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Home > Leadership > Mayor > Archive Press Releases > 2006 Archives > January 2006 > Mayor Brown Appoints BMHA Special Counsel

Mayor Brown Appoints BMHA Special Counsel

Source/Contact
Office of the Mayor
Peter K. Culter
Director of Communications
716-851-4841

Attorney John V. Elmore to Conduct Investigation of BMHA

BUFFALO – Mayor Byron Brown today appointed local attorney John V. Elmore as Special Counsel for an investigation into the management and procurement activities at the Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority. Mayor Brown designated Mr. Elmore immediately following receipt of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Comprehensive Management Assessment Report on the BMHA.

"More than anything, it is important to determine the facts of the HUD report and to take appropriate action," stated Mayor Brown. "The report cited 65 matters of concern regarding management of the BMHA; John Elmore will meet with BMHA Commissioners, staff and HUD representatives to gather information and facts regarding the findings of the report. I expect to receive Mr. Elmore's analysis and subsequent recommendations in 21 days."

At a press conference earlier today, Mayor Brown expressed his determination to get to the bottom of all of the issues raised in the HUD Report. He expressed, however, that the most important factor of the BMHA, the tenants, must be held harmless in any ongoing investigation or subsequent action.

"The tenants deserve nothing less than the best possible housing that is safe, clean and affordable," said Mayor Brown. "I will not tolerate any action that threatens those essential conditions in every BMHA-managed property."

John V. Elmore is an experienced Criminal Defense Attorney. He is a former New York State Trooper, Manhattan District Attorney and New York State Assistant Attorney General. He has also taught Criminal Justice Administration at Buffalo State College and Medaille College. A native of Olean, New York, Mr. Elmore received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice Administration at Mansfield University and graduated in 1984 from the Syracuse University College of Law.

"The citizens of Buffalo deserve a well-managed public housing program and the tenants deserve decent, clean, safe housing properties," said Mr. Elmore. "I accept Mayor Brown's appointment as Special Counsel with the commitment of determining precisely what led to the HUD report and how best to address its findings."

Mr. Elmore's mother served as the president of the first municipal housing authority in Olean.