Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown signed into law on Monday the reapportionment local law that the Buffalo Common Council approved back on July 19, which changes the boundaries of the nine districts of Buffalo.
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It was on Tuesday where he explained his reasoning behind signing the reapportionment law into effect.
"The Buffalo Common Council followed all of the procedures that were required by law, according to the city charter. By law, according to the city charter, as Mayor, I had to hold a public hearing. We did hold the public hearing allowed for more than the required time for people to be notified," said Mayor Brown.
"There were 26 people that provided testimony at the public hearing that we held. We also created a website where people could make their comments online and we had 200 comments online. That website was open seven days a week, 24 hours a day for public comment. Based on my review of the comments and review of the council process, I did sign Local Law No. 1 regarding reapportionment, that was forwarded to me by the City Council," Mayor Brown said.
After the Buffalo Common Council approved the redistricting maps, some outspoken residents said that if the Mayor signed to approve the maps, they will pursue legal action. However, Mayor Brown says that legally, it is improbable to successfully do so.
"I don't see any legal basis for challenging the maps that were done by the Reapportionment Commission forwarded to the council, reviewed by the council and then sent to me, I see no legal basis for a challenge. But that is the right of these individuals," said the Mayor.
Hear more of his comments in the player below: