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12/03/2009 04:20 PM

Candidates in Ellicott District continues to grow

By: Giselle Phelps

The list of applicants vying to fill Buffalo's vacated Ellicott District council seat continues to get longer. The deadline to apply for the job is Friday afternoon at four. Our Giselle Phelps caught up with some of the candidates to find out why they want to join Buffalo's common council.

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BUFFALO, NY -- The list of applicants vying to fill buffalo's vacated Ellicott District council seat continues to get longer. The deadline to apply for the job is Friday afternoon at four. Our Giselle Phelps caught up with some of the candidates to find out why they want to join buffalo's common council.

Don Allen, Sr. made his way around Buffalo City Hall Thursday. He was there meeting with common council members in hopes of securing their votes.

"I'm laying out Don Allen on the table. I'm laying out my experience what I can bring to the council," said Ellicott council candidate Don Allen, Sr.

Allen is a former city commissioner. He served under Mayors Masiello and Griffith. He says he has the experience Ellicott needs.

"You got to handle block grants, you've got to handle budgets, and I’ve done all that. You got to handle people, I've done that," Allen.

While one candidate, marketing consultant Nicholas Primerano, says it's actually his lack of political experience that makes him the right choice.

"I won’t be bought or sold or told how to vote in any way shape or form, because I have no allegiance to anybody," said Ellicott council candidate Nicholas Primerano.

Ten qualified candidates had applied for the job by Thursday afternoon. Including, known community advocate Marilyn Rodgers.

"I know I can make a difference and I know I can make a difference without playing politics," said Ellicott council candidate Marilyn Rodgers.

True Bethel Pastor Darius Pridgen has been considered by some democratic observers to be the front runner for the job. These other candidates say not so fast.

"There's no question that, you know, the Reverend is the Mayor's choice. It's quite frankly anybody can see that," said Allen.

"He has the ability to serve this community as one of the main reverends to the Ellicott District working coinciding with the councilmember who gets the job and I think that should be taken into consideration," said Primerano.

"At this point it depends on what they're looking for exactly and I've submitted my resume with the good faith that I have the qualifications and I’m going to be able to present those qualifications to the council and they'll make the right decision," said Rodgers.

The Mayor Brown says claims he's lobbying for Darius Pridgen are false. Both Allen and Rodgers say they will run when the seat comes up for election next year. Primerano says he'll consider.