Posted on 02/12/2008 5:55:42 PM PST by Michigan Bowhunter
Thank you for your thoughts. Your message will be conveyed to the Mayor. Attached is the Mayor's Statement to the Media and a statement from Lt. Colonel Piccoli, U.S. Marine Corps on this issue.
Statement from Mayor Carty Finkbeiner -Regarding U.S. Marine Corps. February 10, 2008
Frank Szollosi can play politics with anything. It is what he does best.
Today, I spoke with Major Jeff Brooks of the United States Marine Corps. I conveyed my sincere regret for the failure to communicate within the administration and any inconvenience that caused the U.S. Marine Corps.
I also conveyed, as my staff did on Friday, that we would make available abandoned buildings for Marine training outside of the CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (CBD).
I concluded by reviewing my belief that the CBD, particularly on a weekday afternoon, was not available for military staging operations. 10,000 - 14,000 men and women would have been departing their offices in downtown Toledo on Friday afternoon with a major military training action unfolding - including the use of weapons being discharged with blanks.
My interest is not only in supporting the U.S. military wherever and whenever such support is sought, but also protecting the health, peace, and tranquility of Toledoans in every way possible.
For those who disagree with my priorities in terms of safeguarding Toledoans, we may disagree, but you have my respect.
Statement from Lt. Colonel Piccoli - U.S. Marine Corps February 11, 2008
Although our planned training event for Company A, 1st Battalion, 24th Marine Regiment from Grand Rapids, Mich., did not occur over the weekend in the Central Business District of Toledo, Ohio, we greatly appreciate the commitment of the city leaders and the support of the citizens of Toledo to assist us with future training opportunities in the Toledo area.
As the Marine Corps has done in myriad cities in the past, which includes Columbia, S.C. (2003), New Orleans (2004), Savannah, Ga. (2005), and Hampton Roads, Va. (2006), we'll continue to work very closely with community leaders, law enforcement personnel, members of the media and private citizens to ensure our training does not adversely impact them. Such training, coupled with governmental and civic support, enables the U.S. Marine Corps to meet the country's expectations as the nation's premiere force in readiness.
The U.S. Marine Corps stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Toledo as we move forward together well into the future.
Glenn Beck featured this in his first hour this AM. Had on a local talk show host from Toledo.
Saturday night in Toledo, Ohio is like being nowhere at all.
All through the day how the hours rush by, you sit in the park and you watch the grass die.
Ah, but after the sunset, the dusk and the twilight, when shadows of night start to fall.
They roll back the sidewalk precisely at ten and people who live there are not seen again.
Just two lonely truckers from Great Falls, Montana and a salesman from places unknown
all huddled together in downtown, Toledo to spend their big night all alone.
You ask how I know of Toledo, Ohio? Well I spent a week there one day.
They’ve got entertainment to dazzle your eyes: go visit the bakery and watch the buns rise.
Ah, but let’s not forget that the folks of Toledo unselfishly gave us the scale.
No springs, honest weight, that’s the promise they made,
so smile and be thankful next time you get weighed.
And “wive and wet wive”, let this be our motto, let’s let the sleeping dogs lie.
And here’s to the dogs of Toledo, Ohio, ladies, we bid you goodbye.
My recommendation to Finkbeiner would be tat he work with the Marines to reschedule ASAP. If he finds another location and they can train there in 2-3 weeks, then the controversy is dead.
This really does look like a SNAFU to me. The police approved it, the mayor wasn’t notified, and he had to make a quick call.
You have to admit that automatic weapons fire in the middle of the central business business district just when all the offices are letting out on a Friday afternoon would be a bit of a disruption.
I’m willing to cut the guy some slack, especially considering that the Marines have trained in Toledo twice before during his administration. I don’t see any evidence of animosity. The Marines are giving him a chance to make it right, and I suggest we do the same.
I saw some of the 2004 event in person. If not for the fact that it was discussed on the local news over the course of several days prior, you probably wouldn’t have even known it was taking place.
I got the same email. I sent it back to them calling him a jackass.
It was pure hatred of the military and anything that can get his name out there. And yes.....the last time the Marines were there they may have liberated the city !!!
I cannot figure out how to post the attachment I sent to him in my E mail.....it was rather tame for having a few beers at the time.
Ditto here as to receiving it, but I didn’t reply.
Did they train in the center of town on a weekday afternoon?
Why don’t you tell me.
I don’t know. Just raising the point that the cases might not be comparable.
actually...it was 5 times.....and they did it on the weekends the same exact way...
We’re livid for the most part...
Carty decided the last time they were her that he didnt want them back to “play way” in his city...
He’s getting raked...he’s getting boo’d at public appearances...
I’m waiting for him to blow his cork and take a swing at someone on camera...
THE KING IS A FINK!
“PLAY WAR” even...
I got the same EXACT email from that slug.
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