The new year brought about some big changes to local leader as for the first time in about a decade, two women are now part of Buffalo's Common Council.
Leah Halton-Pope, the new representative for the Ellicott District, and Zeneta Everhart, the new representative for the Masten District, are the first female members of the Common Council since 2014.
Everhart, the mother of Tops mass shooting survivor Zaire Goodman, had previously served as an aide to State Senator Tim Kennedy. The seat in the Masten District was vacated by Ulysees Wingo, who decided to not seek re-election.
"It is an absolute honor to serve the people of the Masten District, this community has been the heartbeat of the East Side of Buffalo my entire life and I do not take this opportunity lightly," said Everhart. "For too many years residents on the East Side of Buffalo have been left behind, and it is time that they get a return on their investment. The position that the residents have elected me for is not about amassing power or to lead over them. My responsibility here is to build leaders and show the entire Masten District that THEY have the power. In the words of Muhammad Ali, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on eart\h.” I believe that I am just a vessel through which transformation will flow and I am honored for the opportunity to serve.”
Halton-Pope replaces Darius Pridgen, who also did not seek re-election. She was a longtime advisor to State Assembly Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes.
Both were sworn in on Monday.