By Erik Jones
Lorain officials are preparing to host a public town hall in response to a recent surge in violent crime across the city. The event, organized by City Councilman at Large Tony Dimacchia, will take place Tuesday, April 29, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Lorain High School Auditorium, located at 2600 Ashland Avenue.
The meeting is open to all residents and will also be livestreamed on YouTube for those unable to attend in person. According to Dimacchia, the goal is to bring together city and county officials with the public to discuss safety concerns and explore actionable solutions.
“The safety of our community is paramount,” Dimacchia said in a statement. “This town hall provides an opportunity for residents to voice their concerns and work directly with city leaders to develop effective solutions.”
The forum comes at a time when community members have expressed growing concern over issues including school safety, youth crime, and delays in the justice system. In response, a panel of high-level officials will participate in the discussion, offering updates and answering questions.
Confirmed speakers include Lorain Safety Service Director Rey Carrion, Lorain Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff Graham, and Lorain Police Chief James McCann. Also scheduled to speak are Judge Mark Mihok of Lorain Municipal Court, Judge Giovanna Bremke of Lorain County Common Pleas Court, Lorain County Prosecutor Tony Cillo, a representative from Juvenile Court, and Earl Head, president of the Lorain NAACP.
Additional officials expected to attend include Executive Director of Safety and Security Reuben Figueroa, Domestic Relations Judges Sherry Glass and Lisa Swenski, Lorain Clerk of Courts Ted Kalo, and members of Lorain City Council. Juvenile probation officers and the juvenile court administrator may also be on hand to respond to community concerns.
The evening will begin with opening remarks and brief presentations from each panelist. Following those statements, a moderated question-and-answer session will allow residents to raise specific concerns and receive direct responses from the appropriate officials.
The event will conclude with closing remarks and information about follow-up actions.
Residents can attend the event by entering through the auditorium doors on the west side of Lorain High School. The livestream will be hosted on the Lorain City Schools YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/live/M0MzIg_v-Wg.
No registration is required for either in-person or virtual attendance.