Wisconsin Gov-elect Scott Walker faces a major dilemma. If he kills the high speed rail project connecting Milwaukee and Madison, then Talgo is ready to relocate to Illinois or another state. Not only will Wisconsin lose nearly 150 jobs but the state could stand to lose much needed revenues.
Scott Walker is a member of the Republican cabal that thinks killing high speed rail will earn them conservative bonafides. But Walker fails to comprehend his illogical position.
In an interview at a local news station, Talgo officials warn the incoming Walker administration they are ready to move their headquarters to Illinois if the governor abandons the construction of the high-speed rail project.
Talgo started up a 125-employee operation in Milwaukee with the promise of high-speed rail. But now said, "If Wisconsin is losing enthusiasm for its rail program, we will need to look at other locations that are not. Illinois is very committed to its program, and they also offer a robust supply chain that could help us make world-class rail cars."
This announcement comes at the heels of an invitation sent to Talgo from Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn. Quinn is eager to grab Wisconsin's unwanted high-speed rail funds. Quinn knows U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is unwilling to divert the $800 million federal outlay from high-speed rail to road construction projects. But Walker insists LaHood waive the transportation policy for Wisconsin, meanwhile other states are compelled to play by the rules.
In the Badger Herald, Walker's comments illustrates his utter foolishness and his departure from reality.
Walker, talking on the set of 12 News' "UPFRONT With Mike Gousha" on Thursday afternoon, said he thinks the maintenance of a Milwaukee to Madison line will add to the state debt, but, he is trying to keep Talgo.
"I made an appeal about a week and a half ago to their leaders to still keep them here. There are plenty of good reasons in terms of the site we have. We have the resources available to them, the workforce, just because the train isn't being built between Milwaukee and Madison doesn't mean they couldn't stay here," Walker said.
Does Walker sound certifiable or what? Walker has no appreciation for the product and services Talgo offers but he expects the business to keep their headquarters in Wisconsin after snubbing them and breaking a contract.
Way to go Walker.