Off the beaten path

Letters to the editor

Editor's note:

The following letter is in response to a recent Larry Silvey editorial (September 2007, page 4) in which he equated the technician shortage with the nursing shortage.

Dear Editor, I agree with what you have stated, but your fix does not take into account who the ultimate cost must be borne by, and that is the consumer. With shops closing everywhere, and more in the future as the Boomers turn gray, the needed boost to career wage increases must be passed along, as independent shops just don't have the bankroll to give more and not receive additional revenue to supply the increase.

Of course this is all elementary economics, so the real dilemma is: Will the consumer be able to withstand the rise in retail prices to properly accommodate the rise in pay scale, and for how long and how much? When exactly is "enough," and when does the whole system collapse?

Shops historically have followed the dealership lead on labor and price rates, so are these going to stay in line while the independents raise to meet our needs with no front door sales to boost gross dollars? Is a $200 per hour labor rate in the future, and will that even fly? Only then will we be able to supply our labor with what they need to make this an attractive industry.

I am not bashing you, as I agree, but one must analyze the next level of cost structure to see why technicians are not getting what they deserve. I welcome your input, as I am glad this discussion is ensuing and yes — I could use a few more technicians at the moment.

Joe Mullaney Mullaney Tyre Matawan, N.J.

"In the repair business, we don't do enough advertising. Look at McDonald's or Burger King. You can't turn on the TV without seeing their ads. Why can't (we) use marketing to distinguish ourselves from our competitors?"

GEORGE WITT, OWNER OF GEORGE WITT SERVICE, LINCOLN, NEB.

New gadget serves as a foil to road rage

Pardon me, chap. A new gadget from Great Britain enables drivers to apologize for their poor driving skills with a variety of messages. The Drivemocion, similar in appearance to the now ubiquitous computer emoticon, comes with built-in "sorry" or "thanks" messages that flash at the touch of a button. The so-called "apologizing gadget" installs in seconds and is visible both day and night — hopefully closing the gap in driver communication and limiting road rage across the pond.

Truck passes 1 million-mile mark

When Frank Oresnik's 1991 Chevrolet Silverado passed the 1 million-mile mark, representatives from Chevrolet's public relations and advertising company showed up to film the occasion. Oresnik, who runs a steak-and-seafood distribution business in the upper Midwest, was on his way home to Catawba, Wis., when his truck — affectionately dubbed "The Old Girl" — made history.