News & Info from Councilman Brian Cummins
Watch for updates on the campaign and share your comments.
13 Cleveland City Council seats to be decided next week - 2 council members are running in redistricted wards
Friday, October 30, 2009
WKSU's Kevin Niedermier reports, niedermier@wksu.org
Cleveland voters will decide 13 races next week for Cleveland's downsized City Council. Last year voters approved reducing council from 21 wards to 19. Contests in the two re-structured wards pit current council members against newcomers, including a pharmacist and a Communist. [Includes interview with Councilman Brian Cummins.]
Listen to the AUDIO report at the WKSU website - http://www.wksu.org/news/story/24301
Cummins Campaign "The Better Candidate" - new literature
October 31,2009
For a review of the Cummins Campaign voter materials please visit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/plowharp/sets/72157622091438324/
County Commissioner Jones, State Representative Belcher and Cleveland Police Endorse Councilman Cummins
October 25, 2009
The following endorsements have been confirmed for Councilman Brian Cummins' bid for the new Ward 14 Cleveland City Council election:
For a complete list of endorsements and supporter testimonials see: www.briancummins.us/getinformed
Some Choices...A Lot Easier
October 23, 2009
Some choices are harder than others. This one is a lot easier.
Our Ward Councilman Brian Cummins is the better candidate...by far. You be the judge.
This new mailer piece places Councilman Cummins' demonstrated experience and accomplishments in direct comparison to his opponent.
More fact checking
Councilman Cummins' opponent recently put out literature attacking the councilman's character and record.
When asked about his negative campaign literature he is quoted as saying -
"I had no intention of attacking him at all...He started it, he threw a punch," Nagin said. "He’s starting a red scare."
Nagin's referral to a "punch” and a "red scare" is in reference to the Cummins Campaign publishing a factual comparison of experience of the candidates that included Nagin's affiliation with the Communist Party, USA (CPUSA).
It is a fact that a large part of Nagin's professional adult career was spent as the Chairman of the Ohio Communist Party (1979-1997) and that he has been referred to as a CP Ohio Leader and has participated in national CPUSA deliberations as recent as March 2008.
The Cummins campaign seeks to inform voters of the candidates relevant work experience.
Nagin, who is 68 years old, only provides to voters a listing of work experience that covers approximatly 9-years; 7-years as a Council Assistant to Nelson Cintron Jr., and 2-years volunteering and working for political and labor campaigns.
The Nagin campaign’s attack piece asks voters to “REJECT Dirty Politics” and goes on to calling Councilman Cummins a loner, erratic, untrustworthy, selfish, opportunistic…
Clearing misstatements and checking the facts
CLAIM - (Endorsements) No support of a single public official.
FACT - Councilman Cummins is endorsed by State Representative Sandra Williams. The Councilman also has the support of colleagues on Cleveland City Council that include but is not limited to: Anthony Brancatelli, Ward 12; Councilman Martin J. Keane, Ward 21; Councilman Kevin J. Kelley, Ward 16; Councilman Michael D. Polensek, Ward 11; and, Councilman Zachary Reed, Ward 3.
Listing of principal endorsements - www.briancummins.us/getinformed
It should also be noted that Councilman Cummins has not sought out endorsements from individuals in active community leadership positions and on Boards of community organizations that currently receive funding from the City of Cleveland. This is in respect for not wanting to cause any undue pressure or influence on such people or organizations or to cause any possible perception of conflict of interest.
CLAIM - Considered untrustworthy and erratic – the reason [for Council leadership] to break up and eliminate his ward.
FACT – independent testimonials:
"no one doubts his [Cummins] brains or honesty."
Plain Dealer endorsement 8/15/09.
"Because we finally have a councilman that stands up to the good old boy network. If he doesn’t like what he sees or hears he lets them know about it."
Dane Reich, President, The Southwest Citizens Area Council, in a letter to the Editor, Plain Press, 4/2009 with regards to why Council split up Ward 15.
"Cummins showed independence, thoughtfulness and some courage."
Roldo Bartimole, The Cleveland Leader, 3/29, article regarding re-districting announcement.
CLAIM - Not registered to vote until 2005. Joined the Democratic Party in 2006.
FACT - Councilman Cummins first voted and joined the Democratic Party in the 1980, Presidential primary election. In the 1990’s he voted absentee from overseas; in 2000 – he voted in Columbus, Franklyn County, Ohio; in 2001 and 2004 he voted by provisional ballot in Cleveland, Ohio, which can be verified through the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections.
To volunteer, request a yard sign, and for any questions or more information please contact Councilman Cummins using the information below.
CITIZENS for CUMMINS
216-661-6821
info@briancummins.us
www.briancummins.us
For a review of the Cummins Campaign voter materials please visit:
Cummins Campaign "Making a Difference" - new literature
October 20, 2009
Here is the campaign's most recent literature piece. This piece focuses on the demonstrated experience and accomplishments Councilman Cummins has achieved as related to primary issues facing the new Ward 14.
Those issues are: housing, safety, jobs & economic development, and transparent and accountable government.
See all the campaign pieces at our Fickr.com site:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/plowharp/sets/72157622091438324/
Councilman Cummins receives three more endorsements including Democratic Party
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Cleveland, Ohio – Councilman Brian Cummins’s has recently picked-up three new endorsements for his bid for the new Ward 14 Cleveland City Council race – the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party, State House Representative Sandra Williams of the 11th District and a major union political action committee endorsement from the Teamsters Ohio D.R.I.V.E. (Democrat, Republican, Independent Voter Education).
Teamsters D.R.I.V.E. is one of the largest political action committees in the United States. The organization is non-partisan and independent from any political party. D.R.I.V.E. is funded by voluntary contributions from Teamster members. Funds are used to support political activities including the campaigns of labor-friendly politicians who will stand up for working families as well as education and political actions that build support on issues of concern to working people.
In response to receiving the endorsements Councilman Cummins stated, “I’m very grateful. I’ve been the Ward Leader for the Democratic Party in Ward 15 for the past four years and I appreciate the Party’s support. I’ve also worked hard to represent the interests of working families and if re-elected I commit to continuing those efforts. I’ve enjoyed working with Representative Williams for the past four years and I appreciate her confidence in me and her support.”
The following is a summary of endorsements:
(see www.briancummins.us/getinformed)
Check the Facts
Monday, September 28, 2009
Citizens for Cummins want voters to carefully examine the qualifications, accomplishments and community plans of Councilman Brian Cummins and his runoff opponent, Rick Nagin. For this purpose the following comparison of professional experiences is provided based on available information. We’re supporting Councilman Brian Cummins for Council because we believe he has the experience to lead...the record to prove it.
Check the facts by downloading the PDF file here. Also, see the related article:
Cleveland council candidate Rick Nagin eschews communist tag
Monday, September 28, 2009, Henry J. Gomez, Plain Dealer