Speaker rebuts senator's statements

To the Editor:

It is truly unfortunate that state Sen. Tom Tiffany, R-Hazelhurst, has decided to totally undermine his credibility by providing false statements to the Daily Globe for Saturday’s article on the talk that I gave to the Iron County Citizens Forum on the need for the county to adopt a local mining ordinance to protect private property owners and county property taxpayers.

Tiffany stated that I recommended that Iron County adopt a two-year moratorium on mining in the county. The truth is that I did not do so and in fact, three different times indicated that a moratorium would be a bad idea. There are an audio tape (with written transcription) and a video tape of my full remarks.

In addition, Tiffany indicated that I was anti-mining. That is also 100 percent false. I have not taken a position on the Gogebic Taconite mine. In my former career, I was involved in the approval of metallic mines in Wisconsin and in my Thursday remarks, I spoke approvingly of the Flambeau and Jackson county mines in Wisconsin and the involved mining companies, Kennecott Copper and U.S Steel.

The organization that I represent, the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, is a conservative group comprised of 185 hunting, fishing and trapping clubs and has not taken a position against the Penokee mine.

I am asking the Daily Globe to clear the record on Tiffany’s false statements.

George Meyer

executive director, Wisconsin Wildlife Federation

Former Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources secretary

Poynette, Wis.