By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – The Buffalo Common Council will begin reviewing Mayor Byron Brown's recent appointments for some top City Hall jobs Monday.
The Common Council was scheduled to begin the first round of confirmation hearings Monday morning. But that was postponed until 1pm.
Brown has named several cabinet appointments for his new administration. Five are expected to be up for review Monday. Lawmakers will have a chance to voice any concerns about the appointments. Brown tells WBFO News he is taking nothing for granted.
"I'm not going to talk about smooth sailing or clear sailing. But the Council has been very supportive," Brown said. "We respect the members of the Council and the tough jobs that they have to do."
Four of the commissioners would be returning from the former administration, including finance, public works and assessment and taxation. One of the posts is brand new. Mayor Brown has tapped Richard Tobe, a member of the control board, to serve as commissioner of Economic Development and Permits and Inspections.
Last week, newly named Council Majority Leader Nick Bonifacio says he fears Tobe's position might encompass too many duties, and that the Buffalo Economic Renaissance Corporation is already working on economic development. But Brown is certain he is mapping out the right strategy for the city.
"I think we have made a very good case for the reorganization that we have presented to the Council, and I anticipate them being supportive and confirming the appointments we have sent to them," Brown said.
On Friday Brown announced his new deputy mayor of operations, Angela Joyner, who worked in city government in Oakland, California.
Brown told reporters more appointments will be made very soon.