Smith blocks attempt to discuss campaign coercion allegations
A political ally of Mayor Byron W. Brown blocked the Common Council on Tuesday from discussing allegations that some city workers feel coerced to work on Brown’s re-election campaign.
Masten Council Member Demone A. Smith objected to a late-file item sponsored by South Council Member Michael P. Kearns, a mayoral candidate. Kearns’ letter calls on the city’s Board of Ethics to launch an investigation of the allegations. Smith later questioned Kearns’ motives.
“This is Mickey Kearns’ political theater,” said Smith. “He does nothing of substance.”
“Political theater?” Kearns retorted. “Demone is the star actor.”
The decision to prevent debate only proves that Brown’s “tentacles” reach deep into the Council, Kearns insisted.
If even one lawmaker objects, the Council cannot consider items that are submitted after filing deadlines.
Still, Kearns has sent the letter to Board of Ethics Chairman Douglas S. Coppola, urging the watchdog panel to probe a controversy that erupted Monday following revelations in The Buffalo News.
In an internal e-mail written by Community Services Commissioner Tanya Perrin-Johnson to city employees in her department, she voiced her expectations for them to volunteer on the Brown campaign at least eight hours per week. She ended by stating that if she didn’t hear from them, she would contact them again.
Kearns disagreed with Perrin-Johnson’s contention that there was nothing coercive about the e-mail. In his letter to the Board of Ethics, Kearns said it’s apparent some of Brown’s appointees “lack a moral barometer.” Brown must be held accountable for what some lawmakers have called a climate of fear in City Hall, Kearns told a reporter.
“There’s blame, then there’s responsibility. This mayor must start taking some responsibility for what’s going on,” he said.
Brown was unavailable to comment Tuesday. But one day earlier, he said he “did not know the e-mails went out when they did.” Brown said he doesn’t support any action that would appear to be coercive when it comes to campaigning.
“I don’t want any employee to feel any pressure. It’s strictly voluntary,” said Brown.
Kearns also tried unsuccessfully Tuesday to discharge a bill that has been pending in a Council committee since last summer that would impose new restrictions on political activities involving city employees.
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