News Summary
East Cleveland’s Mayor Lateek Shabazz has officially terminated Deputy Safety Director Mansell Baker for violating city policies and misrepresenting his title. The decision was made following serious breaches of public trust, including falsely claiming to be a police officer. Baker’s access to city systems will be revoked immediately as the administration aims to restore professionalism in public safety leadership. The termination highlights a commitment to transparency as the city navigates upcoming political contests and seeks to assure residents of the integrity of local government.
East Cleveland — Mayor Lateek Shabazz officially terminated Deputy Safety Director Mansell Baker on Friday for violating multiple city policies and allegedly misrepresenting his title. The firing took immediate effect, as Baker’s actions were deemed to cross “legal boundaries” according to city officials.
In a termination letter, Shabazz highlighted that Baker had never been conferred the title of Safety Director. Despite this, Baker had repeatedly referred to himself as such without correction from city management. The letter further accused Baker of altering his oath of office to reflect the unrecognized title, presenting a serious breach of public trust.
The mayor emphasized a concerning “pattern of conduct inconsistent with responsibilities” when explaining his decision. Baker’s alleged misconduct included falsely representing himself as a police officer, raising questions about his professional integrity while in a position of authority. Following the mayoral primary, where Baker used the title of Safety Director, the need for immediate action became more pressing.
As a direct consequence of the termination, Baker’s access to all city systems and facilities will be revoked immediately. The administration aims to restore transparency and professionalism within the public safety leadership following this incident. Officials are expected to communicate further details regarding the staffing of Baker’s former position as the city moves forward.
Despite the abrupt end to his tenure, Baker expressed a commitment to support the community, noting the importance of maintaining a safe environment for residents and businesses alike. He shared his gratitude for the opportunity to serve in East Cleveland and acknowledged the collective efforts needed to ensure public safety.
Baker had been a prominent figure in the East Cleveland government, particularly following the resignation of former Mayor Brandon King. His role gained visibility when Police Chief Reginald Holcomb mistakenly referred to him as “Safety Director” during a press briefing, which may have fueled Baker’s actions.
This termination arrives as the city prepares for further political contests, including a general election in November where Mayor Shabazz will face Sandra Morgan, the former interim mayor, after finishing second in the recent primary. The mayor’s administration will likely address the implications of Baker’s firing in the context of ongoing electoral dynamics.
East Cleveland officials are adamant about upholding the integrity of local government and ensuring public trust remains a priority. With the leadership change and the stated commitment to transparency, the administration aims to reassure residents that accountability will be taken seriously moving forward.
In summary, the firing of Mansell Baker not only emphasizes the city’s dedication to maintaining proper conduct among its leaders but also signals a potential shift in public safety governance. Further information on how the city plans to fill Baker’s position and the ongoing commitment to citizen safety will be communicated in due course.
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Additional Resources
- Cleveland 19: East Cleveland Mayor Fires Deputy Safety Director
- WKYC: East Cleveland Mayor Fires Safety Director
- Fox 8: East Cleveland Taking Extra Security Measures
- Cleveland.com: East Cleveland Police Officer Wounded
- Wikipedia: East Cleveland, Ohio
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