June 3: Cleveland City Council Committee of the Whole
Covered by documentarians Tina Scott (notes) and Stecia Swain (live tweets)
Cleveland Police requested assistance
Two cities, Milwaukee and Chicago, could get the support of Cleveland police at their national presidential conventions this summer, but time is running out for City Council approval.
Cleveland Police Chief Wayne Drummond introduced the bill to city council members on June 3, and hoped the council would approve the proposal at its final meeting Monday night before the summer recess.
But after the bill was read, City Councilman Michael Polensek told council members and police officials that even though he was listed as the bill's sponsor, no one had informed him about the bill, which had not previously been introduced to the City Council.
“I'm not going to support it,” said Polensek, who chairs the safety committee and represents the 8th Ward.
Milwaukee could also call in the National Guard or other law enforcement agencies, he added.
Polensek has requested that the work be put on hold, pending further review by the administration and council.
The council's next meeting is scheduled for July 10. The Republican National Convention is scheduled to be held in Milwaukee from July 15 to 18, and the Democratic National Convention in Chicago from August 19 to 22.
The bill is aimed at an agreement with both cities that would allow the city of Cleveland to be compensated for providing law enforcement services.
More money for Cleveland City Council elections
During the meeting, council members weighed in on whether to consider increasing campaign contributions to city council elections. Previously, individuals could donate up to $1,500 and businesses could donate up to $3,000.
Speaker Blaine Griffin said he thought doubling the donation amount was a reasonable request, but some lawmakers, such as Rep. Joe Jones, questioned why there are limits on how much people can give to Congress during an election year.
Later that night, Congress approved doubling campaign finance limits.
Read recorder Tina Scott's notes:
Read recorder Regina Samuels' live-tweet thread:
