Marines Told to Leave Toledo

(Toledo, Ohio) It seems that everyone in Toledo was expecting the U.S. Marines to arrive yesterday for three days of training. Everyone that is, except the Democrat mayor.

A company of Marine Corps Reservists received a cold send-off from downtown Toledo yesterday by order of Mayor Carty Finkbeiner.

The 200 members of Company A, 1st Battalion, 24th Marines, based in Grand Rapids, Mich., planned to spend their weekend engaged in urban patrol exercises on the streets of downtown as well as inside the mostly vacant Madison Building, 607 Madison Ave.

Toledo police knew days in advance about their plans for a three-day exercise. Yet somehow the memo never made it to Mayor Finkbeiner, who ordered the Marines out yesterday afternoon just minutes before their buses were to arrive.

"The mayor asked them to leave because they frighten people," said Brian Schwartz, the mayor's spokesman.

Reportedly, the 1st Battalion, 24th Marines regularly visits Toledo for training and, according to Company Commander Major Jeffrey O'Neill, the city has always been a gracious host. Nevertheless, Mayor Finkbeiner ordered the Marines to leave Toledo by 6PM.

Tip: Patrick Poole

Companion post at The Jawa Report.