Well, we – as in all of us – sadly (and badly) lost our shirts on this deal. See, you and we no longer own any slice of General Motors. Last week, the U.S. Treasury Dept. sold the remainder of its more than 31 million shares in the company. Originally, it had 500 million back in 2010. Net-net: Taxpayer loss on what once was called Government Motors is a stunning $10.5 billion. The UAW thanks you. But really, in the face of the rising national debt, it seems like a simple rounding error, although we would disagree with that. Treasury says it recouped $39 billion from selling its GM stake, but it had put $49.5 billion of taxpayer money directly into the GM bailout. Honestly, did you really believe the balance would be $0 at any time in the wake of this “relief initiative?” Let’s see: We have or have had this effort, Cash for Clunkers, ObamaCare and other “inventions” too numerous to print in this limited space. But remember, we were promised change, and the administration certainly has delivered on that assurance.
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Since the first of 2010, Westfield has grown in number of total households in ZIP code 46074 from 9,016 to 10,671. That 15.5-percent increase through four years, we believe, is a function of an improving local economy and the fact that many see Westfield as a truly emerging municipality and a great place to call home, both of which we never would argue. Under Mayor Andy Cook’s leadership, the city is headed in the right direction, and we like what we see.
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As Christmas and New Year’s are Wednesday holidays this year, your edition of Current will arrive, per usual, the day before. There. We just made your day, didn’t we?
