Steven
Pankow
1954 -1957
HISTORY
Steven Pankow
was born March 29, 1908 at 175 Imson Street in Buffalo
At six years of age his family left for Europe. Here he
and his seven brothers and sisters lived in what was Freyfield-Wolnepole,
Poland.
Pankow attended parochial schools in Poland until
around 1922, when he was 14 years old. It was at that time
that the Polish Federal Government recalled nationals from
that territory. Pankow and an older brother returned to
Buffalo
to live with an aunt.
Pankow attended School 43 upon his return, and then
School 69 in the evening, to catch up on his American education.
When he was 15 he went to work at a local junkyard.
The following year he began work at the U.S. Rubber Company.
When Pankow turned 20 he worked at the Bethlehem
Steel plant in Lackawanna, New York as a machinist and a crane
operator. In his spare time he worked as an auto salesman.
Several years later he quit Bethlehem
Steel to attend the Chrysler Company business school for automobile
agents in Detroit.
Upon his return to Buffalo
he became a salesman for A. W. Julius and Company at Lovejoy
and Bailey Avenues, attaining the level of vice president.
In 1934 he left the company and opened his own automobile
agency.
His father returned to Buffalo
in 1936, intending to send for the rest of the family. Instead,
he returned to Poland when his wife became ill in 1939.
Pankow's mother, father, sister and three brothers
all disappeared during World War II
Efforts to find them were fruitless. At this time two other
sisters also lived in Poland and one in Germany. They survived
the war.
In 1938 Pankow obtained a Dodge-Plymouth franchise,
known as Pankow Motors, at Bailey Avenue near William Street
which became a successful full-service car dealership. It
was unique in that he sold both used and new cars.
Pankow was a Republican until 1944 when GOP leaders
declined to nominate him for 54th District State Senator.
At that time he became a Democrat.
In 1948 Pankow ran for Erie County clerk. He campaigned
to the people, using his sales techniques to convince people
to vote for him. He jumped on the Harry Truman
bandwagon and rode to a victory.
"Pankow carried his unorthodox political practices
- crested with his liberal spending habit - into the county
clerk's office."
He made his first run for mayor in 1949. He was the
party's choice because he was "hot," but lost
in the primary. His rival was Judge John D. Hillery
of City Court.
"My heart just wasn't in that campaign. I sold
John Hillery
his automobiles for years. I'm happy that we're still friends
today."
In 1950 Pankow was a delegate to the Democratic State
Convention.
Pankow ran for re-election as county clerk in 1951.
The GOP swept the elections that year, but Pankow lost by
only 260 votes.
In 1952 Pankow was a delegate to the Democratic National
Convention.
Early in 1953, Pankow told party Chairman William
B. Mahoney that he wanted to run for mayor. They already
had a candidate. Not long after, he announced his independent
campaign for mayor of Buffalo
Political observers said he may have entered too soon and
would lose steam by the election. "You don't get anything
by sitting and waiting," was one of Pankow's remarks.
"If you want something badly enough, you have to go
after it. I want to be Mayor of Buffalo
and I'm not bashful about saying so."
The primary campaign was held on September 15, 1953.
Pankow beat Elmer F. Lux
, Common Council
President and the endorsed candidate, and Peter J. Crotty
, former county chairman, 18,488 to 16,104 to 13,358, respectively.
Pankow only won 7 of the 27 wards, with Lux gathering the
majority of them.
The Republican's placed Yeager, the endorsed candidate,
over Radwan, 23,276 to 16,330.
There was some tension in the party, now that Pankow
had won as an independent. It was wondered whether the party,
and other candidates on the ticket, would support him. Eventually
the other candidates conceded, and the party stood behind
him. One of Crotty's top men went to work as Pankow's campaign
manager.
LIFE AS A MAYOR
The election of 1953 was held on November 3. In a
"photo-finish", Pankow beat his challenger's,
Fire Commissioner Harold R. Becker, Republican, who had
replaced Yeager during the campaign, and Liberal Richard
Lipsitz, 93,206 to 90,490 to 4,304, respectively.
The Common Council
gained Democratic seats, bringing in the first Democrat controlled
administration since 1941.
Pankow carried 11 of the 27 wards, gaining heavily
on the East Side and West Side.
It was expected that there would be a fight for party
control since Pankow and County Chairman William B. Mahoney
were not on speaking terms. No power struggle took place.
On November 28, 1953 Mayor-elect Pankow met with
Mayor Mruk
in an unprecedented meeting. Their talk reportedly centered
on the City's financial plight and possibility of a large
deficit.
"After this talk today I know everything will
work out very well. Mayor Mruk
was most cooperative and very nice to us," said Pankow.
On December 30, 1953, Steven Pankow
took the Oath of Office. Afterwards, a luncheon reception was
held to allow the incoming cabinet members to become better
acquainted.
Pankow addressed the group: "There is nothing
serious about this gathering. Our serious problems are ahead
of us. But our shoulders are broad enough to bear the burdens
ahead. I ask all of you to cooperate, including the secretaries
and the so-called smaller help, to work with the department
heads.
"We will work day and night to see that our
four years in office will be a successful four years of
which we can be most proud."
Mayor Pankow
delivered his inaugural State of the City address, as it was
now called, to the Common Council
on January 5, 1954.
"There is usually humorous reference made that
political platforms are made to run on, and not to stand
on. This levity would be appropriate, if it was not for
the weight and importance of the serious problems, which
confront us. The solution of these is our dedicated task.
"It is not my intention to set forth here a
panacea for all of our municipal ills, but it is a recounting
of the more pressing problems with which we are confronted
and which should have our immediate attention.
"A incoming administration is placed at a disadvantage,
as it is compelled to conduct its business on a budget of
the outgoing administration. In this instance, a budget
adopted haphazardly after a financial scramble, unworthy
of responsible City Officials.
"The present outmoded line-item type of budget
should be replaced with a unit cost performance type. The
latter embraces manpower utilization and program planning,
which enhance economical and efficient operation of city
services.
"The basic factor in our local tax structure
are the assessed values, which for some reason has remained
in a majority of instances static and out of kilter with
present day values. This pathetic condition is the sorest
spot in our entire tax levying machinery.
"We are in dire need of more housing
...The gravest situation exists in the blighted areas. Four
years ago, it was pointed out then, that 1/9th of the City's
area is blighted - which all the sociological problems exist,
such as the greatest number of infant deaths, tuberculosis
, fire and juvenile delinquency
It is regretted that immediate action had not been taken
until recently. The further spread of blight must be halted
and present conditions corrected. It is an urban cancer
wasting away Buffalo
's social, civic and economic life. It is a contributory
cause of the exodus from the City. The committee is to be
encouraged accelerate its program and proceed with full
speed.
"Harbor redevelopment must be pushed vigorously.
The southern approach to the City is a civic disgrace, and
its foul-smelling dumps and undeveloped lake and river front
areas.
"After due studies, it is my sincere conviction
that presently there are laws which, if properly enforced,
would have prevented the terrible destruction of wildlife
and halted the fish kills.
"It is my considered judgment that with rigid
enforcement and the prohibition
of trade wastes, and the elimination of all contributing causes
of this wanton slaughter shall be readily accomplished.
"Buffalo
's population in the last decade was static. The exodus
from the City to the surrounding suburban areas resulted
in an increasing burden to the city taxpayer.
"A complete study of a unification program of
the entire metropolitan area must be started immediately.
The utilization of urban facilities for outlying towns and
villages, the reduction of costs of additional public improvements
by the consolidated use of similar urban facilities are
worthy of exploration.
"The problem of juvenile delinquency
is a growing challenge to all levels of governmental administration.
It must be met head on by a unified front of homes; of churches;
of schools; and of all recreational agencies. It is our
firm belief that 'all youngsters are basically good and
if shown the way they will become equally good citizens.'
"A forceful promotional campaign should be inaugurated
to induce more frequent use of the Civic Stadium and Memorial
Auditorium
, to eliminate the 'Dark Nights' and emptiness at these
two facilities, thus restoring Buffalo
to its former position of a sports-minded City.
"There is afoot a commendable undertaking to
bring back professional football. This should be encouraged
wholeheartedly.
"We shall initiate an organization of a group
of alert civic-minded citizens for the purpose of underwriting
athletic events. Within 500 miles of Buffalo
there are 75,000,000 people who readily would be attracted by
such promotions. These are great contributors to the economic
well-being of our city."
Mayor Pankow
released his second State of the City address to the Common
Council
on January 1, 1955.
"A year has passed of my administration - one-quarter
of my term as Mayor. It is beneficial to review the accomplishments
thus far achieved; to stress the vital needs of our City;
to stay abreast of progress; to vie with competing cities
for a good share of the commerce of our nation and the world,
and yet to afford all of the order and convenience to our
citizenry of a well operated modern city, catering incessantly
to their well being and happiness.
"Ground was broken for the reconstruction of
the Broadway Market
during August 1954. ...One of the most attractive and finest
shopping centers in the country will be offered to the public.
"This year a group of sports-minded citizens
was formed to obtain for Buffalo
a franchise in the Professional Football League. Every effort
was spent to secure such a representation. Although it did
not meet with success, its efforts are not lagging.
"Although a strike of a month's duration stymied
air transportation, over 1,100,000 used the Buffalo
Airport.
"The births of Buffalo
have increased to above 20,000 which is the largest number of
births in the history of the city, it being approximately
six percent increase over the previous year.
"Since the ratification of the St. Lawrence
Seaway
project for navigation and generation of electricity by the
governments of the United States and Canada, a complex and
serious problem has arisen. It will change the very character
of our industries and business.
"It is my sincere conviction, as I stated in
January 1954, that one-ninth of the city is marred by blighted
areas. The Board of Redevelopment gave of their time, energy
and talent unsparingly. I quote from the Board's report
to me of actions that will assist us greatly in restoring
realty values and solving the great sociological problems
caused by slums and poor housing
"'State-aided low rental housing projects under
way by the Municipal Housing Authority, appears, for the
first time in our City's history, to offer real and substantial
relief from intolerable housing conditions, overcrowding
and exploitation for the increasing Negro population in
our city.
"'An additional area selected by the Board and
approved for study contemplates the possible integration
of a residential redevelopment program, with the expressed
aim of cleaning up and redeveloping Buffalo
's waterfront
area. The waterfront area, despite its tremendous economic and
aesthetic potentialities, has been permitted to deteriorate
for generations and now resembles what was described in
my Inaugural Address
as a 'civic disgrace.'
"'Civic neglect and indifference for so many
years have created other areas within the City which have
deteriorated or are deteriorating.
"The number of animals at the Zoo was increased,
while the death rate was less than 2%.
"SUBURBANITIS
"Nothing perturbs me more than this subject.
I am studying the Toronto metropolitan plan.
"To summarize, allow me to state that the first
six months of my administration were strained in our efforts
simply to conduct the government in a very challenging financial
situation where appropriations had been badly and insufficiently
provided, causing a tight-fisted policy and posing an almost
insurmountable enigma. It can be fairly stated that the
launching of many proposals had to await the beginning of
a new fiscal year, viz. July 1, 1954.
"In short, as Shakespeare said 'What is the
city but the people,' and Buffalo
's greatness is reflected gloriously in their quality, character
and civic consciousness."
Pankow was somewhat extravagant. "I had three
motorcycle cops every time I went to lunch, right alongside
the limousine. Every once in a while, I would put the siren
on. They called me Diamond Jim Pankow. That's they way I'm
going to die, I guess.
"I owned all these nightclubs, I was always
there. And I never went in myself; my driver was always
with me. I had 14 drivers. And the limousine was busy day
and night, don't forget, because I was nightclubbing at
night. You don't think I'd go to church without a driver,
do you?"
Mayor Pankow
delivered his third State of the City address January 10, 1956.
"The last year of my administration was fruitful.
The Council cooperated and the Governor and the State Legislature
aided us in our dilemmas. We acted as a team and the results
are the best evidence of this collaboration.
"The remodeled and also the new (airport
) administration building was opened. It is comparable with
the best in the world. This improvement has now expanded
our airport
facilities and will add substantially to the income of its operation.
Many improvements to the runways, taxiways and the lighting
system was made with substantial contribution of Federal
Funds.
"Alerted by the progress of the construction
of the St. Lawrence Seaway
, the Governor and the Legislature acceded to the city's
demand for the establishment of a Port Authority whose province
is to plan judiciously the preservation and expansion of
our commercial and industrial status.
"The fight against slums and blighted areas
must be carried on with full force. The major problem of
restoring the waterfront
into useful and aesthetic values is a pressing one and I have
urged the Board to spare no effort in aligning all of the
financial assistance they can get from the State and Federal
Governments, because the sooner this is launched, the greater
economic and social gains will accrue to our credit.
"Further studies are being made for the construction
of a roof over a part of the Stadium so as to be able to
attract a major league baseball team. Embraced in this is
the acquisition of areas adjacent to the stadium for parking
purposes.
"Tifft Farm
"This undeveloped and unsightly 313-acre site
has been purchased by the Republic Steel Corporation
which will expand its operation in the future, adding to our
further prosperity and restoring this area to a tax-yielding
and income-producing property. Privilege of dumping non-combustibles
by the city has been reserved for three years.
"I am deeply conscious of the importance of
our public school
system and the important part it plays in our City government.
"The Buffalo
Skyway
was opened in 1955. The Kensington
Expressway construction will cost $6,400,000...while the Scajaquada
Expressway
will cost $10,000,000.
"This is indeed an ambitious program. Its realization
will facilitate traffic and actually refurbish our entire
city. The State extends its fullest assistance in the planning
and execution of these highly necessary improvements. We
can look forward to a great future for our metropolis."
Mayor Pankow
's final State of the City address to the Council was delivered
on January 2, 1957.
"The position of Mayor under our Charter ordains
a single four-year term and I am serving the last of mine.
There has been a tendency to relax in the last year. If
the experience was rough, it tends to encourage inertia
for the least you do merits least criticism. I will not
relent in my efforts in performing my duty to the people
of Buffalo
I shall continue in their service to the best of my ability
and I pray to the Almighty to guide me, to fortify me in
my weakness, to strengthen my intellect, to make keener
my senses of perception so that my last year will be my
best. No one can ask for more.
"A clean-up campaign with full impact of continued
enforcement had its salutatory effect for the United States
Chamber of Commerce awarded to the City accolade as the
third cleanest in the Nation. We will pursue this program
with vigor to make it the cleanest.
"The year 1956 saw the advent of the 'watch-dog'
program and the emphasis of the use of straight salt in
maintaining good driving conditions. Straight use of salt
on our main arteries can solve our problems under all temperatures
and conditions.
"The New York State Department of Public Works
is pursuing several projects with full vigor to move traffic
across town. We are cooperating to the fullest extent to
extend the Skyway
, to erect a wider bridge over the Union Ship Canal, and
construct the Kensington
Expressway, the Niagara Thruway
extension and the Scajaquada Creek
Expressway. All of these, when finished, will be a great boon
to the rapid transit
of automobiles.
"This is the 125th year of our City after incorporation
in 1832. Cities have sprung up, blossomed for a time, drooped,
withered, died, slept in their own dust. However, Buffalo
marches on to greater renown in commerce, industry and culture.
As I said on a previous occasion - 'For children of every
nation under the sun are assembled here. It has, therefore,
foundations not of stone, nor of concrete but of material
from many quarries. And into it the glory of nations is
brought imports of glory in arts, letters, science, music
and handicraft. Immigrants who bore glorious gifts in their
strength of their backs and arms and legs, in their industry,
in their devotion to family, in their reverence for ancestors,
in their zeal for learning, and in their aspirations for
free, independent citizenship in a World City.'
"Youth Board.
"This, the newest of our governmental agencies,
has done remarkable work. It initiated a campaign against
auto theft by youth; its youth counseling service is of
incalculable assistance in abating the very first stage
of criminal tendency; the Cold Spring Project is a model
plan for neighborhood activity.
"The Police Athletic League
, Inc., is the most progressive youth organization in the
City. Fourteen thousand boys and girls are enrolled with
three youth centers actively engaged in this inspiring sociological
work.
"The Humboldt Park
ice rink proved so popular that five more are under construction
and will be in full use in the Fall of 1957.
"Deterioration spreads disease and crime. To
abate it, a redevelopment program has been vitalized and
pilot projects have been submitted to the Federal Government.
Both projects are in the Ellicott District. Some financial
assistance may be given by the City to private developers.
The Waterfront project is in planning stages and will be
ready for submission to the Federal Government soon. The
City Planning Commission was and is of inestimable help
in these matters."
Pankow enjoyed having celebrity guests visit the
city at any opportunity he could.
"I had John Wayne here, I took him to St. Aloysius
Church."
He also invited Elizabeth Taylor to celebrate the
city's 125th anniversary in 1957. She and her husband Mike
Todd stayed four days at the Mayor's house. "She loved
it. We enjoyed having her at the house so much. She was
a genuine, nice person and she helped get a lot of publicity
for Buffalo
"
Pankow returned to his jewelry store business after
his term ended.
PERSONAL LIFE
Steven Pankow
married Mary Conwell (born Konowalczak) in 1930. They had three
children.
The Pankow's lived in Cheektowaga at 200 Maplewood
Road until 1953 when he decided to run for mayor and bought
a house at 29 Bogardus Street, abutting his auto agency
at 1255 Bailey Avenue. They later lived at 1 Burke Drive.
His decision to run for another political office
was discounted by Pankow on February 19, 1958. It had been
rumored that he would run for sheriff, congressman, or state
senator.
"I am not going to run for anything this year.
But I shall again be a candidate for public office some
day and in the meantime I don't want the people to forget
me."
The Steven Pankow
Club was formed as a social organization, refraining from political
activities, until Steven Pankow
decided to run for office again.
Pankow's luck changed for the worse on April 3, 1959,
as he was arraigned on charges of income tax fraud.
The indictment "came as a complete surprise"
to him. "I'm a businessman - not an accountant."
The indictment charged that he under-reported his
income by $93,764 and evaded taxes
of $43,411
for the four years he was in office as Mayor.
The findings were part of a six month investigation
into the city's paving contracts for the year's he was in
office. Early that week, the U.S. attorney heading the investigation
rushed to bring the indictment against Pankow.
If convicted he could have faced up to 20 years in
prison and fines of $40,000.
Four days later, on April 7, 1959, Pankow was indicted
on another charge. He, and four members of the 1957 Common
Council
, were charged with accepting bribes from a group of contractor's
that received the bulk of the city's paving business, by
a hold-over grand jury.
The indictments charged that Pankow received $7,500
in bribes, and Councilman Vincent P. Masterson
, Russell M. Leech
, Councilman Stephen B. Moskal
, and City Clerk Joseph J. Cooley
, all received bribes.
Apparently, Raymond F. Brayer
, the alleged contractor, was the person who charged Pankow
and the others with these crimes. Brayer was in jail for
30 days on contempt of court charges and threatened with
another 30 days when he suddenly came up with the charges.
He reported a $49,500 "promotion fund" in 1957
which touched off the entire investigation.
Three paving companies, Rock Asphalt Inc., Kendall
Roadways Inc., and Brimmert Asphalt & Construction Inc.
were the contractors who received the bulk of the city's
multi-million dollar paving business at that time.
On January 13, 1960 the bribery trial ended with
a hung jury. After the 7-1/2 week trial, the prosecution's
star witness, Raymond F. Brayer
, could not corroborate his testimony of the bribes, and
the jury was split in its decision.
On June 21, 1960, Pankow was again taken into custody,
this time charged with bribery and accepting unlawful fees
in connection with a master plumber's certificate.
Pankow and Stephen J. Welch
, clerk of the Examining Board of Plumbers were both indicted,
along with three additional person's.
The charges brought forth accused the two men of
extending an "illegal advantage" to Augustine
Aurelio
in obtaining a certificate of competency to act as a master
plumber between April 1, 1957 and August 15, 1957.
In October, 1960, Pankow, and three members of the
1957 Common Council
, were all acquitted of the charges stemming from the paving
scandal.
Pankow's income tax fraud trial began on September
13, 1960.
On December 24, 1960 a fire destroyed Pankow Motors,
Inc., including many of his financial records. The prosecution
planned to introduce evidence that a "likely source"
of Pankow's income during his mayoral term was from "bribes
and illegal fees."
Pankow's tax evasion trial ended with a hung jury
on February 1, 1961. A second trial was scheduled.
The plumbing trial of Pankow began on January 15,
1962. Allegedly, Philip Giarrano left $2,000 in cash in
an office at Pankow Motors in 1957, and in return was given
a certificate of competency issued to Augustine Aurelio
, indicating he passed the master plumber's exam.
On February 7, 1963 Pankow was acquitted of income
tax evasion charges after his second trial.
Not long after he said, "I've got to stay in
politics. Only God can stop me from politics, because I
love politics."
The trials took their toll on Pankow. He and his
wife ran a mom-and-pop store in North Buffalo
, much different than his extravagant days as mayor.
Pankow purchased McVan's Niteclub at 2079 Niagara
Street on April 17, 1963, and converted it to a supper club.
On May 22, 1963 Pankow announced his candidacy for
the Democratic nomination for Erie County Executive.
"I am definitely a candidate. There is no question
about it," he stated.
The committee was not expected to give him the nod,
but he made it clear that he would run as an independent.
Urged on by some of his friends, who pledged considerable
financial aid, Pankow made it clear:
"My experience as county clerk, and even later
as mayor of Buffalo
, has given me a good, hard, practical knowledge of the
various departments and functions of our county government."
The primary election
was held on September 5, 1963. Pankow was easily defeated by
labor leader James L. Kane
, the endorsed candidate, 30,567 to 11,709.
Pankow addressed his campaign supporters after the
defeat: "It looks like a primary defeat, and I congratulate
my opponent. But don't get hysterical; don't take down your
signs from your cars and buildings. This is not the first
time, you know, that I have lost a primary. I came back
before, and I think we can do the same thing now."
Regarding his running as an independent: "I
will have something to say definitely within 48 hours. I
never quit before and I am not going to quit now. I am too
old to quit."
Pankow decided to quit before the general election,
leaving his people out in the cold.
On May 7, 1965 he announced his candidacy for Mayor
of Buffalo
He planned to seek the Democrat endorsement, but would run
as an independent, if he did not win the endorsement. This
was the year for Frank A. Sedita
, though. Pankow did not receive the endorsement and dropped
out early. Several weeks before the September 14 primary,
he hinted that he might run independently if Chester Gorski
, also running for the nomination, did not win.
Pankow formed a partnership with Harold Schrutt in
October 1966 and opened a liquor store at 452 Michigan Avenue
near William Street.
On January 19, 1967 Pankow announced his candidacy
for county clerk, a position he held from 1949 to 1951.
"I will seek Democratic endorsement and if I do not
get it, I will run anyway."
At the primary held on June 20, 1967, Pankow lost
to the endorsed candidate, Richard J. Miller, 22,638 to
11,371. The organization had thrown everything they had
behind Miller so Pankow would not win. They felt his name
on the ticket would hurt Michael F. Dillon
, the county executive nominee.
Between 1967 and early 1968 the liquor store suffered
from over 12 burglaries and robberies. This kept the customer's
away and the store continued losing business until they
were forced to close in April 1968.
They attempted to transfer their liquor license to
a business on Harlem Road near Clinton Street in Cheektowaga,
but were denied by the State Liquor Authority.
In early November 1968 Pankow and Schrutt were charged
with five counts by the State Liquor Authority, regarding
their original business.
From September 1967 to early August 1968, Pankow
worked for the Municipal Housing Authority as a housing
aide.
In early August 1968 Pankow was one of eight Municipal
Housing Authority employees switched to the new Division
of Relocation. This division, part of the Department of
Urban Renewal
, was responsible for the relocation of persons and businesses
displaced by redevelopment projects.
On June 8, 1970 Pankow started a new city job as
secretary to the city recreation director, a position previously
held by Stan Buczkowski
, who resigned.
From 1970 through 1975 Pankow worked as an coordinator
of community recreation programs in the Buffalo
Parks Department
Mayor Stanley Makowski
appointed Pankow to a position as one of the three Board of
Assessors. This part time post was a highly sought after
patronage position. Makowski said Pankow would "be
a kind of people's representative on the board."
Pankow retired to his North Buffalo
home in 1977.
In his younger years, Pankow was an Elk, a Moose,
a member of the Chamber of Commerce and director of the
Buffalo
Auto Club from 1947 to 1950. He was a member and past president
of the American Automobile Association of Western New York
Automobile Dealers Association.
Pankow granted several interviews in the mid-1980's
to the city's only newspaper:
"It's a good job, the best job in the city.
Maybe I shouldn't say this but in them days in Buffalo
the mayor almost had dictatorial powers. Back then the mayor
could do just about anything he wanted.
"I was sitting in the high chair of the highest
office of the city. Whatever I said, people did. It was
wonderful.
"I loved the job. I'd get in a limousine each
morning and travel around the city, checking all the departments.
I wanted to know what was going on and if everything was
working the way it should. I treated people right.
"Things are a lot different today. Now, the
Mayor has a much tougher job. You take a lot of abuse from
everyone. I didn't have to put up with that when I was mayor."
He felt his greatest achievement as mayor was the
creation of the Port Authority.
"I always want people in Buffalo
to remember me as having done something good for the city and
its people. I never refused anyone and I always had time
to listen to all the people.
"I want to be remembered as a fairly good mayor.
I cared about the city and the people. I still care. What
else can I tell you?"
After a brief illness, he died on July 25, 1993.
He is buried in Mount Calvary Cemetery.
