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

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Frank A. Sedita

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.

 

This text is Copyright 2001 all rights reserved by Stephen Powell and buffalonian.com. This electronic text may not be dupicated or used in any manner without written consent of Stephen R. Powell or buffalonian.com

 

 

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