First of all they scream about homeland security funds being cut to NY, is there any wonder why? The plan is to spend $370,000 on the security system, $33,000 is just the inital cost to monitor the comings and goings of people around the mayor? If casey wants to see who is coming and going then he should spend his own money on this, how controlling is this guy anyway? Sounds like he’s looking for political hits to me..

So instead of Brown and Casey concentrating on spying on political activity, they need to focus on the streets of Buffalo and the protection of it’s businesses and residents.

Buffalo News - At City Hall: Smile - you’re on Casey’s camera
Security plans would give deputy mayor video access to surveillance cameras

Steve Casey wants to view comings and goings at City Hall.

Buffalo’s first deputy mayor is known by both friends and foes as someone who likes control.

Now Steven M. Casey wants to be among the select few who will have a video monitor at his desk, allowing him to watch as people enter and exit City Hall.

The Buffalo News has learned that preliminary plans for the building’s new high-tech security system include the installation of a video monitor in Casey’s second-floor office. The monitor would be linked to new cameras being installed in hallways.

Common Council President David A. Franczyk said he was surprised and a bit concerned when he learned the administration is even considering wiring the deputy mayor’s office.

“It’s something that should be left strictly to a security professional - like a police officer, not an unelected political appointee,” Franczyk said Thursday. “Otherwise, it’s like Big Brother: “We know who you are, and we know what you’re doing.’ ”

While Mayor Byron W. Brown’s second-in-command acknowledges that the option is being considered, he stressed that no final decision has been made. Casey also denied that such a monitoring device might give him a new task in his already bulging list of responsibilities.

The only reason the administration is considering putting a surveillance monitor in his office, Casey insisted, is because his workdays tend to be longer than most other appointed officials. If someone needs access to the mayor’s office after hours, he would be the most likely person at his desk, Casey said.

The main surveillance console would be stationed near the desk of a police officer assigned to protect the mayor.

But Franczyk said some could argue that such monitoring tactics could be used for political purposes - including keeping track of people who are seen together.

Franczyk also said he intends to try to block the administration’s plan to install surveillance cameras in the hallway of the 13th floor, where the Council president’s office and the city clerk’s office are located. Cameras inside Council chambers on that floor are fine, said Franczyk. But he doesn’t want monitoring devices in the hall.

Earlier this week, Council members delayed a vote on Brown’s request to spend an extra $32,069 in federal Homeland Security funds for additional security devices in City Hall. Lawmakers said there were too many unanswered questions about how the cameras would be monitored, how suspicious activity would be handled and what other precautions were anticipated.

Plans to upgrade City Hall security started a few years ago under then-Mayor Anthony M. Masiello. Public works officials reviewed a number of surveillance options. When Masiello opted not to seek a fourth term, he thought it best to leave it to the new mayor to settle on a security system.

In the long term, the city plans to spend nearly $370,000 in federal funds on a system that will include cameras near various City Hall entrances, outside the mayor’s office, in the first-floor treasury, on the 13th floor near the city clerk and Council chambers, and on the top floor observation deck.