May 16, 2009
West Virginia House Delegation Appeals to Auto Task Force
Special to Huntingtonnews.net
Washington, DC (HNN) -– U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall, II (WV-03) with Reps. Alan Mollohan (WV-01) and Shelley Moore Capito (WV-02) on Friday, May 15, 2009 sent a letter to President Obama’s Auto Task Force expressing concern over the current plan to close dealerships in West Virginia.
“In these challenging economic times, closing businesses and eliminating jobs is not the answer. Dealerships provide important, well-paying jobs, and bring significant revenue into our communities. Removing them will cause significant losses to West Virginians – losses we can’t well afford,” said Rahall.
In response to Chrysler’s announcement this week that they would close seventeen West Virginia dealerships, Congresswoman Capito added, “These are West Virginia jobs on the line. They provide good jobs, much-needed service to West Virginia car-owners, and engage in important community service. With this move towards closing nearly twenty West Virginia Chrysler dealerships, they’re the ones paying the price for the missteps and mistakes of others.”
Under the current plan put forth by the Auto Task Force, West Virginia would lose at least 20 General Motors and 22 Chrysler dealerships. That would reduce the number of dealerships in this rural state to a little over 125 store fronts. It would also add at least 1,000 workers to the unemployment roles. Considering every automotive job approximately equals 5 support positions, the effect on employment opportunities could be devastating.
“I am working closely with Representatives Mollohan and Capito to urge the Auto Task Force to reconsider this strategy. In West Virginia, dealerships are part of the economic solution, not part of the problem,” said Rahall.
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West Virginia House Delegation Appeals to Auto Task Force
Special to Huntingtonnews.net
Washington, DC (HNN) -– U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall, II (WV-03) with Reps. Alan Mollohan (WV-01) and Shelley Moore Capito (WV-02) on Friday, May 15, 2009 sent a letter to President Obama’s Auto Task Force expressing concern over the current plan to close dealerships in West Virginia.
“In these challenging economic times, closing businesses and eliminating jobs is not the answer. Dealerships provide important, well-paying jobs, and bring significant revenue into our communities. Removing them will cause significant losses to West Virginians – losses we can’t well afford,” said Rahall.
In response to Chrysler’s announcement this week that they would close seventeen West Virginia dealerships, Congresswoman Capito added, “These are West Virginia jobs on the line. They provide good jobs, much-needed service to West Virginia car-owners, and engage in important community service. With this move towards closing nearly twenty West Virginia Chrysler dealerships, they’re the ones paying the price for the missteps and mistakes of others.”
Under the current plan put forth by the Auto Task Force, West Virginia would lose at least 20 General Motors and 22 Chrysler dealerships. That would reduce the number of dealerships in this rural state to a little over 125 store fronts. It would also add at least 1,000 workers to the unemployment roles. Considering every automotive job approximately equals 5 support positions, the effect on employment opportunities could be devastating.
“I am working closely with Representatives Mollohan and Capito to urge the Auto Task Force to reconsider this strategy. In West Virginia, dealerships are part of the economic solution, not part of the problem,” said Rahall.
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Make HNN Your Homepage (IE Users Only)
