Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Staff Review by Becky Pieszala:
Fond memories of “Hizoner” are evoked in this pictorial look at the life and political career of Buffalo Mayor Jimmy Griffin. Author Steven Cichon, former radio producer, announcer, and local historian, has captured the essence of the mayor in 140 pages of captioned photos interspersed with Griffin quotes, depicting his 45 years in public service — from councilman, to New York State Senator, to Mayor of Buffalo, and back to councilman again, and not forgetting his short run in the 1996 New Hampshire Presidential Primary against Bill Clinton.
The forward is written by his children, recounting life growing up in the Griffin household with fondness and humor. As Mayor, he was sometimes known for his outspoken personality. During the Blizzard of 1985, he famously recommended to Buffalo residents, “Go home, buy a six pack of beer, and watch a good football game.” He was the most memorable mayor of Buffalo in recent years, and Cichon’s look at Griffin depicts the best of him. I laughed, and sometimes got a bit sentimental and misty.
My one disappointment is that I wish there was more.
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