Kenosha County Board Supports Foxconn Resolution

Kenosha---A resolution in support of the state's efforts to bring Foxconn to southeast Wisconsin won the approval of the Kenosha County Board Tuesday night. Only three supervisors voted no. 

The resolution does not go into the details of the controversial incentive package currently being debated in the state legislature, but does urge state lawmakers to support what it calls the historic opportunity provided by the Foxconn project. 

"We think this is an opportunity that's not going to come around more than once in a generation," said Michael Harrigan, a financial consultant under contract with the county. "You can accept the challenges that'll go along with it--- which there will be plenty. My experience with Kenosha folks here is the they're up to do the heavy lifting. I think if you're willing to do it, the rewards will be there."

Foxconn is said to be evaluating sites for a huge manufacturing plant in both Kenosha and Racine county.

Supervisor Leigh Blough said the state should not hand over $3 billion with no guarantees. "As talks regarding the Foxconn proposal continue, we must assure that we stick to our core Wisconsin values and ensure that we're getting the best deal for our state," she said. 

Supervisor Dayvin Hallmon said he believes southeast Wisconsin can become the Silicon Valley of the Midwest, but not like this. "I don't think Foxconn is the way to do it," he said.

More than a half-dozen people addressed the board on Foxconn, only one supporting the resolution which passed on a vote of 18 to 3. 

The state Assembly is expected to vote Thursday on the incentive package.

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