Press Releases

September 27, 2000

Cincinnati Declared As City of Character

(Cincinnati, Ohio)…In a proactive move that positions Greater Cincinnati as one of the country's most innovative cities, Mayor Charles Luken and the Cincinnati City Council passed a resolution declaring Cincinnati as a City of Character.

Superintendent of Schools Steven Adamowski, businessmen Richard Farmer and Roger Griggs (representing Northern Kentucky), Councilmembers Phil Heimlich and Paul Booth and YMCA Executive Director Gayle Brock spoke of their roles in promoting character qualities in their respective areas.

"I am pleased to join our City Council in passing this resolution," said Mayor Luken. "By working together, we have the opportunity to encourage good character in our citizens and demonstrate what it means to be a City of Character."

Councilman Booth gave special recognition to the diversity of the individuals and organizations that have embraced the mission and ideology of the Character Council. Accompanied by Cincinnati Chief of Police Thomas Streicher and Cincinnati Fire Chief Robert Wright, Booth announced that a privately funded character training program has been initiated for Cincinnati firefighters and police officers.

"The City of Character initiative, prompted by Cincinnati businessman Michael Daly, involves all facets of the communities we serve," Heimlich said. "With the help of our spokesman Anthony Muñoz, we are certain that each of the Character Qualities of the Month will become a focal point in the lives of all members of our community."

Former Cincinnati Bengal and NFL Football Hall of Fame Member Anthony Munoz, explained, " I am so pleased to be affiliated with this community-wide effort that is providing the momentum to help each of us strengthen our own character and those of and our families, neighbors and communities. I truly believe that this will result in more effective education, stronger individuals and families, more productive businesses and safer homes and streets."

The resolution was prompted by the efforts of the Character Council of Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky, a non-profit, secular organization devoted to promoting good character to enrich the spirit of the area's communities and improve the lives of its residents. The Council's efforts, spearheaded by Executive Director Susan Bell, have received widespread support from leaders in education, government, business and faith communities.