Pawlenty On The Right Track

12/03/2005

Paul Munnis

The details are sparse and the proposal a little vague but as far as I’m concerned, Governor Tim Pawlenty’s notion of creating an alternative fuels research center in Minnesota, staffed in part with scientists from the U of M, sounds like a positive plan to me.

We think FORD is screwed up in ditching the Ranger Truck line of vehicles, these are the most fuel efficient trucks in their fleet and the vehicles can be upgraded for the use of alternative energy technology. If outfitted with alternative fuel capabilities the RANGER could become even more popular. If FORD thinks that the pick-up truck is going to go away they are nuts. If they think the F150 and bigger trucks have a volume sales future in the USA at these energy prices, they are out of it.

It’s good to see the Republican Governor creating some positive proposals for MN instead of pitching no new taxes and tearing down things that were put in place at great cost to our citizens. If he wants to continue to be the Governor of MN then that is the right formula for election. Minnesota is a builder society and a State full of “Can Do,” people and the Republican plan of destruction of such a society is a failed approach to governing.

Whether FORD comes aboard or not perhaps we should find a way to plow ahead and form the alternative energy research center anyhow. This is work that needs doing and we have a skills base that can do it. When Governor Pawlenty cocks his head and wonders where the money will come from, then he is headed in the right direction.

By the way, we don’t need to give millions of new dollars to the U of M to do this work. There are plenty of post-docs that could be employed to lead such an effort right within a state run agency. Such an Agency would be right at home in Rochester, MN, rubbing elbows with other world class scientists and doctors.

The future belongs to those who invest in it.