Media Contact: Michael Gainer, 716-949-0900

Buffalo, NY: Supporters, friends, neighbors, and members of the media are invited to attend the Campaign Announcement to launch Michael Gainer's candidacy to be the next Mayor of Buffalo. The announcement will be held at the Guild @ 980, 980 Northampton Street, Buffalo, NY 14211. 5:30 - 7 p.m on TUESDAY, January 21st.

Michael Gainer grew up in Erie, Pa, but has been living in Buffalo since 2005. Since arriving in Buffalo he has been involved in the founding of numerous not for profit efforts, social enterprises, and organizing efforts to leverage Buffalo's assets and engage the community. Shortly after arriving in Buffalo, Gainer was instrumental in the Founding of Buffalo ReUse, an innovative effort to reuse and recycle building parts and to pioneer the process of full building deconstruction. The effort earned national acclaim and resulted in a long lasting effort on Northampton Street to supply the neighborhood with affordable building materials. Gainer stated, "When I first arrived in Buffalo I was struck by the immense potential of this City and the generosity of the people. Buffalo ReUse was founded to leverage the assets of this City to add value to Buffalo neighborhoods. We planted 1000's of trees, trained and mentored young adults, and created a vibrant retail location on the East Side of Buffalo. Buffalo ReUse will always be an example to me of what is possible when residents work together, inspired by action, to improve their neighborhoods."

Gainer continues to work on the East Side of Buffalo. He is an engaged member and supporter of the Greater Jefferson Avenue Business Association and has been organizing for the last 18 months to stop the construction of the Kensington Expressway Tunnel. Gainer responded, "Removal of the Kensington Expressway is what my friends and neighbors have demanded. We want the highway removed, our park land restored, and reinvigorated commercial corridors on the East Side of Buffalo. I'm inspired by the actions of a small group of determined residents and community leaders to alter the trajectory of a massive infrastructure project. Our effort symbolizes what is possible when we unite to create a vision for healthy, safe, and inspiring communities."

Gainer continued, "We have big challenges ahead of us, but we have the resources and capacity right now to 'right the ship'. We must engage all of our residents and create a unified vision for the future of Buffalo. We must all help one another, every day and we need to leverage our assets and coordinate resources, to do the greatest good for our residents."

Gainer concluded, "This will be a campaign of action. We are going to talk about a bold vision and ideas, but we are going to start with small actions that positively impact people's lives everyday." To this end, Gainer asks that each attendee bring EXTRA WINTER CLOTHES to donate or non-perishable FOOD ITEMS to the announcement.