Mining Bill Hearing Ploy Called "Detestable," And That Nails It
Claudia Broman, an op-ed contributor to the Ashand Current makes this strong statement:
It is detestable that a public hearing about this proposed bill is not being held in the northern reaches of the state. Especially since we all know that this bill is not about mining in La Crosse, mining in Walworth County, or mining in Neenah.I couldn't agree more. My characterization wasn't as strong, so thank you, Ms. Broman:
This is mining legislation that was prompted by a company wanting to mine in the Penokee Range of Ashland and Iron counties.
Having a public hearing at the State Fair Grounds in Milwaukee County about a mining bill that has more to do with day-to-day life in Ashland and Iron counties than the insides of Milwaukee County factories is a partisan, political ploy set about to make life easier for politicians and industrial representatives who don't want to be bothered with “the hillbillies” of northern Wisconsin.
This would be like scheduling a hearing on Milwaukee's streetcar plan in Ashland.
Or a session on the Zoo Interchange in Superior.
2 comments:
My guess is that they're having it in SE Wis not only so that northern opponents will not likely attend, but also so that they can write off those who do attend as "people who aren't personally affected" and "predictably opposed".
Remember, it's really hard to find fresh sushi in the Great Northwoods.... Where would the lobbyists dine?
p.s. The good people fighting for the environment shouldn't worry too much about the venue for the public hearing on the mine. They will ignore the input anyway. Keep the focus on education, investigative reporting, recalls, and other political actions. That's where the fight will be won or lost.
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