Ellicott District Council Candidate and Community Advocate Marilyn Rodgers stands by her statement that she will not seek political endorsement for the seat.
On December 18, 2009 the Erie County Democratic Party Ellicott District Committee Members will hold a closed-door candidate forum. This group is responsible to provide a vote for approximately 9,000 individual voters without screening or obtaining the voters’ opinion.
Marilyn Rodgers, currently on the list for Common Council review, has declined the invitation citing her emphasis on a non-political decision by the Common Council based upon the City of Buffalo Charter – Chapter C, Article 3, § 3-6 of the City Charter of Buffalo, New York on August 22, 2002. This amendment was approved by the voters at the general election held November 5, 2002 and stamped into law on December 6, 2006.
“No where in this legislation is it written that the Council will appoint a successor to the seat by ‘rubber stamp.’ I believe, wholeheartedly, that if we abide by the original purpose of this legislation, as authored by an individual who was eliminated in his bid for the seat due to the “rubber stamp” of local politics, we do wrong for the people of the district. Therefore, this morning, I sent a Certified R/R/R letter to Mr. Zellner stating I would not be participating in the forum on Friday.” stated Rodgers.
She continued, “A few individuals in a room that is not accessible by The People are making decisions that will influence the entire Ellicott District and our city, overall. I have stated I will not seek political endorsements. This disenfranchises the voting public. Therefore, I do not see the need for attending this closed-door event which perpetuates the politics of the past that have contributed to the stagnation and decay to our city for decades. This is my way of affecting a small manner of change while keeping my word regarding endorsements.”
Most members of the Common Council have stated they are seeking an individual who is independent from political circles. Ms. Rodgers wishes to reinforce the Council’s intent that is reflected in the City Charter.