The Buffalo Common Council held its first session of the new year on Tuesday.

During the meeting, former president pro tempore Chris Scanlon was elected Common Council president.

He takes over for Darius Pridgen, who decided to not run for reelection in November.  

Lovejoy District Representative Bryan Bollman was elected to take over Scanlon's previous secondary role as pro tempore.

Newly-elected Ellicott District Councilwoman Leah Halton-Pope was also unanimously voted to serve as the Common Council's majority leader.  

"It is overwhelming that they would even consider me as a freshman to hold this position. I intend to work on their behalf and to support them,” said Halton-Pope. “This is a big city. It is very diverse. Ellicott is just one of nine and I know we will work together to make the city of Buffalo a better place."

This was also the first meeting for community activist Zeneta Everhart after winning the Masten District race in November.