Source: Youtube
Transcript:
[TITLE] Ali on opportunity
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You’ll hear a lot of promises from council candidates. Fiscal responsibility. Economic growth. And sustainable practices. It’s easy to make those broad promises, because we all want those things. It’s the realities of how we achieve them that are hard. Take Anadarko’s gas exploration. It could be a game changer and as a city, we have to decide how we feel about it, and how welcome we make those people feel. If I had a magic wand to make petrol chemicals risk-free, clean, and carbon neutral, I would. I’d love it if there was no demand for oil, gas or coal. But I don’t see anyone with a magic wand. What I do see are empty buildings, a city losing jobs, and good people facing hard times as businesses close. I also see local catering and grocery businesses that could provide Anadarko’s ship with the produce it needs. I see engineering and transport businesses that can give it maintenance support. But they’re not just businesses, they’re jobs that support families and communities. Right now, I don’t think we can turn away anything that offers Dunedin that, even for the few months the ship will be here. Because this effects our children, it’s a hard call to make, but for now I think it’s the best call for Dunedin. I know a lot of you will disagree strongly, especially if gas should be discovered. I understand and respect that. I’m grown up enough to know I may have to change position as new information, or another game-changer comes along. That’s how I intend to play my role in City Council. To be honest, to listen, and for us to decide together on the best future for Dunedin.
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