pick up the garbage and plow the streets," Lavin said. "I want to hear from them."
Lavin's to-do list includes working with Benderson Development on the company's plans for the Boulevard Mall property and helping Erie County with anything related to the county taking over the Willowdale Park - formerly the Westwood Country Club - property.
Lavin also wants to streamline the development approval process - something the private sector has been clamoring for in recent years.
"It does need to be faster and have a quicker turnaround time," Lavin said.
One thing that Lavin insists will be one of the hallmark's of his administration is being open and transparent with everyone.
"Transparency is one of my bedrocks," Lavin said.
Since the general election, Lavin has met with Buffalo's new mayor, former State Sen. Sean Ryan. The two worked together when Lavin was a town board member and Ryan's district included Amherst.
But, now both are the top elected officials for their respective communities.
Lavin admits issues in Amherst could impact Buffalo just as Buffalo matters could have an impact in Amherst.
"I've always enjoyed working with Sean," Lavin said. "There's no reason why we can't work and do this together. It will benefit both Buffalo and Amherst."