Harrison Township, MI – U.S. Congresswoman Candice Miller (MI-10) released the following statement today in response to Detroit Economic Club President and CEO Beth Chappell’s decision to cancel a scheduled appearance by former Obama Administration Auto Czar Steven Rattner:

“The Detroit Economic Club is a world renowned forum whose podium has welcomed presidents, foreign leaders, business titans and other distinguished leaders to discuss the important issues of our time. Economic Club President Beth Chappell made the correct decision to cancel the scheduled appearance by former Obama Administration Auto Czar Steven Rattner who has apparently received an SEC civil penalty of $5 million for a pension fraud scheme involving the New York State Pension Fund.

“Mr. Rattner has been terribly critical of Detroit auto executives who worked tirelessly to save the foundation of our local economy and whose work was made impossible because of the irresponsible actions of Wall Street. It now appears that Mr. Rattner was engaged in similar unethical conduct that contributed to our nation’s current economic mess. We in Detroit who have worked and sacrificed so much to save this vital industry certainly do not need to hear from a questionable character like Mr. Rattner. While some leaders of the auto industry may have made mistakes which were made worse by Wall Street’s misdeeds, none have had their actions questioned about the legality of those choices. The men and women in our region who are continuing to work to build a brighter future should continue to focus on driving this industry forward and gladly put a character like Steven Rattner far in the past. Good job, Beth Chappell.”

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