Byron Brown offered CEO role at Buffalo Off-Track Betting Corp

Byron Brown, the longest-serving mayor of Buffalo, was offered the position of president and chief executive officer of the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation on Thursday. This decision was made during a closed-door meeting held at the Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel, where the board of directors voted unanimously in favor of the offer. Brown, a Democrat, is currently in his fifth four-year term as mayor, having begun this term in 2022. The current CEO, Henry Wojtaszek, has been in the role since 2016 and is set to depart at the end of the year, creating an opportunity for new leadership. If Brown accepts the offer, he would take over the responsibilities of overseeing the Batavia Downs racetrack and casino, as well as managing off-track betting sites across several counties. The terms of Brown's potential employment, including his salary, would need to be negotiated through a contract. As of now, Brown has not publicly commented on the offer, and a message was sent to his spokesperson for further clarification. Should Brown choose to leave his mayoral position before the end of his term, the City Charter stipulates that Common Council President Christopher Scanlon, also a Democrat, would assume the role of acting mayor. This situation raises questions about the future of Buffalo's leadership and the implications of Brown's potential transition to the Off-Track Betting Corporation.