Will ‘The Great American’ show up at Monroe’s council meeting?

Just more than two weeks ago, a Cincinnati radio personality claimed on national television that Monroe has a gang problem.

Bill Cunningham of 700 WLW told George Stephanopoulos during an April 23 segment of ABC’s “This Week” television program that “Monroe Ohio has an MS13 gang problem.” Cunningham said he based his comments on news accounts that a person arrested April 14 at a Monroe hotel off Interstate 75 had alleged ties to the violent drug trafficking gang.

MORE: Alleged gang member arrested in Butler County

That remark drew the ire of Councilman Todd Hickman, who said at the April 25 Monroe City Council meeting that Cunningham owed the city and its residents and businesses an apology. At that meeting, Hickman asked the city’s police chief, Bob Buchanan, if the city had such a problem. Buchanan said he had no indication of that.

MORE: Monroe wants apology from 'The Great American' on gang remark

When Cunningham had Hickman on his radio show two days later to discuss the issue, he didn’t apologize for the negative comments but said he “mean’t no aspersions against” the city. Toward the end of the interview with Hickman, Cunningham said he and his wife would visit Monroe that weekend. Hickman countered and invited Cunningham to attend council’s May 9 meeting to explain his remarks. Cunningham agreed to attend the meeting.

MORE: Monroe councilman, radio host discuss gang comment

Cunningham is not listed on tonight’s council agenda to speak, but there is a possibility he could appear during the public comments portion of the meeting.

The Journal-News will have that meeting covered to see if Cunningham appears.

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