Ohio politicians disappointed by bankruptcy news

The nation must work to ‘rebuild a thriving domestic manufacturing industry,’ a U.S. senator says.

STAFF REPORT

Ohio politicians say they are disappointed and frustrated by the news of General Motors’ bankruptcy filing and its impact on the nation’s already-struggling economy.

The bankruptcy by General Motors “will test our nation’s resolve in rebuilding our manufacturing base,” said U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown.

“GM is a crucial part of our nation’s economy,” said Brown, a Democrat from Avon. “As we work to help GM through bankruptcy, we must also work to rebuild a thriving domestic manufacturing industry.”

Additional government assistance must be about supporting U.S. manufacturing, and GM must use the money to build vehicles in this country rather than elsewhere, Brown said.

“We need to ensure that GM emerges as a stronger company that utilizes Ohio’s talented autoworkers and suppliers to build the fuel-efficient cars of the 21st century,” he said.

As part of Monday’s announcement by GM, the company said it would close three Ohio plants, Parma, Mansfield and Columbus. Lordstown will remain open.

“I feel a great sense of frustration and disappointment for the hundreds of General Motors employees ... who will be losing their jobs as a result of GM’s bankruptcy and restructuring,” said Senate Minority Leader Capri Cafaro of Liberty, D-32nd. “Their skills and hard work have made the auto industry a cornerstone of Ohio’s economy over many decades and they deserve our support.”

Also, the downsizing will result in the elimination of numerous GM dealerships, she said.

Cafaro added that “it is also critically important for us to remember that investing in American products means investing in American jobs — and in order to improve our nation’s economy we must revitalize our auto industry.”

U.S. Sen. George V. Voinovich, a Republican from Cleveland, said he is “hopeful that this bankruptcy process will result in a strong, viable General Motors that contributes to the communities in which it operates.”

The senator added that his “heart goes out to the thousands of hard-working Americans associated with General Motors who are worried about their jobs and providing for their families as well as retirees worried about their retirement benefits.”

In a joint statement, Gov. Ted Strickland and Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher said: “We will do everything possible to keep GM jobs in Ohio and to support Ohio workers. We will work with the Obama administration to ensure Ohio auto communities are provided the federal resources they need to address these challenges.”

U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson of St. Clairsville, D-6th, said he thinks the bankruptcy deal is fair.

“We’re already seeing positive signs with Chrysler set to emerge from bankruptcy in just a few days,” he said. “And clearly the Lordstown, Ohio, plant, with the new Chevy Cruze, represents a vital part of that new future for GM and I’m grateful for that.”

Wilson said, despite optimism, he’s concerned about the loss of jobs in the area.

“With that said, a leaner GM and Chrysler have meant some painful announcements about local dealerships,” he said. “I’m deeply concerned about the potential loss of local auto dealership jobs.”

Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray called GM “an iconic American company that is a major Ohio employer, and I join other Ohioans in hoping for a swift and effective restructuring.”