An Emblem of Error: Jeff Bearer’s Marine Corps Seal Misstep and What It Reveals
How a legal misstep, a lesson in transparency, and a key 7th Ward primary shape the future of Lorain politics.
Apr 27, 2025
A Veteran’s Pride Meets Federal Law
When Jeff Bearer, a veteran and current candidate for Lorain City Council’s 7th Ward, launched his campaign, his materials prominently featured a symbol many would immediately recognize: the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem of the United States Marine Corps. Yet federal law is clear—the use of official military seals in political campaigns is prohibited without explicit permission. The Marine Corps Trademark Licensing Office and Department of Defense regulations strictly bar the use of the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor in any political advertising, ensuring that the military remains politically neutral.
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Upon inquiry by the Lorain Daily Reporter (at the time of the interview) Aaron Knapp, Bearer responded promptly and respectfully:
“The intention behind including the seal was not to imply any endorsement or affiliation but rather to acknowledge my prior service,” Bearer explained.
“Social media posts will reflect [the removal] to ensure compliance for the time being,” he added.
While Bearer’s swift acknowledgment and corrective action were appropriate, the incident underscores a broader issue: veterans entering politics must still carefully navigate the strict legal boundaries that protect the neutrality of the armed services. Federal law treats the unauthorized use of military seals as a serious matter, regardless of intent.
The Marine Corps seal, officially adopted by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954, and the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem adopted in 1955, are protected marks. Unauthorized political use risks misleading the public into believing the military is endorsing a candidate, a principle the Department of Defense is committed to preventing.
Bearer’s situation mirrors prior local controversies, such as Rita Garcia’s unauthorized use of the City of Lorain seal during her campaign—another instance where official symbols were misused in political advertising. In both cases, legal lines were crossed, although Bearer’s corrective response stands in contrast to others who minimized or contested similar concerns.
Ultimately, Bearer’s use of the Marine Corps emblem, however well-intentioned, was a serious legal error.
Cooperation and Compliance: Doran’s Example
While the emblem controversy focused attention on Bearer, Lorain County Recorder Mike Doran’s professionalism and transparency deserve equal notice. When questions emerged regarding Bearer’s employment classification—a critical factor in determining his eligibility to run for office—Recorder Doran provided prompt, detailed, and legally grounded documentation.
“Rather than hiding behind bureaucracy, Doran cited the Ohio Revised Code, Attorney General Opinions, and laid out Bearer’s duties transparently.”
In a political climate where transparency is often promised but seldom delivered, Recorder Mike Doran’s cooperation stands out. His model response shows how public officials can, and should, handle legitimate inquiries.
Classified or Unclassified? Clearing the Record on Bearer
The eligibility of public employees to run for partisan political office hinges on their civil service classification. In Ohio, classified employees are prohibited from participating in partisan politics under Revised Code §124.57, but unclassified employees are permitted to run.
Jeff Bearer, serving as Deputy Chief Recorder, falls into the unclassified category under Ohio Revised Code §124.11(A)(9). A detailed review of Ohio Attorney General Opinions confirms Bearer’s role includes supervising staff, managing budgets, overseeing operations, and exercising administrative authority—placing him firmly in the unclassified service.
“Therefore, under Ohio law, Jeff Bearer is legally eligible to run for partisan political office.”
Questions about Bearer’s classification were legitimate, but the evidence overwhelmingly supports his eligibility.
A Campaign History of Challenges
Although Bearer is eligible to run, his political career has been marked by persistence rather than electoral success.
In 2019, Bearer challenged Ted Kalo for Lorain Municipal Clerk of Courts, narrowly losing, as reported by the Medina Gazette. In 2024, he sought the Democratic nomination for Lorain County Recorder but failed to advance beyond the primary against Dawn Walther, according to The Chronicle-Telegram.
Now, in 2025, Bearer runs for City Council’s 7th Ward. His continued candidacy demonstrates tenacity, but voters may weigh his track record of unsuccessful races as part of their decision.
Looking Ahead: The Democratic Primary for Ward 7
As the May 6, 2025, Democratic primary for Lorain City Council’s 7th Ward approaches, voters face a choice between incumbent Councilwoman Mary E. Spellacy and challenger Jeff Bearer.
Spellacy, elected in 2023 after defeating incumbent Cory Shawver, brings extensive public service experience, including leadership roles at NASA Glenn Research Center and executive education at Harvard. She has focused her council efforts on neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, transportation, and public safety initiatives such as the Southside Gateway Community Plan.
Spellacy’s record also includes hosting public town halls, promoting transparency, and serving on several Council committees.
Meanwhile, Bearer presents voters with a platform emphasizing veteran service, administrative experience, and community engagement—although his prior electoral efforts have not succeeded.
Final Reflection: Pride, Law, and Accountability
Jeff Bearer’s use of the Marine Corps emblem, while rooted in personal pride, crossed a bright legal line designed to maintain military neutrality in politics. His acknowledgment and corrective action demonstrate a willingness to accept responsibility—a positive, if imperfect, standard.
Recorder Mike Doran’s transparent handling of Bearer’s classification issue offers a blueprint for public officials everywhere.
As voters evaluate the candidates for Lorain’s 7th Ward, the guiding question should remain simple: who best combines ambition with the legal, ethical, and transparent standards the community deserves?
This report is based on public records, candidate statements, election filings, and verified legal research.
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