Buffalo Common Council President James W. Pitts is grasping at straws as the referendum that could eliminate his position nears. With a New York State appellate court the only thing standing between the city's voters and a decision to remove four positions on the legislative body, judgment day is fast approaching the council presidency and three "at large" seats. Pitts, unfortunately, has chosen to respond irresponsibly. He removed members who voted for the referendum from a committee on reapportionment, and replaced those members with his own supporters. Instead of this, Pitts could be trying to convince voters that his job is necessary and that defeating a referendum including a redistricting plan is the best solution for the city. Rather, he is fighting the last vestige of direct democracy, the referendum, and his own colleagues, for a seat on the elected council of which he has been a part since 1977. His conduct, in short, is unbecoming for a public servant.
Charley H. Fisher III, an at-large representative and one of Pitts' staunchest allies in the council, said, "When a coup takes place, heads roll." This is the wrong attitude for the council to have. "Discipline," as Fisher calls it, will not solve any problems. Seven of the council's 13 members have voted for this proposal, and alienating those in leadership positions could alienate those whom they represent. Nothing productive can come from taking action against one's colleagues, particularly when they possess the majority. If the Common Council wishes to accomplish anything this term, they will have to remember that their mandate dictates they serve the city, not themselves.
By stripping opposing members of their leadership positions, Pitts has sacrificed any political legitimacy in the future, should the referendum be voted down. These acts have jeopardized Pitts' legacy as a faithful elected official.
Elected officials have a responsibility to their constituents; this does not include throwing public temper tantrums if one does not agree with a majority decision. Should this referendum pass, Pitts still has another year to work with the members he has punished. Pitts stated in the Oct. 16 issue of the Buffalo News that the council is causing permanent damage to the city through downsizing. He also insinuated that there would be "political ramifications" for downsizing supporters. This childish game of revenge is not helping the city solve any of its problems, and it is only spawning resentment and mistrust.
While the interpersonal relationships within the council are deteriorating, it is not the concern of citizens whether their representatives like each other. It is of public concern when the business of the city is being ignored for the purposes of settling political disputes and threatening opposition for the sake of saving one's public sector job.
The people of Buffalo ought to be offended by their Common Council's behavior, particularly the behavior of its president. It is a shame that a man who has served the city for 25 years cannot see past his own ego to the greater good of his constituency.
Public officials serve at the pleasure of their constituency. Pitts has forgotten that and is only embarrassing himself, his government, his political allies and his city. If the citizens of Buffalo wish to commit a "travesty," as Pitts put it, it is their prerogative to do so.
