West Bend Council Sends Resolution to GM

Dang it.  They had it right the first time.

With a little more background information provided and the personal appeal of Heiser Automotive Group’s president, the Common Council changed its collective mind — mostly — and voted to support a resolution asking General Motors Co. to restore Heiser’s Chevrolet and Cadillac franchises in West Bend.

   Heiser Automotive Group Inc. has asked for arbitration on GM’s franchise revocation decision and Chris Dulla, the dealership’s president, said community support would help its cause.

   Two weeks ago, the seven aldermen decided not to act at all on the resolution requested by Heiser protesting the removal of the dealership franchises from Heiser Chevrolet Cadillac of West Bend.

   On a 6-1 vote Monday, the Common Council voted to back the resolution. Alderman Tony Turner cast the lone no vote. “My position hasn’t changed,” he said. “I consider this almost meddling in the free enterprise system.”

   He did not feel the city should get involved in a private business decision.

   Others saw it differently.

   Steve Hutchins asked for the reconsideration after he learned more from Heiser about GM’s decision, he said.

   It’s a local business asking for support, Hutchins said. “I think we should give them the support.”

   “We would be supportive of any business in the community,” said Roger Kist.

   Before its final vote, the council voted 5-2 to reconsider the resolution with Turner and Michael Schlotfeldt voting against.

Not only is a resolution like this completely useless, it is not the business of the City of West Bend to attempt to meddle in things like this.