(Cleveland, OH) - Cleveland City Councilman Basheer Jones addressed supporters Thursday afternoon near the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections AT 2925 Euclid Avenue.
Ward 7 Councilman Basheer Jones was elected in November 2017, becoming the city's first Muslim council representative. He represents an area which includes the historic Hough district, as well as the St. Clair-Superior, Midtown and Asia Town neighborhoods.
He spoke on the steps near The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections Office saying he is "focused on fostering a better Cleveland and better opportunities for all." He also touched on education in the city, City hall transparency and about the efforts around Police having a relationship with residents.
Jones already has garnered large social numbers of media followers and says he plans on using those platforms and others to reach constituents quickly.
In his one term on City Council, Jones says he’s made his voice heard fighting for his residents. That sometimes has resulted in heated exchanges during committee meetings with people like the fire and police chiefs.
“A piece of coal cannot become a diamond without pressure and so pressure is necessary,” said Jones. “I think the real problem is people who remain silent, who don’t say anything. I think that’s worse than being a little bit testy, and I think we should be testy about certain things.”
Jones says that includes people in communities being overcharged when they interact with the justice system, but also first responders not having the support, training, or equipment they need.
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