I never thought I would be supporting a Republican candidate, but I find myself pulling for Kevin Helfer in the Buffalo mayoral race. Why? Not so much because of who Helfer is, but who he isn't: Byron Brown. That's the last thing this city needs. It's painfully obvious that Brown is just another cog in the backslapping machine that is Buffalo, and indeed New York state, government. It seems everyone and their brother is clamoring for change, yet they want their Byron. Sorry, folks, but you can't have it both ways. Brown will almost certainly win in November, and I'd be amazed if we don't see more of the same from City Hall.

I also find myself wishing that the so-called 'reform' candidates would realize that being territorial cannot work when trying to beat a powerhouse such as Brown. Steve Calvaneso realized this, even if it was too late to make a real difference. Now, if only Judy Einach and Charles Flynn would come to their senses and drop out, Helfer might stand a chance. He is by far the most viable alternative to Brown in the general election, and we need to see that he gets every possible vote. Please, Judy and Charles, give it up and throw your weight behind Helfer. The 'anybody-but-Bush' mantra nearly worked for John Kerry in '04; why can't 'anybody-but-Brown' work for Buffalo?