Rep. Dennis Kucinich

Washington, Sep 17, 2008 -

Yesterday, after speaking with UAW local 1250 president Mike Gammella, Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) met with Ford Motor Company Chairman and CEO William Ford in order to discuss strategies for maintaining and building Ford’s presence in Brook Park, Ohio. Ford’s manufacturing plants there employ 2000 workers.

“I am looking forward to meeting again with Mr. Ford and the Ford Motor Company’s management team in Detroit to further discuss my plans for growing the auto industry in Cleveland and throughout the country,” said Kucinich after the meeting. 

During the meeting, Representative Kucinich delivered the following letter to Mr. Ford:

September 16, 2008

Mr. William Clay Ford, Jr.
Executive Chairman
Ford Motor Company
One American Road
Dearborn, Michigan 48126

Dear Mr. Ford:

I am at once concerned and optimistic for Ford’s manufacturing plants in Brook Park, Ohio.  The equipment currently used to manufacture the six cylinder engines will need to be replaced to accommodate tomorrow’s transportation needs. In the short term, four cylinder engines could be manufactured to keep critical jobs. In the long term, jobs in Cleveland could be assured and added with a transition to the manufacture of tomorrow’s vehicles such as hybrid electric cars and fuel cells.  I will work with you on programs such as the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Incentive Program to help with the transition.

I would like to hear your ideas on other ways in which I could be of assistance in maintaining and strengthening Ford’s presence in Cleveland.  I look forward to working with you.

                                                             Sincerely,

                                                             Dennis J. Kucinich
                                                             Member of Congress

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