Buffalo, NY – The six African-American members of the Buffalo Common Council held a rally on the steps of City Hall Thursday, urging Mayor Masiello to veto a redistricting plan that would reduce the size of the Council.
They sent a letter to Masiello that states in part, "the proposed plan does not pass the smell test of racism and inequality."
"This is reminiscent of the worst type of bigotry and racism that America has to offer," Council President James Pitts said.
But Masiello says he supports a plan to cut four members from the lawmaking body. He denies the reapportionment is racially motivated.
"Their rhetoric and behavior is very unfortunate. It makes people unhappy," Masiello told the Buffalo News. "Injecting race and other issues into this debate can do great damage to us."