Justin Sondel of the Buffalo News [paywall] asked the Mayoral candidates “Why do you want to be Mayor?” Here’s what I told him:

I’ve spent the last 20 years in Buffalo running businesses and solving problems in city neighborhoods. A vacancy crisis led to the creation of a business model that recycles and reuses building materials while also creating job opportunities and a source of low-cost building materials for the community. A vision for local business led to the creation of the Foundry in 2012 and the Guild @ 980 in 2015. Low-cost, shared spaces support small business creation, collaboration and community. In both instances, we identified a need and developed initiatives to support entrepreneurship and economic development.

I’m a problem-solver, committed to identifying community needs and then leveraging our assets and human capacity to bring new ideas to life. We articulated a vision, built a team, consulted with experts, formulated a plan, and then rolled up our sleeves to do the work that turned liabilities into assets. This is my track record, getting groups of people together to work towards common goals. Our capacity as a community is nearly limitless.

I came to Buffalo because I saw and believed in its incredible potential and that belief continues to inspire me each day. I believe in the power of ideas, intention and vision. I believe in action, I believe in hard work and I believe in a tireless pursuit of justice and engagement that puts our communities first. We can be a world-class city, a great city, a city that is at the forefront of innovation, economic development and livable communities. Let’s dream it and then do it, Buffalo. Anything is possible.