In his regular update to Community Matters listeners, Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) echoed other community leaders, saying he expects construction on Ford's EV battery plant to continue at the Marshall Megasite.

Ford announced a temporary stop on construction on September 25, 2023, citing concerns over the ability to "competitively operate the plant".

In the days that followed, it became clearer that the proposed Marshall plant - and others - were sticking points in UAW contract negotiations. As Haadsma was making his comments to Community Matters, the UAW announced General Motors - something Ford has not yet agreed to do.

Haadsma also discussed the potential effects of the November election on the Democratic majority - and productivity - in the Michigan House of Representatives.

Episode Resources
Michigan House of Representatives website
Rep. Jim Haadsma website and contact info
Michigan 44th House District Map
Michigan Recent Legislative Activity

BlueOval Battery Park Michigan website
Ford Careers website
Marshall, Michigan website
Marshall Township,  Michigan website
Ford Motor Company press release about BlueOval Battery Park Michigan
Choose Marshall-MAEDA website
CATL website
PA 425 Conditional Land Use Transfer Explained
Committee for Marshall – Not the Megasite website
Committee for Marshall – Not the Megasite Facebook page
Other battery plant and Community Matters episodes

ABOUT COMMUNITY MATTERS
Former WBCK Morning Show host Richard Piet (2014-2017) returns to host Community Matters, an interview program focused on community leaders and newsmakers in and around Battle Creek. Community Matters is heard Saturdays, 8-8:30 AM Eastern on WBCK-FM (95.3) and anytime at battlecreekpodcast.com.

Community Matters is sponsored by Lakeview Ford Lincoln and produced by Livemic Communications.