I am going to say it again. I always learn a great deal from the comments people leave on posts here. And I thank everyone for taking the time.
My initial Domtar is up to 10 comments. I encourage you to read them. Forget all the "way to go Arjun" stuff (with respect and thanks to the folks who said that). It's not about me - its about you. I would like to highlight the one comment that argued the line I think that Council ultimately took - from Mark Crawford.
Also wanted to point to Chris' Kamloops geothermal blog and to my friend Utah State representative Steve Urquhart - a trail blazing elected official who leads the way in using the power of technology to represent folks better and someone who has helped humanize US republicans for me.
One thing that one should take into account with the mill and the economic impact is that not all the economics are beneficial. One should take into account the entire net benefit of Domtar. Yes, they inject a lot of dollars into the local economy and the multiplier effect makes it much larger. However, there are also negative externalities. What is the health cost, now and in the future? Considering the shortage of medical services in Kamloops, this could be quite high.
How many investors or potential citizens have turned away due to the pollution and smell?
Property values are sky rocketing but have some been pinched due to proximity to or a view of the mill?
All these questions should be answered, and more.If the net benefit economically is that Domtar is beneficial then fine, but the best solution would be for Domtar to continue to operate and comply with the regulations. And I believe that is your point.
Posted by: Mayor Quimby | August 07, 2007 at 06:11 PM