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October 25, 1966

Griffin blames Williams for Fermi disaster

Just two weeks before the midterm election, Republican Senator Robert P. Griffin went nuclear against his Democratic opponent, former Governor Soapy Williams. During yesterday’s debate at the Detroit Economic Club, rescheduled from last Monday [1], Griffin accused his Williams of having caused the Fermi disaster by not stopping the construction of the Fermi plant during his tenure as governor. [2] Williams vociferously denied that he had any involvement in the meltdown, saying that he demanded the release of the safety report on the project from the AEC prior to the plant’s construction. [3]

Despite the controversy, UAW leader Walter Reuther says that his union maintains its support for the former governor in the Senate race. He defended Williams’ decision to approve the plant, saying that Williams was given false reassurances by the Atomic Energy Commission. According to Reuther, Williams had asked for a safety report, which was withheld by the AEC. Williams only permitted the construction of the plant after the AEC released the report. [3][4] Reuther himself fought against construction of the plant for several years, citing safety concerns. [5] Even in the face of public ridicule by the AEC, Reuther remained persistent. The case eventually went to the Supreme Court, where it was defeated in a 7-2 decision. [6]

As the election draws nearer, the governor’s race has also become more heated. Democratic challenger Zolton Ferency blamed Governor George Romney for his handling of the Detroit riots, saying that they could have been prevented if the emergency response to the Fermi meltdown had been better coordinated. The governor’s office denied that Romney was to blame, touting his pro-Civil Rights record. [7] Romney maintains his commitment to end racial discrimination, despite the efforts of violent radicals to undermine peaceful means of achieving equality. But of late, the governor has taken a “law and order” stance that seems more reminiscent of George Wallace than George Romney. “Maintaining law and order is the only solid basis for a stable society,” said Romney. “We need to make respect for the law the religion of this nation.” [8]

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