Friday, February 15, 2008

W/O Discussion Toledo City Council:Unanimous Vote of Apology To A Co. First Battalion. 24th Marine Regiment

Toledo City Council yesterday attempted to quell the controversy surrounding Mayor Carty Finkbeiner’s order to cancel a Marine Corps warfare training exercise downtown with a unanimous vote of apology.

Without discussion, the 12-member council approved a resolution apologizing to Company A, 1st Battalion, 24th Marines, based in Grand Rapids, Mich., for the mayor’s action Friday afternoon.

Mr. Finkbeiner, who has refused to apologize and has defended his decision, yesterday declined to say whether he would sign the resolution or if he believed the controversy would hinder the city’s attempt to renew the 0.75 percent income tax on the March 4 ballot.

People on both sides of the Marine issue testified before a council committee yesterday. Many blasted the mayor, and some even called for his resignation.

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