Through The Mayor's Eyes
The Only Complete History of the Mayor's of Buffalo, New York
Compiled by Michael Rizzo

Charles E. Roesch

1930 -1933

HISTORY

Charles Edward Roesch was born at 613 Oak Street on March 31, 1886, the son of a leading local meatpacker, Jacob, and Julia Fuhrmann Roesch. He attended Public School No. 15, at Oak and Burton

Streets, graduating in June, 1901. At this time, he joined his father in his wholesale and retail meat business in the Chippewa Market with his brother John, a later director of markets for the city.

                "When I was twenty I was associated with my brother John in running my dad's meat shop in the Chippewa Market. Those were the happy days. There was no thought of the eight-hour day or Saturday afternoon off in the good old times. We killed our own poultry and made our own sausage. It was a matter of starting at five in the morning and working until everything was done, and that was seldom, so it was often dark when we started for home. Oh yes, work is a great builder."

                In 1908 Jacob Roesch retired, leaving the business to his sons. The firm was renamed Jacob M. Roesch and Son in 1911. Four years later Charles sold out his interest to his brother and started his own meat business at the Broadway Market  as Charles E. Roesch  and Company in 1916.

                Roesch became involved in an automobile agency with his brother-in-law Albert Hertzog, Jr. in 1914. This business later led to the formation of Roesch & Klinck, distributors of Durant and Flint products, both later discontinued.

                In the meantime, he opened a wholesale poultry business behind his home at 613 Oak Street.

                Roesch was appointed chairman of the first Health Board, created under Mayor Frank Schwab in January 1928. This was due to Schwab's short alliance with Republican County Chairman Fred A. Bradley , who recommended Roesch as a capable man. Within five months, after many squabbles, including over the sale of bob veal, Roesch's gruff image and language, his determination not to be dominated by Schwab who usually got his way, his protesting Schwab's zoo at the J. N. Adam Hospital, and finally, Roesch's refusal to appoint 'Pinky' Goldstein  to the post of keeper of the William Street bathhouse, Roesch was fired by Schwab. Roesch's power in the Republican community was not to be undermined though, as the members of the Council refused to approve anyone that Mayor Schwab  nominated to take Roesch's place.

                Schwab's popularity was declining as his second term winded down and Roesch was mentioned as a possible mayoral candidate. He denounced it, saying that he would not run. But when the thrust of Roesch-for-Mayor clubs began forming, Chairman Bradley had the party endorse his candidacy.

                The primaries were held on September 17, 1929. Roesch was an easy winner over Schwab, 46,219 to 18,885, with Independent-Socialist Frank Perkins receiving 4,733 votes. The Democrats were supporting Charles Diebold , Jr.; but were surprised he was defeated by Frank Schwab, who handily won the nomination, 20,428 to 12,292, with Perkins receiving 1,474 votes. The final race for mayor was set with Perkins, Schwab and Roesch.

                Roesch's campaign platform: "No large city can thrive if it gets a reputation at home and abroad for excessive taxation, neither can a city develop and prosper if it becomes known as a 'cheap town' in which necessary public improvements are neglected. Cities throughout the country have learned through bitter experience that a definite, wisely conceived plan of expenditure of public funds is as necessary in municipal administration as in private business."

                In addition, he "would make every reasonable effort to enlist the cooperation of the council in a constructive program for the upbuilding of Buffalo  and the improvement of the municipal administration."

LIFE AS A MAYOR

                Election day 1929 was held on November 5. There were no surprises at the polls as Roesch was the easy winner, receiving 77,257 votes to Schwab's 69,792 and Perkins' 8,785.

                On Christmas Eve 1929 Roesch announced his major appointments, ignoring Republican Chairman Bradley's call for political patronage. Roesch wanted to run an efficient administration without the political backlash.

                Several days before his inauguration he defined his personal ambition: "I have four years to serve as mayor and I feel that I am taking office with the respect and confidence of the people.

                "My one great ambition is to walk out of the mayor's office with the same respect with which I entered it. I have children for whom I want to set an example. They are either going to look up to what I do or look down."

                Roesch was to take control of Buffalo  at the time of the greatest depression to ever hit America. Thousands were unemployed in Buffalo  and throughout the country.

                The Mayor-elect granted an interview on December 29, 1929, outlying his incoming administration.                "The people need not expect a spectacular administration, for I haven't anything spectacular in view.

                "A city, like a business, should constantly develop, if it is to lay claim to progress at all. The business man each year expects an increase over his last year's business and the same should be true of a city and if this increase and development does not come as a result of the good practical business principles that I intend to apply, then my experiment will be a failure.

                "I have conducted my campaign in a manner to typify that type of administration the people are going to get. The people have placed their trust in me and I intend to fulfill that trust.

                "It is not my place to criticize the administrations of the past, nor is it my policy to criticize, but I do believe that Buffalo 's crying need is for cooperation in the city government.

                "There should be more of 'we' in the city government and less of 'I.' I don't believe any one man is big enough to run a city and I am more convinced now of this since counseling with people who have a sincerity of purpose because they are interested in the city.

                "With this necessary cooperation in view I will not hesitate to remove those heads of departments who will not fit into the scheme of things.

                "But it is wrong to assume, because I plan to remove from office several men and to place others in their place who I think will best fit in with the kind of administration I expect to conduct, that I am acting purely through party motives. People jump to conclusions and state that the 'party ax' is about to fall and that men who have supported me will replace the ones suggested for removal.

                "I do not deny that I wish some of those who have supported my administration to receive credit. But they are the type of men that I would naturally choose to work out such a plan as I propose to follow, and men, too, of whom I am not ashamed. It is unfair to assume that when I replace a man it is because he is a 'Schwabite.' The people when electing me relied upon my judgment to select the men for office whom I think best fitted.

                "Some may think that revenge is a motive for my removing these men from office, a slap back at Schwab for removing me from the health board. But I have not introduced this phase into my campaign and I do not intend to do so during my administration."

                The Mayor-elect took the oath of office on January 1, 1930 as a small group of friends and newspapermen watched. His first year's salary was $12,000. His Inaugural Message to the Common Council  was broadcast over WMAK radio from 10:15 to 11:00 a.m.

                "We are convened here today on behalf of all the people of this city to induct into office a new administration of our municipal affairs; to assume formally and officially the grave responsibilities which have been entrusted to us by the voters of Buffalo  and to dedicate ourselves to energetic, faithful and unselfish service to this great cosmopolitan community wherein lies the hope of generations yet unborn.

                "None of us is infallible. Because a recommendation originates with the mayor, it does not of necessity follow that it is perfect and therefore not subject to constructive criticism. Frankly speaking, I shall always welcome counsel or advice from any competent source, because if we consider public problems carefully and without personal bias or prejudice, we cannot fail to arrive at sound conclusions.

                "I regard every promise made in [my] platform as a sacred obligation which we are now called upon to meet. I fully realized when those promises were made that the whole-hearted cooperation of the council would be necessary for their full and complete redemption, but I have never entertained any doubts or misgivings as to the willingness of the legislative body to join with the executive department in the formation and execution of a constructive program for the upbuilding of Buffalo  and the improvement of our municipal administration.

                "Service that is supplied grudgingly or in a careless, slipshod manner is neither proper nor adequate. Service that lacks courtesy toward those who have a right to receive it is shameful; service that is not extended in a painstaking spirit of helpfulness and consideration will not be tolerated. I sincerely hope that every municipal employee will read and study this portion of my address because I intend to be a fair warning sounded without malice or prejudice, but to be observed as a cardinal principle and inflexible policy of the administration.

                "Municipal finance, embracing, as it does, taxation for current operating expenses of city activities, use of the city's credit for betterment's and necessities of a permanent nature, and the valuation of property for tax purposes, is the most serious question confronting the people of Buffalo  today because it is fundamentally related to every other local problem of administration and government.

                "Gentlemen of the council, we are each endowed with a conscience. Unless we can see conscientiously that an appropriation is necessary in the interest of all the people we have no right to vote it, regardless of who or what influences urge it. "That per capita tax levy has increased from $29.63 eight years ago to $55.03 this year would hardly seem justifiable by any stretch of the imagination. The administration taking office today is not to blame for conditions as we find them, but, I submit, that ours is a very definite responsibility to do everything possible to devise ways and means of effecting improvements.

                In the compilation of a capital budget for guidance in the next five years we must exclude every project of doubtful necessity. The city's finances are in no condition to warrant expenditures for luxuries or fanciful improvements.

                "That real estate is forced to bare approximately 80 percent of the cost of municipal government is an injustice which threatens the very foundation of our economic structure. Because the burden is too heavy real estate  is becoming less attractive for investment.

                "The city does not receive any part of the state automobile license tax or the state tax on gasoline, although it would be difficult indeed to estimate the tremendous expense which the general use of automobiles has forced upon us. The state returns of the City of New York, 25 percent of the gasoline tax collected in that metropolis. I believe the law discriminates against Buffalo  and other large cities and we should demand readjustment of the distribution.

                "The city should organize a campaign for the enlargement of the Barge Canal and defeat of the proposed St. Lawrence Canal project. Further development of the Barge Canal will benefit Buffalo  and the State of New York immensely and give to the West the convenient outlet to the sea to which it is entitled.

                "My faith and confidence in the people of Buffalo  lead me to believe that we have right here in our home city men and women who are competent to give us whatever service or skill we may require in any field of endeavor. Until it is demonstrated that I am wrong in this belief, I am opposed to employing personal service from outside the city.

                "Within the next four years Buffalo  will have celebrated the 100th anniversary of its incorporation. It should be a great era. It is our solemn duty to lead the way in civic development and to foster and promote city-wide cooperation for the improvement of our government, industrial and commercial facilities. Our people are intelligent, industrious and God-fearing. Let us unite in a common purpose to serve them capably and faithfully."

                Following the ceremony and the reading of his inaugural address, Mayor Roesch  went to his new office. located in the Liberty Bank Building, to hold a public reception.

                Several key appointments were not immediately made by the Mayor, including budget director, and the heads of the divisions of water and buildings, and no secretary was chosen.

                Roesch did things very much different than his predecessor. He chose to drive his own car. He disliked attending dinners and making speeches. "I can't do it and be efficient. The city is entitled to the best efforts I can give it and there are enough demands on me without running around at night. I'm not an exhibit, anyhow, and I don't like that sort of thing."

                He also did not like to be photographed. He was a much quieter person, hired to do job which he intended to do to the best of his ability.

                Mayor Roesch  delivered his 1931 address to the Common Council  on January 2, 1931.

                "One year ago, in appearing officially before the Council for the first time, I voiced my confidence in the integrity and sincerity of the members of your legislative body. Now, as we face the new year, it is highly gratifying to be able to say that nothing has occurred in the intervening 12 months to weaken that confidence. On the other hand, my official experience and contact with the members of the Council, individually and collectively, have strengthened the conviction that your honorable body is striving earnestly and effectively to serve the public welfare  and that your members are actuated by a high sense of duty.

                "While it is doubtless true that human aspirations are never fully realized, I am of the firm opinion that we have made definite and substantial progress during the last year, despite adverse conditions unprecedented in recent history. It would hardly seem necessary to remind you that the year 1930 was the most difficult period in our day and generation.

                "Whichever way we turn, we cannot escape the distressing evidence of industrial and business depression with its wake of unemployment  and human sacrifice.

                "As long as we have resources we must do everything necessary to prevent human suffering and to succor those of our fellow citizens who are in 'honest difficulties,' as President Hoover said, but under no circumstances will we be justified in increasing the tax burden of the people by expenditures for unnecessary purposes.

                "Often I am amazed that citizens who think soundly with relation to their own affairs labor under the delusion that the government can provide free facilities, free services or free commodities.

                "Nothing the government supplies to the public is free. Every improvement and every service provided by the government must be paid for by the very people who use the facilities and enjoy the services.

                "All of us will agree, no doubt, that the problem of most immediate concern is that of welfare  relief. A year ago this problem had not reached the serious stage in which it is now before us and a year hence it may have ceased to worry us, but today it is paramount.

                "...The actual expenditures for welfare  relief (not including salaries and other overhead) increased 78 percent in a four-year period that is regarded as the most prosperous era in the nation's history.

                "Social workers tell us that this increase has been caused chiefly by industrial changes whereby man-power is displaced by machinery and by the marked drift of population from rural to urban communities.

                "I shall cite a few projects which will supply employment as soon as the spring season opens.

                "In 1912 the city purchased from the state lands under water for park purposes. This tract embracing about 90 acres is known as Lake View Park but there is nothing in its appearance to indicate that it is a park.

                "Development of Schiller Park remains to be completed, especially that portion of the tract east of Sprenger Avenue.

                "In providing temporary emergency employment the Council authorized a start on the filling of the old bed of Cazenovia Creek

                "The Sperry Park  site purchased by the city some 17 years ago should receive early attention if it is ever to be developed.

                "Erection of a new building for the fire department at Court and Staats Streets.

                "...The necessity of providing a new police  headquarters to replace the present dilapidated structure is important.

                "The present business depression is emphasizing the shortcomings of the antiquated state tax system which causes real property to bear an unjust share of the cost of government.

                "The Council gave very generous support last spring to our efforts to get the Legislature to amend the motor fuel tax law so that cities and incorporated villages would share in the distribution of the proceeds of this tax.

                "Within the last month local newspapers have published certain expert opinions relative to taxation for the support of the public schools, wherein it was suggested that a financially independent and elective Board of Education  be created with authority to levy taxes

                "With the recommissioning of the fireboat W. S. Grattan , which was placed in service several weeks ago, the city's fire fighting equipment and personnel are in splendid shape.

                "The city is confronted by the necessity of revamping its system of sewers to afford flood relief and the establishment of facilities for sewage treatment to abate pollution of our rivers.

                "When the administration assumed office a year ago we fell heir to three tedious and expensive lawsuits, involving the cost to the citizens of Buffalo  of service supplied by the International Railway company, the New York Telephone company and the Iroquois Gas company.

                "If the people of Buffalo  cannot be served properly at reasonable cost by the International (Railway) company, there is no alternative but to develop a competing service which will meet our needs. For my part, I am ready to join in an appeal to the Legislature at any time, but in view of the fundamental question involved in the Federal court litigation, I believe it would be the course of wisdom to await a decision in this matter.

                "Provision for maintenance of the City Hall  must be made in the next budget. If the present progress of construction is maintained, the building will be ready for occupancy early in the fall. Naturally, it will be in the public interest to occupy the building as soon as possible, although its maintenance will tend to increase the cost of housing  the government in comparison with what the city is now paying for rented quarters, and as the building becomes more fully occupied in years to come there will be a progressive increase.

                "Advent of the new year inspires hope for better conditions and more favorable circumstances for all our people.

                "Let us hope that this prospect will be realized, and, above all, let us conduct the affairs of entrusted to us so that a year hence our individual consciences will tell us that we have done our full duty and that the public welfare  has been our only consideration. Then, when the march of time ushers in 1932 - the year of our Centennial - the people of Buffalo , and our neighbors as well, will be able to participate in the celebration of our century of progress with that full measure of enthusiasm which will assure another hundred years of even greater achievement and even more substantial advancement in the art of living."

                Mayor Roesch  was a leader and innovator in the relief programs for the unemployed. It was during his second winter as mayor that Roesch instituted a work relief program to put men to work. The man-a-block system which he proposed, was adopted throughout the country. Under this system a thorough canvass was made on every street in the city. Those who were fortunate enough to have jobs would hire unemployed men to do odd jobs for them.

                The Mayor's Unemployment Committee was formed when the situation worsened. The Mayor induced Alfred H. Schoellkopf to serve as its chairman. The committee did much work to alleviate the suffering of the poor. The committee was so successful that Mr. Schoellkopf was drafted to head the State Temporary Emergency Relief Agency when it was later organized. The same methods used in Buffalo  were applied throughout the state.

                By 1932, the Great Depression was at its worst. Unemployment rose from 3.2 million in 1929 to 23.6 million. Roesch became president of the New York State Conference of Mayors At a meeting of his fellow executives he made the proposal that was later embodied in the Wicks act, which provided for the state to reimburse communities for welfare  expenditures above normal standards. He had proposed a 40 percent reimbursement, which was finally realized in 1936.

                On January 2, 1932 the Mayor delivered his Annual Address to the Common Council

                "The year 1932, when our city will become a centurion among American municipalities, finds us face to face with grave problems in common with all the rest of the world. Ordinarily, the advent of a new year is considered cause for congratulation and merrymaking because it inspires hope of better things.

                "It would give me great happiness to be able to bring to you a message of buoyant optimism on this occasion, but, in all candor, the distress of our people and the heavy official responsibilities under which we must struggle would render unseemly any fanciful word picture of our circumstances.

                "This is the third consecutive New Year's day on which I have brought to your honorable body the greetings of the executive branch of the government. With each year municipal administration has become more complicated. Until now we are in the midst of a crisis which is going to require all of the cooperation at our command if the welfare  of all the people of Buffalo  is to be served.

                "Gentlemen of the Council, I am frank to confess that two years ago I had no idea that fiscal complications of government, national, state, county and municipal, would multiply so rapidly and become such a menace to community welfare

                "It is our job to make every possible effort to manage the public business entrusted to us so that our city will be able to avoid the financial disaster that is blighting many other municipalities.

                "It is tremendously more difficult to meet such a situation in public administration than in private business, because governments, by their very nature, are less flexible than private organizations.

                "A private concern can suspend operations until conditions improve. A government cannot go out of business.

                "It must function 24 hours a day for 365 days a year, because the health, safety and comfort of the community depend entirely on the service and protection which the government supplies.

                "It is, therefore, well to keep in mind that if the service and protection which the city government provides were suddenly withdrawn, this community of 600,000 people probably would quickly disintegrate.

                "Additional fire protection has been allowed to the East Side by remodeling the station at Bailey Avenue and Doat Street to house the new Hook and Ladder Company 14 in addition to Engine 31.

                "Sperry Park , long an eyesore, has been developed, the laying of walks, grading, seeding and planting having been financed from the current budget appropriation of the Park department.

                "The police  radio and an efficient motor car patrol system are now in operation. Plans for the proposed new five-story police  headquarters on the site of the old Municipal building will be advertised about Feb. 15.

                "Despite the fact that the financial outlook of the city is less favorable than it was a year ago, the state of New York, after temporizing with the question of river pollution through an entire decade of boom years, has suddenly become insistent that we take action in this matter.

                "Let me say right here that, as I interpret our obligation, we must protect the interests of the citizens and taxpayers of Buffalo  in working out this problem and should not be coerced into ruinous commitments, even though we have to stand the gaff of high-powered publicity based on theories and not facts.

                "Obviously, the first step in planning a sewage treatment plant is the selection of a site. Plans already prepared...contemplate the purchase of Squaw Island  for one site and the erection of another plant in South Buffalo

                "At a time when business and commerce statistics show unprecedented declines, one outstanding exception is encountered in the season record of the Erie Barge Canal, which carried more tonnage in 1931 than in any previous year in our generation.

                "A year ago we had high hopes that definite progress could be made toward the solution of the problem embracing a downtown  station for the New York Central Railroad  and the relocation of the tracks along the Terrace and the West Side waterfront

                "The so-called hypothetical plan referred to last year was revised in some features, but thus far it has not been presented in a form that would provide the people of Buffalo  with the facilities they require, nor in accordance with the original agreement made when the Exchange Street Station was abandoned.

                "While the administration will do everything possible to bring about an early solution of this problem, we shall adhere to the policy of refusing to obligate the city for any expenditure of public funds for expansion of railroad switching and station facilities.

                "The partial collapse of private industry, resulting in widespread unemployment , has placed upon the city a burden that is causing continuous concern.

                "Two years ago the administration pledged itself to meet this emergency in a merciful and effective manner. Thus far we have managed to do so, but...each succeeding month presents new difficulties which heretofore would have been incomprehensible.

                "The City of Buffalo  was one of the first large cities to formulate a program of work relief. Last year approximately 105,000 days work was provided for our citizens through the emergency work program.

                "Full credit for the sincerity and effectiveness of Buffalo 's effort to care for distress belongs to all of the people of the city who are cooperating most willingly in our public and private activities.

                "The success of our man-a-block plan, now nationally commenced as a relief measure, is due to the patriotic efforts of the volunteer organization and the wonderful support of the householders of Buffalo , many of whom are practicing self-denial in order to make their weekly contributions.

                "We also have a vast majority of our city employees contributing voluntarily during these winter months about 3 percent of their salary to the central committee.

                "At a meeting of the State Conference of Mayors , the chairman of the Governor's Committee on Unemployment said that for years to come Buffalo  would be an outstanding example of accomplishment in administration of welfare  relief and emergency employment through the complete coordination of all public and private agencies and activities.

                "Gentlemen, I regard the expression as the greatest compliment ever paid to the people of Buffalo

                "With heart overflowing with gratitude for the unselfish support we are receiving in this emergency, I express the fervent hope that the passing of the year will bring more substantial and widespread happiness to all citizens."

                On December 13, 1932, Mayor Roesch  finally succumbed to what he had tried to avoid: cutting the pay of city employees.

                On January 3, 1933, Mayor Roesch , forced to remain home due to illness, had the city clerk read his last annual message to the common council.

                "With the advent of the new year, all of us naturally hope for improved conditions, even though unfavorable trends of the year just ended afford no basis for optimistic predictions.

                "The point that I would like to stress is that the coming year is likely to prove the most trying the city government has ever experienced and will require all of the constructive resourcefulness at our command.

                "I hereby renew my recommendation of December 13 that a general graduated reduction in the compensation of city employees be made effective for the last half of the current fiscal year. To delay this reduction is decidedly not beneficial to the city employees themselves, and to advise them otherwise is a betrayal of their best interests.

                "This recommendation was arrived at reluctantly because reduction of compensation of thousands of employees is not a pleasant task, but conditions over which we have no control have made it inevitable. For a year, I had hoped that some change in our economic circumstances would enable us to avoid this reduction, but the changes have all been for the worse.

                "This year, enough surplus was carried forward from the previous year and impounded to safeguard against shrinkage of revenues. Rest assured that, insofar as estimated revenues and expenditure of appropriations are concerned, our budget will balance.

                "As revenues from sources other than real estate tax steadily decline, the city government becomes more and more dependent upon its tax collections for the cash to meet its expenses. With tax delinquencies increasing at a disturbing ratio and with large taxpayers, like railroads, for example, borrowing money with which to pay taxes , what public official is willing to stake his reputation on a guarantee that the day will not come when the city will lack the cold, hard cash in hand with which to meet payrolls and other current expenses?

                "It is a matter of official record in the comptroller's report that the tax delinquency last fiscal year was 7.24 percent, as compared to 1.3 percent for the year ended June 30, 1931.

                "During the course of the year, the City of Buffalo  won a notable victory when the United States District Court denied the application of the International Railway Company  for an injunction which would have permitted the company to charge a straight 10-cent fare in Buffalo

                "...For the first time since the company was organized, it is on the defensive and the city of Buffalo  holds the advantage in any negotiation for extension of bus routes or abandonment of rail lines.

                "Your honorable body is now holding hearings on a plan submitted by the company for coordinated rail and bus service and the long-suffering public is awaiting the results with eager interest.

                "In the future, as public improvements are required, the city should be able to meet its requirements without wasteful mistakes because of the guidance of a master plan which the Buffalo  Planning Board has underway and for which much valuable data already have been assembled.

                "In seven fiscal years beginning July 1, 1925 and ending June 30, 1932, the annual expenditure for relief, including the veterans' agencies, increased from $600,000 to $5,500,000.

                "To illustrate more graphically, our expenditure for relief in the December just ended was $125,000 more than in the entire fiscal year of 1925 - 26. How much further we shall be required to go and how long this terrific strain on the municipal purse will continue is beyond human comprehension, but from the very inception of the depression period the City of Buffalo  has met the demand mercifully and effectively.

                "In closing, permit me to take advantage of the opportunity here presented to express my deep appreciation of the earnest cooperation that has been forthcoming from heads of departments, boards and other agencies of government. The devotion to duty of the rank and file of our city employees warms my heart.

                "And, especially let me pay tribute to the civic loyalty and brotherly spirit of all those private citizens who have contributed of their time, energy and means in the steadfast service of this community since the beginning of the heartbreaking period through which we are passing.

                "Without the unselfish assistance of many citizen groups, Buffalo 's splendid record in this emergency would have been impossible.

                "The Central Council of Social Agencies and affiliated organizations, the Mayor's Committee on Unemployment, the Man-a-Block committee, the Emergency Relief board, the American Legion, and scores of societies, have marshaled literally thousands of our citizens in the service of humanity. It might well be said that these organizations have coordinated the great community heart of Buffalo Their achievement will stand out in history as an example of practical community humanitarism that will serve as an undying inspiration to future generations."

                In August 1933, as the fall elections rolled closer, Mayor Roesch  sat down with a Buffalo  Times reporter to discuss the ups and downs of his administration.

                "If anything has been accomplished by this administration, the credit isn't mine. It belongs to the men and women who did the work.

                "Every pledge in my campaign platform of 1929 has been redeemed.

                "That, perhaps, is the greatest satisfaction - the knowledge that I have kept every promise I made to the people when I requested their support.

                "Shortly after I became mayor, and there was a majority of 14 Republicans to 1 Democrat in the Council, a committee of councilmen called on me.

                "They wanted to amend the city charter so that I could be a candidate to succeed myself.

                "I told them that if they did so, I would veto it. I felt that I had contracted with the people of Buffalo  for a certain length of time and no longer.

                "I think it would be a little presumptuous on my part to point out now what the next mayor may have to do.

                "The next administration very likely will be a period of economic readjustment and problems will have to be met as they arise. I would not like to anticipate them."

                The most pressure Mayor Roesch  received while in office was for the removal of Police Commissioner Roche.

                "When I appointed Commissioner Roche, I received 350 letters condemning the appointment and five approving it.

                "Austin Roche  never asked me for a job. I sent for him when I became mayor because I had definite ideas about how the police  department should be run, and I knew Austin Roche  had similar ideas.

                "He has done his job, just like all other department heads, without interference from my office."

                During his term, he frequently clashed with the Municipal Research Bureau and the United Taxpayers' League. He also opposed the proposed $23,000,000 sewer system and the creation of a sewer authority, since there were no federal funds available at the time.

                By the end of his term there were 500 fewer civil service positions. He refused to cooperate with the Republicans to deliver patronage positions.

                The most outstanding controversy of his administration was the investigation of the Board of Education  that led to its reorganization and the refusal to renew School Superintendent Ernest C. Hartwell's contract.

                When Roesch left office, he returned to his wholesale and retail meat business.

PERSONAL LIFE

                Charles E. Roesch  married Mabel C. Klinck on June 3, 1914. Her father was William C. Klinck, treasurer of the C. Klinck Packing Company until his death, her mother being Julia Fuhrmann, sister of former Mayor Louis P. Fuhrmann

                The Roesch's had two sons, Charles Jacob, and William Klinck. The Roesch's lived at one address for their entire marriage, 633 North Oak Street, just down the block from where Roesch was born at 613 North Oak Street, after they were married in June 1914.

                Roesch was a member of many lodges, including the Transportation Lodge No. 842 F. & A. M., which he served as master of, in 1918; Hugh de Payens Commandery; Knights Templar, of which he was a life member; Ismalia Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S.; the Fraternal Order of Eagles; the Elks, and Orioles. He was also a member of the Buffalo  Athletic Club ; the Greater Buffalo  Advertising Club ; the International Stewards Association; the Buffalo  Hotelmen's Association, and the Buffalo  Turn Verein.

                In February, 1935, Roesch was elected a member of the board of trustees for the Erie County Savings Bank In December 1935 he was asked by Mayor Zimmermann  to accept an appointment on the Buffalo  Sewer Authority , which he declined.

                Midway through Roesch's mayoral term he had suffered a heart attack. It is believed that he never fully recovered, the burdens of his term shortening his life. On Monday, January 15, 1936 Roesch was taken to the hospital for an operation. His heart gave out during surgery, and he died.

                Roesch is buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery The Saturday of his funeral, current Mayor George Zimmermann  declared a full civic holiday.