Zablocki, school board candidate and ‘Rise Up Midland’ leader, arrested
MIDLAND, Mich. — Will Zablocki, a candidate for school board and a leader of the anti-mask ‘Rise Up Midland’ organization, was arrested on Easter Sunday at 9:20 p.m. under the charge of Disorderly Conduct, according to booking records.
Mr. Zablocki told the City Paper that “accusations can be politically motivated” and reiterated that he is “innocent until proven guilty.”
He also said, “Any comment prior to conviction will be treated as defamation of character.”
No public details of Sunday’s arrest have been disclosed. The incident is the latest in a string of alleged criminal behavior from Mr. Zablocki, who has an extensive criminal background, something he has previously called “a great strength.”
In 2006, Mr. Zablocki was sentenced to four months in jail for forgery and breaking and entering with the intent to steal. In 2008, Mr. Zablocki was sentenced to 93 days in jail, held in abeyance, for third-degree retail fraud and placed on probation for nine months.
“I would actually categorize this unfortunate background as a great strength,” Mr. Zablocki previously told the City Paper. “I’ve overcome challenges that most people can’t overcome. And I promise to bring that courage to the school board as well.”
Mr. Zablocki publicly defended his criminal record by saying he was reformed and accused his critics of not believing in second chances.
Three seats on the Midland Public Schools Board of Education will be up for grabs in November. Three current board members have terms which end on Dec. 31: Vice President Phillip Rausch, Treasurer Jon Lauderbach, and Trustee Patrick Frazee.
Mr. Lauderbach and school board president Scott McFarland are donors to the City Paper. Please read our Editorial Independence policy to see how our sponsors and donors never influence our journalism.
Mr. Frazee has not yet indicated if he will seek another term on the board. He was appointed to the board in July. Messrs. Lauderbach and Rausch will seek reelection.
‘Mask Up M.P.S.’ leader Jennifer Ringgold and High Definition Detailing owner Jimmy Sheets have also publicly declared their intent to run for a seat on the board.
Michael Piwowarski contributed reporting.
Correction: This article has been updated to reflect that Midland Public Schools Board of Education Vice President Phillip Rausch will indeed run for reelection to the board.
Michael Westendorf is the chairman and executive editor of Chemical City Paper. As Executive Editor, he leads the City Paper’s news coverage and editorial team.