[cgregor]

So, why would a manufacturer INSIST on a vote for unionization? It would seem that the German model--which the Tennessee workers rejected-- is working better for German manufacturers than the American model did for Springfield and at present does for America.

[FrugalYankee]

I have no idea why VW is pro-union other than the plant is based in the more socialistic northern part of Germany as opposed to MB, BMW and Audi, who are based in the more conservative southern state in Germany. I will also say that I would never buy a VW again, and I used to be a hard-core VW owner.

You can't cherry pick what you think are the beneficial features from a foreign country (for example unions) and apply them to the US. Usually there is a tangle of addtional regulations and expectations that those features are embedded in.

This is usually called "cargo cult science." Build an airstrip, and planes will magically appear bringing desired goods. Unionize, and wages will go up and workers will prosper.

Maybe you are too far away from NH and MA to have followed the Market Basket saga of this past summer. What those workers and customers accomplished was nothing sort of phenomenal - not despite a lack of a union but precisely owing to the lack of a union.

At any rate, unions aren't going to help or save Springfield. All they will do is stick it to anyone who they think gets in their way just like they did in the 60s and 70s.

[vter]

Guys....this has gone off topic. If you want to discuss unions please take it to another forum...Politics and Other Controversies?
Thanks.

[rrob311]

Thats funny, the only Henniker in the universe. It's a couple towns away from me. It's a shame that Springfield went downhill like that. How long will it take these states to change their policies in order to stimulate growth? Personally, I am hesitant to buy any property in states like Vermont because of the laws and regulations.

[RJARRRPCGP]

Looks like Baker went under! For-lease or for-sale signs up!

But, Main St. got paved on May 21, 2014.

RadioShack has been gone, probably at least since 2012 or close to there.

Brand new McDonald's built in Q3 and Q4 of 2013, IIRC.

Friendly's is gone! (since Q1 of 2014)

[cgregor]

"Stimulating growth" is usually shorthand for "Prostituting the town to attract a faithless lover." To attract manly businesses, towns across the country race to the bottom, offering tax cuts, free and untaxed land and buildings, infrastructure upgrades, a docile and poverty-compelled workforce, freedom from regulation and even a nifty bolt hole clause for painlessly uprooting and moving to an even more pliant town.

Far better to sow seed and chase off the crows than sow it and hope they will come.

Springfield has a lot of unrecognized resources. It also has some whiners whose tone prevails. As the possessors of the old shop town mentality die off, the new generation will eventually start sowing new crops.

[Springfield Express]

When someone starts a thread with "I don't live in Springfield but". you can be sure they don't know what they are talking about. I have lived in Springfield for over 30 years and can say its a great place to live. I have raise two kids, both professionals with post graduate degrees and both attended Springfield schools. While Springfield has large manufacturing presence in the town it has made the transition from a few big manufacturing companies to smaller and promising businesses, Black River Produce and just recently Trout River Brewing company are a couple of examples. It is true that Springfield once was a machine tool giant, it has made the transition and in position to grow. The opioid problem is a national problem and is everywhere in Vermont. Springfield has a history of dealing with problems openly and agressively, and for that it has been critized. Our police and schools are working together to fight this latest crisis. I hope your community is too. I have lived here for many years and can say it has been pleasant. I would do it all over again and still enjoy it. Visit the schools and the town. You will be pleasantly surpeised. Good luck with your search and take a look at Springfield. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

[Oldandover]

Originally Posted by LoopyLou

Hi there,
Any thoughts about Springfield, VT? I'm hearing (from realtors & such) that ofo the Vermont towns, its one of the least desirable due to crime, schools and...?? Not too worried about schools as don't have any kids.

I'm also hearing that there are plans in the works to improve the town, but wonder how much of that is hearsay or if its really going to happen.

Anyone on this forum live in Springfield? Seems like a good location for work - e.g: reasonable size and commutable to Lebanon.

Thanks!

I worked there in late 70s and 80s as mechanic and drove truck to Manchester NH. I liked it. The father died and all down hill after that.

[Shadow767676]

I grew up there through the 80s. Back then loaded with kids about lots to do very wooded and everyone knew everyone. I stopped by in 2006. Playgrounds were broken or taken down at schools. Streets seemed littered paper over grown grass junky yards and roads rough but always were to some extent but seemed very rough from before. Rivers were not as polluted but have always been told since a child don't fish in the rivers in town. Black river known as crap river had a bit of red milky residue at edge. Seemed ghostly. Honestly I dreaded looking at what became of where I was playing. Clean it up for me the history is gone personally. Just re build whole town. It went from green acres to just a place to land at if you had no choice. I drove by hearteness funny how that area looks amazing but the rest looked trashed.. it was mid August at the time. Do the schools still have green up day. If not they could use two a day for a week with how I saw it in 06!