“Unnecessary, unserious, and flat-out counterproductive” — Rep. Brown
PARMA, OH — Congressional candidate Michael Eisner today condemned Rep. Max Miller’s call for National Guard deployment in Cleveland, calling it a “dangerous escalation that prioritizes political theater over public safety.”
Miller, who represents Ohio’s 7th Congressional District, called for Governor Mike DeWine to deploy the National Guard to Cleveland, a city that is not even in his district but rather in that of Rep. Shontel Brown (D-OH-11).
“Our absent representative is feeling the pressure of losing his grip on power,” said Eisner, a 30-year attorney and District 7 congressional hopeful. “In an effort to further divide us, he is calling for military deployment in communities he doesn’t even represent. This is an irresponsible use of power that creates division and increases the temperature of an already hostile political climate,” said Eisner. “Neither law enforcement, nor local government called upon Miller for assistance. So we must ask ourselves, what is the real reason for this distraction?”
Cleveland’s Representative Responds
Rep. Shontel Brown, who actually represents Cleveland, strongly rejected Miller’s proposal, stating, “Deploying the National Guard to Cleveland is unnecessary, unserious, and flat-out counterproductive. Cleveland neither elected Donald Trump mayor nor appointed him Chief of Police. Here’s the truth: crime in Cleveland is coming down.”
Brown added, “The people of Cleveland want real solutions, not reality show stunts. Perhaps my colleague from the suburbs should turn his attention back to the fact that 22,000 of his constituents will lose health care because he voted to cut Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act to pay for tax cuts for…” [wealthy donors].
Local Leaders Show Real Solutions
While Miller calls for militarizing streets, local leaders are implementing proven solutions. Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne recently announced expansion of the County’s Mental Health and Substance Abuse Crisis Response Program into Parma and Parma Heights — communities actually in Miller’s district.
“These are the actions of real leadership,” Eisner said. “We are safer when people are not put into economic hardship because of irresponsible tariffs and cuts to healthcare networks. We are safer when cost of living is controlled, not driven higher by failed policies. We are made safer when real actions that affect Ohioans are enacted.”
Failed Representation
Eisner pointed to Miller’s recent voting record as evidence of failed leadership. With regard to the call for the Guard, Miller stated, “Allowing the situation to worsen is a dereliction of our responsibility as lawmakers to protect the law-abiding public”. Eisner responded, “Yet he was the deciding vote for budget cuts that will harm his own constituents and create uncertainty.”
“Mr. Miller has refused to hold true, open-forum town halls, and I consistently hear from people about their frustration,” Eisner said. “If he had the courage to talk with people in an unscripted way, he could actually learn from them. Listening is the first step to being a voice for all — and that will be one of the many differences when I am elected to replace him.”
–30–