MARTINS FERRY - The venue set to host a visit from Vice President Joe Biden this morning is a business that has survived the Ohio Valley's economic ups and downs for 30 years.
Speaking to the media Wednesday in anticipation of Biden's arrival, Martins Ferry Mayor Paul Riethmiller pointed out that Staffilino Chevrolet is a two-generation, family-owned GM auto dealership that employs 30 people who are raising their families in the local area. And he noted the newest car available at Staffilino's, the Chevy Cruze, is built in Ohio.
"Thanks to the current administration and Vice President Joe Biden, Staffilino's is still a vibrant business and great employer in our city," Riethmiller said, referring to federal funds loaned to GM and Chrysler to keep them afloat from December 2008 through March 2009.
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Ed Good, a member of the Belmont County Democratic Party, speaks Wednesday about Vice President Joe Biden’s visit to Martins Ferry planned for today. Watching is Councilman Russ Armstrong.
Jessica Kershaw, press secretary for the Obama-Biden campaign in Ohio, said Biden's goal at Staffilino's will be to outline "the clear difference between the current administration" and the policies proposed by Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney. Also speaking was Ed Good, who has a long record of service with the Belmont County Democratic Party. He said Biden's appearance will help local voters make "a serious choice this November."
"There will be a drastic contrast between President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, who are standing by workers and building an economy built to last, and Mitt Romney, who would take us back to the failed policies of the past," Good said.
Biden's appearance is an invitation-only event and not open to the public. Kershaw said those who have been invited should arrive as early as possible.
Fact Box
WHERE AND WHEN
Vice President Joe Biden is set to speak to an invitation-only crowd at 10:15 a.m. today at Staffilino Chevrolet at 900 S. Fourth St., Martins Ferry. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., and guests will be admitted until 9:45 a.m.
Parking is available on surrounding streets and in the parking lot of the former South School.
The dealership is located at 900 S. Fourth St., Martins Ferry. Guests will be admitted as early as 8:30 a.m., and parking is available on surrounding city streets and in the parking lot of the former South School at Adams and Pearl streets.
All guests are expected to be admitted by 9:45 a.m., and Biden is set to speak at 10:15 a.m.
Kershaw said attendees can expect to pass through "airport-like" security checks and should "leave umbrellas and sharp objects at home."
"They should bring themselves and as little as possible," she said, noting that carrying few items would help expedite admission.
