In case you missed it: Big takeaways from News 4's Democratic mayoral debate
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Buffalo will decide its next mayor this November and the Democratic primary is coming up fast. Five candidates took to the stage Tuesday night with WIVB News 4 and D'Youville University to debate topics on the minds of Buffalonians.
Here's what Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon, State Senator Sean Ryan, Councilman Rasheed N.C. Wyatt, former Fire Commissioner Garnell Whitfield, and Buffalo native Anthony Tyson-Thompson had to say.
The city budget was approved late last month, which includes a hotel bed tax and the sale of the city's parking ramps in order to address a $70 million structural deficit.
Scanlon described the budget as 'an opportunity,' while Wyatt, one of two councilmembers who voted no to pass it, said leadership in the city continues to make the same mistakes that fall back on taxpayers.
Ryan claimed that Scanlon has received money from 'MAGA' Carl Paladino, but Scanlon refuted the claims. Selling the city's parking ramps would only solve this year's problems, Ryan speculated.
Parkways have been proposed for both the Kensington and the I-198 for large amounts of federal funding. Both projects are on pause.
WIVB News 4's coverage on the Kensington Expressway
In regards to making progress or getting the money back, Scanlon said a full environmental study must be done. Whitfield claimed he was the only one on the stage in support of the restoration of Humboldt Parkway.
Multiple restaurants downtown have closed in the past year. In order to keep businesses in and keep people visiting the city, Scanlon said his administration has already enacted a small business grant program.
Whitfield lamented the new Bills stadium being built outside of downtown and Wyatt said, 'I would like to point my finger at the Pegulas, but I can't,' instead blaming the city's leadership.
Chief of Narcotics D.J. Granville is accused of hitting six vehicles and causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage to seven last year. An investigation remains pending.
When asked about Granville donating to Scanlon's campaign, the acting mayor said they were childhood friends and that Granville has donated to his campaign in the past.
***
Viewers submitted various questions to WIVB News 4. Here are answers given by candidates during our post-debate town hall.
Safety has been a recent concern within Buffalo Public Schools. In response, Scanlon said $55 million has gone to the schools to improve safety as a partnership prevails.
'If we can't keep our kids safe, we can't educate them,' he said.
Ryan cited a 'mental health crisis' and said programs must be available for basic needs, such as clothing and counseling, to be met.
Buffalo Public Schools adopts resolution to expand scope of investigation into allegations
Whitfield said Buffalo needs to do a better job of educating and supporting its children, and that the mayor should be 'intimately involved' in that process.
'If they know that they're supported, right now they don't know that,' he said. 'We see them as the problem, but we're the problem. We're the problem because we have not provided a safe environment for them.'
Illegal ATVs swarm the city every year during the warmer months. Riverside resident Terry asked how the candidates will take back the streets and hold drivers accountable.
Investigation launched after incident involving Buffalo police vehicle, ATV
Scanlon said increasing fines and cameras is a possibility. Both Ryan and Wyatt said laws are necessary to block ATVs from being sold in the city.
'The City of Buffalo operates a kill animal shelter. It is barbaric, it is behind the times and we can do better,' Ryan said when asked about improving the Buffalo Animal Shelter.
He claimed the city never applied for state money for the shelter.
Scanlon said he could not speak to potential money from the state, but that a new location has been identified and will be announced later this week.
When asked about bringing down the cost of rent and affordable housing, Scanlon said the city is building 110 homes, with the vast majority being in the East Side. Tyson-Thompson said initiatives for residents and buildings up to code are a necessity.
Kayleigh Hunter-Gasperini joined the News 4 team in 2024 as a Digital Video Producer. She is a graduate of Chatham University.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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