|
|
|
|
: 3/2 large brick home, with large shop on 1 ac corner lot. $259,900. See pics @ or 576-4069.
The crew was in town working on a series on alternative forms of energy, including looking at the controversy surrounding the proposed Exelon nuclear plant, said Cynthia Bower, a correspondent based in Chicago, Ill.
Thomas O’Neill vice president of new plant development for Exelon Nuclear was the speaker at the chamber’s monthly luncheon. The proposed facility is the first of its kind in the new age of nuclear power and has been a controversial issue here in Victoria.
“The conversation that’s going on here is going on in a lot of places. This is a good place to do it, it’s a great town. It’s a great place to highlight the issues that are involved and it seemed kind of natural,” said a crew member for news organization who asked to remain anonymous because of contract concerns.
“The crew is around and I think their story is probably going to be broader based... I think they’re just trying to present what it is like in a community like this when a big project comes in,” O’Neill said.
Residents on both sides of the issue seem to agree that national media attention could prove beneficial in the debate about the future of nuclear energy in Victoria.
“I think it’s real exciting. That’s the one thing that we’re going to benefit from is some national exposure for this corporation coming in here. It’s an exciting time to be in Victoria. The economic development is doing well and we just want to make sure that we’re growing our economy,” said Randy Vivian, president of the Victoria Chamber of Commerce, about the news crew’s coverage of the luncheon.
The news crew, he said, asked how he felt about the nuclear facility coming in and what he thought the benefits were for Victoria. He talked with them about the economic upswing Victoria saw after DuPont came in 50 years ago and how the city will potentially see a revitalization of the economy if a plant like Exelon decides to take up shop here.
The nuclear plant is big news, big news with the opposition, said Connie McMaster who was interviewed by the national news agency. “It’s great if it’ll help the cause any,” she said.
That cause is to have the proposed nuclear facility moved to a different site, she said.
McMaster moved to Victoria two years ago and built a home at Paradise Ranch. Upset by a heavy load road that will potentially cut through her housing development, she spoke up during the question and answer session with O’Neill. She was told before building her dream home that the construction of the facility would not affect her but is hearing news to the contrary she said.
“I don’t have a trust factor with them right now.”
CBS wanted to know what Exelon could do to make her trust them, she said. “I belive people are supposed to be honest, and I’m not finding honesty and it just scares me,” she said.
As for the presence of the national news agency here in Victoria? “If it would help put them somewhere else that would make me happy. I don’t want it. I don’t want my brand new house to go kaput, my life to go kaput and my happiness to go kaput. I’ll do what I can do and hope for the best. All I can do is put it in God’s hands now.”
Christina Burke is a reporter for the Advocate. Contact her at 361-580-6516 or cburke@vicad.com or to comment on this story go to www.VictoriaAdvocate.com