Jones helps put an end to Harris County Boycott of GM by Commissioner

Over in Hamilton, State Senator Emanuel Jones (D-Decatur) went to the Harris County courthouse Tuesday to oppose a proclamation calling on Harris County commissioners to boycott the purchase of GM and Chrysler products to protest their receipt of federal bailout money.

The owner of Legacy Chevrolet, Cadillac and Saab dealerships in Columbus brought more than 25 employees to stand with him at an afternoon news conference to oppose a proclamation. It was introduced at the last commission meeting by Commissioner Charles Wyatt.

Jones had stated that if the board wants to continue with the destruction of the American economy, “then by all means ... take away more jobs from people who are already struggling to make ends meet.”

“We don’t need grandstanding. We need jobs,” said the Georgia state senator who bought a house in Harris County two months ago. “In a state with one of the highest unemployment rates in the country (10.1 percent), this proclamation is dangerous and irresponsible. No one in government should be spending their time plotting the continued demise of our economy. They should be putting all their resources together to develop a plan to shrink our soaring unemployment rate and finding ways to put Georgians back to work.”

When it came up for consideration Tuesday, the proclamation was quickly put to rest. “It’s really stirred up some controversy,” Wyatt said. “I had about 200 calls; one call from a constituent concerned a child might not have a job. I’m pulling it from the table.”

“We’d like to say thank you,” said Legacy employee Frankie Schurg, who, at the news conference said many employees had just dealt with their jobs being taken away when Bill Heard Chevrolet closed last year. “Why again? My wife and I have four boys at home. I’m just appalled by this. Think about future generations. All we’re trying to do is support GM.”

What a silly Idea by the Harris Co. Commissioner Charles Hyatt. Seems he's gotten caught up in the furor over the bailout of GM & other car companies. Kudos to State Senator Emmanuel Jones for standing up for the employees of his car dealerships & others as well.