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
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