Republican Sergio Rodriguez says if elected Mayor of Buffalo, he will create a Public Advocacy office. Speaking to reporters in Niagara Square across from City Hall Monday morning, Rodriguez said the advocate would be an independent, elected position. He says that person elected would act as a watchdog for residents.
"We need somebody whose job is to literally hold these elected officials accountable," Rodriguez said Monday.
The Republican newcomer, who is trying to unseat incumbent Democrat Byron Brown in Tuesday's election, says he first considered the advocate as being as appointed position, but then reconsidered.
"But then you can't hold the person who's appointing you responsible, can you?," he said.
Rodriguez says the new position is needed because residents lack faith in City Hall.
"There's too much corruption. A lot of people have very little faith in city officials and city government," he added.
Rodriguez says the Public Advocacy office works "very well" in New York City.