By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Charges of racism were flying at the City's Common Council reorganizational meeting Wednesday.
The Buffalo Common Council is off to a very rocky start for the New Year. Lawmakers elected an all white leadership. That is the first time it has happened since 1964. Masten District lawmaker Demone Smith laid charges of racism.
Fillmore District lawmaker David Franczyk has been re-elected Council president. Lovejoy council member Richard Fontana has been elected as the new majority leader, and South District lawmaker Michael Kearns will now serve as president pro temp. Kearns replaces University District member Bonnie Russell, an African-American, and the only female Council member. Franczyk denied Smith's claims of racism.
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