BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Tuesday is Primary Day in the City of Buffalo, and five men are vying for the Democratic nomination for mayor.
The candidates shared their vision and the changes they'd like to see, as the city prepares for new leadership following Mayor Byron Brown's departure last year.
Here's a look at what they had to say ahead of the election:
Senator Sean Ryan
"People are looking for a change in how the City of Buffalo is run. They want a brand new approach, and I'm the person that's going to bring them to a brand new approach," Ryan said. "I want the voters to see me as a change agent who has a history of getting accomplishments done. People are cautious. They've heard empty promises over the years."
Anthony Tyson-Thompson
"We can't keep expecting a new Buffalo from the same old leaders doing the same old things due to the same status quo. We need a new vision and bold, dynamic leadership. And that's what my candidacy represents. It's the bridge between the young and our elders," Tyson-Thompson said. "I know the challenges that so many things face in the City of Buffalo, because I lived them, but I've also lived the hope because I persevered and made something of my life."
Council member Rasheed Wyatt
"I think hitting the ground running is what sets me apart. And I've been vocal in the council. You know, others can't say that. Some of them aren't even elected, so I think I bring that to the table," Wyatt said. "It has been saying the same old, same old. That's not going to be the flavor for me, because, again, we have to get our finances under control. I'm not going to be going everywhere, getting pictures and all those things, I'm going to be in the trenches, because we got to fix this budget."
Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon
"I love getting up and getting to go to work and trying to improve the lives of Buffalonians. And I think that if people put their faith in me and our team, the best days of Buffalo are directly ahead of it," Scanlon said. "I pride myself on partnerships and collaboration, and I think that's the only way we are going to reach our full potential — making sure that our private sector, our nonprofit sector, public sector, and our residents are all on the same page."
Garnell Whitfield
"I feel I can make a difference, because I'm going to work for the people. The people are going to be my priority. That's going to make all the difference in the world," Whitfield said. "We have a wonderful opportunity to do something positive — to do something that's going to make a difference for generations to come. And so I'm excited about that."
WATCH: Buffalo Democratic mayoral candidates' final push ahead of Primary Day
Polls are open Tuesday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. To vote in this primary, you must be a registered Democrat. The winner will advance to the November general election.
