NEENAH, WI (WTAQ) – Praise for Governor Scott Walker’s efforts to keep Kimberly Clark from possibly axing 600 jobs in the Fox Valley.
Neenah Mayor Dean Kaufert supports Walker’s plan to offer state incentives to the manufacturer, as the company looks to close its facility in Neenah and possibly do the same in Fox Crossing.
“It’s a good signal that the state is interested and wants to keep Kimberly Clark in the Fox Valley, help the paper industry.”
Kaufert notes times like these put things into perspective.
“It’s a lot sexier press release to say ‘we brought in 110 or 150 jobs from Illinois.’ It’s not as sexy to say ‘we retained those jobs’ but you know what, it’s equally important.”
Kaufert is not as enthused by Democratic lawmakers’ proposed ‘Papermaker Fund,’ which would require $30-million dollars in state funding.
“From what I’ve seen, it’s a little bit pricey and it’s not tied to jobs.”
While he says Kimberly Clark needs to be the current focus, Kaufert hopes additional efforts will be made down the road.
“Hoping that legislators will look at something that would shore up the papermaking industry, because Kimberly Clark is not the only mill in the area that’s experiencing problems.”
Kaufert is optimistic state legislators will support Walker’s proposal, which is being worked on by State Representative Jim Steineke and State Senator Roger Roth.
