Cleveland Mayoral Debate: Voters First (Part 1)

In May 2021, Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson announced he would not be seeking a fifth term as Mayor of Cleveland - opening up a race for new leadership not seen in 16 years.

In the lead-up to the 2021 Cleveland Mayoral election, Ideastream Public Media - in partnership with The City Club of Cleveland - will be hosting two debates. All seven candidates seeking office have agreed to participate in both debates.

This debate is the first of two, and will exclusively feature questions coming directly from voters like you asking about issues and topics that are most important to you and your communities.

Topics will be divided among the two debates. This first debate will cover: Racial equity, public safety, housing, transparency in government and health equity.

Join us live on WVIZ, WCPN or ideastream.org on August 10 starting at 7:30 p.m. for a 90-minute debate held at the Westfield Studio Theatre at the Idea Center, moderated by Rick Jackson, Senior Host/Producer with Ideastream Public Media. The livestream will be available beginning at 7:30 p.m.

“Cleveland Mayoral Debate: Voters First” is made possible by grants from The Cleveland Foundation and The George Gund Foundation.

Panelists

Justin M. Bibb
Chief Strategy Officer - Urbanova and Cleveland Mayoral Candidate

Ross DiBello
Attorney and Cleveland Mayoral Candidate

Basheer S. Jones
Cleveland City Councilman - Ward 7 and Cleveland Mayoral Candidate

Kevin J. Kelley
President Cleveland City Council and Cleveland Mayoral Candidate

Dennis Kucinich
Former U.S. Congressman and Cleveland Mayoral Candidate

Zack Reed
Former Cleveland City Councilman - Ward 2 and Cleveland Mayoral Candidate

Sandra R. Williams
Ohio State Senator - 21st District and Cleveland Mayoral Candidate

Moderator

Rick Jackson
Senior Host/Producer, Ideastream Public Media