December 01, 2025

>> Good evening. Um, I wanted to first of all stop and thank a couple of the outgoing council members for your service here. Um, I'm not Danny in your ward. I know we disagreed on things. I particularly on the CVS, but I always got the sense that you were in it to help out for the greater good of the city. Um, so I really do wish all of you the best on your new endeavors here. Um, really briefly on the lakefront, I think we're on the edge of a huge opportunity for the city here. Uh it's going to be a once in literally a century uh chance for us to make it better. Uh and I hope we keep going in the direction of positive uh public space for everyone. Uh the last thing I wanted to talk about is far from the most pressing need of the city. But I did want to remind people that our civic symbols are under attack from people outside Cleveland here. Uh the Cleveland Heights founder of the Cleave Flag Project is deliberately sewing confusion on his new flag. His success is actually a mirage. A man who has sold less flags than a single night's crowd at Severance Hall claims to represent the people. Uh so in response what I did was I designed these uh and other variations to the Cleveland flag that respect Susan Hepern's original plans but bring kind of youth and a new a new movement to the city here. Um, so I just encourage us to respect the history of Cleveland, uh, and to consider adopting these variations. We also have, uh, an Italian variation, an Irish variation. Um, but when we brought them around the city, thank you. When we brought them around the city, uh, it was more than just symbolism. People saw themselves. You should see the excitement when people see a flag, uh, of their city that represents their community. Uh it was pos it was really a powerful thing. Um and really out of respect for the thousands of heroes who wear our flag every day on their shoulders uh when they go into the line of duty, I really urge the city in the future to reaffirm our original flag and authorize variations that let our community's voice shine year round. Uh not only from Pride Month, but to Black History Month, St. Patrick's Day, the feast of the assumption, Hispanic Heritage Month. Uh we have an opportunity here and thank you. Happy holidays, everyone.

>> Thank you. Good evening. My name is Stephanie Ash and I'm a licensed social worker who works in Cleveland. I represent over 600 social workers and students on the board of the National Association of Social Workers Ohio chapter. I also serve on the care response committee for the Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Services Board of Kyhoga County. I'm here in enthusiastic support of Tanisha's Law and I've brought a few friends, as you can see, all the supporters wearing purple in the chambers tonight. Clevelanders need a robust non-p police mental health crisis response. When people are having a mental health crisis, the last thing anyone needs is a police officer or a carceral system. People need care. People need resources. People need a trained mental health professional. That's why Tanisha's law is critical to Cleveland. We need a new department of community crisis response and a care response team to help our most vulnerable neighbors. Keeping mental health crisis response inside the Department of Public Safety is not the best way forward. Police are not social workers. Police are not therapists. Police are not licensed behavioral health professionals with years of specialized education and training in person- centered trauma-informed mental health care. Clevelanders actively in a mental health crisis deserve experienced clinicians who approach them in a traumainformed way without guns, without force, and without threat from a punishing system. The proposed Department of Community Crisis Response must be separate from police and punitive systems. We need to build something completely new to truly meet people where they are and keep our community and each other safe. Clevelanders deserve to have licensed and experienced mental health experts design a system that upholds the dignity and worth of each person in crisis. It's important to codify the new create codify the creation of a new department to build sustainable infrastructure aligned with professional codes of ethics, provide skilled support, and ensure dedicated funding the department will need to be successful. Codifying the creation of this new department will also keep it safe from easy eraser by each new administration which may not be as supportive. Over the past couple of weeks, you've heard from others in support of Tanisha's Law. I hope that you will continue hearing from us in the days ahead. It has been over a year since Tanisha's Law was proposed to this esteemed council and over 11 years since Miss Anderson was killed in police custody. It's unacceptable that no real action has been taken in over a year. Even though the city of Cleveland has funds through the connect and protect grant to embed mental health clinicians and 911 dispatch and start this important move toward a care response model. I'm asking you to make Tanisha's law a reality and pass this proposed ordinance into law. I look forward to talking with you more at the public safety committee hearing on Thursday, December 4th at 1 p.m. Thank you.

[clears throat] Jenny Spencer, we as your friends, neighbors, and constituents have come here together tonight to thank you for all you have given to our community and to say heartily, job well done. You brought a combination of dedication, intelligence, precision focus, compassion, and progressive values to this job as our ward representative for the past five years. We want to take this moment to reflect on what your leadership has meant to Ward 15 and the city of Cleveland. From traffic calming with lowered lowered speed limits and traffic tables in dangerous locations to street surfacing and new trees, our neighborhood streets are safer and more beautiful and sustainable because of your work. Neighborhood cleanups, code enforcement, demolition of distressed and abandoned homes have improved the day-to-day quality of life for thousands of residents. You have sought to represent all members of our neighborhoods by being a champion of affordable housing, mixed income housing, led safe housing, and agent place housing. You have supported LGBTQ issues, theaters, and the arts district in too many ways to count. What truly stands out is the way you have treated people with respect, kindness, and compassion. You have ensured that many voices were at the table speaking on their own behalf on major investment projects and community issues. You have always truly listened to the people you have served and always led with integrity. You are a role model as an elected official when navigating difficult decisions at a citywide level in which you were in the minority. You voted your conscience and upheld your progressive ideals. You have always shown up prepared. You have shown up ready to collaborate. You have shown up whether the task is easy or hard. Our neighborhoods and city are better, stronger, and more connected because of your work. On behalf of our community, thank you, Jenny Spencer. Your contributions will continue to shape our community for years to come. [applause and cheering]

>> All right. Thank you. How you doing, council mayor? Hope y'all enjoyed your holiday. Now, I'm going to do what my grandfather said, chew the fat with y'all a little bit. For those that know what that means, let me talk to you. So, um I do represent Rogo Inc., which is initiative to fight recidivism through class B CDL training. But it doesn't stop there. going into social enterprising which is pushing fronts for housing for at risk youth veterans children things of that nature and pushing forward in that and also pushing forward in that I'm noticing um networking with people that I realize something in the city of Cleveland in Kyhoga County there's not a shortage of initiatives there's not a shortage of great ideals good ideals there's not a shortage of people who want the best for this city and for this county. I I see that. I see their light. What I also see is there's a process. I think it's a little antiquated, outdated. I think it impedes the very light and brightness that the people that want to be productive for this city are trying to push their initiative in order to bring about the things that they want for Cleveland, the better of the community. Man, I there's an old adage, if you don't know your history, you repeat it. But some history need to be repeated, man. Cleveland got a great history, y'all. I mean I mean we we got to get our swag back. Like we were the first to really deliver home mail. We were the first to have the first street car, the first street light. Garrick Moing and his inventions. We were the first to have the black mayor. We were innovative pioneers. Man, Superman was I mean, Superman, I'm saying that to say this the end of the year, but let's keep that in mind. We are not the mistake on the leg and we will not have that mentality. It's a very pressing time. We love the Browns, but we bigger than the Browns. I want to keep the Browns, but we bigger than the Browns. Last time I checked, anywhere I went, real estate with a lake has always been more expensive and a rarity and something that is cherished than any other real estate. Man, we have the lake. Let's be great. [applause]

>> Thank you. I won't be able to elaborate as much as uh Bobby did, but I just wanted to take an opportunity to say this is not goodbye to our amazing neighbor Jenny Spencer since she always was and will continue to be an active and outstanding voice in our community, but an acknowledgement of this time that we shared her with the city of Cleveland. As a resident of the retired Ward 15, I was proud to be represented by council member Spencer. Jenny's work to support affordable housing, safer streets, and the health of Cleveland residents has left a lasting mark. She also shephered new initiatives, including this opportunity for public comment that has brought forth to light many voices and views of important topics for the residents all throughout Cleveland. Jenny's thoughtful approach to legislation and politics will be missed. The loss of another woman's voice and point of view on city council will also leave a gap that should be a pri priority to address in the future. The city is richer for her service and the legacy she leaves behind. Thank you, Councilwoman Jenny Spencer, for your tireless work and service to Cleveland and your beloved Ward 15. Thank you. [applause]

>> Good evening uh council president Griffin, Mayor Bib, members of council and members of the public. My name is Matthew Thomas and I serve as the ward 15 democratic leader. I'm here tonight to offer my deep gratitude to council member Jenny Spencer as she concludes her service on council. I first met Jenny when I worked for the then Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization during her tenure as managing director. As a fresh out of grad school employee navigating my way through the professional world, I was truly blown away by her example. I admired her work ethic, her clarity, and her unwavering commitment to service. Seeing her up close revealed a level of diligence, attention to detail, and genuine dedication that shaped not only the organization, but my own understanding of what real community service looks like. That same dedication, grace, and professionalism have defined every stage of her career. As council member, Jenny brought those qualities every single day. No matter the challenges, she showed up with unwavering commitment and purpose. She approached every meeting and every issue with intelligence, careful preparation and thoughtfulness. Her thoroughess is not just admirable. It stands as a model for public service. Her work ethic has also been clear in my own professional interactions with her. [snorts] She has earned a strong reputation across the city and county for her consistency, her preparedness, and her devotion to the residents of her ward. These qualities have made a real impact, sometimes visibly and sometimes in quieter ways that only those working alongside her fully recognize, but they matter and they have strengthened trust in city government. I have also, of course, had the privilege of working alongside Jenny in local democratic civic engagement. As Ward Club president and ward leader, I saw her dedication to uplifting every voice in our community. Whether helping revitalize central committee participation, supporting v voter registration, or helping drive turnout each election cycle, Jenny approached it all with the belief that every resident and every vote matters. Council member Spencer, thank you for everything you have done for our community. Your generosity, your steadiness, and your commitment to service will deeply be missed on this council. Thank you as well for your thoughtful preparation for those that are transitioning into their own council roles. Your commitment to a smooth handoff speaks volumes about your integrity. I look forward to seeing your next chapter and the many ways you impact you will continue to make an impact. I am grateful to call you my council member, colleague, and friend. Thank you. >> [applause]

>> council p uh President Griffin, my name last name is Wong and you know that very well. Please pronounce it correctly. Thank you. >> You have the mic, ma'am. It is the most popular last name in China. Thank you. >> Caveat emptyer. Sometimes you don't get what you think you paid for. And with Flock, Cleveland didn't just buy a product, it brought a liability. We now know Flock system is astonishingly leaky. Cyber security researchers have shown it can be hacked in under one minute. Its passwords are stored insecurely and its firmware is outdated enough to make a high school robotics club blush. Wouldn't it have been great if Cleveland had checked whether this technology was safe before it wasted $2 million of taxpayer money on it? And wouldn't it be great if it had asked the Cleveland Community Police Commission what it thought about it as it has final authority on police policy? And just this month, a Washington state judge ruled that Flock's records are public records. Of course, they are. Anytime a government creates a record, especially a record of people's movements, it belongs to the public. That means surveillance goes both ways. When a city chooses a system that documents tens of thousands of license plates a day, it's not just documenting crime. It's documenting you, every council member, every staffer, every political ally and donor. When you create this drag net, this pervasive, the scorpion's tail can swing back around and sting the hand that bought it. So imagine hypothetically, I'm not sure where she is right now, what flock data would show about whether council member House Jones actually lives at her stated address in W 8 or if she lives in Cleveland at all. This is a simple illustration of what you have unleashed. This is what happens when you normalize roundthe-clock surveillance with no democratic guard rails. Eventually, the accountability extends in directions you did not intend. Throughout history, every expansion of state surveillance has been accompanied by countermovement of public oversight. The people adapt. They turn the camera around. They film the police during stops. They document misconduct. They comb through public records. Even as Mark Griffin's law department unlawfully denies requests. As surveillance expands, accountability expands with it. And the more the state watches and surveills the people, the more the people will watch and surveil the state. So, as we enter this holiday season, I want to encourage each one of you to think carefully about the long-term consequences of adopting poorly structured surveillance technology. Not just for the public, which increasingly feels like an afterthought to this council, but for yourselves. Santa, after all, is a karmic figure. He gives gifts to everybody. And in this story, the gifts you may receive will not be candy canes, but a big lump of malfcence and corruption. hole placed directly in the stocking you hung when you voted for flock in the first place. Thank you. And I do want to note the stunning um I I don't know your record very well, but I've heard completely a different story about it and I'm stunned that the west side seems to have no understanding of what the east side is going through in terms of gentrification. Thank you. >> Thank you.

November 2024, I filed a police report stating that I was raped by Marcus Perez, the administrator of the Office of Professional Standards of the Cleveland Division of Police. A two-hour explainer video on YouTube called My Case and Cleveland's Oversight System will be available after the meeting. The attorney general did not interview any witnesses, including Perez's sister, Cleveland Police Sergeant Detective Adonna Perez at the domestic violence unit, who was purportedly in their apartment during the rape. She refused to be interviewed. In August, the Kyoga County prosecutor declined my case, even while telling me they believed I said no. Marcus Perez is no longer in Cleveland. The timing of his departure and his and his investigations into the mayor raise obvious questions. During his interrogation, Perez and Bobby George's lawyer repeatedly invoked the mayor, not because he was involved, but because of a past personal connection between us. That strategy pulled a political dimension into the case, which raises its own questions about why the case was buried. Let's talk about a trauma a trauma response called fawning. When you realize escape is impossible, your mind contorts reality to survive. You jump ship and board your attackers. When an assault victim fawns, the mind abandons the body. When public officials fawn, when they cling to power by aligning with the forces harming the public, the bodies they betray are ours. Cleveland is living that trauma dynamic out before our eyes and inside of our lives. In parallel, we hear senior Trump adviser Cory Luwendowski say to the nation, "We want every sanctuary city to understand we can touch people any place, any time." When asked if he considers himself part of the resistance to Trump, Mayor Bib says Clevelanders are tired of the resistance. He's talking about a city that fought tooth and nail for police oversight. We said no to abuse loudly. But to take that example, this administration has made police oversight so in untenable, so hamstrung by predators and detractors and delays that exhaustion became the point. Police oversight in Cleveland is now as true to its name as Donald Trump's Epstein transparency project. Bib's law department is as self- serving as Trump's DOJ. Democracy is consent, and we desent. As this council term wraps up and a new council enters, know that we descent to a government that wards silence, sees our presence in this building as a threat and the people who live here as its enemy. I cannot ask you to bravely rebuke cynicism if I am unwilling to do the same. As a woman, I can count the times in my 32 years that telling the truth brought me anything besides ostracism. But if I don't act from the world I aspire toward, I obey hopelessness in advance. I fawn. In one lifetime, we will each be victims, survivors, heroes, and perpetrators many times over. Today, we get the me whose truth is bigger than my fear. Who isn't giving up under duress, isn't obeying in advance during or after. This is me holding up my end of the social contract no matter who is on the other side. The full video is available after the meeting. Thank you. >> Thank you. [applause]