EDITORIAL: Schumer jumps gun on Delphi

Local News

May 6, 2009

Anonymous The Niagara Gazette Wed May 06, 2009, 12:02 AM EDT

Monday’s press conference with U.S. Senator Charles Schumer brought up some interesting ideas — some of which make sense on the surface, but may be a lot more complicated than we’re aware of. The possibility of General Motors reacquiring Delphi plants seems interesting to us and is worth considering. It shows he’s interested in a once-again viable Delphi and realizes how important it is to Western New York’s economy.

What baffles us, though, is that the discussion is premature. Delphi and GM have yet to contact Schumer, so we have no idea if these private companies even want to listen to a public official’s idea.

There may be a lot of merit to it, but it’s all baseless at this point. Until GM and Delphi come forward with a plan, or respond to Schumer’s personal idea, what’s to discuss?

We know his intentions are good — keeping jobs in Western New York and seeing Delphi become a viable company once again — but this press conference on a Monday morning came out of left field. He was successful in getting the headlines, but much like his involvement with the Buffalo Bills’ viability and gas prices being higher in Western New York than other parts of the country — two other hot button issues — nothing tangible comes from these press events.

The future of the Bills is still a question mark. We’re still waiting for answers on why our gas costs more here than other parts of the country and Delphi/GM have yet to answer the senator.

We’ll say this: At least he’s out there starting conversations and getting the ideas flowing. We’re just wondering when something tangible will come from his efforts to save private businesses.

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