Memo: Wis. governor approved fire truck purchase
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Newly released records show Gov. Jim Doyle approved the purchase of a $250,000 fire truck for the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King.
The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs has said the truck was one of several purchases that was not authorized by lawmakers. The agency asked for an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, which continues.
State Rep. Kevin Petersen, a Waupaca Republican whose district includes the home, has released memos showing the fire truck was recommended by the Department of Administration and approved by Doyle in June.
Administration Secretary Michael Morgan told the governor the purchase was justified to keep the home's elderly and disabled residents safe. It replaced a 35-year-old truck that was inoperable.
Sep 28, 2009 at 6:49 p.m.
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A 35 year old fire engine is 15 years past being recognized by the insurance rating as usable for Fire protection, and unfortunately, ask any fire department, $250,000 is a good deal now a days for a new fire engine that meets the rating.
I'm really tired of hearing about things like this concerning our Vets. Substandard housing at Vets homes, Walter Reed Hospital in need of major repairs with rooms having peeling paint etc.
This is unacceptable! These men and women gave their all in service to this country, and now that they need our help with medical issues, and their safety..everyone looks the other way or questions why something was done to help them! It should be the other way around. The question should be: Why didn't this truck get replaced sooner? The service life of a fire engine is 20 years for insurance ratings, so that truck should have been replaced 15 years ago.
Sep 28, 2009 at 3:07 p.m.
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I suppose those old vets will want flush toilets next.
Sep 28, 2009 at 1:56 p.m.
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It just stoppped working one day - I doubt it. The real issue is there is no transparency in this. It sure looks like the left hand doesnt know what the right hand is doing - how can the VA not know who authorized the purchase & then asked for an investigation as to how it came to be.
"Administration Secretary Michael Morgan told the governor the purchase was justified to keep the home's elderly and disabled residents safe." - like Doyle could even think about saying 'no' when put like this. OR was that just an excuse to buy a shiny new red OSHKOSH truck - Doyle was "undecided" on his re-election bid in June, right? hmmm I wonder.
Sep 28, 2009 at 1:51 p.m.
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Your right we need another Tommy, What we need is more dog tracks and prisons that we can't afford to run. Also the state is loosing revenue on the lack of sale from Booze he drank.
Sep 28, 2009 at 1:39 p.m.
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Trains, planes, and fire-mobiles (but unfortunately he misplaced the receipts).
Sep 28, 2009 at 12:48 p.m.
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They replaced an INOPERABLE fire truck? My god. What's next, giving the veterans running water?
Sep 28, 2009 at 9:12 a.m.
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I am a hard line liberal and even I cannot believe Governor Doyle - I mean, c'mon!!!
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