The comment by newcoatesville is right on the money.

I believe that the PA State Police and ATF are here because Walker was forced into declaring an emergency by Governor Rendell.

I believe that Walker, Lehr and Matthews have consistently rejected free outside help for years and continue to this day. What are they hiding?

newcoatesville wrote on Feb 3, 2009 7:47 AM:
" Local police have made similar offers to Coatesville, but the city has not yet accepted, Geiger said. "Help has been extended, and we're taking those offers extremely seriously and conversations are taking place," she said."

It is totally beyond my comprehension that Coatesville would not immediately accept assistance from surrounding police departments. Not only would this help with the arsons, but it would also help with other crime. What are they talking about? Accept the help and talk logistics later.

Someone needs to investigate this issue. Every action being taken by this City is hollow. The state of emergency is joke. Why does this City continue to refuse assistance and why is the police chief so resistant to outside help.”

See:

Communities team up to fight arsons

Adjoining communities, private citizens form various task battalions to clear trash, install lights and otherwise cope with ongoing crisis

Tuesday, February 3, 2009 6:48 AM EST
By DAN KRISTIE, Staff Writer

http://www.dailylocal.com/articles/2009/02/03/news/srv0000004623560.txt