Dave Bing, during a Chrysler announcement Thursday about investing $238 million in three of its facilities, said those in office should use Chrysler as ''the poster child to bring Detroit back.''
DETROIT, MI- Detroit’s elected public officials could learn a thing or two from Chrysler Group LLC, according to the city’s mayor.
Dave Bing, during a Chrysler announcement Thursday about investing $238 million in three of its facilities, said those in office should use Chrysler as “the poster child to bring Detroit back."
“There were not a lot of people that believed in you, and what you’ve been able to accomplish, and today, there are not a lot of people who believe we (who) have leadership positions in the city of Detroit can bring our city back,” he said to the hundreds of employees and guests at Chrysler’s Mack I engine plant on the city’s east side. “But once again, we have a model to follow and I’m just thankful that I’m here at this point and time to be a part of something that’s going to be very, very important for all of us.”
Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh and city council members Saunteel Jenkins and Andre Spivey also attended the announcement, which included $198 million and 225 jobs for Mack I. They didn't speak.
Bing said Chrysler’s success 3 1/2 years out of bankruptcy is a “culmination” of its leadership and ability to partner and adapt with Fiat SpA, which has majority ownership of the Auburn Hills-based automaker as a result of to the 2008-2009 automotive bailout. The city, he said, could do the same.
"I know if Chrysler can do what they have done, there's no doubt in my mind that those of us in leadership positions in the City of Detroit will use you as the poster child to bring Detroit back," Bing said to the cheers of those in attendance.
Since June 2009, Chrysler has announced nearly 6,000 new hourly jobs and about $4.75 billion of new investments since the company emerged from a government-backed bankruptcy. The company has also recorded 31 consecutive months of year-over-year sales gains and tremendous profits.
The Detroit City Council met on July 17 (Gus Burns | MLive Detroit)From the consent agreement and Belle Isle to police scandals and the possible bankruptcy of the city, Bing and the Detroit City Council this year have appeared to be inept and dysfunctional.
Bing said Chrysler CEO and Chairman Sergio Marchionne has done an “unbelievable masterful job of bringing partnerships together.”
“You have not given up on this company, we will not give up on our city,” he said.
Bing and Marchionne were on stage during the announcement with United Auto Workers Vice President General Holiefield and
Other public officials at the event included Michigan Economic Development Corp. President and CEO Michael Finney, embattled Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, Warren Mayor Jim Fouts, Trenton Mayor Kyle Mack and others.
Click here for more about Chrysler's investment and jobs announcement.
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