Local, state leaders emphasize hope with GM announcement

By Roberto Acosta | Flint Journal

FLINT, Michigan - U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow said the General Motors announcement of a $163.2 million investment in Flint, Bay City and Defiance, Ohio to support engine production for the Chevrolet Volt, Chevrolet Cruze and a new Chevrolet small car was a testament to hard work.

She said the GM officials, local and state leaders and employees in the room at Flint Engine Operations were there "because it was worth it" to fight for workers and the American automobible industry.

Bay City Mayor Charles Brunner didn't speak during the announcement, but if so "I would have said Merry Christmas."

"We have heard so much negative these days," said Brunner. "I kept hearing in the last 10 to 15 years, that our plant in Bay City is going to close."

He said with new equipment at the Bay City plant manufacturing and consumer quality has become "an obsession" and auto worker jobs are coming back to the United States.

"It can work and can happen here," Brunner said, noting it will take  cooperation between the workforce and management.

Stabenow said the momentum will continue if "we are focused on fair trade laws, shipping products not jobs overseas," support battery technology and continue to retool plants for the changing automotive industry.

U.S. Rep Dale Kildee, D-Flint, said the move shows the talent of General Motors management and labor has gone "into high gear" this year and the quality of the products.

"It's saying what America drives drives America," he said. "We are moving this country back to prosperity and you are part of it."