Clarification on the State of Wisconsin Air Force

Hmmm…my little post created quite a stir around the Cheddarsphere.

It appears UWM did charter the planes. I don’t care how UWM spends its athletic budget. Since that program, to the best of my knowledge, is NOT self supporting, it comes out of our pockets, too. It’s just a transfer of funds. I’m kind of OK with that but I’d be happier if UWM was self sufficient in athletics.

I have no problem if teams need to charter a plane. Hell, the Badgers charter planes all the time. But UW is self supporting and not a drain from my pocket. Come to think of it, Marquette is self-supporting, too. Sometimes, flying is the most efficient way to get there.

I assumed it was the governor and his staff using the planes inasmuch as it was HE who made a big deal about fleet when running for office. I didn’t know the state was in the business of chartering to itself. Sweet gig if you can get it. Not so sweet for taxpayers.

I don’t have any trouble with a plane or two to get around if needed. According to the State DOA web page, they show that in addition to the PC-12, they also have a King Air. (Notice they don’t show the number of aircraft in the fleet, just the model.) So what? Private planes if used correctly are great time management tools.

I don’t begrudge Pol Pot, or any governor, or a legislator if necessary, the use of a state-owned aircraft if it’s the most efficient and cost-effective way to do the state’s business. The state has a fleet of cars and/or vans for travel for state business. Same thing.

But a lot of people missed the point of the original post which is: Why are we paying for THREE of these (PC-12s) planes? I could see a King Air 350 and one PC-12. And maybe a Cessna or two. But not what we are paying for now.

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