By Aaron Besecker and Maki Becker
News Staff Reporters
The Erie County Board of Elections will decide Tuesday whether to appeal one or both decisions handed down Friday that allow Mayor Byron W. Brown to appear on the ballot in November on an independent line.
Brown's campaign has disputed a petition filing deadline set earlier this year by the State Legislature requiring independent nominating petitions for political office to be filed no later than 23 weeks before a general election.
The Brown campaign had submitted more than 3,700 signatures on a petition to secure an independent line – called the “Buffalo Party” – for the Nov. 2 ballot.
The mayoral campaign picked up momentum Tuesday, with incumbent Byron Brown touting support from veterans and developer Doug Jemal, while India Walton picked up Latino support with her promises for more affordable housing and less gentrification.
“We believe it is more appropriate to prepare to take office than to engage in a lengthy series of debates with a candidate who wouldn’t debate India until she beat him," Walton spokesman Jesse A. Myerson said.
After a ceremonial ribbon cutting for a new business at the Broadway Market, Brown on Saturday said the legal precedent to get on the ballot on an independent line "is very clear."
Democratic mayoral candidate India Walton discusses the court ruling that would put Mayor Byron Brown back on the ballot for November's general election.
