In an extraordinary statement, PHi Chief Executive Officer Al Gonsoulin has effectively told his employees to vote for Governor Mitt Romney by blasting the policies of President Barack Obama. He excuses himself by saying “this election will have a marked effect, both with respect to our oil and gas and our air medical divisions, on our company’s viability and potential for growth in the future”.

Then he goes on to make statements such as these:-

* No credible or reasonable argument can be made to justify or defend the current administration’s negative attitude and undeniably abusive policies directed toward and against the oil and gas industry that we at PHI depend upon for our corporate or personal livelihoods.

* The challengers to the current administration have announced an alternative energy policy which is constructive. It would include an aggressive expansion of offshore oil and gas exploration and drilling.

* In addition, our air medical division and other small businesses would not be overburdened with excessive government regulations that unreasonably restrict growth and operational flexibility.

No balance is made – the statement is entirely focused on voting for Mitt Romney.  During his time in office, Obama has brought in major changes to the provision of healthcare across the country.  Even though the HeliHub.com team views this week’s election from the other side of the Atlantic, the statement would appear to us – and this may be a European view not supported by US readers – as a gross intrusion of privacy.  Surely voters can make their own minds up without being threatened by their boss?

Gonsoulin finishes off by saying “Personally, I am concerned about the America we will leave for our kids and grandkids”, which sceptics will read as “Personally, I am concerned about my bank balance”.

Read the complete Memo, dated 31 October 2012 here

Jeremy Parkin – HeliHub.com