Western Regional OTB unanimously approves contract for Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown

Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Western Regional OTB Board of Directors voted unanimously on Thursday in favor of a contract to make Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown the corporation's new president and CEO.

The contract is expected to pay Brown $295,000. The Mayor has yet to sign the contract, as he still needs to get his gaming license.

Brown was first offered the job of president and CEO of Western Regional OTB back on Sept. 5.

Mayor Brown would take over the job from Henry Wojtaszek, who has been the group's CEO since 2016.

Buffalo Common Council President Chris Scanlon, who would be in line to take over as Acting Mayor in place of Brown, issued the following statement:

"Earlier today, Western Regional Off-Track Betting unanimously approved and offered a contract to Mayor Byron Brown to serve as its president and CEO.

"Should Mayor Brown decide to accept the position and resign from office, I stand ready to assume my city charter responsibility to serve as mayor of the City Buffalo with excitement and optimism.

"My experience serving as a Council Member for the past 12 years, nine of those in a leadership role, has me well prepared to tackle the challenges that lie ahead with a new vision and fresh ideas to lead Buffalo into the future.

"As a lifelong resident and father of three, raising my family in the city we all love, should I be appointed mayor I will be steadfast in my duties serving all residents of the city.

"In the coming days, I will be in communication with the mayor and his administration to ensure a seamless transition should he choose to accept the position. I look forward to sharing more information soon."