Davis won’t comment on investigation
Council member deflects questions on probe into claims of improper financial dealings
Published: November 11, 2009, 12:30 am
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Brian C. Davis remained mum Tuesday about a criminal probe into allegations that he might have engaged in questionable financial dealings.
The Ellicott Council member walked briskly away from reporters and photographers following a Common Council meeting, refusing to answer questions.
“I have no comment,” he told reporters who asked him about investigators’ futile attempts to find him in City Hall last week.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he added.
At one point, a reporter asked him about speculation that he might have agreed to a plea deal.
“No, I have not,” he initially muttered but then immediately changed it to “I have no comment.”
State police and an investigator from the Erie County district attorney’s office went to City Hall last week in hopes of talking with the embattled lawmaker. But Davis didn’t show up for two committee meetings he is assigned to attend.
In April, an investigation by The Buffalo News disclosed that Davis was embroiled in numerous financial problems. He had been the target of 10 liens and lawsuits. His campaign accounts had been frozen, his wages garnisheed and his driver’s license suspended.
He also was involved in the controversy surrounding an ill-fated restaurant that received city and county subsidies. Davis shifted block grant funds earmarked for his district to assist One Sunset, which was in the
Delaware District. Later, a building owner who leased space to One Sunset said Davis wrote him a $3,500 check to cover some rent at the restaurant, but the check bounced. Police later determined the check dispute was a civil matter.
Davis has told The News his attorney has advised him not to make any statements. Last week, Davis denied that he intentionally dodged investigators, claiming he missed last Wednesday’s committee meetings only because they had ended quickly — before he arrived.
During Tuesday’s meeting, lawmakers unanimously adopted resolutions sponsored by Davis that expressed Council support for three projects proposed in downtown Buffalo.
One vaguely worded bill said the Council “supports the economic incentives necessary” to help a developer refurbish the Lafayette Hotel and convert the former AM&A’s department store on Main Street into a hotel, apartments and commercial space.
Rocco Termini’s Signature Development Buffalo has yet to present formal plans for the projects. It also has not spelled out financing needs beyond saying it would require substantial incentives before tackling the AM&A’s conversion.
The Council also expressed its support for a state loan to help downtown developer Mark Croce turn the historic Curtiss Building at Franklin and West Huron streets into a high-end boutique hotel, spa, restaurant and banquet facility.
bmeyer@buffnews.com
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