Cleveland City Council has returned after a lengthy summer break, thus the return of public commenters to City Hall. Three residents gave public comment, speaking to Council about the dangers of flavored tobacco and vape products, and expressing concern for the safety of residents when suburban police pursuits enter the city.
The Public Comment CLE website has all of the week’s comments and transcripts edited by Cleveland Documenter Gennifer Harding-Gosnell. Register to make a public comment or learn more about the process in our guide to public comment at Cleveland City Council.
In favor of tobacco legislation
Ward 6 resident and barber Thad Franklin encouraged Council to vote in favor of legislation that would make it illegal to sell menthol and flavored vape products in local retail stores. He founded “VAPE”, “Victimizing All People Everywhere”, and says he talks to young people about the dangers of these products. Tobacco legislation has been on the minds of residents since Mayor Bibb proposed the legislation back in February.
In my community and throughout the inner city, these products sit right on the counter by the candy and the gum. They are clearly marketed for our kids, like menthol and other flavor products, and definitely for the African [American] community in my city, in my area.
Thad Franklin, Ward 6
Watch Franklin’s full comment.
Safety concerns over suburban police chases
Ward 15 resident Sabrina Otis spoke to Council about police chases in the suburbs entering Cleveland streets and the potential for risk to residents in the city’s bordering neighborhoods.
Protect us like you protect your citizens.”
Sabrina Otis, Ward 15
Watch Otis’s full comment.
