Residents, Cleveland.com call for veto of council campaign finance ordinance

• It passed 14-3 Monday night, with council members Rebecca Maurer, Charles Slife and Jenny Spencer voting against it.

By the numbers: The new annual limits will be $3,000 for individuals and $6,000 for PACs.

What they're saying: "Adopting lightning-fast emergency measures to thwart council challengers should offend all of us — including Bibb," the Cleveland.com editorial reads.

The latest: Residents who signed an open letter opposing the ordinance are gathering signatures for another letter urging Bibb to veto it.

• "In passing this ordinance, Council opened the door to further corruption of the electoral process, in essence hanging a 'For Sale' sign on Cleveland City Hall," it reads.

The other side: Council president Blaine Griffin justified the legislation as a response to inflation and the increased costs of campaigns.

• Other council members articulated a deeper motivation — fortifying incumbents against progressive challengers.

What we're watching: Tension between the Bibb administration and council is already high. Several council members speculated on Monday that Bibb, whom they perceive to be in league with progressive activists, was orchestrating a slate of challengers for the 2025 races.

• A veto would likely inflame tensions further.

The bottom line: The Cleveland.com editorial acknowledged that a veto could mean a "clash" with the council but argued it was right to do it regardless.

What's next: Bibb has 10 days to sign, not sign or veto the ordinance.