Hey GOP operative, here's what a real CEO John Torinus says about this deal:

As a former CEO, I have a somewhat different take on the political melt-down over the ferrous mining bill for Wisconsin. Top executives are paid to get results, and the negative vote in the state senate and decision by Gogeobic Taconite President Bill Williams to pull out of Wisconsin was anything but a positive result for the company.

President Williams needs to take a look in the mirror before doling out a lot of blame. The chorus of job champions on the right, most of who have never created a job or made a payroll, have turned their recrimination machines on Dale Schultz, a former GOP majority leader in the senate, and on the 16 senate Democrats who voted “no.” It was all their fault.

Yet any seasoned CEO would take a step back after such a flop of a major initiative and ask where he or she went wrong. Ditto for the Republican leaders in the legislature.

Go here for the rest - http://tinyurl.com/7nkmcxu

Sometimes putting issues on the spin cycle doesn't always make things come out for you in the wash.

I was wondering when we'd be blessed with Schmitz's wisdom, and none too soon might I add.

I suddenly feel so enlightened!

Serigraph is teetering on bankruptcy, Mr Schmitz. Why not chose a CEO that is successful.

Keith Schmitz's idea of a successful business is selling shares of a co-op book store to people and scamming money from the Village of Shorewood...pay that back yet keithy?

Here's a link to Ms. Stepp's original incarnation of this "opinion" piece, written on February 20, 2012 but published March 9, 2012 as a press "news" release on official DNR letterhead: http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/434/dnrreleasebmp.png

According to an individual and patriot who filed a complaint about the extremely partisan nature of this official news release, Laurel Steffes, DNR Communications Director, had no idea that this had been released as such. Almost immediately afterward, this version was pulled and re-submitted as an "opinion piece."

Cathy Stepp is a Walker administration crony and known critic of the DNR. It's interesting that this was written before the bill was voted on and GTAC's withdrawal from the project. Were they expecting it to fail and trying to use this as a weapon against the recall effort?

@Bren -

1) What does that prove, if anything at all other than conjecture, speculation, supposition, and inferences?

2) Where does Ms. Stepp's name appear as the author of the letter you've linked to?

3) Where is the proof authenticating this letter as being legitimate?

4) The changes between the letter and what is posted here on Patch are minimal and of no consequence, so what exactly is the point you're trying to make, if any?

Precisely, Mr. Hoffa. The piece was circulated as if it was a DNR press release, unsigned. According to the patriot's account, "I found it deeply disturbing that one public official might use the once-good reputation of an entire state agency to personally smear many of Wisconsin's respectable legislators, so I phoned DNR Communications Director Laurel Steffes to verify whether this was Stepp's personal opinion, or a broader DNR initiative. I stated who I was, that I was reading the latest DNR news release, and I was baffled that although the wording in the release was "I was", "I wish", "I think", there was no signature to positively identify who the "I" was.

Asked where I was reading this, I mentioned a link provided by the Wheeler Report, but the document itself was clearly on official Department of Natural Resources letterhead, was titled "Don't Buy the Hyperbole", and there was no name on it, so I couldn't tell if it was the opinion of a single person or the official position of the Department. Ms. Steffes then stated that the release was authored by Cathy Stepp, the Secretary of the DNR.

I continued, asking why then was it not signed by Cathy Stepp. Ms. Steffes seemed baffled at this point, so I asked directly if this news release was the official position of the Department. She answered, "This is the official position of the Secretary." I asked why then didn't the Secretary issue the release with her own letterhead and sign that..."

" instead of using official DNR letterhead without a signature. Ms. Steffes now seemed somewhat alarmed and let slip a little, "Oh, no", then quickly went on to say that she had to go to take care of this matter, that there should be a signature, it would be corrected, then thanked me for bringing this to her attention."

And now, here it is, posted on Patch as an opinion piece.

Do you truly not find this questionable?

@Bren -

And exactly what media agencies was this first letter on official DNR letter head released to, or was it merely an unfinished work in progress that had been leaked by some rogue within the department, as it would appear to be coming from the 'Wheeler Report.' In evidentiary procedure, that would be what's known as "stolen work papers."

I don't make any conclusions based on leaked unfinished work product, as there's a multitude of explanations possible, so just like I stated before - it's nothing but empty conjecture, supposition, speculation, and inference, isn't it?

Also, why doesn't this 'patriot' release her name if her story is to be believed by those of us that don't take everything published on the Daily Kos as absolute truth?

You question everything Walker and right does to the extreme dotting of 'i's and crossing of 't's, but not the left - why not?

Link to Wheeler Report March 9 2012: http://www.thewheelerreport.com/

Link to Rep. Molenske's response: http://www.thewheelerreport.com/releases/March12/0309/0309molepske.pdf

Link to revised "guest column:" http://www.thewheelerreport.com/releases/March12/0309/0309dnr.pdf

Here is a link to the Wheeler Report, which includes a daily state assembly schedule. Scroll down to "Mining Legislation," 10.26am for a description of the press release (it is no longer linked) and letter of response from Louis J. Molepske, Jr., 7th State Assembly District, Ranking member, Assembly Natural Resources Committee; Committee on Jobs, the Economy, and Small Business. There are also two newspaper articles attached to this item which are also interesting. The MJS links to what it calls a "statement" by Cathy Stepp, linking to the second incarnation of this piece, entitled "Guest Column," and now dated March 9, 2012.

I find it of concern that Ms. Stepp would publish her opinion on official DNR news release letterhead, and that her Communications Director knew she had written an opinion, but did not know that it had been sent out unsigned on official letterhead. How does that happen? Also, why was the release dated February 20?

Crony appointments.

@Bren -

Once again, you deflected the question originally posed to you, so let's try this again, shall we?

What media outlets received through official governmental channels a copy of the original letter "on official DNR news release letterhead," and from whom did they receive such letter from?

Don't you find it a bit strange that the only media source receiving an 'official' department media release is 'The Wheeler Report'? Isn't that a bit strange? Why aren't you questioning this at all?

why in the world are so many people against the preservation of our wetlands and our waters? It is despicable to want to destroy the future environmental preservations of Wisconsin.mining ends, leaving nothing behind but a worthless piece of ground that once had beauty and integrity.....more natural ecosystems should be left alone as they are vital to all the people of Wisconsin, as well as the wildlife that depend on theses waters as well! I find it vile that Republicans blame the Democrats and tell people that they are against jobs! That is the NOT the issue. It is about PRESERVATION.

Kalen - Do you drive a car, live in a house, use electricity, or own a computer?

There's no 10:26 entry on the Wheeler Report.

Also, contra Rep Molenski, her letter does have facts, such as all the permitting agencies for the mine - more than I had heard heretofore. Also, she cites the remediation requirement.

Perhaps you really object to governing while Republican.

Agree with the the lead comment on this thread. Democratic ideology is anti-private sector jobs. Make government ever bigger and slash the middle class private sector that's the way to organize the state.

High speed rail was a black hole to throw taxpayer money into. This mine would have had minimal environmental impact. Check out Wazee Lake. A pristine lake known for swimming and scuba diving because of the crystal claer water. Oh yeah, it's a former Taconite Mine as well.
No, this was all about Liberal Democrats playing politics denying Scott Walker. Even the private sector union leaders are beginning to realize the union jobs that were lost here.

@Matt -

Way to ignore reality and side with your partisanship!

The train was a bad idea from the get go and just because the feds were going to kick in some money for it doesn't mean that money wasn't coming from our pockets, does it? In fact, the fed money would have been borrowed money, saddling our children with interest payments and principle repayment well into the future. Maybe you prefer that our children be slapped with a $200k bill as soon as they leave the womb, but many of us have come to realize that it's better to live within our means as opposed to on borrowed funds.

TGFSW!!!

That isn't even an intelligent comparison. The high speed rail project was something that wouldn't have created anywhere near the same amount of permanent jobs. The train would've run empty most of the time, it was a poor idea. Going from Milwaukee to Dane county airport at freeway speed, no thanks. What is it with liberals and choo-choo trains?

People love to talk about children and grandchildren, I am 21 so I am what is talked about when people keep talking about children and grandchildren. Talking with people from Milwaukee, Madison, Twin Cities, and Chicago, WE (the children and grandchildren) wanted this. We want to live in Chicago and go to the Mall of America on a one day trip. We want to live in Milwaukee and go to school in Madison. This train would have not been empty. This train was an early step in a country wide high speed rail network, think of Europe. Once gas hits $5.00+ a gallon no one is going to want to drive, yet these wonderful electric high speed trains would be marvelous way to travel long distances. Oh and they would top out at near 200mph in open straightaways, the highway speeds is just the start up speed until all the kinks are worked out.

@Matt -

First off, lay off the Daily Kos - these were never planned as being electric bullet trains, but rather regular gauge diesel locomotives.

Second, until you cough up a check for $137,000 in addition to your regular annual taxes, your children and grandchildren will be paying for every dime that we spend today that we don't actually have sitting in the treasury. Perhaps some remedial math and finance classes would do you well.

BTW - Even electric trains don't run on desires, hopes, and dreams. It takes a great deal of electricity to produce the amount of energy required to run such trains, especially over long distances. And guess how electricity is generated.

Try again!

Matt wise up, the daily kos and your teachers are clueless. These were diesel burning car speed trains as Hoffa mentioned. They are also made of steel. Steel comes from iron. Iron comes from taconite. Taconite comes from a mine.

No mine, no taconite no trains that run on rainbows and sunshine.

---I am 21 so I am what is talked about when people keep talking about children and grandchildren. Talking with people from Milwaukee, Madison, Twin Cities, and Chicago, WE (the children and grandchildren) wanted this. We want to live in Chicago and go to the Mall of America on a one day trip. We want to live in Milwaukee and go to school in Madison.---

These are the dreams of a one-percenter. Meanwhile all the middle class schlubs you tax to build these dreams can't afford to join you on you luxurious tax-payer supported magic carpet.

as a realestate agent and an enemy of the DNR. It's only fitting she gets appointed to head the DNR..Yup. Makes sense to me..

"Born Free," you haven't bothered to figure out how apostrophes work. This, combined with your flawed reasoning as expressed above, would lead a reasonable person to to believe you haven't applied much mind power to matters of mathematics or economics, either.

"Tons and tons of tax dollars," indeed. Let 'em eat "stake."

Sorry, I left my slaying sword over on the Daily Kos boards!

I'm curious though as to what you really know about Ms. Stepp's personal background and qualifications to level all of the negative charges against her that you have.

After all, look at the picture attached to her article - it sure looks like she cares about protecting the environment to me ;-)

Mr. Hoffa, do you post on Daily Kos? From what I understand, they will tolerate a "conservative" who can back up statements.

Democrats don't want political appointments? What do you call Obama's 30 czars?

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/01/07/list-obama-administration-czars/#ixzz1I4Lr7hjI

Of course, a grounded person would realize that political appointments are how an executive asserts his or her programs on the standing (non-partisan) bureaucracy in theory. In the real world, we all know that the DNR buraucracy (which has long been considered out of control) was quite bent by Doyle.

Your understanding is wrong....

http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2011/related/proposals/ab426 see the paragraph about mining hearing.

---She is also basically approving the mine with out even seeing the plan.

See this is the point that liberals can't really understand because of the one-dimensional nature of their thought processes. T.R. alleges that that she is "basically approving" the mine. The bill that was voted down was not about a particular mine. It was about the legislative framework in which a mine would be approved. Yes, there was a mining company that expressed interest and engaged in communicating to the legislature how businesses regard the status quo (years of deliberation and law suits). But the point was to get the legislature and the DNR and the other agencies to work together to actually come to a conclusion not spend years in deliberation.

But hey, Michigan and Minnesota can be business friendly and allow mining in their equally environmentally conscious states. We Wisconsinites just aren't as smart as they are.

@$$andSense -

That was a little joke premised upon your above invitation to 'slay.' The Daily Kos is an on-line left/liberal blog site and refuge.

I'm not sure that you actually know enough about Ms. Stepp to have leveled such criticisms if all you really know about her background is that "she went to college." Sorry, but that really doesn't appear all that fair or impartial to Hoffa.

So, how isn't Ms. Stepp being either clean or transparent exactly?

Concerning the picture, I was being facetious. And no, she's not my girlfriend or my wife. I'm un-married, but currently pursuing a relationship with an extremely beautiful woman who is not Ms. Stepp.

Cheers!

Hoffa, all $$andNonsense knows is that Ms. Stepp wrote a thoughtful and accurate piece concerning the downside of the mining bill failing to pass. But of course he needs to criticize her about it because he is just a grumpy old Liberal whose job is to bad mouth Governor Walker by posing as a Conservative.

amy lou, the bill did stop mining because there isn't going to be a mine....are you 12 years old? Do you have any business acumen? Are you obtuse?

I agree with you Amy, but this an opinion piece. Ignoring facts is almost a pre-requisite and I should know! :)

What I find most odd is that the right-wing comment trolls ignore job growth at the hands of a Dem president, ignore job losses at the hands of a GOP governor, yet cry foul whenever ANY "jobs" plan proposed by the GOP fails. It would sound a lot more sincere if there was a clear GOP message on jobs. Unfortunately, jobs is not the issue, its only DEM v GOP.

@Victor Drover -

I thought you were an independent with fiscal conservative leanings, and yet you spew these misconceptions about "the right wing" here on the Patch? You appear to be another Bren and Dark Star - left wing liberals posing as independents.

Why not emphasize that the fact that leftist liberals held Walker accountable while the state was shedding jobs, but now that the situation is reversed it's Obama that's deserving of the credit and not Walker? In fact you appear to be onboard with this irrational and inconsistent deception bandwagon.

Shame, shame, shame!

Try again!

Hey Mr. Hoffa! I've made no secret of my position on ALEC, its governor Scott Walker, and his rubber-stamping administration. Other independents besides me and even some Republicans support the recall. You yourself hold some fairly "conservative" views for an independent.

But wherever the name "Dark Star" came from, it is good.

I do agree with Victor Drover however, it does seem as if what we hear out of the U.S. Congress these days does not have much to do with jobs, which I attribute to the ALEC/Tea faction rocking the GOP boat.

@Bren -

So now you're linking ALEC to the Tea Party? Oh, that's right, the Tea Party is an astroturf subsidiary of Koch Industries.

Silly me, I should have realized!

Carry on Bren!

Mr. Hoffa, check my past comments for the links to articles that connect the Koch brothers to the Tea Party. David Koch is also on record as stating his past and continuing support of Scott Walker. Nothing new there.

Red, someone with actual past experience in the field for this important agency is not too much to ask. Tourism is a huge industry in Wisconsin, creating many jobs.

@$$andSense -

What do you mean by your reference to Muskego? Who exactly are you referring to from Muskego?

James R, $$andSense has correctly deduced that I am from Muskego. He managed to figure it out since I have managed many times to cite his contradictory comments through the Muskego Patch portion of this site. For example, on one of the other blogs ( http://muskego.patch.com/articles/gov-walker-bipartisan-and-pro-jobs ), he whines bout how I "dragged you into the "grumpy old liberal' statement" yet feel it appropriate to call me a "momma's boy/girl that never worked a day in their life". Personally, I don't care what he calls me, I was brought up with the stick and stones attitude. His indignation on the other hand shows more of his Liberal leanings.

And $$, while I love my parents, I am not a momma's boy/girls. I hold down a full time job, (which is why I get up at 5:15am six days a week) belong to a local service board and have never had to self-proclaim myself as a Conservative Most everyone I meet has put that label on me. I consider myself independent with many strong Conservative leanings.

I know you don't care about that because you are just a grumpy old Liberal whose job is to bad mouth Governor Walker by posing as a Conservative.

@The Anti-Alinsky -

I hear that! I think you've got $$andSense pegged pretty well my friend!

Sure, a billion and a half dollar investment and a company rolls the dice on one party. What a fairy tale. The democrats have two motivations: punish Walker and expand the size of government by retarding the private sector.

You have have gotten a few chuckles but, that aside, is she incorrect in this regard?

"This mining proposal would have had to garner DNR approval, Army Corps of Engineers Approval, EPA approval, US Fish & Wildlife Service approval, and would have had to meet the water quality and quantity standards established downstream on the Bad River Indian Reservation."

@Bob McBride....The WDNR is the most important element of the authorizing agencies listed. Without support of the WDNR, no project impacting the state's environment can go forward. This whole thing with GeoTac is a bit of an anomaly. Normally the WDNR is ruling on much smaller projects, such as real estate development in sensitive areas. Where the greatest impact will be felt will be loosening the regulations to pay off Walker's debt to the Wisconsin Realtor's Association. This is why Walker's choice of Cathy Stepp was so important. She wasn't appointed to assure the agency's smooth function, but to direct it in efforts to make it "business friendly"; in "Walker Speak" means render it inaffective.

You didn't answer my question. You seem to be suggesting that the other agencies involved haven't the ability to properly regulate the mining industry.

Could it be that you are, in this instance, suggesting that "state's rights" take precedence over a nationally uniform form of regulation? It's nice to be able to pick and choose, isn't it?

How about addressing the issue itself rather than trying to pick apart a political appointee? Or, if you'd like to stick to that game plan, let's start taking a look at the City and County of Milwaukee, where your side holds sway at this point in time.

I read your response this morning and had a few chuckles myself. Nothing but conjecture and baseless attacks, Lyle. As someone who knows her, rest assured she walks the talk as a sportsman, administrator and enviromental steward. But with you this is a line-drawing definition game, isn't it. As in the environment always rules supreme, based on what the Sierra Club wants. And we all know that is more government jobs and more oversight; result being no private sector investment, and continually eroding property rights.

Having dealt with the DNR over the years, I'm finding it refreshing those charged with interacting with the residents (what I call real people) are finally confident enough to stick their heads out of the foxholes they were hiding in/behind and working at daily solutions, instead of perfecting the fine art of saying "no." That culture reform will be Stepp's greatest legacy.

@GearHead...It doesn't surprise me that you know her, "birds of a feather". Also the change in culture will not be her greatest legacy and will turn out to contribute to her infamy.

Ooooooo, another dismissive wave-off from Lyle. Stepp's reform of DNR culture is the prototype for what needs to (and is) happen(ing) in statewide government. Responsive and accountable. DNR was the worst. Other departments will be easier. This is why your characterization is silly. You give the tough job to the best. She's doing great, which renders your whining as nothing more than ankle-biting. But then, thinking outside the box isn't exactly your speed.

@GearHead...Since you know her so well, what exactly are her qualifications?

Yes, Lyle Ruble is the all knowing expert on all subjects, see with his vast experience as a failed business owner and current dead beat who cannot pay his creditors, he can be the arbiter on the mining issue. Pay your bills Alfred, walk the talk.

Alfred, check your last sentence there. And, really, it's best to address Lyle's opinions on the issue rather than go after his "qualifications" to express them . Granted, it would have been best of Lyle had done the same as regards the author of this article, but responding in kind doesn't really further the conversation.

@Alfred...Come out of hiding my little friend, let's check you out. I have nothing to hide and I do have a vast knowledge of mining and mining equipment, as well as oil extraction equipment, process engineering and mobile equipment. Throw out your CV, resume and D&B rating.

By not coming clean you are nothing more than some dissatisfied soul sitting in your mother's basement living your life electronically and watching endless hours of internet porn. Come out, come out; wherever you are!

@Lyle -

Isn't it true that any mining operation would still have to conform its operations to meeting federal CWA regulations, or face the legal consequences of violating such? Your biggest problem with the mine appears to be the potential for ground water contamination, and yet, you conveniently ignore this fact. Why? The NPDES permit that the mine could qualify for and receive would be no different than the one held by the MMSD, correct? And yet, I don't see any rants on the Patch from you about the function of that governmental municipal corporation.

A little telling, wouldn't you say?

Ms. Stepp's circulation of her opinion piece on official WI DNR news release letterhead certainly suggests a lack of understanding/concern with proper procedures and appropriateness. She's been in the job long enough and has staff to keep from making this type of mistake.

Crony appointments.

Lyle, the Mandarin, is all about credentialism. Because only the exalted technocrats can manage our complex society. Freedom? That's just a word.

---How about addressing the issue itself rather than trying to pick apart a political appointee? -

Well said. The super bureaucratic combination of US EPA, US Fish and WIldlife, Army Corps of Engineers, and the Indian Tribes isn't enough to discourage a potential mining company. We need a super environmental PhD in environmental astrophysics with a minor in bureaucratic inertia, perhaps like Secretary Stephan Chu to be sure that these organizations NEVER come into alignment so people can have jobs. Like Nancy Pelosi said - foodstamps contribute to economic growth.

@Keith -

Steve already replaced the miner with a guy leaning on a shovel. The liberal whiner replaced the badger.

Well, if pyrite is present in the proposed mine area and the deregulation bill went through, that miner would have been more properly attired in a hazmat suit. One might also change the badger into a dead fish, in celebration of toxic pyrite-based mining waste products.

If I were of a mind to fully "update" our proud state seal, I'd change that manufacturing arm-and-hammer to a rubber stamp and the motto "Forward" to "ALEC."

@Bren -

That's pretty good, I give you kudos for that!

However, just like Lyle, you're forgetting about the mine having to comply with federal CWA provisions

Appropriate that Bren focuses on Fools Gold http://www.minerals.net/mineral/pyrite.aspx

Mr. Hoffa, as we have observed, an accident or incident (such as the Kalamazoo, Mississippi and Colorado Rivers, the Gulf of Mexico, and Youngstown), regulations don't put the oil back in the pipes or reverse the earthquakes, or potentially in the case of this mine, put the sulfur and arsenic back from whence it came.

red, your comment doesn't make sense to me so I can't respond. Sorry.

Remember the environemnetal protections in drilling for oil in the gulf and see what happened. What about the coal companies along Lake Michigan that continue to dump mercury in the atmosphere over Lake Michigan and now we can not eat fish from Lake Michigan. Remember WE Energies who just accidentally dumped coal ash into Lake Michigan due to a mudslide or the MMSD who contiue to dump raw sewage into Lake Michigan after a rainfall and every july the bacteria counts are so high that nobody can swim on our loveley polluted beaches. I don't entrust corporations to make the right decisions for us because inevitably accidents do happen. So if we all sit here and say do this and then find out it pollutes our waterways and land around the mine then who is to blame? We all are for selling ourselves out to big corporate brother for a few dimes. No thank you, go mine somewhere else unless you can convince me that without a doubt and with 100% certainty no pollution will occur ever. No one can make that guaranty.

MMSD is the government, not a corporation.

You support pollution then by your demand for products that use raw materials that originate from mines.

@Mike -

"No thank you, go mine somewhere else unless you can convince me that without a doubt and with 100% certainty no pollution will occur ever."

So, I'm guessing that you live more rustic than Grizzly Adams, right? No indoor plumbing or electricity in your abode, right? And heaven forsake anyone that actually owns and uses a car, right?

When does the PBS documentary about your perfect equilibrium with the surrounding environment come out, as I'd love to see just how you live?

So, in other words, as I've suggested previously, you don't want a mining operation in this state, regardless of whether or not it meets federally established guidelines for the industry. You want WI, via DNR regulation, to make mining in this state an untenable proposition.

You also need to look at little more closely at the definition of "interstate commerce", as this industry is in no way different from those you wish to allow federal regulations to take precedence in terms of regulation.

Again, just admit you don't want mining in this state. There should be no shame in it for you. You're a liberal and being anti-mining fits the liberal agenda perfectly.

@Bob McBride...Sorry Bob, but I am neutral on mining. I've been in and around good mines and bad ones. I definitely don't want the bad ones. One thing is for sure, I don't trust mine owners and operators further than I can throw an elephant. Generally the only mines that are good ones are the ones closely monitored by MSHA.

Saying NO to a mine because there is a small chance it will be a bad one is pointless. With the oversight of MSHA and the training required for all employees and visitors these days plus the close proximity to MSHA my crystal ball is telling me different.

Here is your neutral view:

►Lyle Ruble

2:57 pm on Thursday, March 8, 2012
the Democrats wanted to teach the Republican's a lesson and show that they still had some power. Plain and simple. So live with it. ◄

So instead of opening a mine that would operate safely and responsibly, Lyle does admit that it was all about a political grab.

Which of the three or four arguments that you've made regarding why this mine shouldn't be allowed to operate do you wish to ultimately hang your hat on, Lyle (including the one Steve noted above)? Or is it going to continue to change with wind here?

You're not neutral on this issue - not by a long shot. If you ultimately don't trust mine operators or owners under any circumstances, no regulatory body is gong to be able to satisfy the level of distrust you have. You up the regulatory ante anytime someone points out an inconstancy in your argument. If MSHA gave them the go ahead, you'd find some other reason to object.

You don't want mining in this state.

@Steve...Yup! It's not a power grab on the part of the Democrats but it's called resistance. Whether the mine moved ahead or not, it would be years and possibly decades before this piece of ground would become productive if the project were to be approved. The price of ore/ton would indicate if and when the mine would be developed. there's been so much spin done by both sides on this, I don't know anyone knows the truth. With Walker and Company's history, they are the least to be trusted.

Political resistance instead of industry, free market and job creation. You even add some more of it on your last sentence.

Pretty sick
I'll be sure to think of a mine next time I pass a windfarm, hybrid car, solar panel, or "high" speed train.

@Bob McBride...You seem to be confused. Why wouldn't the developer want to begin the permit process if it was such a good site? I mostly disregard Steve due to his previous statements about mining, especially those in our neighboring states. A mine that is well studied and well run can be an asset.

If you don't believe me about mine owners, they are one of the most litigious groups in business today. Google it and see for yourself.

They tried to start it, even speed it up a little. Was shot down by the dems in the Senate.

I would ignore me as well, hate having a positive knowledgeable poster about mining around these parts.

So are you suggesting this has essentially been a farce from the beginning, Lyle? If I'm not mistaken, GTAC has already invested a significant amount of money in the site. So you tell me what I'm confused about here.

Maybe you could also point to a taconite mine currently running that meets with your approval.

---Whether the mine moved ahead or not, it would be years and possibly decades before this piece of ground would become productive

Silly talk. The economic benefits would start when surveyors started doing design of the site and support buildings. Advance orders would to to Caterpillar or Bucyrus. Construction crews would arrive to put in new roads to the site. Building materials would be delivered and off loaded by new MHE.

Those poor people up north.

No salience at all. This mine planned to use mechanical extraction via magnets.

Answer to what? You never answered my question:

Steve

2:31 pm on Monday, March 12, 2012

Kalen - Do you drive a car, live in a house, use electricity, or own a computer?

$$andNonsense, I haven't lived with my parents since I was 18 1/2 and left for college.

Wrong again. And I thought you had a problem with quoting prior posts.

But what do you expect from a grumpy old Liberal whose job is to bad mouth Governor Walker by posing as a Conservative.

Are you referring to the 'geologist' that testified to the Joint Finance Committee whil wearing an anti-Walker T-shirt? I'm sure that he's a credible source of unbiased information...

How does MN and MI deal with the pyrite in their taconite mines? They are very close in proximity to this proposed site.

Pyrite oxidizes into iron when exposed to air.

Steve, read more about taconite mining and waste materials.

What is a frac mine?

@Brenda Kay....Are you referring to the sand mines that are mining sand that is used for fracing depleted oil wells?