Another Enemy of the People

As if having to deal with School Board Member Tom Seesan wasn't enough, we have yet another anti-Massillon, anti-Tiger, and anti-Obie enemy of the people. Who is this interloper who hates our city, its football program, and storied traditions?

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland.

Here's why. Governor Strickland was about to sign an Executive Order reached after negotiations with animal rights groups, including the Humane Society. The order mostly deals with the care of livestock. However, there was a provision dealing with the purchase of "exotic animals," and the keeping of those animals as pets. The intent of the order appeared to be, according to Wayne Pacelle, President of the U.S. Humane Society, "to stop the flow of dangerous, wild animals in the pet trade for keeping by people ill-equipped to care for them and provide them with a suitable environment" (The Independent, July 8, 2010). The problem is that this order would have banned future baby tigers from serving as Massillon Tiger mascots. The tradition of the live mascot goes back 41 years and is a hallmark of the Tiger lore and legacy. It absolutely should continue.

Our guess is that our Governor, busy running an entire state, probably did not realize that this would impact the Massillon community and its live Obie tiger. We imagine that after Strickland was told this, he would probably amend the order to allow live mascots, such as Obie, who are properly fed and cared for. In Obie's case, well cared for.

So what is the response from some of the "Friends of the Program?" It was to condemn the governor. He "hates Massillon." He "should be investigated." It's part of an "agenda." There were calls for rallies, protests, and for the Governor's resignation. We were waiting for "Strickland Resign" signs to start popping up in people's yards. What a tyrant that Strickland guy was. Heck, he was probably opposed to the head football coach being the athletic director. Off with his head.

This problem was quickly resolved. Rumor on the street is that Clerk of Courts Johnnie Maier, a pal of the governor, made a phone call, explained the situation, and Strickland fixed it. Live mascot programs would continue. We seriously doubt Ted Strickland's intent was to hurt the traditions of Massillon. We are guessing he just didn't know the effect that order would have here, in Massillon. Problem solved with a phone call. No rally. No hanging in effigy. No sign campaign. No overzealous BS.

If it is true that Maier made the call, this episode, in a nutshell, shows why he is the type of person who should be mayor. He didn't hold a press conference. He didn't fan the flames of hyperbole. He didn't criticize anyone. He didn't call the governor names. He picked up the phone, and fixed the problem. And that is how government should work.

Obie can continue, living the good life at Stump Farm, probably enjoying his summer a whole lot more than we are.