By Eileen Buckley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-914223.mp3
Buffalo, NY – The City of Buffalo has a brand new police commissioner. The Mayor's controversial nomination of Daniel Derenda was approved in a special session of the Common Council Wednesday.
Despite concern by some lawmakers that the City failed to prove it held a national search for the job, Derenda got the nod. The vote was five to four.
Derenda was immediately sworn-in by Council President David Franczyk pledging to do his best. Afterwards Derenda told reporters he didn't have anything to say about the search process.
"I don't have a comment on the the search. I know nothing about the process," said Derenda.
The final round of opposition was voiced before the vote. The nomination was in committee as the Council waited for information on the search. Lawmakers Michael Kearns and David Rivera were upset with the mayor's resubmission of the Derenda nomination to get around Council rules and force a vote.
"When you are bending the rules of the charter to fit the needs of one branch of government you are on that slippery slop," said Kearns
"I think the citizens of Buffalo deserve a lot better than what we have gotten," said Rivera
But both lawmakers said they have nothing against Derenda, just the search process. Derenda was criticize his qualifications and his lack of college degree, but the 24-year police veteran says he has the experience needed to lead the police force..
Derenda had been serving as acting commissioner since January. He says he has a four-point plan to fight crime. Derenda would like to see manpower levels increase from 774 officers to more than 800 city cops.