When Elsbeth and I visited the newly owned George Gee auto dealership last week I got a chance to talk with the new owners of the former Huling Bros. company.

I met George Sr., his son Ryan and their wives and found them all warm, neighborly and anxious to talk to me about their long-term experience in serving the driving needs of thousands of friends in Spokane, where the name (it once was McGee, generations ago in Ireland) is a household word.

I love their philosophy - no visitor ever leaves our showroom without a smile on their face. But I was stunned when they told me there is some confusion among a few visitors who wish to blame them for the two scoundrels who used to work for the former owners of the dealerships and who brought some infamy to the place before they were dismissed.

The Gee family has been a revered name in the industry statewide and they were dismayed when a couple of nitwits dropped by to harass them for a despicable act committed before they bought the business.

I urge you to drop by when you are in the Junction vicinity. We are so lucky to have thriving dealerships here to add to the warm experience West Seattle is famous for. These dealerships employ more than 130 people. Their economic impact on our community is enormous.

I have bought cars from Gene Fiedler, Ralph Malone and Arvid Andresen. I think you are going to enjoy having this family in the neighborhood.