The Shaker Heights City Council held its fifth Democracy Day public hearing on September 8, 2025, focusing on the ongoing concerns regarding the influence of money in politics and the rights of individuals versus corporations. This biennial event, established following a 2016 citizen initiative, allows residents to voice their opinions on these critical issues.

During the meeting, Mayor Weiss emphasized the importance of public participation, encouraging citizens to share their thoughts and concerns. The hearing is part of a tradition that began in 2017, aimed at addressing the implications of the Supreme Court's 2010 Citizens United decision, which many believe has led to increased corporate influence in political campaigns.

Nina McClellan, a member of the Issue 95 campaign team, was one of the first speakers. She expressed her worries about the current state of American democracy, highlighting fears related to potential authoritarianism and the erosion of civil rights. McClellan urged local leaders to consider the impacts of federal policies on Shaker Heights residents and to engage in discussions about how to protect the community from anticipated harms.

The hearing also serves as a platform for residents to communicate their concerns to state and federal representatives, with summaries of the discussions being sent to Ohio's House and Senate leaders, as well as Congresswoman Brown and Senators Marino and Husted. The city plans to continue these public hearings until a constitutional amendment addressing these issues is ratified by three-quarters of state legislatures.

As the meeting progressed, additional residents were invited to share their views, reinforcing the commitment of Shaker Heights to uphold democratic values and engage its citizens in meaningful dialogue about governance and civic responsibility.