DR. ED MONTGOMERY: "I will continue to work with the Mayor, and her Task Force, in the days ahead...."
Dr. Ed Montgomery's Ohio whirlwind contained unspecified future promises, alongside reminders of stimulus funds already targeted for Ohio.
But Chrysler workers didn't want to hear about `past' help.
They want direct intervention from Washington, to help save 1200 current jobs.
One of those jobs ....for the past 43 years .... belongs to Herman Respert of Bedford.
He wants to work two more years here, and then retire.
He was out in front of the plant today - one of hundreds of employees making a public show of support for his workplace.
But there's no hiding that he was despondent that his future ....isn't in his control.
HERMAN RESPERT: "Seem like the whole country just selling the workers down the drain. I can't understand that. So many people out of work but they say "Buy this, buy that." How can you buy if you don't have a job?"
Respert's UAW local President is Doug Rice. He liked some of what Dr. Montgomery said in a closed door meeting this morning.... but he didn't hear many promises either.
DOUG RICE: ''We don't know for sure and we're not gonna ever give up on our plant - or think that's it's gonna be closing. So we're not through with this yet, and we feel there's a chance that we can survive."
The Director of Auto Communities did meet with a 'few' workers - walked the plant, and said he gained an understanding.
DR. MONTGOMERY: "It was very clear from looking at those facilities that the workers have made major efforts to improve productivity, to improve quality, and made major strides over the last years to do so. I was really impressed."
But impressed doesn't mean convinced that Federal persuasion can change Chrysler's attitude.
So Montgomery was clearly focused more on assistance for WHEN the Chrysler plant closes - not IF.
Twinsburg Mayor Kathy Procop is looking at both scenarios - seeking new tenants for the enormous building, while fighting to keep Chrysler there - AND ensuring the promised government assistance targets her city.
MAYOR KATHERINE PROCOP: "We will make sure that we are included in the process, and get our fair share."
The approved sale of Chrysler to FIAT motors ...is set for next Wednesday.
Rick Jackson, 90.3.
