Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, who many years ago had longtime political operative G. Steven Pigeon on his staff while serving as a New York State Senator, was asked about Pigeon's arraignment on corruption charges during a Friday appearance.
Pigeon on Thursday pleaded not guilty to nine counts including bribery, rewarding official misconduct and grand larceny by extortion. He is accused of illegally collaborating with longtime State Supreme Court Judge John Michalek to achieve political or legal gains for both individuals. Michalek pled guilty on Wednesday to accepting bribes and providing a Pigeon ally with a high-paying court position.
A Buffalo News article published Friday morning includes Brown's photo and his previous ties to Pigeon as an example of one of the latter's many connections. WBFO asked the mayor on Friday morning if he had concerns as Pigeon prepares to defend himself in a trial expected to begin in early 2017.
'I'm not concerned about that. I certainly had a relationship with Steve. I consider Steve a friend," said Brown. "I don't want to see any individual get into problems with the law."
The Buffalo News article notes that a printing company hired by Pigeon's WNY Progressive Caucus also provided services for Brown's re-election campaign. No wrongdoing by the mayor is insinuated by Friday's edition.
WNY Progressive Caucus is under continuing state and federal investigation.