Mayor's Appointments Committee (Thursday)

Here’s a link to the meeting. 12 people are currently watching along.

Copy of the agenda. https://t.co/1zZ70pGYXj

James Chura is the first candidate to face questioning.

Jones asks Chura what he believes the role of the police is? His response “to serve and protect”.

Chura has plenty of experience when it comes to policing. He spent 7 years at the 4th district, was a detective in child sex crimes, did some instruction at the police academy, and worked in the traffic unit.

Jones asks how police officers and the community can improve their relationship and increase trust?

Chura responds by saying there have to be a fair disciplinary process for the officers, and it must apply to everyone, no matter their political relationships. Believes it’s going to take time.

Griffin states he had a chance to work with Chura in the past, and he finds him to be someone who has been fair and consistent in leadership roles in the City of Cleveland.

Griffin asks Chura if he is familiar with the general police orders so that he may use said orders as a reference when crafting disciplinary measures.

Chura said he has been familiar with these orders for 33 years now. Griffin believes this is very important due to the implicit bias we as people possess. Wants to make sure individuals are making decisions based on facts not emotions.

It is Polensek’s turn for questioning. He asks Chura if he has ever advocated for defunding the police or if there are anything on his personal social media accounts that should concern the council. Chura responds “no” to both questions.

Starr takes his turn at questioning. His first question to Chura is what does he believe can be done about recruiting more police officers?

Chura says it’s a tricky question, believes public opinion needs to shift as it pertains to policing. He would recruit at colleges and military bases.

Starr’s next question is what can be done so that police are not viewed in a negative light? Chura again reiterated that this change of opinion will take time. Believes more positive interactions with community members will help.

Starr’s final question is a simple “Why do you want to be on this community police commission?”

Chura responds by saying he would like the officers and community to know that decisions will be objective, and that public opinion will not deter any type of decision making.

Law Director, Mark Griffin, is here to circle back to an earlier question from Polensek. He wanted to know whether the candidates have undergone both a background and drug screen?

The law director says they do not typically require a drug screening for part time appointees.

The final question to Chura is from Jones who asks if he can handle the time commitment required to serve on this commission? Chura responds he is prepared to serve whatever time is required of him.

The next nominee for questioning is Charles Donaldson Jr.

The first question for Charles comes from Jones who asks what his experience with police/law enforcement has been?

Charles shares that he is a former member of the Coast Guard, and would work with law enforcement to investigate collisions that happened in the channels there.

Jones then asks how Charles how trust between community and police could be improved? Charles states communication will be key. Believes currently there is an “us” vs “them” mindset, and believes we have to change that frame of thinking.

Griffin asks the same question he asked Chura, if he has familiarized himself with the police orders? Charles says he knows where they are located but has not had the chance to familiarize himself with them.

Polensek again asks, has Charles advocated for defunding the police or have anything on his social media that would concern the council? Charles answers “no” to both inquiries.

Starr asks if Charles is friends with anyone on the Bibb administration? Charles says he is not.

Starr asks how long Charles has lived in Cleveland. Charles states he has been here for 12 years. Starr expresses his concerns over outsiders who don’t have roots in the city, trying to solve the problems of the city.

Starr then asks what he believes the best BBQ in Cleveland is? 🤣

Charles says he has heard a lot of great things about Open Pitt. What say you Clevelanders? 🍖 🍗

Charles acknowledges he still has a lot to learn about the community, but welcomes that challenge.

Starr asks what immediate changes would Charles implement? Charles said that due to a lack of information he deems critical, he is not in a position to recommend changes at this time.

Starr’s final question to Charles is why he wants to be apart of this commission? Charles says he has faced many challenging situations in life, and believes he possess the necessary skill set to excel in the commission. He wants to be apart of moving the city forward.

The final question comes from Jones who asks if Charles will be able to dedicate the time required to serve on this commission? He says he is prepared to serve as needed.

Next candidate up for questioning is Kyle Earley.

Jones asks what his experience has been with law enforcement? Earley speaks that he has seen both sides of it. When they are engaged with community members at community events it is a positive thing, however when a police officer gets behind him while driving, he gets nervous.

Questions appear like they will be the same across the board for all candidates. Griffin asks Earley if he has ever had to evaluate an employee under his charge?

Earley says in his chief executive officer role in his non-profit he has had to evaluate employee performance and employees have also evaluated him as well.

Griffin asks if Earley is familiar with the general police orders? He says he is familiar with what they are but are not fully familiar with their contents.

Harsh asks Earley if he will be representing any civil rights organizations? Earley says he will be representing the Cleveland NAACP and United Pastors.

He is also someone who has been effected by police violence in his family.

Polensek maintains his questioning, asking if Earley if he has advocated for defunding the police? Earley answers “yes”. When asked if there is anything on his social media accounts the council should be worried about, his answer is “no”. He also, like the prior interviewees..

Would have no problem taking a drug test. Seems to be a major point of contention for Polensek.

CORRECTION Earley’s family has been a victim of gun violence not police violence. My apologies!

Starr asks if Earley is a born and raised resident if the city, he confirms he is. Starr asks what he would recommend as it pertains to recruitment? Earley says he believes the city has a branding problem. The constant allegations against the CPD has made it a hard selling point.

He also believe those who want to serve the community should live in the community. Starr ends his questioning to Earley with asking him why he wants to be on this committee? Earley says he wants to set an example for future activists by going beyond protesting but also..

By having a seat at the table.

Next up for questioning, we have Alana Garrett Ferguson.

In consistency with prior questioning, Griffin asks if Ferguson has had to evaluate employees work performance?

She says she has had to do that in her work with children in non-profit spaces.

Griffin asks if she is familiar with the general police orders? Ferguson is aware of what they are, but would need a more comprehensive understanding.

Jones asks what skill set Ferguson would bring to this particular committee? She says she would bring solutions to the table. She’s focused on making this a safe space for everyone, and undermining the “us” vs “them” mentality.

She would be representing the Cleveland NAACP.

She also is representing those who have been effected by gun/police violence.

Polensek asks if she has advocated for defunding the police. She says that she has, and clarified that she believes we should be using our scarce resources to the best of our abilities for the betterment of our community.

She is willing to undergo drug testing and has no outrageous social media posts the council should be worried about.

Starr has his turn at questioning. He asks if she is friends with anyone in the Bibb Administration? She says she is not. He asks how long she has been a CLE resident? She says all 30 years of her life.

He asks for her recommendations on recruitment. She says it would take a transformation of the police force, as nobody wants to be apart of a body that is “known for slaughtering people”.

Starr asks why she wants to be on this commission? Ferguson states it’s everyone’s responsibility to make communities safer. She believes bringing her voice and experience as a young black woman in Cleveland would be valuable to this board.

Jones asks about her ability to commit to the time necessary to be successful on this commission. She confirms she will be able to take on that commitment.

Next up with have Cait Kennedy.

We*

Jones asks what her experience with law enforcement has been? She shares experiences about family members who have had to deal with legal issues. Those experiences have driven her to want to serve on this commission.

Griffin asks if she is familiar with the general order of police. She is currently working her way through said order. She also has his experience having to evaluate employees, for job performance and wage enhancement.

Harsh asks if she will be representing a civil rights org, which she will. “Unbail” is the name of her organization.

Her work with “Unbail” allows her to represent multiple facets of the community.

What is “Unbail”you ask? https://t.co/Tqdzsp8fDf

Polensek follows with usual questions. She has not advocated for defunding the police nor does she have anything on social media that would raise concerns. She is also willing to take a drug test.

Starr asks what immediate changes she would recommend to improve CPD. Kennedy says she would increase mental health and crisis responders collaborating with the department.

Kennedy claims her home has the best BBQ in the land thanks to her spouse. We will take you up on that offer girl, set the time and place!

Starr asks why she wants to be on this commission. Kennedy believes everyone should feel free, which includes feeling safe. She wants to be apart of shifting the culture in Cleveland and continuing to strengthen relations between police and community.

Pete Van Lier is the final candidate of the day.

Piet*

Jones asks what his experience has been with police. He says his experience as a journalist has allowed him to do some ride alongs, but he hasn’t had too many other interactions with them.

Van Lier has not advocated for defunding the police nor does he have any posts on social media that could cause concern. He is willing to undergo a drug test.

Van Lier says he is not friends with anyone in the Bibb administration. Wants to be apart of this commission because it’s an opportunity to make Cleveland a safer place. Sees it as ab opportunity to be involved in real meaningful change.

He has been a resident of Cleveland since 1991. Believes the role of the police is to respond to crime, protect, and serve.

Van Lier concurs that he is able to fulfill the time commitment necessary for this role.

Harsh reiterates that they have still yet to find individuals who have met all 5 of the criteria points that was necessary to be on the board. Have come close, but doesn’t believe they will have the numbers by tomorrow.

Jones reiterates the need to continue to work together during this process. It’s a work in progress, but progress is being made. With that, the meeting has concluded!

Have questions? Think we got something wrong? Send any inquiries on the meeting or these tweets to @cledocumenters. Or email us at cledocumenters@gmail.com