Richmond loses

To the Editor:

The Richmond/Spring Grove Area has been dealt a significant blow by Chrysler when it elected to close Richmond Motor Sales. Owner Ron Bergsma has been a huge supporter of the communities for three decades. Richmond-Burton High School students have constructed homecoming floats in his shop, he has stepped up to make contributions for academic and athletic programs. He has donated items and spent heavily at the Rotary auctions. He was fire chief for many years, and his  list of community services goes on.

The economic reality is that Richmond loses significant sales tax and jobs. Ron Bergsma was a staple for our communities through his contributions, leadership, and business enterprise. Now, that is gone. Our tax dollars are bailing out Chrysler and look what happened – they are closing dealerships so they can limit our ability to negotiate on the price of cars and service. 

Automakers were a bit slow, but they did fall in line to get a piece of the business welfare that was bestowed on the banking and insurance industry. Now, we will pay twice with taxes and increased prices. Such a deal.

Ron Erdmann

Spring Grove