Public Comment

I’ve been trying to get in for weeks now over six weeks and can’t get in because the Palestinians keep taking up all of the conversations topic time something needs to be done this needs to be shut down it’s for the citizens of Cleveland Ohio

Your uneducated comments and opinions are circling the internet. Polensek is someone who doesn’t have respect for his constituents nor the world as a whole. His words “disgust” me (as he has so eloquently stated openly). I condemn the violent acts on innocent Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank (which Hamas is not in but they are being murdered just the same). I condemn the lies that are being perpetually spread in Western Media to “justify” an occupation that’s creating tens of thousands of casualties. I condemn a politician refusing to see the humanitarian crisis happening within a 25 mile stretch of land. I condemn a resolution that does not include a permanent ceasefire and freedom to rebuild what was destroyed/create a better life. I condemn racism and Islamophobia. What you do not comprehend, Polensek, is that we set out to continually educate ourselves. I see what’s happening on the ground in Gaza- do you see it??? It seems there should be repercussions for your vile words, sir.

Hi, I just saw a viral video of a constituent ask those that condemn the killing of civilian men women and children in Gaza to stand. Not a single council person stood up. What is wrong with you all? Do you know how disgusting and inhuman you look? Shame on you. The way you are all getting dragged on social right now is absolutely deserved. Thankfully the internet is forever and no one will forget that you were on the wrong side of history on this day or on election day. Johanna Staral

They keep interfering in my parenting Targeting the wrong parents!!! Also I’m having problems with Cleveland police detectives I would like to come speak in person!!

On January 22, 2024, a letter signed by 1,456 individuals, 85 businesses and 72 organizations in the City of Cleveland was submitted to Cleveland City Council urging councilmembers to pass a ceasefire resolution. The letter included a draft proposed resolution similar to those passed by other cities, like Akron. I am once again asking Cleveland City Council to respond to the demands of their constituents and call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Since October 7th, 2023, more than 25,000 people have been killed in Palestine. Almost all of these have been civilians, including journalists and medical personnel, who had no part in inciting this conflict. Gaza has a population of 2.2 million, and nearly 2 million of these (91%) have been displaced due to the conflict (source: www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-20415675). That would be equivalent to 334,512 Clevelanders displaced from their homes, all in a three-month period. In addition to the massive loss of life and displacement, Gazans are faced with famine, illness, and a constant risk of further violence. Many civilians have been arrested without cause by Israeli forces, and those "fortunate" enough to be released share harrowing stories of beatings and torture (source: mondoweiss.net/2024/01/the-shocking-inhumanity-of-israels-crimes-in-gaza/). Cleveland City Council has a duty to its citizens, particularly to the Jewish and Arab communities, to condemn this violence and demand its immediate cessation. In this crucial moment, I urge you to remember the words of non-violent anti-apartheid activist Desmond Tutu: "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor."

Good evening Councilman and Councilwoman Mayor Bibb and constituents of the City of Cleveland My gripe and complaint has to do with city streets our school districts and and just Everyday People the main city streets of the city of Cleveland are passable the side streets as of today Monday have not been cleared if meteorologists are projecting ice to be for Tuesday January 23rd my issue is what's going on with the plowing of the current snow on all the side streets we may be from Cleveland but the false verification to believe that citizen should kill themselves to get out of there driveways or pull off the streets when it's icy is unconceivable and disrespectful we pay taxes many households are several persons paying taxes until the city of Cleveland and yet we can't function as Citizens safely the other issue has to do with schooling this Council and the mayor place people on the board to the Grimace of parents we typically hate your board members cuz they're ill-equipped to comprehend basic one two three however when the weather is unbearable for people who have to walk which is typically the students of the city we shouldn't have to haggle and and pray that by 6:00 a.m. school will be closed you all feel like you may not can do anything but you can you have a conversation with the CEO that y'all helped with the search and reminding him that citizens are also students and they shouldn't have to be harmed and trying to get to and from school now back to my original gripe before this new snowstorm which isn't snow ice storm kicks in or the city streets going to be clear snow because right now if it begins to freeze with the rain and it already still has snow you're looking at treacherous driving situations treacherous walking situations for your citizens that are the viable reason of the city without people you don't have a city make it safe start protecting us and do something about it and thank you to all the men and women who are actually out plowing and taking care of the streets just need them to get to the side streets because the storm happened Friday it's Monday side streets should be clear already.

I know that Heap is available for some assistance with a ridiculous poverty rate for a single fixed income senior. My concerns is for example Dominion's Energy Charges is more than the actual basic charge, and with Cleveland Public Power how the Energy Adjustment Charge is more than actual current charges. Cleveland Public Power also does not accept any outside assistance for lower electric bills. Please figure out what assistance could lower and help seniors on fixed income with these high bills. P.s. why couldn't no one apply for medical bills debt assistance.

I am deeply concerned about the ongoing situation in Palestine, addressing both the current humanitarian crisis and potential corruption among government officials. It's crucial that we prioritize our values over personal gains.

I have been trying to get help for 5 years with this situation. I have been passed around from person to person, inspectors, called literally everyone. My neighbor does not have utilities, does not take care of yard/ house, has pee buckets outside ( and other things) .I had mold growing on my house . We can not sleep because his car runs all the time. I truly believe his exhaust smell even made my son sick. We could not be outside to enjoy anything because of the smell , flies. We NEED HELP. I am desperate at this point . I am on disability, I do the best I can with things. I can not afford to move , but I am NOT the problem, HE IS !. We once again are asking for HELP! Let’s NOT pay pass the buck again with his . How would you feel about this ? You can’t enjoy outside ? The smell , the nois car running all hours ? I am begging for help.

I dislike the changes to public comments during council meetings. Limiting comment to 3 minutes and requiring basic decorum is not unreasonable, but limiting it to 10 individuals in a city this size is unreasonable and curtails the spirit of democratic participation. Online comments such as this are a pacifier and I seriously doubt are all that monitored and responded too in a timely manner. Please bring back more open comment periods during council meetings. If other municipalities can do it, so can Cleveland.