Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley formally presented and read aloud a values statement during the December 15, 2025 regular meeting of Lorain City Council, describing it as a guiding framework for city leadership during a time of increasing division and public tension.
Bradley told council the idea emerged after attending a recent conference with mayors from across the country, where several communities had adopted similar statements following acts of violence or community trauma. He said those conversations, along with recent national and international events, led him to believe Lorain should publicly affirm its values.
The mayor said it was important not only to submit the statement in writing, but to read it aloud during the meeting so it would be clearly heard and entered into the public record.
In the statement, Bradley emphasized dignity, inclusion, accountability, and responsible stewardship of public resources. He described Lorain as one of the most diverse cities in Ohio and said that diversity has long been one of the city’s strengths.
The statement also addressed free speech, describing it as a fundamental right, while drawing a distinction between protected expression and conduct that dehumanizes, threatens, or isolates others. Bradley said local government has a responsibility to confront hate clearly and to support residents who are targeted by intimidation.
Following the presentation, council members expressed support for the statement. One member suggested it be posted publicly and noted it could serve not only as a values statement, but also as a mission statement for the city.
Council unanimously voted to receive and file the statement. Bradley indicated it would be posted at City Hall and made available to the public.
The values statement was presented early in a meeting that also included ceremonial recognitions for outgoing council members and extensive legislative action, setting a tone focused on leadership, civic responsibility, and unity.
Mayor Jack Bradley’s Values Statement
Read aloud during the December 15, 2025 Lorain City Council meeting
“In Lorain, we should be guided by a simple but profound principle: every person has dignity, and every person belongs.
As mayor, I affirm that our city is strongest when we lead with integrity, listen with humility, and govern with fairness.
As a city, we must commit ourselves to respect every resident, visitor, business owner, and city employee, ensuring that no one is pushed to the margins because of race, religion, ethnicity, ability, identity, or economic circumstance.
We believe in earning trust through open communication and responsible stewardship of public resources. We believe in courage, especially when decisions are difficult or when the easiest path is not the right one. And we believe in accountability, holding ourselves to the highest standards in conduct, ethics, and respect for the rule of law.
Our strength has always come from a wide range of cultures, languages, and traditions that make Lorain one of the most diverse cities in Ohio.
Free speech is a fundamental right, but hate that threatens, isolates, or dehumanizes is not who we are.
Today, and every day, I affirm that we will protect the dignity of all our residents. We will confront hate swiftly, clearly, and without hesitation. We will support those targeted by intimidation, and we will create spaces for dialogue, understanding, and civic unity.
We are a city of union workers, educators, small business owners, veterans, artists, and families from every corner of the world. We know what it means to pull together. We know what it means to lift each other up. And we know that hate has no home here in Lorain.
As we move forward together, we will continue to build a Lorain that reflects our highest ideals. A city where opportunity grows, compassion leads, and every person is treated with dignity.”