Your description of the situation in Buffalo is spot on.
I too, grew up there and still have lots of connections with family and friends.
The corruption in WNY politics is legendary and most of the politicians who are most notorious for it were faithfully practicing Catholics.
Jimmy Griffin comes immediately to mind.
Yes, I remember Jimmy Griffin, although I was only growing up when he was mayor. I spent my childhood in Orchard Park and lived much of the last twenty years in South Buffalo, with a little time in North Buffalo and Lackawanna and out in Chaffee.