Channel3000.comWISC-TV Editorials


Editorial: Interstate Standstill Shouldn't Have Happened

Neil Heinen Weighs In On Incident In Which Hundreds Were Stranded

UPDATED: 11:21 am CST February 8, 2008

By Neil Heinen
Editorial Director

It's disconcerting to see the smiling faces and listen to the claims of success from law enforcement and public safety officials talking about the response to the thousands of motorists stranded on the interstate during Wednesday's storm. Clearly this was a dangerous situation and the people affected were frightened and angry. They, and all of us, deserve clear answers on why it took so long to reach these stranded motorists and why more wasn't done to deal with the situation.

From what WISC-TV reporters and editors have learned, there is still confusion over just when the stalled vehicles started to block the interstate, how jurisdiction and coordination issues were decided and how communication was handled to name a few of the areas that require investigation.

This was a major storm, unprecedented in some ways. But we expect more from the emergency preparedness of our public safety providers. The chaos of this storm shouldn't have happened, and we should be assured it won't happen again. We'd like some answers please.

What do you think? Give your two cents in Channel 3000's TALKBACK section.



More WISC-TV Editorials

Igor, the bull mastiff who, witnesses say, attacked and killed a small terrier at at Middleton dog park will remain impounded while his case goes to circuit court. More Details
VIDEO: Watch The Report
SURVEY: Stricter Rules At Dog Parks?
TALKBACK: What Do You Think?

Edgerton police are investigating an apparent murder-suicide after the bodies of a married couple were found inside a house on Monday morning. More Details
VIDEO: Watch The Report

Young adults and college-age students are at a greater risk for identity theft. Find out how to protect your student. More Details
VIDEO: Watch The Report