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.