CLEVELAND — Cleveland City Councilman Mike Polensek will challenge fellow Councilman Anthony Hairston in the newly drawn Ward 10 during the general election on Nov. 4.

For months, Polensek said he debated whether to enter the race.

In a letter to residents and during our interview, Hairston said Polensek said he would "step aside" and support Hairston if new ward boundaries reunited Collinwood, which was split during the last redistricting process.

According to Polensek, he said he would "consider" retirement and never made any promises to hang up his hat.

"Did they have it written in blood? Did they have my stamp that I was going to leave? Hell, no!" Polensek said.

Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin said he will back Hairston, which means Hairston will receive funds from

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