Q: It's a sad day for the 18,000 Hostess employees who lost their jobs because a union couldn't work out a deal with management. I read where Hostess executives gave themselves substantial raises before the final union/management negotiation. How much of a raise did these CEOs give themselves? — William McKee Jr., Flowery Branch
A: A federal bankruptcy judge last week approved bonuses worth up to $1.8 million for 19 top Hostess Brands executives if they meet "certain liquidation goals," according to The Associated Press. Attorneys said the bonuses were needed to retain the executives during what was called the wind-down process for the company that makes Twinkies, Ding Dongs and Ho Hos, among other brands. "Two of those executives would be eligible for additional rewards depending on how efficiently they carry out the liquidation. The compensation is in addition to regular pay," the AP story reported. The money doesn't include the salary of CEO Gregory Rayburn, a restructuring expert who is being paid $125,000 a month. Hostess said there are at least 110 bidders, including five national retailers, for its brands, according to the article.
Q: Is it unlawful to drive with a handicap card hanging from the car's mirror? — R.L. Turner, Atlanta
A: It's not against Georgia law to drive with a disabled parking permit placard hanging from a rearview mirror, a spokesman with the Georgia Department of Public Safety told Q&A on the News in an email.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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