Cuyahoga County Democrats back Cleveland Schools levy

What happened: The committee initially held a voice vote at Gunning Recreation Center, but chair Dave Brock told Axios he made attendees raise their hands at the request of a member.

• The final tally was 101 in favor and six opposed, with two abstentions.

What they're saying: "As a Clevelander, I take a great deal of pride in the strides our district has shown in just the last decade or so," Brock said in a statement.

• "A lot of that stems from the support of the city's voters and public at large."

The other side: Cleveland Councilman Mike Polensek was one of the six nays and believes residents are already overburdened with local taxes.

• Polensek tells us he's supported "every levy in the past," but believes the district has misled voters about its finances and federal stimulus spending.
• Polensek also criticized the size and compensation of CEO Warren Morgan's executive leadership team and says he hasn't seen sufficient investment in schools on the east side.