The Rust Belt Chronicles: Cronyism

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Mansfield, Ohio- Arson to The Core

The series of arson related fires in Mansfield, Ohio between June of 2012 and January 2013 may have ended. We've had a couple of deliberate fires involving an open structure being built and another; but those arsons don’t appear to be related to the previous series of fires.

When I last updated this story one “suspect” was being sent to prison on a previous burglary charge and the other “suspect” was being held pending charges. While both suspects were being held; arsons #48 and #49 were committed on the same evening. Neither man was formerly charged. The local newspaper hasn’t released any further information.

The FEMA Grant (of $2.1 million dollars) was accepted by the City of Mansfield to compensate the hiring of 15 firefighters for two years. One would assume the grant money was used (11 Firefighters were hired) based on it wouldn’t come back to embarrass the city. It wouldn’t look good if the culprits were connected to an inside conspiracy group to win the grant.

I still believe the fires were/are somehow tied to an organization, group or someone(s) seeking a job. When I spoke to someone in the know of the situation I was told: “You better watch out, you’re going to upset the Good Ole’ Boys Club.” That doesn’t bother me. I have a security system.

Many organizations in Mansfield are intertwined with cronyism, so anything is possible.

I suspect the usual pattern will unfold of never hearing another word about the arson cases. It will be as if it never happened. Grant money will somehow be sought to tear down the burnt-out homes and buildings; so some will benefit. Sometime down the road a favor will be repaid here and there.

After I questioned why officials hadn’t attempted to have community meetings with the neighborhoods affected by the acts of arsons; the Firefighters Union announced the plan. I don’t recall seeing anything further mentioned concerning neighborhood meetings. The Union offered an additional $1,000.00 reward to the original $5,000.00 reward and no one spoke-up.

We’ve become historically accustomed to this scenario. In Mansfield, Ohio it’s accepted fear by the citizens and the same bullying behavior from those with power. The names may have changed over time but the game is the same vein of corruption.

Comedian Bill Cosby once referred to our city as “Little Chicago” after driving up Main Street on his way to a performance at our local theater. While we no longer have our Main Street lined with bars, the city is surrounded by the decay of empty storefronts and boarded-up homes. Chicago actually burned to the ground in 1871 and many citizens in Richland County feel lighting a fire would be an improvement.

The gist of their message is not to burn homes or property; what they truly seek is to rid our community of its corruption. When you have the magnitude of 49 acts of arson in 6 months, it’s a matter of following the money. Ironically, that never seems to happen!

Note: I originally wrote this blog 5 days before posting the story and (surprise) the money is available to tear down homes. Interestingly, St. Peters Parish area (including the Glessner Avenue area) is mentioned. It appears some organizations may want the houses razed to purchase the land cheaply and possibly expand? Stay tuned.

Until We Meet Again,
Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

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Sunday, October 7, 2012

Boom Town to Doomed Town?

A long time ago Mansfield, Ohio was a booming mega-factory city. Now it is represented with boarded-up, graffiti riddled houses and decay. While driving near the downtown area, you often discover houses hidden behind overgrown weeds, shrubbery and trees.

The former:Westinghouse World Headquarters (see website header for current photo)

It’s been said during its heyday you could quit one good paying factory job and be hired at another- all in the same day. Not anymore.

Healthcare appears to be the best paying income in town with fast-food jobs being the most widely available. Consequently, it’s not unusual for folks to work two or three different jobs to stay afloat.

Mansfield has many people unemployed. Drugs have overtaken some neighborhoods to the point of no return. Welfare recipients and people on disability are the norm here. Arson is nearly the front-page daily news. Not a pretty picture!

We didn’t reach this level of instability overnight; no it took several decades of erosion to get to where we are today.

Diversity and Leadership?

Some might say we lack diversity. Others say we failed to attract new business or lacked planning for the future. I would agree with all of those assumptions.

Our leaders failed to lead. Instead, the core players spent years locking-out other businesses from becoming competition. If the “good ole boys club” couldn’t control it or make money off it, the business wasn’t welcome.

It’s impossible to diversify without competition. The focus was never on where we we’re going. Greed was all that mattered. Consequently, when the existing businesses changed or dissolved; another hole was left in the void.

Help is On the Way?

Several years ago, a community of business people formed an organization to attract outside interest and bring new businesses into our area. I became suspicious when I noticed many of the members were from the same groups of people who for decades were related business owners and charter members of the “good ole boys club.”

I was hoping Mansfield was going to make a serious effort to plan and attract new businesses. Then it was announced the organization was going to focus on improving existing business, first. What a surprise, some things never change!

Our Only Plan?

The only new proposal that I am aware of is attracting warehousing business since we’re located halfway between Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio with an airport and railroad nearby. Empty buildings and warehouse facilities are numerous. Unfortunately, most of these buildings are owned by the club members. Great idea, if you’re looking for a fleece (I meant lease).

Photo by: THart2009

Mean Town

I’ve had members of city council tell me they wouldn’t open a business in downtown Mansfield. The fear of crime and lack of people downtown ensures this attitude. People don’t have money to spend and that does make it tough on entrepreneurs or possible small business start-ups. The existing business owners must have a courageous heart of steel and I respect their resolve.

What We Need!

Perhaps no city has a greater need to grow and prosper. We lack so many options, and choices. Mansfield, Ohio has so many needs to be filled, yet the opportunities are scarce. Why?

Without consumers we stagnate. We become hardened. Our dreams die. Our taxpayer base is shrinking. Decent paying jobs are part of the answer.

We need leaders that can lead. We need young people who are passionate and have a vision about creating a future and the courage to follow through with a plan.

We must end the current gatekeepers of cronyism within politics and business.

We must create something sustainable or we will forever be nothing more than rust!