June 3: Committee of the Whole, Cleveland City Council
Covered by Documenters Tina Scott (notes) and Stésià Swain (live-tweets)
Calls for backup from Cleveland police
Two cities – Milwaukee and Chicago – might get support from Cleveland police at this summer’s national presidential conventions, but the clock is ticking on City Council’s signoff.
Cleveland Interim Public Safety Director Wayne Drummond presented the legislation to City Council members June 3, hoping council would approve the proposal at its last Monday night meeting before summer break.
But, after the legislation was read, Council Member Michael Polensek told council members and law enforcement staff that no one had told him about the piece, even though he is listed as a sponsor of it. It had not previously been introduced to council.
“I’m not inclined to support it,” said Polensek, who chairs the Safety Committee and represents Ward 8.
Milwaukee could call the National Guard or other law enforcement agencies, he added.
Polensek asked to hold the piece. It awaits further review by the administration and council.
Council’s next meeting is scheduled for July 10. The Republican National Convention is scheduled for July 15-18 in Milwaukee, and the Democratic National Convention is scheduled for Aug. 19-22 in Chicago.
The legislation is for agreements with both cities and would allow Cleveland to be reimbursed for providing law enforcement services.
More money for Cleveland City Council races
During the meeting, council members weighed in on whether or not they should consider increasing campaign contributions for council campaigns. Previously, individuals could give up to $1,500 and corporations could give up to $3,000.
Council President Blaine Griffin said he believes that doubling those amounts is a fair request. Others – such as Council Member Joe Jones – questioned why there are any restrictions on how much money can be donated to council during campaign season.
Later that night, council approved doubling the limits for campaign contributions.
Read the notes from Documenter Tina Scott:
Read the live-tweet thread from Documenter Regina Samuels:
Suggested Reading
Cleveland City Council hikes limit for council campaign donations ahead of 2025 election
Council President Blaine Griffin says the new limits are meant to account for rising campaign costs. In a letter to council, dozens of residents criticized the ‘haste of this rich donor ordinance.’