Councilman Brian Davis, deadbeat
What do you call someone whose driver's license is suspended and campaign accounts are frozen, whose wages are garnished and who has been the subject of 10 liens and lawsuits.
Well, if you live in the Ellicott District, you would call him "Councilman."
Brian C. Davis had a couple of financial problems when he was younger, but they've escalated since he took office in 2002. While he's got a reputation on the Council as being personable and even-tempered, public records and interviews reveal another side, someone with a history of avoiding his financial obligations and making himself scarce when the bill comes due.
You can find the details in Sunday's Buffalo News.
It will be interesting to see how Mayor Byron Brown, a political ally, and Davis' colleagues on the Council respond. The revelations certainly do not reflect well on City Hall.
It also will be worth watching whether Buffalo police and District Attorney Frank Sedita III start asking questions again regarding allegations that Davis wrote -and bounced - a check to pay the rent at the Delaware Avenue restaurant that a city development agency loaned money to. Authorities decided in February to treat the bounced check as a civil matter, but as my story shows, Davis has a history in this regard.
Davis Resign?
With his record, I don't understand why he isn't a U.S. senator! I mean he does have all the qualifications, the "me first" attitude, bankruptcies...corrupt to the core.
Seriously, whats the big deal?
Posted by: J. Rauen | April 12, 2009 at 08:58 AM
It 's a shame that someone who has a real shot at making a difference, becoming a role model and setting an example for excellence will shame the commonfolk, treat us like idiots (Brown's MO) and keep drinking on Chippewa as if nothing's wrong. This is not unlike James Williams drinking daily at EB GReen's and The Chophouse, stealing millions, etc. Same old tolerated behavior, Thanks to our Might Mouse Mayor!! Thanks for your silent approval of such losers/theifs/deadbeats.
Posted by: joe | April 12, 2009 at 09:03 AM
Resign ? Why ?
He would be re-elected if he ran tomorrow. He aint done nothin wrong y'all. You are just pickin on him because he is a person of color.
Posted by: Boss Tweed | April 12, 2009 at 09:05 AM
The news should have run this story on Friday when crucifixions were all the rage.
Davis has a good heart but he is just not competent and should resign.
But we have to wait and see what his holiness and most reverend high exalted Deputy Mayor decides.
Posted by: T in Buffalo | April 12, 2009 at 09:26 AM
Let me guess - doesn't pay his taxes, owes lots of people money, lives off Gov't money and favors from his political friends...
Must be a Democrat!!
Posted by: pgr88 | April 12, 2009 at 09:32 AM
This is just one more of the innumerable reasons why I am going to sell my home of 21 years and get out of this "TOTALLY HOPELESS" city!
Posted by: john | April 12, 2009 at 09:33 AM
Who would the Council not investigate this? Call your councilmember and ask to have him removed if you find this outrageous.
Shouldn't elected leaders be held to certain standards?
Posted by: Ryan | April 12, 2009 at 09:47 AM
Charge him and boot him already!
Posted by: enoughalready | April 12, 2009 at 09:52 AM
I'm glad they are catching up with this dirtbag. And how is he driving around town in a new jag when he only makes 52k a year and suspended Licence?
Posted by: M | April 12, 2009 at 10:08 AM
Classic article. What timing. The News waits until 50% of the population is out of town on vacation and publishes a Sunday morning blast when the other 50% of the population isn't paying attention because it's Easter! Are you afraid of the African-American power structure, Jim? How come this wasn't published before his elections? How come nobody knew of this information when he was running for office or when he was given power within the Common Council? Dave Franczyk really stepped up to the plate here! Immature? How about criminal? If his drivers license is suspended why not wait for him to drive into his taxpayer paid parking spot and take a photo? The News may be patting itself on the back for this article but what it really shows is that we the people suffer greatly when the politicians and the media are in bed together.
Posted by: afraid of the power | April 12, 2009 at 10:58 AM
Another glaring example of corruption being tolorated in the city political machine.....Mayor......I call on you to do the right thing here.......the public is watching.....
Posted by: Tiggers | April 12, 2009 at 11:29 AM
How can you let a Person like this stay in Office? One more will walk "FREE" as many have..
Posted by: Emery | April 12, 2009 at 11:38 AM
This is why we have to have peple that aren't politically connected or people who aren't trained in politics to like his political science major. And, Grassroots isn't grassroots anymore it's just another political machine. We need people in city hall that will work for us and may be come from the streets and nieghborhoods. Tell the political science majors and anyone that plays politics they aren't wanted. And why wasn't CM Davis removed from his position when he started getting the leans and the attachements to his salary? Shouldn't he of lead by example? Or is this another role model like the football players that gets away with it?
Posted by: Accomp | April 12, 2009 at 11:47 AM
So let's see here.
Crooked Politician.
From Buffalo, NY.
Help me out here , folks-where's the story??..
I lived there for 4 years.
It's almost a joke if what these schmucks have done to your city wasn't so sad..
Yeah, there are crooked politicians everywhere.
But few places have been reduced to rubble by pols like the QC!! RIP..
Nick
PS Oh make sure you re elect this guy 'cause that's a nother thing you like to do..
Posted by: Nick | April 12, 2009 at 11:51 AM
Sorry folks, Mr. Davis will serve out his term in full. He really has not broken any laws that any of his buddies on the Buffalo Police force will arrest him for. Our mayor has no backbone and the council is too chicken to do anything. All we can do as citizens is stage a massive protest in front of City Hall.
Posted by: Bradley | April 12, 2009 at 12:29 PM
Give the poor guy a break. He's not doing anything different than other politicians have been doing in Buffalo for decades. Buffalo people expect this from their elected officials. That's why were the 3rd highest in the US in poverty and fifth highest in vacant housing and losing productive citizenry over the years. I'm sure this guy was even endorsed by the Buffalo News for his years of experience in Buffalo politics. Geez...I'll even go out on a limb and say this is most likely George Bush's fault. Buffalo voters..you reap what you sow. This guy, in my opinion, has all the makings to be our next mayor.
Posted by: RKT | April 12, 2009 at 01:38 PM
This arrogant SOB needs to be flushed down the toilet where he belongs.
Posted by: Zak | April 12, 2009 at 01:47 PM
Not to say that the news has done an amazing job--why wasnt this published before the elections, but these types of stories are the exact reason why local newspapers need to preserved. Many including, Paul Starr in the New Republic, have suggested that local political corruption will continue to rise without the spotlight of the local newspaper. I, for one, think applaud the news for this type of reporting.
Posted by: c | April 12, 2009 at 02:06 PM
Buffalo is one of the poorest cities because it is being led by the poorest people of character.
This continues to go on because people are too concerned about themselves individually and their own issues. They would rathar spend their time and money throwing it away at a casino, mystery ride or bingo while the people they elected are thrilled that no one cares as they continue to Sell Everyone Down the River.
Comes time for a Rally to Fight for What is Right...and no one shows up or very few. Comes time to get these people out of office and they Vote them right back in again.
Stop your complaining Unless you are ready to do something about it by putting some skin into it.
Get involved in an organization of numbers to take back what belongs to us.
No one who owns a business keeps this kind of employee on a payroll unless their planning on going broke. We are going broke so this must be the Plan.
We are their employers....starting acting like it. Get involved in the TEA Party or something that is fighting for what is Right before its too late for all of us.
They sold their souls...they will not sell mine.
Posted by: Josette | April 12, 2009 at 02:18 PM
Talk is the Obama administration has an eye on him for a top level cabinet position. He is just what Obama {giggles] is looking for.
He would fit right in with Obama's [giggles] other picks.
I think it was Leno that started calling Obama giggles but it sure fits he giggles like a little school girl.
Posted by: jd | April 12, 2009 at 02:49 PM
Excellent article Jim. I would LOVE to see more reporting like this at the News.
Posted by: K9 | April 12, 2009 at 05:11 PM
Has anyone contacted the FBI? Using federal funds for illegitimate activities will have this man in jail.
Posted by: Bob | April 12, 2009 at 07:02 PM
Why is this a story? As long as he does a good job at work, who cares?
Posted by: Dana | April 12, 2009 at 07:56 PM
How utterly shameful that people like davis is running our city. I'm ashamed to live in buffalo. Its like the article is run in the news and oh well, so what. These guys need to be run out of office. davis, thompson and the mayor. You a deeper investigation. So you say lets hold people accountable, and what happens , not much. After the tea party , we need a protest party to get these crooks out of our city politics.
Posted by: carol | April 12, 2009 at 08:29 PM
Dana, listen to what your saying. Thats why were in the mess were in. Who cares, I care. I don't want any crook, creep, cheat and liar running my city.
Posted by: carol | April 12, 2009 at 08:46 PM