Weeks, perhaps months after Dresser-Rand, a Siemens business announced it would end manufacturing operations in Wellsville, enter the politicos. Here's the rub...these elected 'leaders' should have been shouting the day OF the announcement in February. It almost seems like, weeks after the announcement, they collectively said...crap, we probably should say something. Numerous media outlets in this end of the state have properly conducted interviews and reported on state and federal anger. However, lawmakers or the Governor can be angry, but this is a private business making decisions to benefit the shareholders. This isn't a vote against Wellsville. It is 100% a financial decision to benefit the investors who pony up the cash. And let us be real...if you invest, you're primary concern is the return on investment.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo fired off a symbolic letter to Siemens. U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer held a face to face meeting with the Siemens CEO (it should be noted that Chuck wants to be referred to as U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer). Schumer reportedly told the CEO that the closure and relocation of operations was unacceptable. Siemens wasn't impressed. It's a private company...it can move where it wants, it can building where it wants. Wellsville's loss is likely another community's gain. It happens EVERY day...but it certainly stings when it happens in your town.
Every time Siemens has been asked, they have said, essentially, 'we're not staying in Wellsville.' Quite likely, this was not a rash decision...More likely, it was a well thought out plan to sell off a portion of the company. Like it or not, the new owner can do whatever it wants. Publicly traded companies exist to make investors happy, not the community in which they operate.
Who knows, maybe there will be a Hail Mary ending, but please...don't hold your breath.
