The post October Meeting Recap: Heather Booth and JANE Collective appeared first on Cuyahoga County Progressive Caucus.

Gail Larson is seeking CCPC’s endorsement for the November 8 Cleveland Heights City Council Special Election. All CCPC municipal endorsements are determined by a vote of our membership in the community. In instances like this where only one candidate is seeking the endorsement, membership still votes to approve or disapprove the endorsement. A 2/3 threshold is required for an endorsement to occur. If you are a Cleveland Heights CCPC member please click the link below to view the CCPC Endorsement Application and Questionnaire that Gail submitted and to cast your ballot. All ballots must be cast by the end of the day on Thursday, September 1 to be included in the tally.

Cleveland Heights City Council Special Election Endorsement Vote

Upcoming CCPC Events

CCPC September Membership Meeting: Fighting Back After Dobbs Wednesday, September 14 from 6:30 to 8 pm. Our September meeting will focus on what we can do to fight back against the reversal of abortion rights in Ohio after the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision. Our featured speaker will be Kellie Copeland, Executive Director of Pro – Choice Ohio. We’ll also be discussing some upcoming action’s that we’ll be doing locally to help the fight for reproductive freedom in Ohio. Click here to register for the event . After registering you’ll receive an email with the Zoom link.

Shut Down Fake Pregnancy Centers! Thursday, October 6 from 11 am to 1 pm @ Cleveland Pregnancy Center, 3924 Lorain Ave. Cleveland 44113. Long before the Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v Wade, anti – choice extremists have been attacking abortion access. One of their tactics is setting up fake ” pregnancy centers ” that look like medical clinics but don’t practice medicine or follow standardized ethics. There are six of these pregnancy centers in Cuyahoga County, and we need your help to SHUT. THEM. DOWN . Join us to #exposefakeclinics one by one starting with the Cleveland Pregnancy Center in Cleveland. We’ll gather on the street in front of the center to raise awareness and provide handouts with actual resources for people seeking care. And we won’t be alone – medical professionals and students are standing with us to stop these fake clinics.

Crisis Pregnancy Centers & Post – Roe America

So – called ‘ crisis pregnancy centers ‘ are surveilling clients and may help criminalize them

We Need Your Help!

CCPC has always been an all-volunteer organization fueled by people who share a vision of a more just world and a commitment to building it. In an effort to expand our work and be more active in the community, we’d like to hear from you!

Please fill out this brief survey to tell us about the issues that are most important to you, share any talents you’d be willing to lend to CCPC and what you’d like to see from our organization going forward. Thank you!

ACLU of Ohio Listening Campaign Survey

ACLU of Ohio Listening Campaign Survey

Chris Ronayne for County Executive Volunteer Opportunities

Virtual Phone Bank Every Wednesday beginning August 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Click the link to register and receive the Zoom link

11th Congressional District Caucus Labor Day Parade Monday, September 5 from 8 am to 1 pm. Click the link to RSVP and receive the event location

2022 Cleveland City Club County Executive Debate Tuesday, September 20 from 11:30 am to 1 pm @ Grand Ballroom, Cleveland Renaissance Hotel, 24 Public Square, Cleveland 44113

In Person Phone Bank Wednesday, September 21 and Wednesday, October 19 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Click the link to register and receive event location

Nickie Antonio for State Senate Volunteer Opportunities

11th Congressional District Caucus Labor Day Parade Monday, September 5 from 8 am to 1 pm. Click the link to RSVP and receive the event location

Lakewood Community Festival Saturday, September 10 from 9:30 am to 5 pm @ Madison Park, 13029 Madison Ave. Lakewood 44107

Jennifer O’ Donnell for Judge Parade Support Needed

11th Congressional District Caucus Labor Day Parade Monday, September 5 @ 8 am .Click the link to RSVP and receive the event location

Jeff Saffold Fundraiser

Jeff Saffold for Judge Fundraiser Wednesday, September 14 from 4:30 to 7:30 pm @ Barley House, 1261 W. 6th St. Cleveland 44113

Nan Whaley for Governor Volunteer Opportunities

Social Media Squad Volunteer Training Thursday, September 1 from 6 to 7 pm (digital)

Virtual Phone Bank Every Tuesday from 5:30 to 8 pm. Click the link to RSVP and receive the Zoom link

Ohio Workers First Campaign Volunteer Opportunities

Ohio Workers First Campaign Volunteer Opportunities

Are You Thinking About Running for Office in 2023?

If so, please check out the links below:

Run for Office

Defeating Republican Suburban Mayors Starts Now with Progressive Challenger Recruitment

And please let us know if you decide to do it or if you have any questions!

Beyond Impact 2022

Tides Advocacy is pleased to announce it’s Beyond Impact Virtual Series Sessions include

From Narrative Organizing to Narrative Justice Wednesday, September 14 from 2 to 3:15

Mobilize the Vote NEO Volunteer Opportunities

Mobilize the Vote NEO is launching an active Spring, Summer and Fall of voter registration and activism in low – turnout precincts in Cleveland. Indicate your interests here and they will share volunteer opportunities with you.

Virtual Vote Forward Letters to Voters The third Wednesday of every month from 6:30 from 6:30 to 8 pm

Black Lives Matter

Cuyahoga County residents denounce plans for new jail

Domestic violence survivor still fighting for police accountability in one of first tests of new Cleveland Citizen Police Review

It Takes a Village: Improving Black Infant and Maternal Health Friday, October 21 from 11:30 am to 1 pm @ The City Cub of Cleveland, 850 Euclid Ave. Cleveland 44114 or click the link to view online

The People’s Archive of Police Violence in Cleveland is a space for healing, accountability, and justice. Add your voice and tell the real story of the ongoing protests in and around Cleveland. Go to archivingpoliceviolence.org and click on “Tell Your Story” to submit pictures, videos, and narratives with your name or anonymously. This archive is endorsed by Black Lives Matter Cleveland, Black Man Army, Puncture the Silence – Stop Mass Incarceration, and the Northeast Ohio Black Health Coalition. Visit the Facebook page

Other Upcoming Events

Buses Not Jail! Canvass with CPT Friday, September 2 and September 9 from 4 to 6 pm @ Superior and East Roadway ( Northeast corner of Public Square ) Cleveland 44113

North Shore AFL – CIO Labor Day Party Friday, September 2 @ 7 pm @ BOP STOP at The Music Settlement, 2920 Detroit Ave. Cleveland 44113

A Night for Women’s Rights at CODA Saturday, September 3 @ 7 pm @ CODA, 2247 Professor Ave. Cleveland 44113

Post – Roe Women’s Healthcare in Ohio: Just the Facts Thursday, September 8 from 7 to 8:30 pm ( digital )

ADA Cleveland March for Access Saturday, September 10 @ 11 am @ 50 Public Square, Cleveland 44113

Fresh Fest Cleveland Saturday, September 10 from 1 to 9 pm @ Rid – All Farm and Otter Park, 8129 Otter Rd. Cleveland 44104

Roe Roe Roe Your Vote Rally Sunday, September 11 @ 1 pm @ Triangle Park, 235 E. 222nd St. Euclid 44123

Answering the Call for Crisis Care Change Tuesday, September 13 from 11:30 am to 1 pm @ The City Club of Cleveland, 850 Euclid Ave. Cleveland 44114 or click the link to view online.

Voting Rights, Redistricting and Impact on Voter Turnout Thursday, September 22 from 6 to 7:15 pm ( digital )

The Erie Situation Film Screening Wednesday, September 28 @ 7 pm @ Donahue Auditorium Of John Carroll University’s Dolan Science Center, 20700 North Park Blvd. University Heights 44118

NEOCHtoberfest Saturday, October 15 @ 7 pm @ St. Edward High School, 13500 Detroit Ave. Lakewood 44107

Also in the News

Local

Mayor Justin Bibb proposes spending $50 million on ‘ housing for all ‘ in Cleveland What a great use of ARPA funds, but the devil may be in the details

Please Cleveland Black Pastors, Ohio Needs You to Defeat Racist Ohio Republicans This November How about Souls to the Polls for the Midterms

East Cleveland Seeking Recall of Councilman Who Held Back to School Fundraiser With Strippers Ernest Smith will join Mayor Brandon King on the November ballot.

State

Columbus City Schools teachers approve new contract to end strike with 4% annual raises Congratulations to our brothers and sisters in Columbus who appear to have negotiated a very good contract.

Gov. Mike DeWine Ducks Nan Whaley’s Call for Gubernatorial Candidate Debate Wouldn’t it be great to hear him explain his views on abortion and his role in the HB 6 scandal.

Lame – duck session in Ohio will likely be open season on abortion rights With the fascist Republican’s having no regard for what the majority of Ohioans want.

National

Pink wave: Women rise up for reproductive rights – and Big Lie supporters scramble to stop them Describes what will likely decide the midterms

Threats to democracy top list of issues facing US The main threat is of course from the Fascist MAGA Republicans

Trump’s Second Term Would Look Like This This chilling article describes something much worse than you might think.

End Poverty Now Cleveland

Please check out and like the End Poverty Now Cleveland Facebook page!

Immigration Updates

Immigrant Defense Fund

Click here to donate, and please share!

Immigration Working Group CLE

Follow The Immigration Working Group CLE for updates and actions from a coalition of organizations and local community activists advocating for immigrant rights.

Immigration News

Biden administration moves to formalize DACA and shield it from legal challenges

Unaccompanied Immigrant Children Who Are Pregnant and in US Custody are Being Moved Across State Lines to Access Abortion Services

Canada announces hiring spree as it aims to exceed lofty 2022 immigration target

Please let us know if you have anything else that needs to be included in CCPC News and Events

Steve Holecko, CCPC Political Director, 440 220 1874

Connect with CCPC

Facebook | Twitter | Donate

The post CCPC News + Events: September 1, 2022 appeared first on Cuyahoga County Progressive Caucus.

We humbly ask the Black Pastors of Greater Cleveland to do whatever you can to help defeat the racist Republican Party this November.

Pride is a sin. Today we put our pride aside for this request. We have been in conflict recently with some of you for our support of former State Senator Nina Turner in her two recent congressional campaigns against Congresswoman Shontel Brown. But as America is bracing for a terrorist civil war fueled by former President Donald Trump, we plead for your assistance.

The first preliminary shots of that terror war have already been fired. Last May we had a New York state teenager, armed with an automatic weapon driving over 200 miles, kill 11 Black people at a Buffalo supermarket inspired by Republican rhetoric of the White Replacement Theory. Plus the white insurrectionist mob of January 6, 2021 sent directly to the U.S. Capitol by the former president fueled by the Big Lie of a stolen 2020 presidential election.

We must always be mindful of Trump’s racist past. His demand for President Obama to produce his birth certificate over the lie that Obama was not born in America. His calling for the return of the death penalty in New York State in a full page newspaper ad as five innocent minority teenagers was railroaded for the rape of a white woman jogger in New York City’s Central Park. Those five teenagers were later released from prison as young men when the real rapist was found. Trump’s control and influence on the Ohio Republican Party is unquestioned and worrisome.

The Republican Ohio U.S. Senate nominee that Trump endorsed in the primary, J.D. Vance, told FOX News earlier this year that Democrats, “have decided that they can’t win re-election in 2022 unless they bring a large number of new voters to replace the voters that are already here.” This quote is often brought up as Republicans promote the racist “Great Replacement Theory.” Along those lines, the GOP-run Ohio legislature are about to place a November ballot initiative to ban non-citizens from voting in municipal elections to inspire Republican turnout this fall.

Last year we saw a great number of Republicans run for local school boards inspired by the falsehood that Critical Race Theory is being taught in public schools. Nonsense of course, yet a recent Cuyahoga County Republican Party Co-Chair, Peter Corrigan, was elected to the Rocky River Board of Education as part of that anti-CRT slate. For white people, Critical Race Theory is simply Black history, and they do not want their children to reject their white privilege.

We know that you knew of the urgent need of this election, but some people need some of that totality to be brought up in order to inspire action. Lord knows there are some matters we have forgotten here.

But why we are here is what you can achieve that we cannot. We wish we could motivate your congregations to vote like you can. But you are the ones that have earned their trust. You are the ones that can put them on a bus after October Sunday services to the Board of Elections and stretch a human line from Euclid Avenue to Chester Avenue.

To show us your ability I looked at the turnout of Cleveland’s Ward One. In 2020’s presidential election 10,228 residents of that ward voted with your encouragement. In 2018’s governor election 8597 residents of Ward One voted. There were 1631 fewer voters in an area that gave Republican Governor Mike DeWine less than 3.5 percent of the vote in 2018. If those 1631 presidential voters came out this fall they would outnumber the voters of quite a few townships combined between here and Columbus.

That is just Cleveland’s Ward One. Add the other eight Black Cleveland wards plus the many East Side Black and integrated suburbs and it will be promising. After all, Cuyahoga County is more than ten percent of the vote in the state of Ohio.

Do not be dissuaded by recent statewide Republican victories and the legal wrangling over state legislative districts. The bottom line is if Democrat Nan Whaley becomes Governor this November along with the rest of the statewide Democratic slate, they will draw the new state legislature districts for 2024.

So invite our Black state legislators to your pulpits this fall. They will tell you and your congregations of the danger we are in. We ask Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb to assist in this effort as well. Please share this post and we hope that our local media will assist as well.

As we see armed Trump supporters attempt to kill and intimidate FBI agents in Cincinnati and Arizona respectively we clearly see the danger to us all. Only Democratic victories nationwide can motivate Republican leaders to reject Trump’s irresponsible leadership and join us in our pleas for peace.

Faced with this hatred, we must respond inspired by the love, character and organization Dr. Martin Luther King and his followers demonstrated three generations ago. We pray we are up to the task.

The post Please Cleveland Black Pastors, Ohio Needs You to Defeat Racist Ohio Republicans This November appeared first on Cuyahoga County Progressive Caucus.

This week’s CCPC News and Events is the 300th edition of our newsletter. To those of you who have been with us since our founding in the summer of 2016, thank you very much! To celebrate our 6th anniversary, we’ve completely revamped our website. A special thanks to Suzy Scullin who put a lot of time in to make the revamped website happen.

Upcoming CCPC Events

CCPC August Membership Meeting: ACLU of Ohio Speak Up Campaign Tuesday, August 23 from 6:30 to 8 pm. For our August meeting we’ll be partnering with ACLU of Ohio as a part of their Listening Campaign to find out what civil liberties issues you are most concerned about so that they can identify policy priorities. ACLU of Ohio Organizing Strategist Melekte Melaku will facilitate the event. After some open ended questions centering on civil rights and liberties we’ll head into some break out room to find out what you have to say! To find out more about the Listening Tour please click here Please click here to register for the event. After registering you’ll receive an email with the Zoom link

CCPC September Membership Meeting: Fighting Back After Dobbs Wednesday, September 14 from 6:30 to 8 pm. Our September meeting will focus on what we can do to fight back against the reversal of abortion rights in Ohio after the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision. Our featured speaker will be Kellie Copeland, Executive Director of Pro – Choice Ohio. We’ll also be discussing some upcoming action’s that we’ll be doing locally to help the fight for reproductive freedom in Ohio. Click here to register for the event. After registering you’ll receive an email with the Zoom link.

We Need Your Help!

CCPC has always been an all-volunteer organization fueled by people who share a vision of a more just world and a commitment to building it. In an effort to expand our work and be more active in the community, we’d like to hear from you!

Please fill out this brief survey to tell us about the issues that are most important to you, share any talents you’d be willing to lend to CCPC and what you’d like to see from our organization going forward. Thank you!

Chris Ronayne for County Executive Volunteer Opportunities

Postcard Party with NEO Young Black Dems and Cuyahoga Young Dems Friday, August 19 from 6 to 8 pm. Click the link to register and receive the event location

Virtual Phone Bank Every Wednesday beginning August 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Click the link to register and receive the Zoom link

Parma Ukrainian Village Parade Saturday, August 27 from 10 am to noon. Click the link to RSVP and receive the event location

North Olmsted Homecoming Parade Sunday, August 28 from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. Click the link to RSVP and receive the event location

11th Congressional District Caucus Labor Day Parade Monday, September 5 from 8 am to 1 pm. Click the link to RSVP and receive the event location

In Person Phone Bank Wednesday, September 21 and Wednesday, October 19 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Click the link to register and receive event location

Jennifer O’ Donnell for Judge Parade Support Needed

Parma Ukrainian Day Parade Saturday, August 27 @ 10 am. Click the link to RSVP and receive the event location

North Olmsted Homecoming Parade Sunday, August 28 @ noon. Click the link to RSVP and receive the event location

11th Congressional District Caucus Labor Day Parade Monday, September 5 @ 8 am .Click the link to RSVP and receive the event location

Nan Whaley for Governor Volunteer Opportunities

Social Media Squad Volunteer Training Thursday, August 18 from 6:30 to 7:30 pm (digital)

Virtual Phone Bank Every Tuesday from 5:30 to 8 pm. Click the link to RSVP and receive the Zoom link

Are You Thinking About Running for Office in 2023?

If so, please check out the links below:

Run for Office

Defeating Republican Suburban Mayors Starts Now with Progressive Challenger Recruitment

And please let us know if you decide to do it or if you have any questions!

Beyond Impact 2022

Tides Advocacy is pleased to announce it’s Beyond Impact Virtual Series Sessions include

Multi – Cycle Power Building Towards a Progressive BIPOC – Led Decade Wednesday, August 24 from 2 to 3:15 pm

From Narrative Organizing to Narrative Justice Wednesday, September 14 from 2 to 3:15

Mobilize the Vote NEO Volunteer Opportunities

Mobilize the Vote NEO is launching an active Spring, Summer and Fall of voter registration and activism in low – turnout precincts in Cleveland. Indicate your interests here and they will share volunteer opportunities with you.

Virtual Vote Forward Letters to Voters The third Wednesday of every month from 6:30 from 6:30 to 8 pm

Black Lives Matter

Cleveland coalition tasked with addressing racism takes first steps

Midwest Gun Violence Summit: Hood 2 Hood Saturday, August 27 from 10 am to 2 pm @ 11327 Shaker Blvd. Cleveland 44104

The People’s Archive of Police Violence in Cleveland is a space for healing, accountability, and justice. Add your voice and tell the real story of the ongoing protests in and around Cleveland. Go to archivingpoliceviolence.org and click on “Tell Your Story” to submit pictures, videos, and narratives with your name or anonymously. This archive is endorsed by Black Lives Matter Cleveland, Black Man Army, Puncture the Silence – Stop Mass Incarceration, and the Northeast Ohio Black Health Coalition. Visit the Facebook page

Other Upcoming Events

Dennis Kucinich on Pulling the Plug on FirstEnergy Corporation Tuesday, August 23 @ 7 pm ( digital )

Pro – Choice Ohio Ramp Up for Repro Training Wednesday, August 24 @ 6 pm (digital)

Online Community Rights Workshop by CELDF Thursday, August 25 @ 10 pm

The Faults in Our System: Transforming Juvenile Justice Friday, August 26 from 11:30 am to 1 pm @ The City Club of Cleveland, 850 Euclid Ave. Cleveland 44114. Click the link for tickets and information on how you can view the event online.

Pro Roe Variety Show Friday, August 26 from 8 to 9:45 pm @ Forest City Brewery, 2135 Columbus Rd. Cleveland 44113

One World Day Sunday, August 28 from 11 am to 6 pm @ Cleveland Cultural Gardens, 10823 Magnolia Dr. Cleveland 44106

Inequities Across a Spectrum Tuesday, August 30 @ 7 pm (digital)

Roe Roe Roe Your Vote Rally Sunday, September 11 @ 1 pm @ Triangle Park, 235 E. 222nd St. Euclid 44123

Also in the News

Local

Reports show ‘ epic failure ‘ at Cuyahoga County children services office, but officials say hands are tied Is this the next big county government scandal?

Cleveland City Council passes ‘ pay to stay ‘ eviction protection to help renters Great news!

Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Endorses Mike DeWine for Governor Wondolowski’s group once again aligns with business interests and ditches the Democratic Party.

State

Fear and Uncertainty Grip Ohio Patients as Abortion Referral Services Struggle to Keep Up Navigating women to out of state providers is proving to be a difficult task.

A Gerrymandering Expert Explains Why State Legislative Supremacy Would Be Bad in Ohio Demanding an independent redistricting commission via ballot may be Ohio’s only shot at fair representation

Ohio Supreme Court approves Icebreaker wind project for Lake Erie Great news!

National

As Historic Climate Bill Heads to Biden’s Desk, Young Activists Demand More Because much more is needed

Democrats betting on progressives to keep control of Senate This would be Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, not Ohio

McConnell says people being forced to have children don’t deserve any more financial help The Grim Reaper speaks!

End Poverty Now Cleveland

Please check out and like the End Poverty Now Cleveland Facebook page!

Immigration Updates

Immigrant Defense Fund

Click here to donate, and please share!

Immigration Working Group CLE

Follow The Immigration Working Group CLE for updates and actions from a coalition of organizations and local community activists advocating for immigrant rights.

Immigration News

The GOP’s cruel and tired playbook on immigration

Political Polarization Around U.S. Immigration Policy Heightens

Bipartisan lawmakers in House and Senate introduce path to legal status for Afghan refugees

Please let us know if you have anything else that needs to be included in CCPC News and Events

Steve Holecko, CCPC Political Director, 440 220 1874

Connect with CCPC

Facebook | Twitter | Donate

The post CCPC News + Events: 300th Edition! appeared first on Cuyahoga County Progressive Caucus.

I do not mean just to write about suburban mayors. But hopefully the headline will work to get people to read and consider this. There are over a hundred Republican suburban city council members. Numerous GOP school board seats will be up next year as well as other kinds of elected suburban offices. Of course there are plenty of ineffective Democrats and Independents to consider running against as well. The time to encourage challengers to these people is not next year, potential candidates need to prepare and the filing deadline will be well before the November election. Often a municipal filing deadline is when there is still snow on the ground.

If you find yourself calling around next year just before the filing deadline you are probably just going to find a warm body to put their name on the ballot. You might get away with that for a two precinct council race. But if you are looking for a mayoral candidate to spend over $30,000 and campaign hard? Good luck, you’ll need it.

Take up this task and you will learn the meaning of the saying: Elections are won and lost on Filing Day.

So now is the time to talk to your neighbors about who might run. Yes, there are important elections occurring right now. But after the election comes Thanksgiving, (“Honey, it’s Thanksgiving. No one wants to hear that now”). Then it’s Christmas, (“Dear, don’t be rude. It’s Christmas!”). Nevermind “Happy New Year!”

Even people that have worked in political campaigns in the past will need time to prepare. Most of us have noticed many candidates that did not adequately prepare. I remember a city council challenger that scheduled a week-long vacation between Labor Day and the November election. That did not please the supporters much.

So kind readers, you are now drafted to recruit candidates. It’s easy. It’s fun. Talk/email/post to everyone you know in the neighborhood and say, “Someone should run against Mayor/Councilmember ________ next year. Pass it on.”

Often a person you are talking to will be the one to bite. That does not mean that you definitely have a candidate. You don’t have a candidate until they file their petitions properly.

When we get someone with an interest, this is what potential candidates need to do to have a satisfying run for office. Use the following to counsel them or send them to Steve Holecko at the Cuyahoga County Progressive Caucus (give Steve a call at 440-220-1874 or send him an email at steve@cuycpc.org).

Google yourself.

As well as check your other social media accounts. The reporters and your opponent will.

Understand that you are now a public figure.

I remember a challenger my friends were all excited about. He filed and the reporter writing the Filing Day report found the police report of an embarrassing domestic dispute. He promptly withdrew after the filing deadline was passed of course. The incumbent went unchallenged.

The second people learn that you have taken out a petition for public office, you are a public figure. They will talk about you, your spouse, your kids, your parents, your job, etc… You better grow a thick skin fast. And everyone you love too.

Talk to your spouse.

One of my first recruits didn’t. He was divorced soon after he lost.

Talk to and consider your children.

Remember the Fourth of July shooter this year whose father ran for mayor a few years ago in that Illinois town? Extreme example, but we do get the point, right?

Talk to your family and friends.

This will be your major source of volunteer support.

Talk to your local Democratic precinct people.

Hopefully they will be a source of help as well. 

Check with your job.

Certain government jobs do not allow you to run, period. Certain corporations may bar you or frown upon it. In small companies, you better knock on the owner’s door to ask what they think.

Check your finances.

You might have to pay for much of the campaign out of your own pocket. If the town or ward is only a couple precincts that could be only a couple thousand dollars that you can afford. If we are talking about a mayor’s race in a typical sized suburb that will multiply to 20-30 thousand dollars.

Do research.

Don’t embarrass yourself and us. Learn about the issues and the history of your town.

Short detour. Some of you live in a Cleveland suburban Mayberry. Don’t campaign for Hunting Valley City Council talking about Trump’s crimes and Medicaid for All. Learn the mistake of the Trumper former North Royalton Councilman that recruited a slate of Republicans who got their ass kicked last year. North Royalton is slightly Red, but they didn’t want to hear about it for their city hall. Some people may need to run a student council level campaign. “The incumbent is nice, but I always wanted to serve on the council. You can call me for anything, Mrs. Jones.” Be prepared to bag up dead squirrels and other critters, folks.

Talk to your opponent. Yes, talk to your future opponent.

Depending on where you live, the incumbent may have been appointed to the seat and may have been unopposed ever since. They may just hand it to you if you are cordial. Most suburban council positions are basically part-time, almost volunteer, positions. They are choosing between the church council and the city council for their volunteer time.

Here is a personal example of that. My Ex ran and lost to another woman. The winning woman and my Ex stayed friendly. At the end of that term the winner decided she did not want to serve again. She wanted my Ex to have it. Long story short: My Ex is now a senior member of that governing body.

Go to the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections (BOE) for all information on your town’s filing information.

Do not get paranoid about going to the BOE for all the information you need to file for office. Their job is to assist everyone to get on the ballot and file their campaign finance reports properly. They are equally staffed by Democrats and Republicans. Your City Hall could tweak requirements to run in your town, but it is the BOE that will enforce those laws fairly.

Get trained.

Learn how to be an effective candidate. Get your 30 second pitch down. Learn how to write effective literature. Call Steve for help there.

Most local Republican mayors and council members do try to hide their conservativism somewhat. Yet, this spring thirteen Cuyahoga County GOP mayors signed an endorsement letter for their State Senator Matt Dolan in his losing campaign for the Republican U.S. Senate nomination. Don’t look for any of the sixteen Republican suburban mayors to endorse Democrat Nan Whaley for Governor this fall.

Even the most Republican communities in our county only top out at barely 60 percent GOP. That is difficult but competitive for a Democratic challenger. After all, the Republican mayors of Berea and Mayfield Heights achieved their offices in towns that are over 60 percent Democratic.

For the sake of our democracy, we need to bring our party into every cul-de-sac found in Cuyahoga County.

Written by Richard May on behalf of the Cuyahoga County Progressive Caucus. Richard has over 20 years experience in fielding candidates when he was a leader in the disloyal opposition. His therapist says he is making progress.

The post Defeating Republican Suburban Mayors Starts Now with Progressive Challenger Recruitment appeared first on Cuyahoga County Progressive Caucus.

If you’re not sure which district you live in after the unconstitutional new districts were mandated by the Federal Court please, click here.

For general information about voting in Cuyahoga County, please click here.

Below are the CCPC-endorsed candidates who are on the ballot August 2:

Ohio State Senate District 21: Kent Smith

Ohio State Senate District 23: Nickie Antonio

Ohio House District 13: Mike Skindell

Ohio House District 20: Mike Seals

CCPC does not do formal endorsements for State Central Committee races. However, we are recommending that you vote for Diane Morgan in the District 23 State Central Committee race.

The post Are You Ready for the August 2nd Primary? appeared first on Cuyahoga County Progressive Caucus.

Cleveland – Last week the Ohio Supreme Court’s task force on bail reform released a report and recommendations to improve the pretrial system. The task force was comprised of 30 members from diverse justice-related backgrounds and the nine recommendations now lay before the seven justices of the Court for their review. The Cuyahoga County Progressive Caucus (CCPC) is pleased that stakeholders across the state are taking bail reform seriously. 

Yvonka Hall of CCPC and the Coalition to Stop the Inhumanity at the Cuyahoga County Jail said, “Ohio’s jails are overcrowded and inhumane. Bail reform is sweeping the nation, mitigating the brutality of the prison industrial complex. We welcome the recommendations for reform put forward by the Ohio Supreme Court’s Taskforce.”

However, CCPC vehemently opposes the recommended “risk assessment tools.” Such tools are well documented to reproduce and perpetuate the race and class hierarchies that the tools were built upon. The Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University published a report last month that stated:

Decades of research have shown that, for the same conduct, African-American and Latinx people are more likely to be arrested, prosecuted, convicted and sentenced to harsher punishments than their white counterparts. Risk assessments that incorporate this distorted data will produce distorted results. These problems cannot be resolved with technical fixes. We strongly recommend turning to other reforms.

We look to the Ohio Rules Committee to incorporate many of the Ohio Supreme Court’s taskforce recommendations in the amending of Criminal Rule 46 in the fall. We look to the General Assembly to provide the resources necessary to support a fair pretrial system.

“Judges in Ohio who are interested in practicing morally are faced with an impossible task: wring justice out of a legal system designed to reproduce white supremacy and class hierarchy,” says Keith Wilson of CCPC and the Coalition to Stop the Inhumanity at the Cuyahoga County Jail. “The risk assessment tools being recommended would not help ethical judges in this task. Instead, what they would do is institutionalize these brutal underlying hierarchies by providing a veneer of legitimacy and impartiality to pretrial bail proceedings. The tools would reify race by making deeply racist punishment disparities appear objective.” 

The justices of the Supreme Court of Ohio will discuss the report at an August 6 conference.

To learn more about the Cuyahoga County Progressive Caucus, please visit: www.cuycpc.org

The post Cuyahoga County Progressive Caucus Opposes Ohio Supreme Court Taskforce’s Recommendation for “Risk Assessment Tools” in Bail Proceedings, Supports Other Recommendations appeared first on Cuyahoga County Progressive Caucus.

Ohio nuclear bailout bill held up because of lawmakers absences​was the good news from last Wednesday evening as four expected yes votes in the House that were needed to get the bill passed did not show up. 

It was initially expected that a new vote would take place on August 1, but we have since learned that the vote is now expected to occur this Tuesday, July 23.

We are not sure if Tuesday’s vote is to approve the Senate version of the bill or to send it to a conference committee to work out a compromise bill. Either way action is needed today.

Please take a minute to make three calls and/or emails using the links provided. 

One goes to your state representative.​ 

The other two go to:  

District 56 Representative Joe Miller – Phone (614) 466-5141 Email: Rep56@ohiohouse.gov​​

District 10 Representative Terrence Upchurch – Phone (614) 466-7954​ Email: Rep10@ohiohouse.gov​

These are Democrats in Northeast Ohio who initially voted for the bill but with enough pressure may do the right thing this time. 
Below are some suggested talking points you can use in your emails

• I do not support HB6, the dirty energy bailout bill.

• The legislation would increase monthly electric bill to bail out old uneconomic nuclear, and nuclear plants and gut Ohio’s clean energy and efficiency standards.

• Please oppose HB6, and support energy efficiency, and clean energy programs that reduce energy costs, and protect our health.

• The rest of the country, including neighboring states in the Midwest, are moving forward to retire coal plants and invest in clean energy.

• One in five people in the US now live in communities committed to 100% clean energy, and the price of renewable energy is expected to be consistently cheaper than fossil fuels by 2020.

The post HB 6 vote scheduled for Tuesday! Contact your State Representative ASAP! appeared first on Cuyahoga County Progressive Caucus.

Let’s review just a few highlights from a week of Trump’s racist, xenophobic agenda:

Reports from the concentration camps at the border continue to be horrific with immigrants in overcrowded conditions pleading with Vice President Pence during his visit for showers and toothbrushes.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids continue (as they do every day in this country) to separate families.

In a move that is not only immoral but illegal, Trump moves to end asylum protections for most Central American migrants.

Trump tweets (and double downs on) racist attacks on courageous women of color leading the fight in Congress to speak truth to power. 

All of these things have one thing in common: cruelty is the point. And they all serve as a reminder of why this fight to demand more moral clarity of the leaders working to hold him accountable is so important (looking at you, House Democrats).

We know you get it. On Friday, you showed up with tens (and tens and tens) of thousands of people at more than 817 vigils across 5 continents for Lights of Liberty to call on Congress to #CloseTheCamps and end detention (if you missed some of our favorite highlights, click here). 

But these vigils must be just a starting point to what has to be a much larger fight to #DefundHate and ensure Congress does all that it can to rein in Trump’s constant attacks on Black and brown communities. 

The good news is August recess, when your members of Congress head home to work in their districts on your turf, starts on Monday, July 29. It is the perfect time for you to turn up the pressure. 

Right now, they need to hear from you (the people who sent them to Washington in the first place) on impeachment and that you will not accept any vote to increase funding for ICE and CBP (Customs and Border Protection) this September during the budget fight. Remember: many of them voted three weeks ago to give ICE more money through Trump’s supplemental Department of Homeland Security funding request and still need to hear from you on that disappointing vote.

1. Demand that your MoC #CloseTheCamps by working to Defund Hate. The funding that Congress gives agencies like ICE and CBP is the root of all of the atrocities we have seen Trump commit against immigrant families and communities. Call your member of Congress and tell them that you expect them to cut funding to these agencies as part of the appropriations process this year.
2. Tell your MoC that it’s time to start the impeachment process.Democrats don’t need to wait until Robert Mueller testifies on July 24 to know that Trump’s cruelty, corruption, and lawlessness are impeachment-worthy. Call your member of Congress today and tell them to start an impeachment inquiry by supporting H.Res.257.
3. It’s time for your MoC to vote to #RaiseTheWage. The House will vote later this week on H.R. 582, the Raise the Wage Act, to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2024. But Republicans are sure to offer a motion to recommit to try to divide Democrats and stall this bill, which would fulfill a key promise Democrats made before the 2018 midterms. Call your member of Congress and tell them to vote YES on H.R. 582, and NO on any amendments or Republican motions to recommit that would weaken it.

The post Denounce Trump’s White Nationalism appeared first on Cuyahoga County Progressive Caucus.

To learn more, visit CouncilPerson, Tristan Rader’s website. Thank you for all the hard work to everyone involved in getting this resolution passed.

The post Lakewood City Council unanimously passed Resolution 9082-19 appeared first on Cuyahoga County Progressive Caucus.