Ripple effect: How the Big 3 bailout might impact Lane County jobs
JUNCTION CITY, Ore. - Shannon Nill is watching Washington closely, as lawmakers consider a decision that might put jobs at his business in jeopardy.
"We have 56 employees here at Guaranty that are counting on assistance," said Nill.
And he said his business is not alone.
"Locally, you are going to see hundreds of jobs in Lane County preserved by the Big Three getting assistance," said Nill.
Nill said it's bailout or bust because otherwise, the entire industry will sink.
"There is rumor that even the foreign car makers would go away too because so many suppliers would go bankrupt and parts makers," said Nill. "They count on those as well."
So what do people outside of the industry think? Some agree with Nill.
"I wasn't for the $700 billion for the bankers but this feels like jobs at home and it feels more important to me," said Eugene resident David Spivak.
"Not to bail them out could be an absolute disaster," said Eugene resident George Jeffcott.
But others aren't so sure.
"I think the auto industry has known for a long time that there were going to be some problems and I don't think it's something we as tax payers should bail them out," said Jeffcott's wife, Diane. "I've heard that the bailout will benefit a lot of CEOs and people who are all ready really rich."
KVAL News took that concern back to Nill. He said it isn't true.
"The bridge loan is going to help every worker, every supplier that works in the car field," said Nill.
While the bailout is far from certain, Nill is optimistic Congress will come through.
"I think the heads will get together and make this happen in the next two weeks," said Shannon.
