[1] On March 24, 1978, after an ongoing political feud, Kucinich fired his police chief of only four months, Richard Hongisto, on live local television.

Kucinich's opponents faulted him for what they perceived to be an inability to compromise, as well as the youth and inexperience of some of his appointees, arguing he was incapable of governing a struggling city.

[1] Support for recall increased as the mayor became involved in more political confrontations, especially with Cleveland City Council and its President George L. Forbes.

"[3] In the summer of 1978, Kucinich established special police patrols, in response to high crime in public housing projects.

The administration then suspended thirteen officers for their refusal to police the projects, ultimately touching off a two-day strike.

"[7] After a statement by Councilman Lonnie Burten (mentor of future Cleveland mayor Frank G. Jackson[8]), Council Majority Leader Basil Russo began to speak.

[7] The action was jeered by steelworker union members who attended the session in support of the ore dock project.

"[7] Although Council approved the lease afterward, Republic Steel decided to leave the city and build its dock in nearby Lorain, Ohio.

[11] Kucinich fought back with television commercials showing business leaders cutting up a cake shaped like Cleveland City Hall.