1958 - 1961,
1966 - 1969, 1970 -1973
HISTORY
Frank Albert Sedita was born in New Orleans, Louisiana,
on June 20, 1907. One of eight children born to Italian
immigrant parents, the Sedita's moved to Buffalo
when he was four years old.
When he was 10, Sedita began work by hawking newspapers
and shining shoes around the downtown
area while
attending School No. 1.
He later attended Hutchinson-Central
High School
and spent his summers working in canning factories and on farms
in Wilson and Lyndonville, New York..
Sedita attended Canisius College
, and worked as a busboy at the Hotel Statler
He received a degree in Liberal Arts, then attended the
University of Buffalo
Law School. To pay his way through college he worked as a salesman
for the Buffalo
Leather Goods Co. In 1931 Sedita received his law degree.
"Things were lean and rough in those days. Even $3
a week law clerk jobs were unavailable," he stated.
In 1932, Sedita was admitted to the bar and began
his legal practice.
In 1933 he was appointed a deputy sheriff assigned
to Supreme Court.
Sedita was appointed an assistant corporation counsel
in 1935, serving through 1938. At that time he was made
secretary of the Division of Water, by Mayor Holling
In 1935, Sedita ran for State Assembly, but only
had $135 to campaign with, and subsequently lost the election.
He was made a clerk in City Court in 1941. That position
he held until January 1, 1947. He was made chief clerk in
Surrogate's Court in 1948.
In 1949 Sedita ran for City Court judge. During his
campaign he closed all his speeches with quotes from the
Old Testament by the Prophet Micah. He was usually in the
middle of a speech at a rally when the head of the ticket,
mayoral candidate Chief Judge John D. Hillery
, would arrive. When the crowd would calm down, Sedita would
end his speech at that point, quoting from Micah. Despite
a strong Republican turnout at the polls, including for
the mayoral candidate, Sedita won by 12,000 votes. He was
sworn in on January 1, 1950, for a 10-year term.
During his time on the bench, he became interested
in the plight of the homeless and alcoholics. He would often
furnish a homeless person with enough money for a meal and
room. By 1957 he was part of a committee working to establish
a home to rehabilitate vagrants and alcoholics.
He used, as his judicial guide, a quotation from
Micah, "love mercy, do justice and walk humbly with thy
God."
Sedita could fluently speak Italian, Polish, Spanish
and English, which helped him while he was on the bench.
In 1952 Sedita was the Democratic candidate for Supreme
Court justice. He carried the city by 30,000 votes, but
the rest of the Eighth Judicial District more than
offset that number of votes, and he lost.
After the votes were tabulated it was found that
Sedita ran 9,000 votes ahead of President Eisenhower
in Buffalo
This caused his political clout to increase tremendously.
His main interest at this time was domestic relations.
"The family is the cornerstone of society. There are times
when a quarrel between husband and wife might make it appear
they are beyond reconciliation. But maybe only the right
word at the right time will get them together again. That's
what I try to do. It's a wonderful feeling when you succeed.
"If I can get a husband and wife in my office to
talk out their problems, they invariably walk out hand in
hand," he said.
The Judge bucked politicians, including party members,
when he supported reforms by Republican Judge Ryan.
"Anytime anybody proposed something to improve the
court, therefore improving the city, I was for it regardless
of who proposed it.
Sedita became the Democratic candidate for mayor
in 1957.
"A man elected to public office owes a solemn duty
to the people to work day and night, if necessary, to advance
their interests.
"Hence, I've been able to work in the best interests
of the people who elected me," he stated regarding his current
job on the bench.
Sedita resigned from his job on the City Court bench
on September 6, 1957 to pursue his mayoral bid.
The primary was held on September 10, 1957 and Sedita
did not disappoint anyone. He carried all but two of the
27 wards in the city, defeating Anthony F. Tauriello 20,802
to 11,955.
On the Republican side, Chester A. Kowal
easily won, as he was unchallenged.
Sedita addressed his supporters after the win. "I
am profoundly grateful to the many party workers who made
this victory possible. I promise them that I shall work
unceasingly until the final victory in November is achieved.
"May I urge all the citizens of Buffalo
, whom I know are interested in Buffalo
's tremendous future, to join with me in the coming campaign
so that our city can march forward to even greater progress."
Joseph F. Urbanczyk, a car salesman for former Mayor
Steven Pankow
, announced he would run as an independent on the November
ballot.
During an interview in October, 1951, Sedita said,
"The mayor's office is one of tremendous responsibility
and to one who can successfully fill it, it can be a truly
gratifying experience. I can do it."
LIFE AS A MAYOR
The election of 1957 was on November 5, with Sedita
the apparent winner.
After a rousing 20 minute long reception at Democratic
headquarters that evening, the visibly shaken Sedita addressed
the crowd.
"I don't quite know what to say. I give humble thanks
to God that I won. Further," his voice now quivering with
emotion, "I want to thank from the bottom of my heart, my
many loyal friends in both parties who voted for me.
"I owe an awful lot to my good wife.
"I am grateful to our chairman, Peter J. Crotty
"I want to assure the people of Buffalo
that I will try to do the best job I know how for them.
"I will surround myself with the best men available
and they will come from all sections of the city. My only
aim is to do a good job for the next four years."
The poll was so close that the voting machines were
impounded and the final results were not released until
November 11, 1957.
"I am impressed by the tremendous safeguards set
up to preserve the sanctity of the ballot," Sedita said.
The final tally proved Sedita the winner over Republican
Chester Kowal
, independent candidate
Elmer F. Lux
, and Liberal candidate
James A. Peck
, 72,306 to 72,246 to 45,759 to 1,835, respectively. Many
of Lux's votes came from Kowal, who beat him in the primary.
The Democrats still controlled the Common Council
, now 11 to 4. It was previously 9 to 6 in favor of the
Democrats.
Mayor Sedita
delivered his inaugural State of the City address on January
7, 1958.
"May I first express to you Mayor Pankow
and to your lovely wife, my best and sincere wishes for many
and fruitful years ahead. May you enjoy those years in the
full warmth and esteem you have earned. Through the years
it was inevitable that you would encounter disagreement
and opposition. And so will I. But if success be measured
in terms of friendships formed and loyalties earned, you
are indeed blessed.
"My friends, the emotions
this day evokes are mixed. There is of course, the tremendous
elation upon achieving a goal so earnestly sought and so
arduously achieved. But even greater is the deep sense of
responsibility which this occasion imparts. I believe that
the next 4 years can be years of tremendous growth and vitality
for our city.
"Without question the most sensitive function of
city government is the police
department. This is because the police
department and the manner of its performance, affect the very
roots of our society. A breakdown in law enforcement begets
a breakdown in public confidence in government and public
officials. In the conscientious citizen it is a source of
concern. In the indifferent a source of contempt. As a father
and former judge I know that we
cannot harvest
decency and respect for authority from a crop sown with
cynicism or special privilege.
"Politics
will play no part in the administration of the Police Department.
"A problem of immediate concern is the finances
of our city. The grave situation which confronts us is the
result of a number of different causes.
"Where will the money
come from? One answer is to increase our real property taxes
However, I have made my position clear on this issue. I
believe that real property is now bearing its fair share
of the cost of government. I fear that further increase
along this line will only tend to hasten the exodus of residents
and business from our city and aggravate our situation.
"Another source is
an increase in State aid to our city. While we shall exert
maximum efforts to accomplish this, it is only realistic
to state that our chances for success are, at best, speculative.
"Our Urban Renewal
Program will of course increase the value of city land. This
in turn will result in greater property tax receipts and
in an equitable manner. This, however, is a long-term process
and will not be immediately productive.
"I cannot over emphasize the importance I attach
to Urban Renewal
Urban Renewal means not only building; it also means repairing
what we have and keeping our house in order as a matter
of continuing policy. The returns from such a program are
entered not only in the accountant's ledger, they appear
also in declining criminal statistics and juvenile delinquency
The cost of the many and varied social services which these
conditions require, decreases. Decent housing
means more
productive, happier people. To assist in this program, I
shall put the full force of the Mayor's Office behind efforts
to secure federal funds. I shall further exert every effort
to further the broad objectives of this program.
"A problem, or rather a complex of problems
of equal importance is that of human rehabilitation or human
redevelopment. I have seen time and again the tragic
story of the young boy or young girl who comes into our
courts for the first time. I know something about the forces
which brought the youth there, about the association of
bad companions, about leisure time misspent, of time spent
in the alleys and streets of our city for lack of something
better to do, or more often, some place better to go. The
National Recreation Association reports that our playground
and recreational facilities are below national averages
and below the minimum considered essential.
"I have also presented in detail my plans for
our senior citizens.
"I take particular note of the problem of alcoholism.
This disease is becoming a matter of national importance.
As a disease it ranks among the first five in national incidence.
...I have disclosed plans for consideration of farms, halfway
houses and a program of public information.
"This administration will have a mind of its
own. It will also have a heart of its own.
"I expect the next 4 years to be full ones.
My city has been good to me. In return, I mean to make Buffalo
a better city and a greater city. My children and their children
will never have cause for shame for the part I will have
in shaping the destiny of this city I love so much."
The Mayor refused to attend a U.S. Conference of
Mayors
held in New
Orleans that year because Common Councilwoman Cora Maloney,
the first woman to sit on the Council, and a black, was
not allowed to stay in the same hotel as he.
Mayor Sedita
caused an uproar
on May 2, 1958 when he appointed his brother, Joseph J.,
to a fill-in position as City Court Judge. West Side residents
were angry that the mayor did not choose another Italian
lawyer from their area, instead of choosing his brother.
They immediately began looking for a candidate to oppose
his brother in the November election.
The Mayor responded to the criticism: "I will stack
him against any candidate who was interested in this appointment.
"I don't think any right-thinking person is going
to think unkindly toward me because I took care of a member
of my family."
But they did. Joseph Sedita lost in the November
election. Mayor Sedita
appointed him to the next available seat on City Court and he
won election the second time.
Mayor Sedita
delivered his second State of the City address to the Common
Council
on January 6, 1959.
"In the nature of things, a report of one's
stewardship tends to stress positive accomplishments. In
assessing developments of the past year, I have endeavored
to maintain balance and perspective. If I have not succeeded,
however, I am at the same time deeply aware that
nothing I now say or write will alter in the slightest degree
the record of what has been done or left undone.
"One year ago I stated that I believed the greatest
single challenge of our time was urban renewal. My conviction
has now, if anything, been strengthened. In this respect
there have been accomplishments.
"In the first place, the Masten Rehabilitation Project
is well on its way to completion. Results exceeded my fondest
hopes. Compliance has been virtually unanimous. If the spirit
and civic awareness of our people in the Fruit Belt area
is an indication of the general attitude of the people of
our city toward urban renewal, and I mean urban renewal
applied in personal terms, then I think that we have good
reason for optimism.
"In the meantime, the Ellicott District Project
is moving as rapidly as the deliberate process of law permits.
"In the midst of our renewal planning, the city
of Buffalo
..received a serious set-back. The Federal assistance program
was severely cut-back. Only one renewal project with total
Federal assistance of about two and a half million dollars
will be possible in any one year.
"The necessity of Waterfront-Crossroads
no longer is a matter of debate. Costs may run as high as twenty
million dollars.
"In the face of these developments, it was of
course necessary to postpone active steps looking toward
the beginning of a stadium or convention hall in the South
Main street area.
"In the field of education, I promised to do all
in my power to help planning necessary school construction
and to do what I could to provide funds to make teachers
salaries
adequate.
"Even in the face of severe financial limitations,
we were able to provide a million dollars more for the current
year than the previous year.
"Just about six months ago, the grim prospect of
payless days faced City Hall
I ordered strict economies all along the line. Those orders
have remained. In this case as in others, the public interest
has prevailed in my thinking,
over short-term
attractive consideration of personal popularity.
"A final word about money. Whatever is saved,
whatever is accumulated, redounds to the public benefit.
During my administration, the careful husbanding of our
resources will be an over-riding purpose. If in a given
time we are able to achieve a measure of success, I shall
count it as a crowning
accomplishment. To be required or expected to defend
such a record is repugnant and ridiculous.
"In the treatment of news, the press, radio and television
have contributed their measure of public service by keeping
the public informed.
"I am particularly grateful to WGR-TV
for making its time and facilities available, at no cost to
me or the City. Through the bi-weekly presentation known
as the 'Mayor's Reports', I have been able to explain to
the people the thinking which has gone into the administration
of the Mayor's office."
Peter J. Crotty
, Democratic chairman, orchestrated the Democrat controlled
Common Council
into passing a bill giving the mayor the ability to succeed
himself, paving the way for Sedita's re-election bid. Also
that year, a bill was passed to establish new ward boundaries
and councilmanic districts.
In 1959, Sedita was introduced to Ralph C. Wilson
Jr., who was looking for a city to locate his football franchise.
"I was so impressed when I met Frank Sedita
that I didn't visit any of the other cities recommended as possible
sites," Wilson said.
"He wanted to see Buffalo
become big league in every way and he accomplished it."
Mayor Sedita
's State of the City address which began the 1960's, was
given on January 26, 1960.
"The year just closed marks the half-way mark in
my administration. In whatever record of accomplishments
has thus far been compiled, may I say that the splendid
cooperation of Your Honorable Body has been an outstanding
factor.
"At this midway point in my administration,
my original conviction that urban renewal is the single
most important problem facing us has been strengthened.
Progress in this connection has been most reassuring.
"The report 'Future of Buffalo
'...recommended...the planning and development of an industrial
park.
"The Rehabilitation Program in the Fruit Belt has
progressed satisfactorily.
"While we are able to see concrete evidence of progress,
it is difficult to assess our position except by comparison
with other cities. In this
connection it is gratifying to report the comment
made by an Urban Renewal
Official. This official stated that the Buffalo
program represents the most comprehensive approach in the region,
and possibly the entire country.
"Some developments in the broad activities under
the jurisdiction of the Parks Department
deserve special comment. As a result of work completed during
the past year, the complete rehabilitation of Delaware Park
Lake will soon be accomplished.
"The Buffalo
Zoo
is in the process of a complete renewal. June 30, 1960 will
mark two years of a comprehensive five-year program of rehabilitation.
"It is anticipated that the 1960 census will
show over one hundred thousand persons in the City of Buffalo
over the age of sixty. Consequently plans have been formulated
during the past year to accommodate the needs and desires
of our senior citizens in all sections of the city.
"Amateur hockey enjoyed
a successful season at the Auditorium, as well as at the
rinks.
"The attention of the entire sports minded nation
has been directed to Buffalo
because of development in our sports picture. All but lost in
the attendant publicity were certain basic ingredients which
make up the present
picture. The initial determination to rehabilitate
Civic Stadium and adapt it for baseball was not generated
solely by sports considerations. Basic in the thinking was
the provision of a site in the Cold Spring areas for the
construction of Junior High School No. 92. The Board
of Education
advised that the Offermann Stadium
site was acceptable.
"In the meantime provision for a site for the
Baseball Bisons has to be made. ...Buffalo
was fortunate to have been selected as the site for a professional
football franchise. More recently the prospect of a Continental
League Baseball franchise has come closer to fruition
"This summary does not purport to be complete.
A complete report would include reference to the tree planting
program...the off street parking program, legislation to
control the problem of abandoned or dilapidated buildings...and
many other developments."
In August, 1960, the State Crime Commission released
a list of recommendations to improve the Buffalo
Police Department, including more foot patrols, use of call
boxes, one-man squad cars, and rotating detectives. Sedita
took all the recommendations personally and created quite
a stir within the city, and the Police Department.
In late 1960 he welcomed an invitation to testify
before a grand jury regarding the Police Department to "negate
some of the misrepresentation that have been made concerning
my office."
In early January, 1961, the Appellate Court ruled
the mayor succession law was valid, denying the challenger,
the Erie County Republican organization opportunity for
it's overturning. If the decision stood, the Mayor may have
been forced to sign into law a succession bill for the councilmen.
Mayor Sedita
delivered his final State of the City address on January 10,
1961.
"While the report will not alter the record of things
done or undone, nevertheless I appreciate the opportunity
to lay before you, as representatives of the people of the
City, some of the highlights of the year just concluded.
"In past messages I have stressed most strongly
our accomplishments in the field of urban renewal. I will
do no differently now. My conviction that this administration
in time to come will be judged in terms of our response
to the challenge of urban renewal has been progressively
strengthened. In the three years since I took office I have
been able to evaluate sufficient evidence to conclude that
the variety of problems which have arisen and the crises
which have developed all have a common denominator which
might be described as urban decline. The only remedy for
this condition, at least the only meaningful remedy that
has been demonstrated in urban America to date, is urban
renewal, with its application ranging from the radical surgery
of complete redevelopment through the more gentle approaches
of rehabilitation and conservation, and the application
of all of these to both residential and non-residential
areas.
"While the Rehabilitation Program in the Fruit
Belt area was eminently satisfactory, it was found that
certain difficulties occurred because of the inability of
that program to include enforcement of those structures
in the statutory multiple dwelling class. This, together
with the acceptance of Urban Renewal
as a major and continuing necessary program of the City, has
led to suggestions for the creation of a Department of Urban
Renewal.
"Further in the area of the renewal of the City
but outside the area of federal project assistance, looms
the challenge of renewal and revitalization of the City's
downtown
core area.
"The year 1960 also saw the formulation of plans
for a thorough revision of Police Department practices.
Among the more important of these must be included precinct
consolidation
Recently, through the cooperation of Your Honorable Body,
the first consolidation of three precincts into two was
accomplished. The chief beneficiaries of this move are our
citizens, who may expect increased police
protection through the availability of more men for line or
patrol duty. Another step which is related to precinct consolidation
is the use of one-man police
cars during daylight hours and in the least critical areas of
the city. This practice likewise has made more officers
available for patrol duty in our worst trouble areas.
"The program for alcoholics and homeless men
met many discouraging setbacks. A number of sites for the
establishment of one or both of these installations were
visited by members of my committee. ...For one reason or
another, these sites were withdrawn from the market.
"The year 1960 must
be viewed with mixed emotions. Because of events which transpired
during that year, our local financial situation is disturbing
and unsettling. To begin with, our local economy is suffering
from severe unemployment
and consequent lack of purchasing power.
"Another category of revenue loss might be described
as the necessary price of progress....chiefly the State
Arterial Highway Program.
"There is another
loss of city revenues which, however, can be viewed with
no such complacency. I refer to the legislation adopted
during the past year by the New York State Legislature and
espoused by Governor Rockefeller which exempts railroad
property from local real estate taxation. ...It represents
a seemingly deliberate and calculated selection of the local
taxpayers as its target.
"By selecting the
local taxpayer to finance this relief a blow is struck at
the very heart of the revenue producing potential of local
government.
"Finally, I would voice reasoned optimism about
our future. We may expect a few more years of belt-tightening,
or forbearance on the part of our employees, of understanding
on the part of our citizens. The ultimate solution to the
problems which beset city government is in concrete execution.
We can now begin sensibly to estimate when practical, tangible
results will be felt."
Mayor Sedita
was admitted to practice law before the U.S. Supreme Court on
January 19, 1961, the same day his son, Frank, Jr., received
word he passed his bar exam.
On March 31, 1961 University Councilman William F.
Lyman disclosed that Mayor Sedita
had many relatives on the city payroll, including two sisters,
a cousin, a brother-in-law, and a nephew. Most had bypassed
civil service exams for their positions.
Mayor Sedita
, now that his succession law has upheld court battles,
announced his campaign for re-election in 1961.
Sedita won the Democratic nomination and began his
campaign with the slogan "One Good Term Deserves Another."
The primary was held on Thursday, September 7, 1961.
North District Councilman Victor I. Manz proved to be a
powerful challenger, defeating Sedita 25,337 to 24,900.
Councilman-at-Large Charles V. McCabe received 2,335 votes,
P.E. Gismondi 516, and blank & void 3,015.
After the loss, Sedita claimed he was politically
attacked with malicious lies during the campaign, including
his having a criminal record, being a strikebreaker, and
a gambler.
Sedita also claimed his people became over-confident
and failed to work hard enough.
Intent on staying in City Hall
, he decided to run as an independent on the Citizen's Party
ticket. "Mr. Manz cannot be mayor of Buffalo
and he knows he can't," was Sedita's claim.
The Buffalo
Evening News: "Mayor Sedita
had come to office under a long-standing one-term rule that
had been so basic to this city's plan of government that
no previous regime had dared to try to change it without
a public referendum. But the Crotty-Sedita organization,
emboldened by the ease with which it had put through an
inexcusably gerrymandered ward redistricting. The mayoral
election...would be the referendum. And so, even in its
primary phase, it was."
The Republicans nominated Chester A. Kowal
for mayor, who was unopposed in the primary.
At the November 7, 1961 election, the Democrats split
their votes between their nominee, Manz, and Sedita, giving
Chester Kowal
the win. Kowal received 74,995 to Sedita's 62,196. Manz received
51,899 and Peter Carr
on the People's party line, received 8,016.
The Common Council
was now 11 to 4 in the Democratic favor, even though the Republicans
gained a few seats.
At 9:30 p.m. election night, Sedita stepped onto
a chair to address his party workers.
"I'm proud of you. Believe me, I'm proud of you.
"The people have spoken. We will have a new mayor
on January 1, 1962.
"Mr. Kowal has been elected and, take my word for
it, it's a stiff job he will assume."
Within a few minutes of ending his speech he ordered
a telegram sent to Kowal.
"Accept my sincere congratulations on your victory.
I know that all the people of our great city will join together
to give the support and encouragement you will need to meet
the grave challenges that lay ahead."
Sedita was the first big city mayor to endorse John
F. Kennedy
for President
in 1960.
President Kennedy, in turn, nominated Sedita to the
post of Federal Customs Collector for the Port of Buffalo
in 1962. This was apparently one of Sedita's "unhappiest" times.
This non-political position was not for Frank Sedita
On May 7, 1965 Sedita resigned from his post as Federal
Customs Collector in order to begin campaigning for re-election
to the mayor's office.
On May 22, 1965 Sedita began his campaign for the
office of Mayor. Addressing a crowd that night:
"I have seen this city become the butt of ridicule
and disgust," he said. "This city was subjected to 3 1/2
years of abuse and misuse which we can no longer tolerate."
"During the four years of my administration, we were
able to complete many projects. Others, we were able only
to define and start.
"There was much that would have to be done by succeeding
administrations.
"If the administration which succeeded mine had in
fact continued this program, or had substituted an alternative
of its own dedicated to the same ends, then indeed I would
have felt fortunate to be able to continue in the challenging
and interesting work of the federal service.
"Instead, in the 3 1/2 years which have gone by,
I have watched this city steadily deteriorate.
"From all this has come a sense of urgency, need
and alarm which have prompted the course I have chosen.
"I have not felt that I could criticize unless I
were ready and willing to become involved. And that, very
briefly, is why this testimonial dinner is taking place
tonight.
"And so the question has repeatedly been asked of
me: "Why are you relinquishing all of this (custom's position)
for the uncertainties of elective public office?
"The answer to this question is inextricably mixed
with four years I served as mayor of this city. I can tell
you that this job demands and deserves all the ingenuity,
the resourcefulness, the patience, the understanding, the
integrity and professional ability that its occupants possess.
And then more.
"That's the way I saw it. That's the way I tried
to do it. In the course of four years, I endeavored to develop
a program which would put a badly deteriorating city, a
city in deep trouble, back on the road to economic and social
recovery. Into this effort, I invested and left a substantial
segment of my life."
A standing ovation was given to Sedita as he finished.
On June 16, 1965 he was endorsed by the Liberal party,
which forced the Democrats to also do so. On July 3, the
Democratic party
endorsed him.
At the primary election
held on September 14, 1965, Sedita defeated labor leader and
AFL-CIO president, James Kane
, and Common Council
President Chester Gorski
, 33,731 to 22,014 to 18,854, respectively.
The Republican nominated Roland Benzow
over Anthony Lombardo 19,032 to 10,909.
"Now we must look ahead to the general election and
to a victory for our party. I offer my hand in friendship
to both my opponents, hoping they will join together with
me for the benefit of the city we love," was Sedita's winning
statement.
He attributed his victory to the "great organizational
drive under the brilliant leadership of (party boss) Joe
Crangle
"
At the general election held on November 2, 1965
Sedita was again victorious, earning a second trip to the
mayor's chair. He defeated Roland Benzow
and Conservative nominee Bernard Kurtz
92,950 to 81,191 to 974, respectively, to be the first Buffalo
mayor elected to a second term in 40 years.
The Common Council
carried a Democratic majority of 11 to 4.
Sedita's victory speech: "It's been a real hard campaign.
I'm sorry to see some of my fellow candidates lose but that's
the way it is in elections...there are winners and losers.
"I'm thankful to Almighty God, the people of Buffalo
and my family for putting up with me these past four months.
Now there is tremendous work to be done.
"There are some things that happened during the campaign
which I felt were unfair but we won't talk about it tonight.
I have no fault with anyone.
"I pledge to be the kind of mayor you will want me
to be."
The following day, Wednesday November 3, Sedita received
over 200 telegrams, including one from Mayor Kowal
Senator Robert F. Kennedy
and Vice President Hubert Humphrey both telephoned Sedita to
congratulate him and to pledge help in revitalizing Buffalo
Sedita's second term marked many firsts in Buffalo
politics. He held over two GOP administration officials; appointed
blacks as fire commissioner, city court judge, city license
director, and deputy city treasurer; and appointed Liberal
Party
members to his cabinet.
His naming of William Sims to the City Court upheld
a pre-election promise to put a Negro on the bench at the
first opportunity.
Sedita decided to run for state attorney general
in 1966, run by Republican stronghold Louis J. Lefkowitz.
It was said that he "probably took the assignment through
party loyalty."
The 1966 Democratic State Convention was held in
Memorial Auditorium
in Buffalo
in early September. Sedita was prepared to accept the Democratic
nomination for attorney general but was then projected as
the possible candidate for lieutenant governor. By mid-afternoon
on September 7th, Sedita changed his mind. "Under no circumstances
will I accept the nomination for attorney general," was
his statement.
This was apparently brought on by the strong Italian-American
presence, who wanted him to be nominated for the lieutenant
governor position.
After all the nominating was through, Sedita accepted
the attorney general nomination. He went directly from the
convention at Memorial Auditorium
to the Fifth Assembly District Democratic Club in Polish Union
Hall on Fillmore Avenue near Bailey Avenue where he made
his first campaign speech.
At the general election held on November 8, 1966,
incumbent Louis J. Lefkowitz retained his job as attorney
general, defeating Sedita and two other candidates. The
final tally showed Lefkowitz with 2,712,906 votes to Sedita's
1,996,365 votes.
About 40 minutes after the polls closed, Sedita conceded
defeat. Addressing his workers at Democratic Headquarters
in the Statler Hilton:
"You win a few and you lose a few.
"I'll be at my desk in City Hall
tomorrow, and win, lose or draw I'd have been there anyway."
"It was an odd thing," he spoke to reporters, "but
you know I couldn't get many city workers to work for me.
They wished me well but they didn't work.
"I've got a letter over at City Hall
that came from a teacher. She wrote: "We need you more here.
We're not voting for you.'"
"I had a good time," Sedita remarked afterward. "I
knew from the first it probably was not going to turn out
the way I would like to have had it."
In June 1967, at the Michigan Avenue YMCA, the Mayor
faced an angry crowd of young blacks during an East Side
street confrontation, during which police
were bombarded with rocks.
Throughout parts of 1967, and leading up to early
July racial tension grew throughout Buffalo
It had escalated to full blown riots in other cities, but
was kept to a minimum in Buffalo
There was three days of sparse rioting in early July with
240 arrests. "KKK" was spray painted on black churches.
Sedita believed the reason Buffalo
was spared much of the violence was because of the "cooperation
of the people and the administration and the police
department.
"I think, too, we've been able to hold down these
problems because we've convinced all the groups that make
up our city that here is an administration that has room
for every ethnic group of the city."
The New York Times named Sedita its "Man in the News,"
crediting him with being able to keep harmony in Buffalo
Sedita was chosen by Democratic Speaker Anthony J.
Travia to the newly created Niagara Frontier Transportation
Authority
The appointment was rejected by Governor Rockefeller on
July 14, 1967. The governor felt that no elected officials
should be on the board.
In June 1968, Buffalo
was turned down for a National League baseball franchise. He
still favored the building of a Crossroads
stadium on the waterfront
Sedita was instrumental in helping get the Buffalo
Sabres
to Buffalo
"He encouraged us when we first made application for a National
Hockey League franchise," Ralph C. Wilson
Jr., former Sabres' board vice-chairman stated.
Sedita sought re-election in 1969. His platform was
nearly identical to his pre-election promises in 1965. "Keep
the Peace. Keep Sedita.' was one campaign poster in the
Buffalo
News.
The primary was held on September 14, 1969. Sedita
won the Liberal nomination 665 to 477 for Dr. Nvala M. Drescher.
"My platform, basically is my record in office.
"My opponents, in contrast, must bear the burden
of making promises and of establishing credibility in their
programs and their ability to implement them.
"The voters must choose between an established record,
created by diligence, ingenuity and experience on the one
hand, and words, created to meet the needs of a political
campaign on the other. I will be content to rest my case
on this choice," Sedita said in a statement released October
17, 1969.
His record included preparation of a new in-city
community college, maintaining relative peace, and progress
in all the traditional areas of government.
Republican candidate, Alfreda Slominski
, was supported by Governor Rockefeller, but he did not
campaign for her.
The primary was held on June 17, 1969. In the Republican
primary, Alfreda Slominski
defeated Richard E. Moot, 21,525 to 11,618. Mayor Sedita
was unopposed in the Liberal and Democratic primaries. It was
the first time in 40 years that the Democratic party
did not have a primary contest for mayor.
The general election was held on November 4, 1969.
Sedita scored a triumphant election win, garnering the largest
Democratic majority in a Buffalo
mayoral contest. His 83,592 votes beat Slominski's 61,213 and
Unity Independent Party Ambrose I. Lane
's 7,430. Sedita also received 3,727 votes on the Liberal
line and Slominski received 6,667 on the Conservative line.
Sedita won 19 of the 27 wards and became the city's
first three four-year term mayor.
The Common Council
was controlled by the Democrats 13 to 2.
Sedita addressed his workers: "Thank you for your
expression of confidence in the future of our city.
"This is not a personal victory for Frank Sedita
This is a victory for the good neighbors of the City of
Good Neighbors.
"And it proves to the nation that the things that
unite us are more important than the things that divide
us."
Slominski sent Sedita her congratulations. "I congratulate
you on your victory. The problems of Buffalo
remain. I will, as in the past, speak out. I pledge my support
when I find you are right. I will continue to represent
the citizens of Buffalo
as I feel they should be represented."
On November 11, 1970 Frank Sedita
Jr. was appointed Senior Deputy Corporation Counsel. This drew
fire from councilwoman Alfreda Slominski
"Nepotism
is assailed' as one headline wrote.
City Court Judge Joseph Sedita was on hand in January
1971, to swear in his brother for his third mayoral term.
Racial tension once again broke out in Buffalo
This time it struck in the classrooms. As anti-Viet Nam
demonstrations were being held, violence in the city schools
was at an all-time high. Blacks and whites were fighting
on a daily basis.
Sedita felt the need to run for Erie County executive
in 1971.
County Executive Tutuska was the endorsed GOP candidate
for re-election when he suffered a heart attack.
While recuperating, he was challenged in the September
primary by Edward V. Regan
Tutuska subsequently withdrew his nomination and Regan
took his place.
At the primary, held on September 14, 1971, Sedita
won the Liberal nomination over Dr. Nuala M. Drescher, 655
to 477. He already had secured the Democratic nomination.
Regan
was unopposed in the primary.
At the first televised debate of the campaign on
October 13, 1971, Sedita declared the major issue was leadership.
"It's experience against inexperience. It's performance
against promises."
"Do we want new leadership or the same people who
control City Hall
?" Regan
insisted.
Regan
promised a centralized police
agency, improving the county economic base and providing jobs.
He also lambasted Sedita's handling of the violence in the
schools. He said Sedita's response was "quite late." Reports
of the school turmoil had been "coming in for years."
"I moved with dispatch," the Mayor said.
Sedita said Regan
didn't speak out against the GOP failures in county hall "until
after (County Executive) Tutuska's heart attack.
"I think we are entitled to interpret Mr. Regan
's criticism of the county government then, not as high
principle, but as opportunism."
One of the questions directed to Sedita said that
he "bought the support of the two major daily newspapers,"
based upon the Courier-Express receiving the first cable
TV franchise and the Buffalo
Evening News receiving space to build a parking lot.
Sedita denied both accusations stating the cable
franchise was awarded on the "merits...they deserved it"
and he didn't know what the parking lot reference was about.
Sedita received endorsements from a group of 46 local
sports personalities headed by Bob Lanier of the Detroit
Pistons and Tom Day, coach for the Buffalo
Bills
The committee said in a statement that Sedita brought
the "Bills to Buffalo
, supported the stadium lease and renovated Memorial Auditorium
to assure major-league hockey and basketball for the city.
"His excellent performance stands in stark contrast
to four years of fumbling by Republicans over a stadium."
The general election was held on November 2, 1971
and even the endorsement of professional athletes couldn't
help Sedita. Edward V. Regan
handily defeated him, 216,959 to 162,706, in the race for county
executive.
"You win some and you lose some. You can't win them
all.
"I've tasted victory and I've tasted defeat. I'd
like to win, but you can't always win.
"I want to congratulate Mr. Regan
I wish him well. I wish all the people - those who voted
for me and those who voted for him - to give him their support
in the battle to move this county ahead."
Sedita commented at a Democratic fundraiser about
a month after the election, about why he felt he lost.
"People had a lot of frustrations and they had to
let them out against someone.
"Crime...muggings...school bussing, reports of cross
bussing...trouble at Ellicott Mall and Talbert Mall...and
high taxes
"People were crying out in protest and there I was,
the Mayor of Buffalo
, as the symbol.
"I have no regrets. Life has been good to me. I've
had my honors. And in my own heart, I know I did my best."
A controversy was flaring in the city as an investigation
into City Hall
goldbricking and no-show job practices became known. In November
1972 The Buffalo
Courier Express had reported that a proposed payroll ordinance
amendment, better known as the "no-show" job bill, would
allow 67 city workers to be eligible for pay without showing
up for work. Later in the month, Sedita vetoed the controversial
bill.
Sedita brought in a team who investigated workers
receiving full pay for less than a full day's work. This
led to a grand jury probe and indictments.
It was announced in the local media in early February
1973, that Sedita may have planned on retiring to take a
post on the State Narcotics Addiction Control Commission,
appointed by Governor Rockefeller.
Sedita had wanted to slow down, his health failing
as of late, and this appeared to be the way out of his grueling
mayoral job.
On February 8, 1973 Sedita issued the following letters
to the Common Council
"RESIGNATION
"Gentlemen:
"For the reasons contained in the attached Statement,
I am hereby submitting my resignation as Mayor of the City
of Buffalo
, to become effective on March 5, 1973.
"Respectfully submitted,
"Frank A. Sedita
, Mayor."
"With deep regret, I have this day submitted to you
my resignation as Mayor of our City, effective March 5,
1973. I feel that you and all our fellow citizens are deserving
of an explanation of my action and some comment on my part
upon it.
"You will recall that some months ago I experienced
a physical setback that I publicly described as a warning
of a possible heart problem. My physician warned me at the
time of the grave nature of such a condition, urged that
I commence making plans to retire, and predicted a worsening
of the potentially fatal illness if I did not retire as
soon as possible.
"During the time since, that prediction has been
borne out. The typical stresses and pressures of managing
the affairs of a major city have resulted in a worsening
condition. On Wednesday of this week, I experienced a severe
setback that forces me, however grudgingly, to accept the
fact that I cannot continue to serve our people to the fullest
measure, without frankly endangering my life. Hence, I have
concluded that fairness to myself, my family, and to the
people, dictates that I resign as Mayor.
"Parenthetically, let me state that I have not sought
another post in government at any level nor has one been
offered me. If one should be offered, I state to you now
that I could not accept it.
"I wish to express to those of you who have labored
with me for so many years to save our city my deepest appreciation
and most heartfelt thanks. I am sure that you will agree
with me that the struggles and frustrations and agonies
we have been through have been truly worth it."
Governor Rockefeller offered Sedita a position on
the State Narcotics Addiction Control Commission. He was
very interested in the position, but was not able to accept
it right away because he was confined to his home by his
doctor.
The Buffalo
Evening News wrote an editorial when Sedita announced his retirement.
"The record is far from perfect, and Buffalo
still has its share of urgent public problems - some beyond
its capacity, some not. Some of these problems mirror nothing
so much as Mr. Sedita's fierce loyalty to friends and associates,
a few of whom let him down or didn't deserve it.
"As mayor, he cannot, of course, escape ultimate
responsibility for any inefficiency and wrongdoing within
his administration. But if some of his too-long-tolerated
associates are part of the City Hall
problem, the mayor himself has given effective leadership as
part of the cure.'
PERSONAL LIFE
Frank A. Sedita
married to Sarah Vacanti on July 11, 1934. They had two children.
The Sedita's lived at many different addresses through the
years, including 1175 Elmwood Avenue, on Niagara Street,
29 Chatham Avenue, and 20 Colonial Circle. Frank grew up
on Efner Street.
Sedita belonged to many civic, fraternal and social
organizations, including the Bar Association of Erie County,
Justinian Legal Society, Romulus Club, Remus League, Usher's
Club of Holy Cross and Greater Buffalo
Advertising Club
On April 17, 1973 Governor Rockefeller announced
that Sedita was offered a post on the State Crime Victims'
Compensation Board, effective May 1, which he accepted.
In 1973, the Buffalo
& Erie County Historical Society
presented its
prestigious Red Jacket Award to him for public service.
Also that year, he received the first Evans-Young Award
from the Buffalo
Urban League. The 101-unit Frank A. Sedita
Apartments for senior citizens were dedicated in his honor in
1973.
Sedita was admitted to the hospital on February 10,
1975 and underwent surgery three times to correct an intestinal
disorder. The last time was on Thursday, May 1, 1975 in
Meyer Memorial Hospital
The stress of the surgery caused Sedita's heart to fail.
He died the following morning, May 2, 1975. Sedita is buried
in Forest Lawn Cemetery
Mayor Stanley M. Makowski
offered praise to his former boss:
"In the entire history of our community, no mayor
has worked harder or contributed more to the welfare
of the City of Buffalo
and its citizens than did Frank A. Sedita
in his 11 years as the city's executive.
Mayor Sedita
's great love for Buffalo
spurred him to unceasing efforts to make this a better city.
He devoted his entire life to serving the people of Western
New York."
On December 14, 1987 School 38 was renamed Frank
A. Sedita
Community School. The school was also formally adopted at that
time by the 300,000 members of the Federation of Italian-American
Societies of Western New York.
