×

Local government should buy GM

DEAR EDITOR:

“Buy locally.” We have all read this in our local newspaper. But there are some local governments — cities, counties and townships — not buying locally and supporting their local businesses. Why?

The city of Warren recently bought new Ford vehicles. What was their reason for doing that? Why are they not buying, driving and supporting General Motors with a local facility in Lordstown?

Is it because they got cheaper prices from Ford? Cheaper for whom in the long run?

Although Lordstown does not build the specific model of cars used by government agencies and although these cars are built at another GM facility, they still would be supporting GM.

There is a wonderful facility in Lordstown that employs thousands of workers and employees were always given a “thumbs up” for their performance.

It was a godsend when GM decided to build a plant in Lordstown, giving thousands of local people jobs. Where would the area be if GM decided to build this plant outside the area?

With eliminating the third shift at Lordstown and shutting the plant down in July 2017 for an extended two-week period, who knows how long the plant will exist here.

If GM ever decided to move out of this area, and it’s possible — nothing is written in stone — how many of these unemployed workers would be able to find other jobs, join others on the unemployment line or move out of the area to find jobs elsewhere? Not to mention the loss to our local economy because those in charge decided to buy another brand of vehicle because it was, perhaps, cheaper.

Without taxes that GM and its employees contribute to local government, there would be only one alternative — more taxes for others to keep local government from the red pen.

Nobody knows the future of GM Lordstown, but I hope local officials will start doing the right thing and buy, drive and support GM.

It was gratifying to see Champion Township recently purchase a GM vehicle for their township needs; again, a few here and there make many.

I hope other government facilities follow their lead. Let’s support Champion businesses.

MARIE MINTUS

Warren

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
     

Starting at $4.85/week.

Subscribe Today