(Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com)
CLEVELAND, Ohio - A coalition led by the Greater Cleveland Congregations plans to turn in petitions this morning they hope will force a referendum on Cleveland's use of tax dollars to help pay for upgrades to Quicken Loans Arena.
The group, including the GCC, Cuyahoga County Progressive Caucus, Service Employees International Union Local 1199, AFSCME Ohio Council 8 and Amalgamated Transit Union Local 268, collected 20,000 signatures on the petitions in 26 days.
They argue Cleveland could have negotiated a better deal for the upgrades to The Q, one that would help pay for job benefits, capital improvements in neighborhoods and assist those with mental health issues.