On February 20th, GCC hosted a forum for the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor candidates and the Juvenile Court Judge candidates at Antioch Baptist Church. This GCC Candidates Forum was a fantastic opportunity for GCC to highlight the injustice of youth bindover to the adult justice system and how denying Cleveland’s youth the best representation available impacts their lives and the lives of their families. The forum was also an exceptional opportunity for GCC members to express concern about this and other important issues, and it was inspiring to join with fellow enthusiastic GCC experienced in the current practice of the courts and are making a direct ask of candidates to make improvements.

The GCC Core Team wants to especially thank the 31 people from UUCC who attended in person, as well as the 8 who joined virtually. UUCC pledged 35 people to attend, and thanks to each of you, we made our goal: 39 participants! GCC’s power is demonstrated by turn out at actions. YOU make this possible!

Unfortunately, the event was attended by only two candidates for public office: Judge Alison Floyd, running for Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court Judge, and Matthew Ahn, running for Cuyahoga County Prosecutor. All other candidates for these positions ultimately declined the invitation to attend and answer GCC’s questions. And Michael O’Malley, current Cuyahoga County Prosecutor running for re-election in this position, unfairly accused GCC leaders of ‘extortion’ for asking a series of questions and for requesting engagement.

To read more about the issue, click these links:
https://www.ideastream.org/government-politics/2024-02-20/cuyahoga-prosecutor-michael-omalley-lobs-extortion-accusation-at-greater-cleveland-congregations
OR
https://signalcleveland.org/cuyahoga-county-prosecutor-candidates-matthew-ahn-michael-omalley-forum/.

And to read GCC’s response to O’Malley’s accusations, Click here:

Stay strong!

GCC Core Team