According to yesterday’s Providence Journal, the Tarbox motors family has asked the Obama administration to reconsider closing their dealerships.  Tarbox Jeep is a third-generation, famility owned business in North Kingstown, Rhode Island.  The dealership ranked 365th out of 3,200 dealerships nationwide at the end of March (in the top 12 % nationwide).

If the dealership closes, the state of Rhode Island will lose 55 direct jobs, $3 million in payroll and more than $2.2 million in sales tax.  Rhode Island in April 2009 had an unemployment rate of 11.1, the fourth highest in the nation.  Closing a successful car dealership does not seem like a wise move on any level.

Governor Carcieri of Rhode Island has sent a letter to President Obama stating the following:

“While you have stated this plan will give Chrysler ‘a new lease on life,’ what it does is favor the [United Auto Workers union] by giving them 55-percent majority ownership of this iconic American automotive company. Government and unions should not be in the business of running companies; the marketplace should decide which dealers survive during these difficult economic times.

“I respectfully ask you to reconsider the Chrysler plan and allow the current bankruptcy laws to prevail in the reorganization of this company going forward. Successful auto dealers, like Tarbox Jeep, are where the rubber truly meets the road. This plan bypasses their rights and deprives them and their hardworking employees the opportunity to compete for their share of the American dream.”

As a former resident of Rhode Island who remembers this dealership in a very positive light, I am hoping it will remain open.  I agree with the governmor that bankruptcy laws should be followed–not ignored.

There is a petition at Tarbox Motors.com that you can sign to protest this closing.