Clevelanders,
When I announced that this was my final term, I said, ‘this is a relay,
not a sprint.’ This means no mayor starts and finishes the race.
Instead, they run their leg and pass the baton. This week, the
people of Cleveland elected Justin Bibb as the city’s next mayor. I
want to congratulate Mayor-Elect Bibb on his victory and wish him
every success as he takes the baton to lead our city into the
future. Mayor-Elect Bibb and I had an opportunity to meet this week
in my office as we begin the transition process.
Here is a look at some of the other announcements from this week:
November 2: It was Election Day in the City of Cleveland, and in addition
to selecting Justin Bibb as our next mayor, the people of our city
also voted to elect Shontel Brown to represent Ohio's 11th
congressional district. I issued her a statement of congratulations.
November 3: I participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the
Opportunity Corridor. The boulevard will connect Cleveland’s East
55th Street to East 105th Street in University Circle. This project
gives us the opportunity to spur investments, jobs and real estate
developments in neighborhoods where they otherwise wouldn't have
happened. I thank Former Governor Kasich, Governor DeWine, ODOT and
all of our state and local partners for their dedication to this
project and helping ensure that Cleveland contractors and local
residents can participate in and benefit from its success.
November 4: The Cleveland Division of Police held the 2021 Awards
Ceremony to honor police officers who have demonstrated exemplary
service throughout the past year. The ceremony, which was
livestreamed can be watched here. During this event Police Chief
Calvin D. Williams announced his resignation, which will occur at
the end of my mayoral term.
Chief Williams has honorably served the citizens of Cleveland for
more than 35 years. He navigated the relationships between our
community and the Division with honor, determination and an
understanding that mutual trust between police and the communities
they serve are key to maintaining public safety and effective
policing. Chief Williams has experienced many of the trials and
triumphs of our city, along the way, earning a reputation for
steady, pragmatic leadership. The positive impact he has made on
Cleveland is commendable and appreciated. I consider him a friend
and wish him the best in his retirement.
November 5:We announced the City of Cleveland Veteran’s Day Ceremony and
Parade. On Thursday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m., I will be joined by other
city officials and local and regional veterans' organizations to
honor those who bravely served in the armed forces. The parade will
immediately follow the ceremony and will step-off in front of City
Hall, 601 Lakeside Ave., at 12:30 p.m. Click here to view the
ceremony agenda and list of speakers.
The City of Cleveland reported 558 new coronavirus cases for October
24 – October 30, bringing the total to 44,544 coronavirus cases and
565 resident fatalities. View the full report here. I urge residents
to stay safe amid the spread of the Delta variant of COVID-19, and
to get vaccinated to protect themselves against the virus. To view
my video message, click here. Those seeking to be vaccinated can
schedule an appointment by calling our COVID-19 Vaccine Call Center
at (216) 664-2222.
Don’t forget to turn your clocks back one hour as Daylight Saving ends on
Sunday, November 7. The Cleveland Division of Fire will “Sound the
Alarm” tonight at 6:05 p.m. and emergency sirens will sound for one
minute in unison to urge residents to change their smoke alarm
batteries.
Thank you and stay safe,
Frank G. Jackson
Mayor, City of Cleveland |
