Cleveland’s Ward 3 links the Slavic Village neighborhood with Shaker Square. It covers stretches of Union Avenue and Kinsman Road and includes Luke Easter Park.

Council Member Deborah Gray and Erich V. Stubbs are running in the general election Nov. 4. There are also three write-in candidates: Ras Olugbenga, LaShorn Caldwell and Dontez Taylor.

Share a bit about your previous experience in elected office, government or community work.

Community work: NLI -Neighborhood Leadership Institute – RAC-Resident Associate Committee (Saint Luke Foundation) Cleveland Votes -created partner group Information Action Committee (IAC)

Ambassador for Burten Bell Carr -Community Development Center (CDC) Precinct Member (F) for Democratic Party, NeighborUp. Joining all these entities helped me to learn be engaged in my community and to socialize with my neighbors in ways to grow with understanding of respect, appreciation and compassion to relate to their issues and concerns and to better work together as a village, meaning to care about our surroundings and to take care of providing for our community with housing, grocery stores, businesses/retail, jobs and security. We need to work to bring economic wealth back to our community. It takes engaging and going to meetings over time to understand how government and elected officials work with residents.

What are the three most important issues facing the ward you want to represent?

Housing, jobs and safety. Everyone wants to live in a healthy and vibrant community with the best paying jobs to provide for themselves and families, and safety is a must because that brings tranquility of peace of mind and knowing police officers are available in the community providing the best security possible to keep a community safe. But as long as we keep the channels of communication open to understand how to work through this together, we will bridge the gap while we brainstorm what will be the best way to bring long-term sustainability that will work for our community 

Council members have money set aside money from casino taxes and other sources to spend on neighborhood projects. How would you spend your share?

We have spent a host of funds on programs that the residents suggested in the last 4 years. How the casino funds will continue to be spent, it will be a collaborative effort to brainstorm on a variety of community programs, assisting small businesses to grow, youth programs and jobs once again to provide economic wealth in the community.

As a council member, how would you input and feedback from residents you represent?

Like I have been doing the last 4 years, monthly community meetings, surveys through my website, [calls to] my office and city cell phones, walking and talking to residents in the community, going over to their houses, listening to feedback on what they want to see developed on their streets, invested in the neighborhood and continue to be vocal on everything possible that will grow our community to be beautiful, healthy and safe. Boots on the ground is the only way to get feedback from residents

Affordable housing is a critical issue for Clevelanders. How do you define affordable? And what specific plans or ideas do you have to create more housing that working class Clevelanders can afford to rent or buy?

Affordable housing is defined within someone budget on what they want. What has already been done with housing in this ward [is] CHMA/HUD and The Community Builders have joined to build Woodhill Choice West/East apartment units on Buckeye Road, which have (8) phases between Buckeye Road and Woodland Road which have accommodated low/moderate and market value housing for different individuals’ income. Different affordable styles of housing will emerge, such as row houses and two-tier housing. CHN -Cleveland Housing Network is building affordable housing for moderate income in the Mt.  Pleasant area. Habitat for Humanity is building and rehabbing housing for low/moderate [income] individuals throughout the Buckeye area. We have developers building housing for moderate income. Two-family housing in the Mt. Pleasant area. I am working with different developers [who] cited plans to ensure all housing will be affordable with tax abatement for different incomes to bring young families back to our community so they can be sustainable to live, work and stay in this community. The closed school buildings are now being purchased by developers to bring seniors/veterans and family units into those school buildings. So, a variety of affordable housing will be accommodated for all types of families to move back to this community, which is already happening.

Clevelanders list public safety among their top concerns. The city has taken many approaches to prevent and respond to violence and make neighborhoods safer. How would you tackle this issue? Where should Cleveland City Council push for more investment?

I am on the Safety Committee with (6) other [council members] that meet with Public Safety to discuss the status on what their safety plans for the city are. Funds are given to Public Safety to do everything possible in all areas to make our community safer. Here are those areas: Community-Based Violence Prevention, Street outreach workers and violence interrupters, Youth programs, Mental Health support (PIO), Workforce, Modernizing Police Stations and Equipment, Real-time Crime Centers and Camera Programs, Data-Driven Hotspot Policing and so many other areas are being sought through to provide services. City Council has been actively engaged in efforts to enhance safety across the city that extends beyond traditional policing and includes significant investment in various initiatives. City Council will continue to push for more investment with Public Safety while focusing on safety in our neighborhoods and throughout the City of Cleveland. 

​​Should there be term limits for Cleveland City Council members?

Did not answer.

Council members act as resident service representatives, legislators and guardians of city spending. Which of these roles matter to you most and why?

I fill all roles to the best of my ability to be flexible and present to do the council role that I have been elected to do so.

Please share any other information you think is important for us to know about you and your campaign.

Being dedicated to myself, to my neighbors, to all residents to successfully provide the resources and services that is needed to economically grow and invest in this ward that will reach all other wards and downtown because this way will provide the jobs, healthy living and a safe environment across the City of Cleveland.

Candidate answers were edited for clarity. We took out responses that were off topic or included comments about opponents.

Share a bit about your previous experience in elected office, government or community work.

Community Work 

1. Was the director of a youth community enrichment program with Shaker schools. Worked with African families to focus on the areas of Math, English, and Science. Grades 3-7. Roughly 60-80 students per summer session. (Caring Communities)

2. Director/ Operation Director of food bank in East Cleveland along with the Cleveland Food Bank (Euclid /Lee)

3. Worked with former Councilman Kenneth Johnson on a voter engagement incentive. Canvassed the entire ward (clean up voter rolls and increase voter turnout by 10+%) 

4. Have been a part of the Cuyahoga County Fatherhood Initiative for the last 15 years.

5. Founding member of an East Side faith-based voter engagement organization (Vessels Vote)

Professional

1. I was a retail executive for 23+ years with May Ohio and Linens N Things with a responsibility of $20 million to $25 million in sales and over 500 employees with strong commitment to community engagement and partnership.

I owned a restaurant in the Shaker Square area for several years. (Zins Restaurant) 

I was a state elections official for 16+ years covering over 25 of 59 municipalities in the county and over 250,000 of the 900,00 registered voters. I worked with federal, state and local elected officials to protect and enhance voter experiences. 

I currently serve in law enforcement for Cuyahoga County for the Chief Law Enforcement Officer.

Because of my past work as a retail executive for 23+ years in this community and the last 18+ years as a public servant and having built relationships with local and national leaders, I am best suited and prepared to deal with these trying times. I am best able to collaborate and negotiate for what constitutes the new Cleveland Ward 3 for meaningful and tangible results for a better quality of life.

What are the three most important issues facing the ward you want to represent?

1. Safety- Rising crime (Improve police presence by funding police substations at both ends of the ward)

2. Preservation of current housing stock- Limited resources for home repairs (Provide grants to homeowners for home repairs with fewer restrictions)

3. Development of a clear business model- No current model to attract businesses (Work with city and county administrations to bring corporate retailers to both ends of the ward business district)

Council members have money set aside money from casino taxes and other sources to spend on neighborhood projects. How would you spend your share?

Grant programs for home improvements to enhance the housing stock. Also, open ward offices at both ends of the ward to have walk-in offices.

As a council member, how would you gather input and feedback from residents you represent?

I would have two monthly community meetings, one at Shaker Square and one in the Slavic Village area. Would make sure that field offices were staffed during business hours for accessibility.

Affordable housing is a critical issue for Clevelanders. How do you define affordable? And what specific plans or ideas do you have to create more housing that working class Clevelanders can afford to rent or buy?

Housing that does not exceed more than 30% of the medium income. Work with the city and county on down payment assistance for new home buyers through the casino funds.

Clevelanders list public safety among their top concerns. The city has taken many approaches to prevent and respond to violence and make neighborhoods safer. How would you tackle this issue? Where should Cleveland City Council push for more investment?

Better use of door cams. Invest money for door cams for all residents. Invest more resources towards drones’ usage. Other major cities have had much success with them.

​​Should there be term limits for Cleveland City Council members?

Yes.

Council members act as resident service representatives, legislators and guardians of city spending. Which of these roles matter to you most and why?

Representative- If I am a good representative, the other two will come into play. I feel that I have to represent the interest of my constituents.

Please share any other information you think is important for us to know about you and your campaign.

My campaign is built around the basic principle of doing the people’s work. I have been serving the people for over 20+  years. Running because I want to serve, not because I need a job.

Share a bit about your previous experience in elected office, government or community work.

Ras Olugbenga’s career is marked by strategic impact and a deep commitment to Economic Empowerment. I have a proven track record of creating opportunities through my groundbreaking social enterprises:

BREAUX Capital (Co-founder, 2016): A pioneering financial health platform empowering Black men through collective investment and interest-free loans, fostering wealth-building and financial resilience.

SISS Capital (Launched 2022): A dedicated financial health platform for Black women, enabling automated savings into collectively managed investment and loan pools.

Million Dollar Scholar (Co-founder): A software platform equipping high school students with the skills to secure college scholarships, directly linking to my vision for Youth Power.

Techgroove Fest (Co-founder): An event-based company strategically connecting diverse talent with employment opportunities at leading technology firms, creating pathways for Grow Where We Live.

My innovative work in the private sector has garnered national recognition, including being named an Inc. Magazine “30 Under 30” Founder and a Black Enterprise “Modern Man.” Notably, I served as Cleveland’s inaugural Entrepreneur-In-Residence within the city’s Economic Development Department, where I leveraged my decade-plus of entrepreneurial experience to drive public impact. A significant achievement in this role was my work to revive the Steel Yard TIF, which returned over $1 million in taxpayer funds to small businesses in the form of grants, demonstrating my ability to turn policy into tangible economic benefits for the community.

Deep Roots, Direct Action: A Champion for Ward 3

My commitment to my home communities is deeply personal. Beyond my entrepreneurial ventures, I developed a financial literacy curriculum for teenagers at Morehouse, later spearheading citywide classes for the Cleveland NAACP. My hands-on approach to Block by Block Revival is evident in my crucial role, alongside Marion “Nita” Gardner, in increasing the budget of the Housing Dispute & Resolution Initiative, a vital effort to combat blighted properties in Mount Pleasant. As a homeowner in Mount Pleasant, my vested interest in the community’s prosperity and quality of life is clear.

What are the three most important issues facing the ward you want to represent?

My platform is built on delivering tangible results that directly benefit the people of Ward 3. Here are just a few ways I plan to make a difference:

Youth Power: I will champion initiatives to create more pathways for young people to develop skills, gain work experience, and find good jobs right in our neighborhood, ensuring their voices are heard and their potential is unlocked.

Block by Block Revival: I am committed to making our streets cleaner and our public spaces safer. This means tackling blight head-on and transforming vacant lots into vibrant community assets, making our neighborhoods places we are all proud to call home.

Grow Where We Live: With my proven experience in economic development, I will cut through red tape and create clearer pathways for small businesses to access capital and city contracts, fostering inclusive growth that uplifts existing residents and creates local opportunities.

Council members have money set aside money from casino taxes and other sources to spend on neighborhood projects. How would you spend your share?

My approach to spending neighborhood funds, including casino tax money, would be driven by the principles of my “Block by Block Revival” and “Grow Where We Live” initiatives. This is about making sure our resources directly empower residents and create tangible improvements at the street level. I would push for a more transparent and efficient process for distributing these funds, as the current system is often bogged down in bureaucracy.

Here’s how I would spend the funds:

* Transforming Blighted Spaces: I would allocate a significant portion to neighborhood-led projects focused on transforming vacant lots into vibrant, creative spaces. This could mean funding community gardens, pop-up markets, or public art installations like murals. This not only cleans up our neighborhoods but also fosters community pride and creates new economic opportunities.

* Small Business Support: I would use funds to create more accessible grants and resources for small businesses, especially those that are youth- or women-owned. This aligns with my proven experience in reviving the Steel Yard TIF to get over $1 million back to local businesses. These funds would help cut through red tape and give entrepreneurs the capital they need to grow, which in turn creates local jobs.

* Community-Led Safety Initiatives: Instead of just funding more cameras or traditional policing, I would invest in community-based safety programs. This could include funding for neighborhood ambassadors, who are hired from within the community to build trust and address local concerns, and support for community-wide cleanup days that make our streets cleaner and safer for everyone.

As a council member, how would you gather input and feedback from residents you represent?

Gathering input isn’t a one-time event; it’s a continuous, multi-faceted process that defines my role as a resident service representative. My “Change the Ballot” Community Tour is a prime example of this philosophy in action.

* “Change the Ballot” Community Tour: I’d continue to host informal, accessible events at key community hubs like barbershops, coffee shops, and local food truck spots throughout Ward 3. This allows for direct, face-to-face conversations in familiar spaces, where residents are comfortable sharing their concerns and ideas.

* Youth Town Halls: My campaign already plans to host “Youth Town Halls” moderated by young people themselves. This ensures that the voices of our Gen Z and millennial residents are not just heard but are prioritized in the decision-making process.

* Digital Engagement: I would use tools like short-form social media polls on platforms like Instagram to gauge voter confidence and gather real-time feedback on neighborhood issues. My campaign’s “Write In Wall” is an example of creating a digital space where residents can share their stories and feel connected to the movement.

* Proactive Outreach: I’ll ensure my office is known for its responsive, proactive approach. We won’t wait for a constituent to come to us; we’ll actively reach out, knocking on doors and having conversations to understand the issues “block by block.”

Affordable housing is a critical issue for Clevelanders. How do you define affordable? And what specific plans or ideas do you have to create more housing that working class Clevelanders can afford to rent or buy?

For us, “affordable” isn’t just a number—it’s about a household being able to live with dignity and without the constant pressure of housing costs. We define affordable housing as homes that are accessible to our neighbors who are teachers, service workers, small business owners, and all the people who make Ward 3 run. This means ensuring housing costs do not exceed 30% of a family’s income, allowing them to afford other necessities and invest in their future.

My plan to address this is rooted in my experience in economic development, specifically my work in getting over $1 million in taxpayer funds back on the street for small businesses by reviving the Steel Yard TIF. I would apply a similar, action-oriented approach to housing:

Inclusive Growth, Not Displacement: We will champion initiatives that create new housing without pushing out long-time residents. This means working with developers to ensure that any new developments include a significant percentage of units at truly affordable rates for residents, not just market-rate housing. Our goal is to protect the unique character and history of our diverse communities within Ward 3, like Mount Pleasant and Slavic Village, while embracing positive change.

Creative Use of Vacant Properties: We will aggressively tackle blight and the issue of vacant lots. Instead of letting these spaces become eyesores, we will work with community groups to transform them into vibrant, productive spaces—including new housing. This could involve small-scale infill development of affordable single-family homes or community-led housing cooperatives on vacant land.

Cutting Through Red Tape for Local Developers: I’ll use my experience to streamline the process for local, community-focused developers and residents who want to build or rehabilitate affordable housing. We’ll make city resources—grants, loans, and technical assistance—more accessible, cutting down on the bureaucratic barriers that often prevent working-class Clevelanders from participating in development.

Clevelanders list public safety among their top concerns. The city has taken many approaches to prevent and respond to violence and make neighborhoods safer. How would you tackle this issue? Where should Cleveland City Council push for more investment?

My approach to public safety is to address the root causes of crime while also building a foundation of trust and collaboration in our neighborhoods. Public safety isn’t just about more policing; it’s about creating an environment where people feel secure and have opportunities. My plan, “Block by Block Revival,” is a direct response to this need.

I would push for more investment in the following areas:

Community-Led Safety Initiatives: We need to empower residents to be part of the solution. This means investing in and expanding community-led programs, like neighborhood watch groups, and ensuring that residents have a direct line of communication with public safety officials. I will advocate for a collaborative model that builds lasting trust and proactive engagement, not just reactive response.

Investing in Youth: The best crime prevention is opportunity. My “Youth Power” initiative is a core part of this. By expanding after-school programs, mentorship opportunities, and paid internships, we give young people positive alternatives and pathways to success. I will push for funding for a Ward 3 Youth Council and a “Next Leaders” paid internship program to ensure our youth are directly involved in shaping the future of our community.

Revitalizing Public Spaces: Blight and neglect signal that a community is forgotten. By aggressively tackling issues like litter and transforming vacant lots into vibrant, green, creative spaces, we not only improve the quality of life but also create an environment that is less conducive to crime. When our blocks are clean and cared for, our families feel more secure and proud to call Ward 3 home.

​​Should there be term limits for Cleveland City Council members?

Yes.

Council members act as resident service representatives, legislators and guardians of city spending. Which of these roles matter to you most and why?

While all three roles are vital to the function of City Council, the role of resident service representative matters to me most, and it is the foundation for everything else.

The reason is simple: you can’t be an effective legislator or a responsible guardian of city spending if you don’t truly understand and represent the people you serve. For me, being a resident service representative is about being a champion for the people, not a typical politician. It’s about being on the ground, actively listening, and turning those conversations into concrete action.

My decision to run as a write-in candidate, in the face of a bureaucratic hurdle, is the ultimate expression of this commitment. It demonstrates an unyielding commitment to putting the community first and fighting for what’s right, even when it’s challenging. This campaign is not politics as usual; it’s a movement built on the trust and direct relationship between me and the people of Ward 3. I will turn every communication, every conversation, and every concern into a proactive operation to solve problems and champion your needs. My brand is “The People’s Write-In” because the people of Ward 3 are my only priority.

Please share any other information you think is important for us to know about you and your campaign.

What’s most important to know about me and this campaign is that we are not just running for office—we are building a grassroots revolution. This write-in campaign is a bold stand against the status quo and a testament to the power of community-driven action. We are turning a challenge into an opportunity to directly empower voters and show them that their voice matters.

My professional background is a testament to my commitment to this community. As the City’s first Entrepreneur-in-Residence and with my work in the Department of Economic Development, I have a proven track record of turning ideas into tangible results. I have already demonstrated the ability to get things done, and I will bring that same action-oriented leadership to City Council.

Our campaign is youth-driven, inclusive, and forward-thinking. We are engaging young people through modern channels like TikTok and Spotify, and we are demystifying the voting process with “Write-In 101” videos. We are fighting to ensure that the diverse voices of Ward 3 are not just heard, but are the very force that shapes our future. This campaign is a movement, and every write-in vote is a revolution.

Sharon Spruill did not advance past the September primary.

Share a bit about your previous experience in elected office, government or community work.

I am a dedicated community advocate with a passion for promoting social justice, equity, and sustainable development. With over 20 years of experience in grassroots organizing and community engagement, I have successfully championed initiatives that empower marginalized voices and foster inclusive community development. Throughout my career, I have collaborated with diverse stakeholders, including local government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community members, to address pressing social issues such as affordable housing, civic education, and services that support women and children in crisis. My work is characterized by a commitment to building strong relationships and creating collaborative solutions that reflect the needs and aspirations of the community.  

I received post-secondary training through the ICM School of Business in Secretarial Science with a concentration in Business Administration. I am recognized for my exceptional communication skills, empathy, organizational abilities, patience, and cultural competence, which have enabled me to mobilize community members and advocate for meaningful change effectively. In addition to my advocacy work, I am actively involved in Tarajia Resilience and the Civic Engagement Collaborative, where I continue to promote policies that enhance community well-being and resilience. I believe that community-driven solutions are key to sustainable progress and am committed to inspiring others to engage in civic action.  When not advocating for the community, I enjoy reading, traveling, and spending time with family. I am the mother of one daughter and one grandson. Deeply rooted in faith, I am a member of The Word Church, and I am an entrepreneur with a small business.   

What are the three most important issues facing the ward you want to represent?

The three most important issues facing Ward 3 currently and in no particular order are better housing (safe, clean and affordable), healthy neighborhoods (clean parks and green spaces) and safer streets (active community watch programs, police presence).

Council members have money set aside money from casino taxes and other sources to spend on neighborhood projects. How would you spend your share?

I would allocate a significant portion of the casino funding for my ward to support grassroots organizations that have been registered and vetted by the local CDC to provide wraparound services to the residents of Ward 3. My focus would be on year-round youth programming, home repair initiatives, beautification projects (with incentives), and the cleaning and maintenance of vacant lots.

As a council member, how would you gather input and feedback from residents you represent?

As a council member, I would gather input from residents through regular monthly meetings to address community concerns. By mobilizing my precinct committee members, I will form a coalition to tackle key issues collectively. As a council member, I am committed to prioritizing residents’ needs and will take action, including passing legislation and implementing changes, to enhance the community for everyone.

Affordable housing is a critical issue for Clevelanders. How do you define affordable? And what specific plans or ideas do you have to create more housing that working class Clevelanders can afford to rent or buy?

Affordable housing is subjective. What might be considered affordable for some might not be considered affordable to others. I would need to understand the needs of the community as a whole. The most effective way to gather this type of information would be to host community forums and conduct surveys. Once we have established what affordability looks like, we can begin to address affordable housing. When I participated in the mayor’s initiative to survey properties within the city, I noticed something. The housing development on the East Side of Cleveland looks different from the development on the West Side.  Based on that observation, I would argue, we need to be able to attract a diverse group of developers and provide them with incentives to build affordable units for singles and families. In my opinion, we have done a good job of including mixed-income developments throughout some of the wards. I would advocate for the mixed-use model in the Mt. Pleasant/Slavic Village area. We need to be more intentional when collaborating with developers in the middle wards.  

In working-class families, some might be able to afford housing but not reliable transportation, or vice versa. To that point, another component that would need to be addressed is transportation. That would mean a greater partnership with RTA to ensure that when development is taking place, we are considering access to public transportation. 

Clevelanders list public safety among their top concerns. The city has taken many approaches to prevent and respond to violence and make neighborhoods safer. How would you tackle this issue? Where should Cleveland City Council push for more investment?

It will take a collective effort to continue to address and respond to violence within the City of Cleveland as a whole. For my ward specifically, I would tackle the issue by collaborating with law enforcement, grassroots organizations, and residents to work together. I want to have a conversation with the Commander of the Fourth District to understand how many police officers do we currently have patrolling the neighborhood, how many zone cars do we have, where the gaps are and how we can fill in the gaps. Right now, we have a huge concern with “street takeovers,” which are organized events. I would look into forming task forces specifically dedicated to finding out when these events are taking place and then determining how we will hold perpetrators accountable. When people are caught, make it a requirement that they do some type of community service. We can set up a task force for prostitution, for drug enforcement, and online sting operations; we should be able to use those same tactics when it comes to addressing “street takeovers.”

​​Should there be term limits for Cleveland City Council members?

Yes. 

Council members act as resident service representatives, legislators and guardians of city spending. Which of these roles matter to you most and why?

Each of these roles carries enormous significance. As a legislator, I am dedicated to advocating for my community; as a resident service representative it is my responsibility to build relationships with my constituents to ensure that when I sit at the table, I am fighting for the causes that are of the greatest concern for them, and to fulfill this responsibility effectively, I must diligently manage the city’s resources and spending. These roles are intricately connected, each one reinforcing the others to achieve our common goals. My top priority is to represent the interests of the people. 

Please share any other information you think is important for us to know about you and your campaign.

Thank you for the opportunity to share more about myself.  I am deeply committed to serving Ward 3 with excellence and integrity. Ward 3 has been my home for over 4 decades. As your city council candidate, I prioritize the voices and concerns of the 23,000-plus constituents I will represent. Each day, as I walk into Cleveland City Hall, I will carry with me their needs and aspirations, striving to advocate on their behalf and ensure our community’s best interests are at the forefront of decision-making. I believe my commitment to transparency, dedication, honesty, and a collaborative approach make me the ideal candidate for this position.