Centralia No. 5 – Assignment 1 For this assignment we are asked to tackle three items. The first, identify and explain four (4) logistical alternatives Scanlan could have addressed. Next to analyze and discuss Scanlan’s motivations toward the Constitution (the law), bureaucracy (as a public administrator to the public) and obligation. And finally, we are to take a position on two (2) possible paths of action for Scanlan and defend your choices. The Blast in Centralia No. 5: A Mine Disaster No One Stopped was difficult to read. At numerous points throughout the text I wanted to say, “Stop! Do you have any idea what you are doing?” As stated by Laudicinia, this is a, “play of bureaucratic proceduralism, partisan political pressures, intergovernmental rivalries, competing interest group pressures…which produced a series of non–decisions and, ultimately, disaster”(White, 1978). The text did indicate several instances of political pressures, rivalries between individuals and departments, intentional and perhaps unintentional oversight, and above all, in my opinion, a complete lack of accountability. One of the key participants in this disaster was Driscoll O. Scanlan. He started working in a mine at the age of sixteen (16), took night classes in engineering and functioned as a coal-company mine examiner for thirteen (13) years. In 1941, upon recommendation by his district political representative, he was appointed by the Illinois governor as one of sixteen (16) state mine inspectors (Martin, 1948). Unlike other inspectors who wrote brief reports, often after simply chatting with mine officials, Scanlan took his job seriously and would compose lengthy and detailed reports enumerating every violation he found, regardless of how minor. He regarded Centralia No. 5 as the most violation laden mine in his territory. In his first report, among other violations he specifically cited, “The haulage roads need to be cleaned and sprinkled…That tamping of shots with coal dust be discontinued and that clay be used….”. These findings were significant because they contributed to the ultimate mine disaster (Martin 1948). We are told that Scanlan’s reports, when they arrived at the Department of Mines and Minerals, we essentially, stamped received and sent, probably sight unseen, to mine operators with a request that they comply with the recommendations and advise the department upon completion. It was apparently a well-known fact among mine operators that follow-up was never done by the state because we are told that Centralia No. 5 never responded to any of the director’s letters, and there were never any repercussions for their nonresponse. Federal inspections were even less of a concern as we are told those never even left the Department of Mines and Minerals when they finally filtered through Washington, DC and received. What finally did get some action was a letter from the Local 52 to the director of the Department of Mines and Minerals. We are told that he sent Scanlan to investigate and eventually the Local 52 wrote Scanlan that some work toward correcting violations had been done. Perhaps drawing on that knowledge, Scanlan, “emerging from his regular inspection, took the unusual step of telephoning Medill in Springfield” (Martin, 1948). He was told to write a letter, which he did, and upon which no action was apparently taken. This, I believe, is one of the first logistical alternatives Scanlan could have taken – he could have followed up with another phone call, or even a visit to Medill’s office to inquire as to what action would be taken. It is often said that, “the squeaky wheel gets the grease” and in this case Scanlan could have become the “squeaky wheel” and continued calling and/or visiting Medill to follow up on the actions being taken by the department to ensure the violations were finally addressed. Given that success of the letter sent to the Department of
everyday low pricing (EDLP) strategy at its three Centralia MO locations. After much analysis, I believe that my recommendation would be for Superior stores (Hi-Value) to most definitely adopt this new method. First let’s look into some details about Hi-Value, and their competition: Product: The stores’ products are divided into 5 categories: 1) grocery (including diary); 2) fresh meat/poultry/seafood; 3) produce; 4) seasonal and general merchandise; and 5) bakery and deli. Price: more of a high-end…
The Centralia Mine No. Disaster The Centralia Coal Mine located in Centralia, Illinois became the site of one of the worst disasters in history. March 25, 1947 at a proximally 3:26 p.m. there was an explosion that became noticeable to the assistant mining superintendent when the fan circuit to the mine blew in the power plant in which he was located. Following protocol he alerted the district inspector and the main office called the state, who Intel communicated with other rescue agencies for help…
significant incident in testate of Illinois. It was a devastating day for Centralia. (Stillman, 2010)111 Coal miners woke up to attend their job at the coal mine just as any usual day. (Stillman, 2010) They had no idea they would never return home to their families. March 25, 1947 is the day 111 coal miners were killed during their routine daily duties at the Centralia Coal Mine.(Stillman, 2010) A massive explosion changed the city of Centralia forever. The cause of the massive explosion is due to a buildup…
participant’s responsibility to obtain materials for any missed classes from other students. Missing three sessions or more will be noted negatively: there are NO EXCUSED ABSENCES for this purpose. Good and active class participation will be rewarded. 5. Preparedness: Read all materials as outlined in the syllabus as well as any handouts and be prepared to discuss in class. It is highly recommended that you read the assigned chapters before attending the class. It is the student’s responsibility to…