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/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Seth Godin, Arsonists and Buckeye Updates

I began reading Seth Godin’s new book- The Icarus Deception: How High will You Fly?. You can view the trailer here. I am hoping to finish the book and do a review shortly thereafter. Don’t hesitate to pick-up a copy of this enlightening book on becoming a remarkable artist and standing-out in the new Industrial Revolution!

The Icarus Deception is being released on December 31^st.

Update on previous post

The local authorities are still holding a suspect in possible connection to the series of 49 acts of arson related fires in downtown Mansfield, Ohio since June of 2012. A second suspect (with a history of arson) was just sent to prison for other crime(s).

If either or both of these individuals were responsible this would indicate the latest 2 acts of arson (on the same night) could have been ignited by copycat arsonists or a larger network of firestarters.

We had another fire yesterday during the day downtown and firefighters don’t believe it was due to arson. The home was used for storage and two dogs lost their life inside during the fire. I am hoping “Buckeye” wasn’t one of those dogs and is safe and sound somewhere on this cold and snowy night!

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/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Mansfield, Ohio - Slowly Burning

A week ago, downtown Mansfield, Ohio suffered acts of arson- #48 and #49 (simultaneously) since June. Apparently, the authorities were holding two individuals in jail while considering filing charges, when the two fires ignited. Since nobody has been charged, I’m assuming the suspect’s were released. One of the individuals had a previous history of arsons.

I still believe these acts of arson are somehow related to the $2.1 million SAFER (FEMA) grant money awarded to Mansfield and the push to hire 15 firefighters. Despite a $6,000.00 reward the neighbors to these acts of arson are just like Sgt. Schultz of Hogan’s Heroes fame.

Will we suffer our 50^th act of arson in downtown Mansfield, Ohio prior to the New Year?

Despite the snow, I wouldn’t bet against it. With a major portion of boarded-up houses, the downtown area is an easy picking for the prey. There are also many houses with boarded-up windows and tenants living within the homes. Mansfield has been fortunate to avoid human casualties since the fires began in June, but how long until innocent lives are lost?

 

If you know something, please contact the authorities or contact me. Playing the “hear no, see no evil” wildcard isn’t a solution or a humane response.

Arson is simply a form of terror and Fear is never the answer.

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/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Mansfield, Ohio - The Smoke is Clearing!

 

The 47 acts of Arson in Mansfield, Ohio have ceased for nearly a month. I raised a few eyebrows with some theories in my last blog. I’m happy to report through credible sources my thoughts are close to what transpired.

Since the smoke cleared, it's possible to read between the lines.


In fact, I may have hit the nail on the head!

• The fires were started by using a highly flammable accelerant.

•  As the investigation has deepened is it a coincidence the arson activities ceased?

• Were those acts of arson a significant reason for Mansfield, Ohio being awarded a 2.1 million dollar SAFER Grant?

• If folks are charged, were specific organization(s) involved or were the individual’s just seeking one of the 15 jobs to be created from the grant money?

As I stated in my last blog, the balking of accepting the SAFER Grant money (by a city that is nearly broke and a recent failed Safety Levy) leads me to wonder if city officials may suspect it would be embarrassing to accept the grant depending on how things shakedown.

I am also glad to hear State of Ohio Fire Officials have been assisting Capt. Amy McElvain in the investigation; I just wish their involvement would have come sooner.

Given Mansfield’s past history, let’s hope this case is solved quickly before the plot thickens.

Remember, you read it here first in The Rust Belt Chronicles.

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/

Mansfield, Ohio- Does it Still Burn?

Back in October, I wrote a blog concerning the 42 acts of arson within the city of Mansfield, Ohio. Interestingly, it became my most viewed blog to date. Even more interesting was the fact that the majority of viewers were not from Mansfield, nor has one comment been received. From June to October we averaged an act of arson every 3.2 days.

The City of Mansfield was coincidentally attempting to pass a safety levy which would hire 3 additional firefighters. The suspicion arose as perhaps the acts of arson were somehow an inside job. On Saturday, November 3rd, we had 2 fires with abandoned buildings setting 3 feet apart. The fires diminished near the voting on November 6th, when the safety levy failed to pass.

So we now have 44 acts of arson within 6 months.

In October, I raised several questions:

• Why wasn’t the State of Ohio or Federal assistance summoned to assist in the investigation?

• Why hasn’t our Mayor or Fire Chief sought community meetings seeking information and vigilance?

• Why has no one come forward with information in lieu of a $5,000 reward?

Some citizens believe the acts were inside fires started to instill fear in the levy voters. Some residents feel it is another typical Mansfield, Ohio cover-up. Some believe it was someone seeking a firefighter job by promoting fear.

Late in October, I contacted a news reporter with our local paper. No response. I left messages. No response. Why?

On Thursday November 1^st, the local newspaper ran a story featuring the local Firefighters Union. The Union announced donating $1,000 to the existing $5,000 reward offered by the Ohio Blue Ribbon Arson Committee for information leading to the arrest of the arsonist(s).

The Union also stated it would form a coalition of citizens, service organizations, church groups and neighborhood watch groups to assist in dealing with the acts of arson.

I thought that was interesting since I questioned this back in October.

Within the same interview it was noted the Mansfield Fire Department was awarded a SAFER Grant that would pay for the additional hiring of 15 firefighters for two years. The City of Mansfield so far has waffled at accepting the money. The Mansfield Fire Department has attempted to land this grant money for 3 years. 

Interesting.

Union dues and jobs are (were) at stake. Did the acts of arson have any direct bearing on being awarded the Grant? Is this the reason the fires have quieted? No cards left on the table? The levy failed.

Why is the City of Mansfield reluctant to accept the Grant money? Do they know something?

We do know a few things are certain:

1.     The fires weren’t started by some negligent crack head or drifter. The person(s) know exactly how to start a fire without any evidence.

2.     What better way to scare the poor low-income residents in those fire zones of downtown Mansfield into voting for a levy if you have a wienee roast every 3.2 days!

3.     Somebody somewhere knows who performed those acts of arson.

If anybody has knowledge of who may have started these fires and is afraid to contact the authorities, please contact me. We can work something out.

Meanwhile, the Ohio State Attorney General and the State Fire Marshall have been contacted.

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/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Mansfield, Ohio- Watch it Burn?

One of the problems of living in a small city is the lack of people networking. Sharing appears to be a protected behavior pattern. Being open to new ideas is regarded as a loss of control or power. Businesses and people somehow feel it is safer to keep the binders on and the plan is a repeated daily ritual.

What better way to thwart progress than to refuse to ask questions, share and listen?

How can you expect change when the community is being managed like it’s the Cold War?

We lost the ability to compete by keeping competition out. The grand effort to control financial personal interests and creating wealth among the few kept us locked in a time capsule. Instead of growth we have decay, poverty and crime. Our negative reputation precedes us in all we do. Is it any wonder we are unable to attract new businesses?

“Do it in Mansfield”

Our city is an eyesore of slum landlords and boarded up homes. We average an arson case every 3.2 days in downtown Mansfield, Ohio. As of today, we’ve had 42 arsons committed since June. A $5,000.00 reward has been offered, however; not one tip or lead has surfaced.

Why has no one reported or unveiled any information? Why isn’t the city working to have town meetings with the residents to increase surveillance and attract information?

 Many people feel it is part of an inside job or are some of these vacant houses, drug houses and the neighbors are tired of dealing with the threat? Superstition is on the rise. The likelyhood of several arsonists is probable.

Is a new safety tax ballot levy in the works next year? It does beg the question.

New Development Area?

One of the areas of several fires has been designated for some new community development. Grant money has recently been donated by the State of Ohio to tear down old debilitated structures and demolition has finally begun. Is someone speeding up the process by torching those vacant homes and buildings?

The lack of seeking Federal assistance in investigating the arsons has many people scratching their heads. The situation is clearly out of hand!

Perhaps we can add a new moniker to our name. Our nickname is “The Fun Center of Ohio.” Sadly, we are becoming known as”The Arson Center of Ohio?”

It might be wise to beef up the investigative process before a firefighter, squatter or innocent family is killed. It’s shocking someone hasn’t lost their life.

Party Like it’s 1959

We live in a world connected by the Internet. Yet we continue to act like its 1959.

The problem we suffer began decades ago, our businessmen locked competition out, politicians serenaded themselves by taking trips to merry old England and ignored the need to grow and replace the loss of manufacturing and jobs.

 Instead of fining slum landlords and earning considerable income, the homes and property were allowed to deteriorate. The city of Mansfield nearly went broke and the few, proud and unconnected prospered. There has to be a better way!

Heck, even stumbling upon something to bring hope could accidentally happen. But the law of averages doesn’t live in this town. It checked out decades ago.

Who will Step-Up?

Isn’t it time we do something promising to change the future?

Do we stand back and watch it burn?

It’s tough to connect the dots when you live in an unconnected environment.

Or is it?

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/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

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!

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/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.