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.