Energy reform energizes debate between 88th Assembly candidates John Klenke, Jim Soletski

From an article by Scott Williams in the Green Bay Press Gazette:

A failed attempt at comprehensive energy reform in Wisconsin is energizing the race for 88th Assembly District in Green Bay.

Rep. Jim Soletski, the Democratic incumbent and a chief sponsor of the rejected bill, says he hopes to try again at energy reform.

Republican challenger John Klenke, a retired Schneider National trucking executive, opposes Soletski's efforts, which he says could become an "albatross around our necks."

The two candidates are vying in the Nov. 2 election to represent the 88th District, which includes most of Green Bay's east side and a small portion of the west side.

Soletski, who is seeking his third term, worked hard to pass the Clean Energy Jobs Act and its mandate that 25 percent of Wisconsin's power come from renewable resources by 2025. Despite months of effort by him and other backers, the measure died in committee this year.

Soletski, a former nuclear power plant worker, said he would, if re-elected, propose a different version of the concept, requiring that 25 percent of all replacement energy development in Wisconsin involve renewable sources.

He said he favors, for example, lifting the state's ban on new nuclear power plant construction.

"Everybody has been kicking this problem down the road for 30 years," he said. "We have alternatives that we should be using."

Klenke, who is making his first bid for elected office, said he was motivated partly by Soletski's work on energy reform.

The challenger said he, too, supports more nuclear energy development, as well as natural gas exploration. But a state mandate on industry would drive up utility costs for everyone, he said.

"The government's role should be to do no harm," he said.