An April 30, 1999 article by Pete Millard in The Business Journal of Milwaukee billed the Arrowhead-Weston Transmission Line as a "sure bet" that you should "put your money on" and predicted that with fast-track approval the line could be in service by 2002.  With the new more than double price tag and the line looking like it will never be built, what will Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) and Minnesota Power tell their shareholders and customers this year?

Add to this the misadventures of the man now chosen to be the savior of the line, Mark Williamson, Vice President of the American Transmission Company (ATC).  As a long time political hack and bagman for the utilities, Mr. Williamson is now under scrutiny for his part in the money-for-favors bribery and money laundering of the Wisconsin Caucus Scandal.  While with his previous employer, Madison Gas and Electric, Williamson funneled $125,000 to a phony front group in another state in order to have it sent back to Wisconsin to influence legislation.

In this way lobbyists moved legislation through the Wisconsin legislature that has led to untenable projects like the Arrowhead-Weston that have no merit of their own.

Public records show that in this year's gubernatorial election in Wisconsin, Williamson gave contributions to no less than four different governor candidates within a couple of months.  In one two week period he gave money to both Doyle and McCallum.  Was he ideologically confused or just making sure he would be remembered no matter who won?

Energy policy should be made based on facts, not political "contributions".  Vice President Cheney and the now bankrupt (ethically and financially) Enron made national energy policy behind closed doors.  Don't let this happen in Wisconsin.  Even at more than twice the price, the Arrowhead-Weston line is still a bad deal for Wisconsin.

Richard Wentzel lives near Edgar, WI and can be contacted via email at rwentzel@commplusis.net or by calling 715-687-4391.