Ohio Media Praises Beck’s Wilmington Visit
- Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:17am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
- Print »
- Email »
Don’t tell the mainstream media outside Wilmington, but the local media there is giving Beck glowing reviews as he travels around the city using it as a model for recovering municipalities. And it seems his goal of boosting the local economy and bringing people together is working.
Here’s how the local media is reporting on the visit (emphasis mine).
From Fox 19:
Local businesses say they are thrilled to have the extra attention and revenue. Many restaurants opened as early as 7:00 a.m. to serve coffee and breakfast. Food vendors are even braving the low temperatures to sell on the sidewalk and it’s working.
Granny’s Country Cupboard says it expects sales to increase by 90 percent.
“They just keep coming! They’re hungry,” says Donna Larson, owner of Granny’s Country Cupboard and life time resident of Wilmington.
“I like seeing lots of people milling around Wilmington because when I grew up here, it was like this all the time…it makes me think about when I was younger and how this town was a booming little town and I think we’re going be alright,” says Larson.
Perhaps more importantly, they came in droves to heed Beck’s much needed advice: shop in Wilmington.
Local business owners reported earlier this week that their traffic, both in store and online, had surged since Beck announced on his show in November that he would come to Wilmington for a series of appearances.
As early as 7 a.m. on Wednesday, downtown Wilmington seemed bustling with guests. They peeked in store windows and carried bags of Christmas presents, defying the single digit temperatures.
“As soon as we opened our doors [at 9 a.m.] we had a steady stream of customers coming in from all over,” said Janine Sodini, owner of Traditions and Rome Jewelers in downtown Wilmington. “Everyone has been so nice. We are blessed to have this.”
Sodini said out-of-town customers have come into her store all week in anticipation of Wednesday’s “America’s First Christmas” event at the Murphy Theatre.
“We had a couple from Cincinnati here on Saturday who couldn’t make it to Beck’s show, so they said ‘We’re doing all of our shopping in Wilmington.’” [...]
“We’re here to pay it forward,” Ed [Gibson] said. “We’re paying for random people who are standing in line. If every other person did that for three people, there wouldn’t be anything left to sell in this town. If everyone, everywhere did it, we could fix this country.”
WKRC:
WLWT:
Conservative talk show host Glenn Beck visited Wilmington on Wednesday and brought a boon to the local economy with him. [...]
People like Jim Bujnak waited up to two hours to see Beck. Bujnak drove to Wilmington all the way from St. Louis. He called the trip a 70th birthday gift to himself.
“Six and a half hours, but that’s what I wanted to do. We love Glenn Beck and now we love Wilmington,” Bujnak said.
The book store’s owner said that he has had people stopping by for about two weeks, letting him know they were buying the book early because they have heard Beck talk about Wilmington’s struggles.
Because of all the buzz and business being drummed up by Beck’s visit, the store has re-hired two workers it previously laid off, and the owner said he is allowing all his workers to put in as many hours as they want this week to help out.
“The downtown has geared up, everyone has stocked up, so the shelves are a little more full than they were. Not only in this store, but in other stores around town,” employee Kathy Keltner said.
“We couldn’t get here — they were sold out, so we stayed in the Holiday Inn outside of town. But I haven’t done any shopping yet, and I hope to leave lots of my money here,” Sue Miller, from Arlington, Va., said.
“We’re going to spend the whole day here, do some shopping, and just have fun – check out the town,” Jody Porter, of Columbus, said.
WCPO:
On his TV show Wednesday night, Beck billed the visit as non-political, and even featured two local liberals who helped with the events.
Carousel picture courtesy of George Lange Photography.
Popular Stories
Paper Details Obama Admin’s Alleged Secret Note Sent to Iran: If Israel Attacks, We Won’t Get Involved 568 Comments
‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 394 Comments
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 385 Comments
Roseanne Barr: Most Billionaires ‘Violent Pedophiles’ & ‘Heartless’ Cocaine Addicts 368 Comments
President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 324 Comments
Faith
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 385 Comments
Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 394 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
- President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 324 Comments
- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 150 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know Read More- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 302 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 385 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (148)
C.C.D.
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:17amBECK FOR PRESIDENT !!! “The 2012 George Washington”
Stupid Windmill
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 1:56pmI’d like to see that. But sadly Glenn Beck prefers to roll in the dough.
Report Post »emertz8413
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:14amSorry GhostofJefferson, WLWT- is Cincinnati, as is WCPO, for once they got it right and 19 is our local Fox station. Cincinnati also went for Bush. It is probably the most conservative major city in Ohio, once you get out of the city limits. I was at the show last night, wonderful! I don’t know how Glenn does it, I would have been exhausted!
Report Post »1911a1
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:11amWas a great show ! Very encouraging and inspirational , thank you Wilmington and Glenn Beck!
Report Post »tobefreeinmt
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:42amPer 1911A1. Couldn’t agree more! By the way, I LOVE your moniker.
Report Post »Merry Christmas from MT.
NickDeringer
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:09amThank God for Glenn Beck.
Report Post »angelcat
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:09amThis story made my morning! How refreshing to see a popular media figure supporting a town in “flyover” country, respecting its people, and trying to improve their lives. Thank you, Glenn, and thank you to all those who made the event such a success. This is the America I grew up in, love, and needs to be encouraged in any way possible.
Report Post »JimOhio
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:26amANGLECAT, thank you too for your warm comment. Wilmington is a great place along all the small towns within a few minutes around it. Sabina, Washington Court House, Leesburg, Martinsville, Blanchester, Clarksville, and Bowersville. We are the “Flyover” country that is in fact the heart of America. God bless you and all of us who love our neighbors and the America we grew up in.
Report Post »LearnFromTheGiants
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:06amI too had tears in my eyes watching the show. America is about giving and helping each other in whatever way we can.
Report Post »tobefreeinmt
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:04amI saw the show too. This is what I’m talking about! This proof that there is still “some good in this world, and it’s worth fighting for.” It’s worth sacrificing for, giving for and loving for. I love my country!!!
Report Post »Merry Christmas and Happy new year to all.
BOUGHT YOUR SILO YET?
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:00amI watched the show yesterday and it brought back the days of my own youth when people actually went out of their way to help another person- and I am not that old. I love small towns like Wilmington.
Report Post »Skewzie
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:57amGlenn made a comment on the live show from there about Hershey Chocolates moving their business out of the country. But, I didn’t hear him give any specifics. Is Hershey’s making plans to move? I know someone who works for Hershey’s. But this person doesn’t work in one of their factories, this person‘s job is to make sure that the Hershey’s product that you buy at your favorite convenience store, is the freshest chocolate you can buy. This person drives an average of 500 miles per week, in all weather, to ensure that his/her customers get the best quality and newest products. This person has been battling the persistent rumors that have been repeated by Glenn. There is no truth to that rumor, period! I personally have received the junk emails containing that rumor, and I have asked friends and family to delete the nonsense and stop spreading the emails. Most of the emails called for a boycott of Hersheys products. This rumor could actually cost my friend his/her job, as this persons job is dependent on sales ! Yes, it is true that Hershey’s does make and distribute confection products made outside the USA, but those products are not directly made for the US market. Glenn, don’t spread this rumor. It doesn’t encourage me to listen to your show if it is going to become a gossip & rumor mill. Unless you have some information that would prove that Hershey’s is leaving, then it would be a real story. I encourage all Americans to look up Milton Hershey, and read about the good that he has done for our country, and read about the good that the Milton Hershey Foundation continues to do for our country. A boycott of Hershey’s could destroy all the good that Hershey has done and destroy the lives of your fellow Americans. Think Hershey’s the next time you reach for a chocolate bar.
Report Post »guyperram
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:09amThey announced last spring, at the stockholders meeting, of a possible move. Key word is possible.
Report Post »Skewzie
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:29amI need to see proof. Notes from this meeting? Minutes?
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 10:01amGoogle is your friend. There are rumors. I unfortunately missed Beck yesterday and Tuesday, but we all know he is a stand up guy who would not spread unfounded rumors. If he announced this from his own mouth then he probably has a good source, beyond FUD email…I am also sure that if he is ever wrong on anything he will make it a point to lead with the apology.
Report Post »GONEFISHIN
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 10:04amMy husband was the plant manager for the Hershey plant in Oakdale, California. Oakdale is a town of about 15,000 people and the plant had been there for 100 yrs. About 5 yrs ago they closed the plant and put 1000′s of people with really good paying jobs out of work and moved the whole operation to Monterrey, Mexico. This was after years of rumors that they would be leaving. We haven‘t kept up with the company much since then but we wouldn’t be surprised if they moved their operation out of US .
Report Post »Falcon05dad
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 10:17amHow about this from 2007?
http://www.therealestatebloggers.com/commercial-real-estate/hershey-plant-kisses-off-employees-in-oakland-as-plant-starts-shutdown/
I took a tour through this Oakdale, CA plant as a kid.
Report Post »Skewzie
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 11:14amWhat did they make in the monterray plant? Chocolate product or confection (sugar) product? Did they offer the employees the option of moving with the plant? Were the employees union members? Does the action they took in 2007 have any relevance to what they might do in 2011,2012 and beyond?
Report Post »Is anyone surprised that Mr. Obama hasn’t vilified the big candy makers yet? I wouldn‘t doubt that this government isn’t working behind the scenes to drive these big companies out. Time will tell. In the meantime, I am going to consume Hersheys, I will not boycott!!!
betterthantv
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:57amI love this man! Too bad there aren’t more like him!
Report Post »hempstead1944
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:02amThere are many more but they are far too silent……
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:54amGoogle is your friend. There are rumors. I unfortunately missed Beck yesterday and Tuesday, but we all know he is a stand up guy who would not spread unfounded rumors. If he announced this from his own mouth then he probably has a good source, beyond FUD email…I am also sure that if he is ever wrong on anything he will make it a point to lead with the apology.
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 10:02amoops, was trying to reply to skewzie right below.
Report Post »Marylou7
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:55amThat is just absolutely wonderful. Love thy neighbor as thyself, Amen. This is what America is all about, caring for each other, extending a helping hand to your fellow man. Merry Christmas Wilmington, Ohio and Merry Christmas America.
Report Post »dominke
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:50amGlenn has the same values as our founding fathers had. We need more of these people speaking out. There are a few women of tea party that have the same values. God Bless All. Merry Christmas to all.
Report Post »Indiana Patriot
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:46amI would have loved to have been there. Mr. Beck, thank you for all that you‘ve done and all that you’re continuing to do for America. We, as a country, are in debt to you sir. Some will never admit it of course, but we are. Keep safe, Friend.
Veritas et Aequitas
Report Post »Hugie 59 PA
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:43amI don’t want to be mean-spirited but this reporting on Wilmington, Ohio has to adversely affect the likes of George Soros, Van Jones, Jim Willis, Cas Sunstien, Andy Stern, AFL/CIO bosses, Valerie Jerret, Ed Schultz, Chris Matthews, all of the left wing media, and even President Obama who wants to shut Glenn Beck’s program down and put Fox News off the air. Those who dare to oppose the policies of this president and the progressives in Congress are racistswho don’t know what is good for them and must be silenced even at the cost of violating the Constitution. The end justifies the means according to Saul Alinsky’s “Rules for Radicals” of whom the left worships. Great Glenn!
Tennessee Veteran
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 10:41amWhere is Ed Schultz? Since he seems to think he is sooooooo much better than Glenn Beck, why hasn’t “Big Ed” selected a town to help revive? How about Elkhart, IN? Folks there are trying mightily to resurrect their economy. Surely “Big Ed” and Al Sharpton can help restore a vibrant economy there, can’t they? Of course not, those two are just envious blowhards who provide nothing to anyone (not even civil discourse). My apologies to Elkhart, IN. I shouldn’t wish “Big Ed” or Al Sharpton on anyone.
Report Post »aleon
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 12:39pmIt will be interesting to see how the left can put a negative spin on this story. My guess is we will not hear a word about it.
Report Post »Conserving Ink
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:43amThe better part of Americans are still good people, let’s hope that the better part is also the majority.
Report Post »___________________________________________________________________
http://conserving-ink.blogspot.com/2010/12/political-flocking.html
grandmaof5
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:42amThe people of Wilmington are truely inspirational and hopefully this will play forward to other communities in both an economic and spiritual way. Both the tv show and the IE show were very heartwarming and it is always good to peek inside what defines Glenn. It is a tribute to the fact that the past can be conquered with faith and perseverence if the desire is there. Thanks, Glenn, for being a beacon of light for those who are lost. Merry Christmas and God bless in the new year.
Report Post »alrunner58
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:42amI was there, it was wonderful.
Report Post »hempstead1944
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:59amThen you are blessed……
Report Post »Thomas Payne
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:38amI saw Glenn’s show last night and was very touched. I was crying right along with Glenn. Thank you thank you thank you and god bless you Glenn.
Report Post »Values101
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:34amBeautiful…God bless everyone!
Report Post »stinkybisquit
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:31amVideo 2: Wayne Wilkin’s Backyard BEES! (They know, you know) http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wayne-Wilkins-Backyard-Bees-Honey/244595995581
Report Post »GeauxAlready
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:30amOhio Media Praises Beck
Help me I‘ve fallen and I can’t get up. The media praises Beck I don’t believe it………….
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:47amWell, it’s local small town Ohio media. The kind that still “gets it”. A vast majority of Ohio is down home and true small government, neighborly Old America still. As long as you can stay away from Cleveland and Cincinnati, Toledo and Youngstown, you’re golden.
Report Post »seerjfly
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 10:45amNo surprise, the Columbus Disgrace and TV stations ignored it.
Report Post »justsaying
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 10:50amNot so, GhostofJefferson. Cleveland, is bad, yes, but I live between Cincinnati and Dayton and there are good people here. There are a lot of conservatives in Cincinnati, it is just the city itself is run into the ground by the Dems.
Report Post »Lantern
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 3:01pmNothing wrong with Cincinnati, except for downtown. We, in the outlying areas, are mostly conservative, unlike those up north.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:29amThe TV show was great and I sure hope the new technology works for the deaf kid. Glenn had me balling like John Boehner last night.
Report Post »tweetybird
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:49amMe too. I was crying like a baby.
Report Post »parmajohn
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:03amFaith Hope and Chairity Glenn Talks the Talk AND Walks the walk God Bless us all…each and every One
Report Post »C.C.D.
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:20amMe three, I balled like triplets in a onion field…
Report Post »stinkybisquit
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:24amProud of my state & it’s people; and thank you, everyone who came!
Report Post »Oh, God!
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:22amBetween Beck and Rush, they can create a booming economy all by themselves. Good for Wilmington, may God Bless them.
Report Post »Taquoshi
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:07amI’m thrilled that they can do this. I just hope that a sustainable economy can be kick started. I know Glenn has first hand experience of what happens when a town slowly withers away.
I also find it fascinating that there are those who are constantly talking about “sustainability”, but also want to raise taxes and require more from the cities and towns. You can’t over tax people and expect at the same time to have a sustainable economy, never mind a thriving or growing one.
Report Post »Bluebonnet
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 10:56amWish I could have been there. I think weeping is a sign of a tender heart and a badge of a good person.
Report Post »I’m so angry at those who bash Glenn, now John Boehner and others who show emotion in a good way. I weep & cry when anything is touching & when I pray, so get over it you unfeeling folks. I admire people more for being able to show emotion from the heart instead of cold hearted people who are probably lying to us with every word. BTW, didn’t I just see Oprah weep (and that was ok?)
MeteoricLimbo
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 1:15pmamen
Report Post »Hondaman
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:21amI saw the show last night (12-15). It was refreshing and encouraging. Absolutely this town should be held up as a positive example of the “American Way”. Thanks Glenn for doing the show. I am truly encouraged.
Report Post »Polwatcher
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:38amGreat show and cudos to Glenn for doing the show in Wilmington. Local liberal media is doing only what it must do to keep their viewers. They will resume their normal anti-conservative agenda as soon as they possibly can.
Report Post »Cemoto78
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:41amThe American spirit and dream is alive. Merry Christmas to all and God bless.
Report Post »Marcobob69
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 8:54amIt’s amazing the response Glenn Beck gets every time he goes on the road to cities and towns all across the country. He’s such a popular, almost cult-like figure that it’s no wonder the progressives want to silence him, and other conservative talk show hosts also. The American people can’t allow the progressives to control the media and the internet. Freedom of Speech, in my humble opinion, is the single most important right God has bestowed upon this great nation, we can’t let it be manipulated by ANYONE! DEFEND THE FIRST AMENDMENT!
Report Post »JKN
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:00amAmerican ingenuity at work! Just goes to show that we don’t need this ever-expanding and controlling government and all of its beefed-up agencies to “create” jobs for us…
The American people have always been fiercely independent, strong and patriotic with a good sense of moral values and helping one another.
Thank you, Glenn, for once again bringing the American people together at such a meaningful time as Christmas and for showing the world that we can still be the most productive and prosperous nation on earth.
May the American spirit continue to grow…
Report Post »Stuck_in_CA
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:13amGlenn, that was a wonderful show last night. Thank you for doing it for TV so we could all experience it, tho from far away.
Report Post »TXPilot
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 9:20amEverytime Glenn does or says anything these days, it’s getting more difficult for the Communists in this country to paint him as the “dangerous radical” they hope to make people believe. At this point, their lying slurs are just getting ridiculous. We need many many more people like Glenn in prominent positions of power and/or influence in this country, if we are to save it.
Report Post »bbquizzle
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 10:31amBeck is just so evil, isn’t he?
Report Post »Lantern
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 12:49pmI live 55 miles south of there in Ripley. Good for Wilmington. It’s nice to see people of a town come together and help each other. Screw what the MSM says, they don’t know what goes on between the coasts.
Report Post »neverending
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 1:15pmSo wonderful to see Beck taking time out to do honest and meaningful programs.
Report Post »chiquelitz
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 2:36pmDHL simply couldn’t compete on a national basis…heartbreaking for the people of Wilmington, but certainly part of the free market race to the top. What really disgusts me are the thousands of American companies that CHOSE to shut down factories throughout the country…and we sat by and allowed all this to happen! This is a national disgrace that the media has ignored for years. We heard about ‘outsourcing’ and shouted about Customer Service Reps th/ could barely speak English. I personally experienced dozens of calls about my mortgage from a TX company, and ended up speaking w/ folks from India who were obviously reading from a planner…they all said exactly the same thing! I became angry, insisted on speaking w/ a Texan, and was tranferred back to the U.S. That saved them money?? I’m also angry about the Made in China logo on just about everything I buy these days. And everything breaks!
Report Post »Let‘s ask the CEO’s of these companies EXACTLY why they have outsourced American jobs. We know it is about money…however, how did we go wrong? Too much government regulation? Union benefits cost too much? Taxes, health care, pensions…what? Whatever the issue…let’s face it America, and work it out. It’s time to get back to work.
godlovinmom
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 2:52pmAmericans helping Americans…I love it..
Report Post »jzs
Posted on December 16, 2010 at 5:57pmAnother Beck lie: He says Wilmington has refused government assistance. False by a mile, and he knows it.
http://politifact.com/ohio/statements/2010/dec/03/glenn-beck/glenn-beck-paints-beleaguered-wilmington-ohio-real/
Why do you guys believe this crap?
Report Post »dawgPound
Posted on December 22, 2010 at 1:09amRadio host and Fox News personality Glenn Beck loves to tell a story with dramatic flair. And he’s latched onto one this holiday season that’s familiar to many Ohioans.
It’s the story of Wilmington, a town of 13,000 people in Southwest Ohio that has lost about 8,600 jobs since DHL Express, it largest employer, pulled out in 2008. The job losses the small town has suffered since DHL’s departure have been the subject of presidential campaign stops, celebrity charity events and numerous media reports, including two from CBS’s vaunted 60 Minutes.
In Beck’s version of the story, Wilmington is real life Bedford Falls, the fictitious town in the holiday classic, It’s a Wonderful Life.
Wilmington, Beck said on his Nov. 22 radio show, is ground zero of the recession, and its people – like those in Bedford Falls — are pulling together to save the town through self reliance and prayer.
What makes the Wilmington really special, he continued, is that Wilmington refuses government assistance, a key tenet of the political philosophy he espouses on his shows.
“It went from the No. 1 most up-and-coming city, and a city everybody wants to live in, to ground zero. And this town hasn’t taken any money from the government. They don’t want any money from the government,” he said on the show.
Beck then noted how Wilmington area churches are working together to provide food for the citizens and asking God — not the state or federal government — to fill its food pantries.
To highlight his Wilmington story, Beck will hold a show titled “America’s First Christmas” at city’s Murphy Theatre on December 15. The proceeds will be donated to a charity in the city.
“I’m going there because I think this town needs to be highlighted,” he said. “I think this town is going to help the rest of the country, not the other way around.”
With such a large spotlight headed shining on the small town, Politifact Ohio decided to review Beck’s storyline that Wilmington shuns government assistance. We asked for Beck’s sources, but our e-mails to his producer went unanswered. So, we looked ourselves.
We quickly found Beck’s story full of holes.
The city of Wilmington itself has received federal assistance, including money from the federal stimulus bill that Beck often rails against.
Government and social service agencies that serve residents of Wilmington and surrounding Clinton and Clark counties have received state and federal money.
Development agencies and companies in Wilmington have received state aid or pledges of state aid.
Unemployed residents of the town and county are receiving unemployment and other jobless benefits.
Immediately after DHL announced the closing of its Wilmington air hub, elected officials at the city, state and federal levels began seeking help for DHL workers. The federal government awarded a $3.87 million national emergency grant to Ohio in November 2008 specifically to provide job training and other aid to DHL workers in Wilmington and the surrounding area. It was administered through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. The area has since received a second national emergency grant worth $4.1 million.
Wilmington and Clinton County benefited handsomely from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, commonly known as the stimulus bill, that was passed in February 2009.
The tracking website for the stimulus program allows anybody, including Beck, to search by ZIP code to find the total money spent within the postal district.
Using Wilmington’s zip code – 45177, which includes the surrounding county – the site shows that the area received $7,009,811 in stimulus money through September.
The figure includes money that went to the Wilmington city schools, Clinton County Department of Jobs and Family Services and the Clinton County Community Action Group, a non-profit organization that aids the poor in in the region and provides free weatherization to residents.
The city of Wilmington received a $79,231 stimulus grant to provide programs designed to prevent and control crime; a $167,392 grant for investment in rural public transit vehicles, and about $4 million to replace roads, curbs and sidewalks, typically replaced by residents.
In addition, the Ohio Department of Development is extensively involved in the community. It has provided money to Clinton County Port Authority to help redevelop the Wilmington air park. It’s also offering Airborne Maintenance and Engineering Services, a new company operating at the air park, more than $5.2 million in state assistance to grow its business there.
Wilmington Mayor David Raizk, who cited several other sources of federal assistance flowing to the city, said he’s chasing any government help he can get.
“I’ve beat on more doors than I can count,” he says. “Not because we are looking for hand out – but we are looking for a hand up. My job is to get whatever assistance I can get for the citizens here and to help create jobs for them.”
So where does all this leave Beck’s premise that Wilmington is a place that shuns government help?
Beck took enough literary license in his holiday tale to make Frank Capra blush. His statement isn’t just false. It’s also ridiculous enough to earn a Politifact rating of Pants on Fire.
Report Post »