The Silence of Lorain: An Ongoing Struggle for Accountability and Transparency
Aaron C. Knapp Investigative Journalist, Lorain Politics Unplugged
The Initial Concerns and Requests for Action
On January 13, 2024, I raised a significant issue to Lorain City officials about the potential conflict of interest regarding Councilman Antonio Baez. Baez, who serves as the city council member for the 6th Ward, also holds a full-time position as a police officer with the Sheffield Lake Police Department. This dual role, I argued, was a clear legal and ethical conflict under Ohio law, as municipal elected positions and classified law enforcement roles have strict limitations, particularly when they may overlap in terms of decision-making or duties.
I believed this situation demanded urgent scrutiny. The nature of the concern wasn't just about two jobs—it was about the intersection of Baez’s influence as a council member and his employment as a police officer in another municipality. There is a distinct legal question regarding whether it is appropriate, or even legal, for a council member to simultaneously serve in a public safety role in another city, especially when that city’s law enforcement responsibilities can conflict with council duties.
In my message to city officials, I specifically pointed out that Baez's position might invalidate his votes on important city matters, especially those relating to public safety or law enforcement, which could create a clear conflict of interest. The stakes were high—his votes had a direct impact on the financial and operational decisions of the city, and the public needed to know that they were not being influenced by such an obvious conflict.
Despite the gravity of my concerns, I was met with a deafening silence from the majority of the city council. It was not just Baez’s legal standing I was questioning, but the council’s ability to police itself and prevent conflicts of interest from taking root in its ranks. When I sent my official request for an investigation into Baez’s dual employment, I was not expecting an immediate answer. But what followed was a complete lack of engagement from the city officials, leading me to believe that this issue, though legitimate, would be swept under the rug.
“I’m asking you to look into it more and then provide me the laws you feel coverage school from liability.” — Aaron Knapp, official request to Lorain City Council.
I also made it clear that if the council failed to act, the public would begin to question the integrity of Baez’s position. The city council, in my view, had two clear options: address the issue head-on and conduct a formal investigation into Baez’s dual roles, or at the very least, have him recuse himself from voting on any relevant legislation while the matter was under review. I wasn’t asking for the council to immediately come to a conclusion, but rather to show the public that their concerns were being taken seriously and that the city council was committed to upholding legal and ethical standards.
“Please address this issue before Monday or at minimum have Mr. Baez publicly recuse himself until the matter is investigated.” — Aaron Knapp, urging swift action.
The lack of response was not only disappointing but concerning. By the time the council held its next meeting, the issue had yet to be addressed, and Baez continued to vote on matters that could directly affect his professional role. Even more troubling was the fact that Mayor Jack Bradley—who had engaged in some level of correspondence with me—passed the responsibility to the Ohio Ethics Commission without substantive guidance or proactive steps. It was clear that the mayor, though responsive, did little to advance meaningful conversation about the legal questions raised.
Despite minimal engagement, the mayor's response—pointing to an external body—was emblematic of a broader issue: city leadership was deflecting responsibility instead of addressing the issue internally. This inaction only exacerbated the problem, making it appear that the city council was unwilling to address a clear violation of ethics that impacted both the integrity of the council and public trust.
“Please address this issue before Monday or at minimum have Mr. Baez publicly recuse himself until the matter is investigated.” — Aaron Knapp, pressing for transparency.
As silence continued, I wondered whether this issue would ever receive attention. The lack of transparency cast doubt on every decision Baez made. Baez himself confidently claimed, “there’s nothing that I’ve done or voted on that has been wrong,” dismissing concerns as frivolous and heightening perceptions of dismissiveness.
Despite continued lack of action, I remained adamant. The city council and mayor had a responsibility to take decisive action to restore public trust. Without a resolution, the perception of compromised city government would grow, fueled by indifference.
A Pattern of Silence and Deflection
Weeks passed, and the absence of a meaningful response became glaring. Silence reflected a broader systemic neglect. On January 27, 2024, I followed up on Baez’s legal conflict, demanding clarity. Again, I received no substantive response, only delays and vague promises. My repeated inquiries remained unanswered, suggesting intentional avoidance.
“Still waiting on that opinion/response as to Mr. Baez’s status.” — Aaron Knapp, seeking clarity.
The city actively avoided the issue rather than seeking resolution. The law was clear, yet dismissed in favor of inaction. Mayor Bradley, though responsive, continually deferred to external bodies. His deflection demonstrated broader failure to uphold ethical standards.
Bradley’s language turned dismissive, exemplified by his remark, “You should look in the mirror when talking about unqualified idiots.” This response was troubling, highlighting dismissiveness towards legitimate concerns. By February 2025, mistrust deepened, and avoidance became systemic.
Enabling McCann’s Behavior
As concerns about Baez continued, city council refusal to act directly contributed to broader misconduct—specifically concerning Police Chief James McCann. McCann’s behavior was enabled by silence from city leadership, creating a dangerous precedent.
In April 2025, I raised concerns about McCann’s treatment of subordinates, backed by firsthand accounts of abuse and discrimination. City officials refused meaningful action, despite clear documentation. Mayor Bradley and Law Director Patrick Riley ignored or downplayed allegations.
“I want a report against Morrow as well as McCann and copies of any communications McCann has had with Hilton.” — Aaron Knapp, demanding transparency.
The city’s failure to address McCann’s behavior, including verbal abuse and discriminatory conduct, had legal and financial ramifications. Repeated deflections by leadership highlighted their complicity. By failing to hold Baez and McCann accountable, city leaders prioritized maintaining the status quo, dismissing ethical breaches.
The Impact of McCann’s Enabling on the Public and the City’s Reputation
As accountability diminished, the effects of McCann’s unchecked behavior rippled through the community. Internal complaints quickly became a public trust crisis, affecting Lorain’s reputation and deepening divisions between city officials and residents.
The community lost trust as city leadership remained silent, complicit in enabling misconduct. Public trust is foundational, yet severely undermined by continued inaction.
Coming Next in Part Two: How deep does the culture of impunity in Lorain's leadership run? As silence persists, accountability diminishes, and transparency evaporates, the community faces increasingly dire consequences. Will Lorain’s officials step up, or will their inaction permanently fracture the trust between citizens and government? Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the systemic failures that have allowed corruption to flourish unchecked in Lorain—and what must happen next to reclaim justice and accountability.