HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2008.11.20 - 9569Miscellaneous Resolution #08264
BY: Commissioner Eric Coleman, District #23, Tim Burns, District #19, David Coulter, District #25, Marcia
Gershenson, District #17, Vincent Gregory. District #21, Tim Greimel, District #11,
Mettle McKinney Hatchett, District #10, Jim Nash, District #15, Karen Spector, District #16.
Dave Woodward, District #18, Helaine Zack, District #22, Bill Bullard, Jr. #2, Glenn Clark, District #24,
Hugh D. Crawford, District #9. Sue Ann Douglas, District #12, Michael J. Gingell, District #3,
Robert Gosselin, District #13, Bradford C. Jacobsen, District #1, Eileen T. KowaII, District #6,
Christine Long, District #7, Thomas F. Middleton, District #4, Jeff Potter, District #8,
David W. Potts, District #20, Mike Rogers, District #14, John A. Scott, District #5
RE: Board of Commissioners — Support for the American Auto Industry
TO: Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Chairperson, Ladies and Gentlemen:
WHEREAS the American auto industry is the backbone of American manufacturing. Almost 4% Of
the Gross Domestic Product is auto-related. Three million U.S. jobs are dependent on the health of
U.S. automakers, and they are not all in the lAdwest; and
WHEREAS what happens in the automotive industry affects residents, businesses and units of
government, in Oakland County, Michigan, and throughout the United States; and '
WHEREAS the collapse of the U.S.-based auto industry wouldn't just impact the more than 239,000
Americans directly employed by the Big Three. If a plant closes, so does its suppliers, the local
stores, and the local restaurants. The effect would be devastating in ways you may never have
imagined; and
WHEREAS the impact of allowing the collapse of the U.S. auto industry would be catastrophic. The
study by the Center for Automotive Research revealed that one out of every 10 people in America is
employed in a service that is related to the U.S. auto industry; and
WHEREAS the auto industry crisis is not just a Detroit issue. There are 105 auto assembly and
component plants in 20 states. The auto industry purchases $156 billion in parts, materials and
services in all 50 states; and
WHEREAS a collapse in the auto industry would result in nearly 3 million jobs being lost in the first
year alone — with another 2.5 million to follow over the next two years; and
WHEREAS — the domestic auto industry is vital to Americans' economic well being, including
775,000 retirees and surviving spouses and 2 million recipients of health care benefits; and
WHEREAS personal income in the United States would drop by more than $150.7 billion in the first
year; and
WHEREAS the cost to local, state, and federal governments could reach $156.4 billion over three
years in lost taxes, and unemployment and health care assistance; and
WHEREAS domestic automobile production would more than likely fall to zero — even by
international producers, due to supplier bankruptcies; and
WHEREAS the domestic auto dealer is the largest U.S. purchaser of steel, aluminum, iron, cooper,
plastic, electronics and computer chips; and
. WHEREAS the U.S. economy is at a crossroads, due to the worldwide credit crisis; and
WHEREAS the credit crisis that is affecting us all is wounding the U.S. auto industry in marly
different ways. Carmakers can't get loans to restructure and to produce new advanced technology
vehicles. Suppliers and dealers can't get loans for routine business, and customers can't get loans
for new cars; and
ife' the adoption of the foregoing Resolution. irper
omrilissioner Eric Coleman
23
Commissioner Tim Burns
District #19
Comrtissioner David Coulter
District #25
Commissioner Vince • ../r- /10 ,trict #21 r
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Commissionernatfie McKinfilly Hatchett
District #10
Corrimissioner Marcia etrshenson
District #17
Commissioner Tim Greimel
District #11
missioner Jim Nash
trict #15
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WHEREAS prior to the credit crisis, the American auto industry was aggressively and successfully
restructuring to reduce costs and enhance liquidity; and
WHEREAS our automakers find themselves in the precarious position of attempting to convince our
nations leaders to provide a bridge loan to support the U.S. automakers; and
WHEREAS a bridge loan for U.S. automakers will strengthen the U.S. economy and preserve
millions of American jobs; and
WHEREAS the consequences of the domestic auto industry collapsing would far exceed the
$25 billion loan needed to bridge the current crisis; and
WHEREAS given a fair opportunity, our nation's auto manufacturers can lead once again. In 2010,
labor and health care reforms kick in. New electric vehicles will be introduced that will help reduce
our nation's dependence on foreign oil. Unfortunately, if it weren't for the recent credit crunch,
General Motors, Ford and Chrysler would be on the road to success; and
WHEREAS as a nation, we cannot afford to lose this cornerstone of our economy. We should not
depend on other nations for our manufacturing capabilities or new technologies. And we do not want
to contribute to an even deeper collapse that will leave too many people facing further economic
uncertainty.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners hereby
urges our federal lawmakers to prevent further job losses and devastation to our communities and
provide our nation's domestic car companies the opportunity to complete this turnaround.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Board of Commissioners supports federal
assistance through a loan package to U.S. based carmakers. that is to be repaid, as a solid
investment in America's future that will serve to preserve the long-term security of U.S.
manufacturing.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Oakland County Clerk is requested to forward copies of this
adopted resolution to President George W. Bush, Senator Carl Levin, Senator Debbie Stabenow,
the Michigan delegation to the U.S. Congress, the executives of Ford, Chrysler and General Motors,
the Michigan Association of Counties, the National Association of Counties, and Oakland County's
legislative lobbyists.
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November 20, 2008 Resolution #08264
Moved by Coleman supported by KowaII to suspend the rules and vote on MISCELLANEOUS RESOLUTION
#08264 - BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS - SUPPORT FOR THE AMERICAN AUTO INDUSTRY,
Vote on motion to suspend the rules:
AYES: Coleman Coulter Crawford, Douglas, Gershenson, Gingell, Gosselin, Gregory, Greimel, Hatchett,
Jacobsen, KowaII, Long, Middleton, Nash, Potter, Potts, Scott, Spector, Zack, Bullard, Burns Clark. (23)
NAYS: None, (0)
A sufficient majority having voted in favor, the motion to suspend the rules and vote on MISCELLANEOUS
RESOLUTION #08264 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS - SUPPORT FOR THE AMERICAN AUTO
INDUSTRY carried.
Moved by Coleman supported by Kowa11 the resolution be adopted.
AYES: Coulter, Crawford, Douglas, Gershenson, Gingell, Gosselin, Gregory, Greimel, Hatchett,
Jacobsen, Kowali, Long, Middleton, Nash, Potter, Potts, Scott, Spector, Zack, Bullard, Burns Clark,
Coleman. (23)
NAYS: None. (0)
A sufficient majority having voted in favor, the resolution was adopted.
DOES NOT FEW COUNTY DECEIVE MN
STATE OF MICHIGAN)
COUNTY OF OAKLAND)
I, Ruth Johnson, Clerk of the County of Oakland, do hereby certify that the foregoing resolution is a true and
accurate copy of a resolution adopted by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners on November 20,
2008, with the original record thereof now remaining in my office.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the County of Oakland at Pon1i5c,
Michigan this 20th day of November, 2008.
t
Ruth Johnson, County Clerk