At a time when many communities across the United States are grappling with the need for police reform, voters want to be informed on local political candidates’ positions on the subject.
The Cleveland Community Police Commission and Case Western Reserve University School of Law are co-sponsoring a forum to provide candidates for mayor of the City of Cleveland an opportunity to share their ideas on police reform with community members.
The online event is slated to take place from 6 to 8 p.m. June 24, via Zoom.
Candidates will be asked questions how they envision the Cleveland Division of Police can best serve the needs of the community, in particular youth and Black and Brown residents.
All those seeking candidacy for mayor were invited to attend. Those confirmed include Justin Bibb; Ross DiBello; Council member Basheer Jones; Council president Kevin Kelley; Zach Reed; Landry Simmons, Jr.; Latorya Jean Witcher; and state senator Sandra Williams. Former U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich was also invited.
“They will be asked questions regarding their views on police-community relations, the federal consent decree, how well police reforms are working in Cleveland, and what more they believe should be done,” said event organizer Lewis Katz, the John C. Hutchins Professor Emeritus of Law.
There is no cost to attend the forum, which is open to the public. Registration is now open.