Let's speak positively about the Mahoning Valley

Let's speak positively about the Mahoning Valley
EDITOR:
It has been brought to my attention that our foreign competition may be developing some rust in its news media-controlled armor. In the past, you could not pick up a newspaper or automotive magazine without some self-anointed automotive expert parsing the latest cupholders used by the forward-thinking engineers at Nissan or Honda. These publications have gone out of their way to kiss foreign manufacturers' butts while slapping the faces of American companies. However, the tables are turning and the truth is beginning to appear in print media as well as the Internet.
A May 7 article in 'The Plain Dealer took a closer look at some of the problems being faced by dealers' service departments. According to the article written by Scott Sturgis, technical service bulletins are being sent to dealers to inform them of potential problems. These are not factory recalls so they don't make the 6 o'clock news and in most cases are not covered by the manufacturers warranty.
The Volkswagen Jetta and Golf models may develop rust problems. Dealers are being told to repair the rust only if the customer's fender has rusted completely through.
Honda is informing its dealers that a sensor in some Honda and Acura vehicles may not function properly. This malfunction could leave the car's life-saving air bags inoperable.
Nissan dealers are being informed of engine problems in some Altimas and Sentras. The fix for this problem could be as simple as tightening a loose screw or as serious as an engine replacement.
The article goes on to point out shortcomings in several other manufacturers' vehicles, none of which are General Motors products. Maybe that's why the article appeared deep in the automotive section of this large newspaper. If it had included one insignificant problem with our Cobalt, our local news outlets, including The Vindicator and the Tribune, would have shouted it from their roof tops. Sometimes it seems our biggest critics are right here in our own Valley.
On a daily basis, I am on the phone reminding local merchants, fund-raisers, even social and political groups, of the importance our plant, our product, and our membership have on the Mahoning Valley, our Valley. We buy their products, use their services and support their interests because they are our interests too. When our Valley prospers, we all prosper. Let's speak positively of our friends and neighbors and remind them how important it is for them to speak positively of us.
JIM GRAHAM, president
UAW Local 1112
Lordstown
A kind word for Northside
EDITOR:
With Forum Health facing an uncertain future and fighting to survive, I would like to inform the community they have not compromised their quality of health care.
Recently my husband had a life threatening episode and without the skilled physicians, nurses, and multidisciplinary team of care at Northside Medical Center emergency department on April 20, my husband would not be here to celebrate his birthday this month.. Their skilled assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and plan of care saved my husband's life.
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all, including pastoral care service who came to support the family prior to transport. Northside, we are praying for your survival in this community.
TONI LACKEY
Girard