http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills info@washingtonwatch.com http://www.pjdoland.com/chai/?v=0.1 http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_2743.html#75551 I have been a GM customer for 49 yrs., if I cannot buy a new Chevrolet from my local dealer who has been canceled by GM then I will simply purchase a Honda. I plan to buy a new car in November of 2009, I sincerely hope that my Chevy Dealer is still in business here in Colorado Springs, CO (Daniel's Chevrolet). Thanks !... 75551@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Mon, 05 Oct 2009 14:48:22 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_2743.html#65779 I am deeply involved in the automobile retail network and I can tell you the dealer reductins were necessary. When one's piece of the pie is too small a business cannot thrive. GM's market share is now around 19% down from the high of 51%. Their network was laid out when they had the larger market share. The market can no longer sustain all of these points or retail. Now that those who are left have chance to compete with their foreign competitors on a dealer to dealer level. They will make more money in most cases and that will allow for them to sponsor more than one little league team etc. This bill needs to be killed.... 65779@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Wed, 09 Sep 2009 19:42:08 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_2743.html#64975 Unfortunately this bill like its predecessor on the list only supports government owned dealers. It has got to go. Replace it with a non discriminatory bill.... 64975@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Tue, 25 Aug 2009 18:54:24 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_2743.html#63952 As an American Tax Payer I feel that since the US Government owned General Motors has decided to terminate my dealership that all people affected by the termination of these dealerships should not pay one more cent to this government. They fired us and still want us to support their habits, of wasteful spending. Perhaps if enough of us could stop paying our taxes maybe they would get the picture to reinstate the terminated dealers. Of course with our government we would be put in jail for not paying our taxes. Where are our constitutional rights? Freedom to own our own business and employ people. Too bad you can't fight government.... 63952@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:27:23 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_2743.html#63817 I have been a general motors dealer for 25 years and now they decide I cost them money. Let me tell you, If I ran my dealership like they do I would have been out of business after the first year. Their wasteful spending is what broke them not the dealer. Over paid execs and upper level management is where their wast is. Some days we would receive 5 envelopes from the same facility. Add that up and see how to cut costs. Re instate the dealerships and trim the fat from execs and lets make some money together.... 63817@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Tue, 04 Aug 2009 09:03:01 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_2743.html#63220 I have read online that there are analysts who believe that the dealership networks of GM and Chrysler are too large for the market, which has shrunk to 10 million. If so, shouldn't the dealership network be downsized accordingly?... 63220@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Sat, 25 Jul 2009 08:52:34 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_2743.html#63212 As a former employee of Jack Fitzgerald in the early 90s I can credit him in being instrumental in convincing me to make a career change back then. He convinced me that his philosophy of one price shopping would catch on and be the ultimate demise of the industry. Mr Fitzgerald needs to accept the fact that his dealerships are gone due in part to his inability to make a profit on the sales side, leaving him with salespeople who couldn't make a living. Impoort dealer's facilities look modern because the manufacturer has the leverage to force their dealers to re-invest a portion of their healthy profits into the constant modernization of their facilities. Mr Fitzgerald and his sons need to accept the dysfunction of their business model and solicit the new Chrysler into allowing them to purchase a NEW store with a commitment to hiring a sales team and invoking a sales strategy that allows them to be PROFITABLE on the sales side.... 63212@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Fri, 24 Jul 2009 22:04:56 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_2743.html#63111 As being currently unemployed due to the forced Chrysler dealer termination, along with 85 other employees. While we are currently seeking gainful employment I say Shame on you. No longer as dealership are we able to continue support to the local churches and schools we as taxpayers can no longer spend money to fuel the ecomomy as we struggle to feed our families. The overspending and greed was done by the manufacturer not the dealer and certainly not by their employees. This bill needs to be passed to help fuel the economy not create more panic than it already has.... 63111@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:03:24 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_2743.html#63074 As a GM dealership employee for the last 16 years, I am very saddened to see what GM has done. With no regard for those that have helped them over the years, they plan to cut and run. It is very difficult to represent GM products in a sales environment knowing that they are stabbing us in the back. This has got to stop. GM needs dealers more than the dealers need GM. I have lost all respect for GM and their top executives and I believe most of the general population feels the same way. They ought to be ashamed of themselves. And so should you, Lindsay Smith. Pass H.R. 2743 NOW!... 63074@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:26:03 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_2743.html#63045 who in the hell is Lindsay Smith? Is she related to Mark LaNeve, Obama or the Car Czar? We know she's a Democrat! Lets get this bill DONE. I need my job.... 63045@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:28:43 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_2743.html#62678 The GM and Chrysler model of fewer dealers selling more cars has already failed. Look at the failed Saturn model. Saturn had fewer dealers with large exclusive marketing areas. But, it failed. Why? Its the product not the dealers! If McDonalds want to sell more hamburgers they would not close restaurants.... 62678@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Thu, 16 Jul 2009 08:51:46 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_2743.html#62325 i've been employed at spitzers for a very long time. this is what i do, this is all that i know, please pass the bill,please... 62325@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:51:36 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_2743.html#62284 has there ever been congressional action when the local Starbucks or Circuit City closed? You know why??? Car dealers spend lots more on politicians than the stupid barrista ever did!... 62284@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Thu, 09 Jul 2009 11:05:23 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_2743.html#62188 Survival of the fittest. Let all the dealerships duke it out for business. Those with the best business plans and reputations live, other fall. The government and the auto manufacturers have no business playing god and deciding who lives and who dies.... 62188@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:32:18 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_2743.html#62151 Why would you punish dealers that have been profitable and had the business savvy to be able to stay open through a lot of economical down times yet rewarding Manufacturers that have been mismanaged and are failing. What happened to the old saying that competition is good for business. That is exactly what makes America prosper. I understand that these dealers cost the Manufacturers very little because they pay most of their expenses up front. If this bill does not pass the American People will be the loser and Big Government Beauracracy will be the winner. Then there will be more goverment money to spend paying unemployment to all of the employees of these dealers, instead of them having the pride of owning their own living and feeding the tax base that makes this great country GREAT. Please pass this bill.... 62151@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Mon, 06 Jul 2009 23:07:11 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_2743.html#62029 Urban counties are being hit especially hard. We all benefit from the auto industry. Jobs,land & specialized building not sitting vacant and most importantly tax revenue-both in property taxes and sales tax (auto being one of the largest generators). I strongly believe in the free enterprise system and the United States government has crossed the line!Investing our tax dollars in a failing business is NOT the American way. I strongly encourage ALL of our Congressional and US Senate representatives to stop "going along" and start doing your job, which is to defend against abuse and wasteful spending of our revenues & speak up for the people!It is bad enough that the US Government has invested in a FAILING business, now the largest shareholder of GM) but to dictate that 50% of the current dealership be closed is about as Un-American is it gets! This country was founded on certain principals and rights and it's your job to defend them. Free Enterprise should be at the top of your list!... 62029@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Sun, 05 Jul 2009 13:49:15 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_2743.html#61883 This bill must pass to restore the constitutional rights of free enterprise in this country. The actions o this current government is digusting and it is ruining american families all over this country. We are supposed to be preserving and creating jobs and wealth in this country not destroying business and famlies. The bankruptcies that were government sponsored are biased and unfair. This country is appauled at the actions taken by the auto task force and current administration. For the sake of the auto industry and all the real people and famlies that are effected please restore dealer rights and cut out the bureaucratic nonsense that is hurting me and thousands of others who helped make this country what it is today.... 61883@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:23:40 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_2743.html#61562 I am a high school teacher. I teach my students, that although it may be more difficult than in the past, the American Dream is achievable. The economic condition of the country has many of my students, and others around the country, questioning our country's evolving values. Please, demonstrate to my students, and others throughout the country, that we have a government “for the people” and “by the people” by passing HR2743.... 61562@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Sat, 27 Jun 2009 09:49:50 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_2743.html#61561 It would be a horrendous injustice to take the franchises from a well- respected, home-grown, profitable Florida GM dealer who has been in business for 71 years. The Holler family franchises are part of the American fabric, symbolic of the American Dream. Taking away their franchises, and others like theirs, would send a message to the American people. The message would be that although the "American Dream" is still achievable in this country, BEWARE you are at the mercy of BIG GOVERNMENT. The government can shatter your American Dream by unjustly taking away everything that your family has worked for generations to achieve. Pass HR2743.... 61561@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Sat, 27 Jun 2009 09:48:51 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_2743.html#61483 We are being shut down even though we Aligned with Buick/Pontiac/GMC, aquiring Ponitac only 10 months ago with GM's blessings and support. Now we've had all 3 taken away and still owe the money for Pontiac. We can lose all of our savings and our home. GM got the government's help. We need it too!!... 61483@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:02:51 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_2743.html#61453 I'll tell you what. I've never seen the economy the way it is, and I've been in the car business for almost 3 years, now, for my first time. It's actually getting scary to me, even though I work for a Honda dealer, and we do well. I really do feel bad for everyone at the Chrysler and GM dealers. This bill really does need to be passed. I do agree, that the dealers shouldn't just be taken away. Things could be worked out. Please pass this bill.... 61453@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Fri, 26 Jun 2009 09:40:27 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_2743.html#61228 I THINK IF WE GET A SECOND CHANCE FLORIDA DEALERS SHOUL BE CLOSED ON SATURDAYS... 61228@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:28:54 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_2743.html#61212 I have read all comments and can add little to the disgust the majority of citizens feel. We lost a wonderful dealership in our area, because GM couldn't support underperformance they cited the dealership wasn't aligned with Buick/GMC/Pontiac. The dealership tried for several years to approve Buick, they delayed and delayed. Basically, they provided the franchise to a dealer who is not well respected, financially sound, or someone I want working on my vehicle. My choice of dealer was removed. Who know's why they chose who they chose. I know the dealer who is being eliminated supports many wonderful programs in our community, scholarships, sports , fund raisers, etc. It's our loss, the least we can do is give these dealers back their franchise rights, the state rights granted when they agreed to become a dedicated sales force for the automakers. Over 38 years in business, I'm so disappointed in many aspects of our government right now.... 61212@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Wed, 24 Jun 2009 10:15:05 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_2743.html#61202 America is no longer the land of free enterprise. What you legally own can be taken just like that.We are all paying for the sins of GM. I hope you have all contacted your Congressmen asking them to support HR2743. For some of us it is our last hope. We need to regain our rights. There is strength in #'s & we can share helpful info if you would contact me at jj2875@comcast.net... 61202@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:59:52 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/show/111_HR_2743.html#61057 The fact is the industry has taken a hit. From 17Million cars sold ina a year down to approx 10 million. When you adjust the number of nameplates and reduce the production drastically you cannot supply enough units for all the dealers to remain healthy. You either starve the entire group of dealers OR you adjust to a lower number of dealers that can sell cars and get healthy. The reduction is necessary. Sorry but you can thank your wonderful congressmen DODD and FRANKS for tanking the economy by forcing banks to make stupid loans under the philosophy of "Everybody should be able to own a house" . Well everybody shouldn't as we all have found out the hard way.... 61057@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:36:18 EDT