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REGULAR MEETING August 13, 2018
<br /> Thomas Zmyslo, Sr., 51042 Prairie View Way, South Bend, IN, stated, We were supposed to be
<br /> looking at an administration that made this America First and it was supposed to be making
<br /> America better. Surely what's happening to Honeywell employees in the last year has not made
<br /> America better.
<br /> Larry Alexander, 56051 Harmon Drive, Mishawaka, IN, stated that the media has painted the
<br /> blowback from Honeywell employees as a last-ditch attempt for retirees"thrown under the bus for
<br /> profit and profit only." He contended that this will not be over until disenfranchised employees,
<br /> such as himself, say it is over.
<br /> Marty Wolfson, 809 Park Avenue, South Bend, IN stated that Honeywell has been treated
<br /> generously by South Bend. Mr. Wolfson asked, So, should South Bend be as generous to
<br /> Honeywell if it applies for tax incentives in the future? Well, that should depend on whether
<br /> Honeywell is a good corporate citizen, and hopefully it will change. But, judging by its current
<br /> behavior, the answer is a resounding no.
<br /> Jesse Davis, P.O. Box 10205, South Bend, IN, stated that Honeywell is not the first corporation to
<br /> abandon its employees, and that retirees of other similarly behaving corporations of the past are
<br /> still fighting for their due today. Mr. Davis stated, We've really got to pay close attention to what
<br /> we're doing when we're doling out the tax abatements and, a lot of times, throwing around TIF
<br /> money to help places. Our government's bailing a lot of places out. These big corporations—all
<br /> these people that are sitting here, they're numbers to them, man. They're just numbers to them. I
<br /> hope [the Council] doesn't just stop tonight with the verbiage of the resolution. I hope the Council
<br /> continues to watch this and do whatever you can to make this company realize that our community
<br /> has done a lot for them and they need to stand up and do what's right for these people.
<br /> Ron Packer, 122 East Pokagon Street, South Bend, IN, stated that he is in favor of this resolution
<br /> but would like to see the Council explore other punitive measures, as well. Mr. Packer stated that
<br /> he would like to see the Council do whatever is legally possible to push this matter to the federal
<br /> courts.
<br /> There were none who wished to speak in opposition to this bill.
<br /> Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to adopt Bill No. 18-39. Councilmember Karen White
<br /> seconded the motion.
<br /> Councilmember Jake Teshka rescinded the motion. Councilmember John Voorde seconded the
<br /> rescinding of the motion which carried by a voice vote of nine (9) ayes.
<br /> Councilmember Teshka stated that the federal government is not in place to assess the fairness of
<br /> contracts but to ensure that they are rightly administered—which, federal courts say, Honeywell's
<br /> was. To that end, Councilmember Teshka stated that he was encouraged by the resolution in
<br /> question, in that it asks members of the federal government to vote with their wallets next time
<br /> they consider a defense contract.
<br /> Councilmember Oliver Davis stated that pain,hunger, and the like are bipartisan. Councilmember
<br /> Davis stated that it is the Council's responsibility to make sure everyone is taken care of
<br /> appropriately in this situation.
<br /> Councilmember Tim Scott, addressing Honeywell employees, stated, You guys worked hard for
<br /> it. You did your part to it and the companies need to do their part. It's got to be responsible. There
<br /> is no problem with profit: it's the responsibility that goes a long with that.
<br /> Councilmember Williams-Preston stated, We can't forget to thank the retirees themselves and the
<br /> labor unions and the folks in the community who really stepped up and who have been working,
<br /> ongoing, with your City officials, your elected officials. This is how we get things done. It's a
<br /> beautiful example. You entrusted us to fight your fight and we are here to do that. So, I want to
<br /> thank you for trusting us to do that and thank everyone, because it really has been an opportunity
<br /> for us to reach across lines and work together to get something that we can all get behind and
<br /> support. So, yes, you're right: this fight isn't over until you say it's over.
<br /> Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to adopt Bill No. 18-39. Councilmember Karen White
<br /> seconded the motion which carried by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes.
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