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Obama, leaders cite signs of economic recovery
Obama at GM Lordstown
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President Barack Obama's complete speech at GM Lordstown, Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009
LORDSTOWN — The Mahoning Valley is showing signs of economic recovery with the growth at the Lordstown General Motors complex leading the way, U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan says.
Ryan made the comments after President Barack Obama delivered a speech today at the complex to an excited audience of about 1,000, primarily local GM employees.
"Because of the steps we have taken, this plant is about to shift into higher gear," Obama told the crowd of about 1,000. "150 of your coworkers came back to work yesterday. More than 1,000 will be coming back to work in less than three weeks as production of the Cobalt ramps up. And next year, this plant will begin production of the Chevy Cruze, a new car that will get more than 40 miles per gallon."
“Every time the rest of the economy is moving forward, our area is always playing catch-up,” said Ryan of Niles, D-17th. “Now, the rest of the economy is not going and we’re starting a kind of growth here. ... Finally, we’re starting to lead the recovery, which I think after 30 years is about time.”
Ryan drove Monday night from a televised health care forum at the Jewish Community Center in Youngstown to Washington, D.C., so he could fly with Obama today on Air Force One back to the Valley.
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, a Democrat from Avon, said Obama’s visit today “confirms what many of us have been saying, the Lordstown GM plan represents the future of the auto industry and Ohio manufacturing.”
Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams was “very impressed” with Obama’s speech.
“The president reiterated the fact that the battle for the future economy of this country is going to be fought in places like Youngstown, Pittsburgh, Warren and the Mahoning Valley, it sends a very clear and strong message,” he said.
For the complete story, read Wednesday’s Vindicator or Vindy.com