OPINION: The radical agenda of WMC

For those who like black comedy, it’s hard to beat the decision in August by Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce to give its “Friend of the Environment” award to Menard’s, the home improvement chain. The group released a statement praising Menard’s for efforts “to eliminate wasted energy, increase recycling rates and improve efficiency.”

Perhaps, but Menard’s also happens to have had more environmental violations than any company in the state. Owner John Menard and his company were fined $1.7 million for 21 violations, and have been cited for disposing hazardous waste, manufacturing and selling arsenic-tainted mulch, using a floor drain to dump chemicals into a tributary of the Chippewa River, and dumping a pallet of herbicide on a parking island...

   ...more

Ken Notes: Agrhhhh! I like Menard`s and believe they are good for Wisconsin, but we need to shine a light on companies doing far more for the environment. I am not sure WMC represents the majority of it`s members in it`s lobbying efforts. I would sure like to see a strong voice for businesses in the state, who I believe have a willingness to address environmental issues as long as the outcomes are not a significant impediment to doing business in the state. Also they have great ideas if we would listen rather than tell them what to do...