The Lockport City Council is investigating hiring a law firm to join in the bankruptcy proceedings with Delphi. Their stance is that since Delphi’s Lockport plant has received many tax concessions, state grants and other special treatment, if the comapny decides to close the plant, or move it elsewhere, they have a stake in the property and equipment.
As recently as 1999, a $20 million grant of economic development aid was given to Delphi for the Lockport plant. The grant was supposed to guarantee employment here. Despite that, employment levels have declined.
While not a definitive action, they are just “looking into it,” at least they are taking a stand to hold the company accountable for past promises, rather than throwing more money at the bankrupt company, like Governor Pataki is doing.
