Moral Dilemma- to drill or not to drill.

The unknown sculpture artist Joseph Pureluck was assigned to create a new granite statue for downtown Brattleboro. In mining out the needed piece of granite in West Brattleboro on his private property, Joseph made a discovery. Crude oil was seeping into his newly formed rock quarry! Joseph discovered an unknown source of crude oil. 100s of millions of barrels of oil lay just below the town of Brattleboro. Joseph, with the help of his new geologist friends sprang into action and soon a national petroleum company was created. They had a plan to extract the oil. They also soon realized his residential zoned neighborhood property would need town approval before any oil extraction could take place. The petroleum company petitions the town with their proposal. The towns governing board accepts the proposal on the grounds the positives for the town is great. Using the Alaska model the petroleum company plans to share dividends with the residents of Brattleboro, with estimates around $1200 given to each resident per year. Also, the petroleum company plans infrastructure improvements to the roads and sewers. A group of residents are against at the proposal. They just got VT Yankee nuclear plant shut down and the idea of another potential environmental disaster opening in Brattleboro has them up in arms. They warn of this petroleum company taking over Brattleboro. They warn of potential groundwater pollution, oil spills, and how drilling would be contributing to fossil fuel consumption and associated increasing CO2 output and greenhouse warming. It all comes down to a town wide vote. Prior to the vote there will be a town meeting forum. You're on your way there, where do you stand. Mind made up -Yes allow drilling. Mind made up -No dont allow drilling Undecided. ____________________________________________________________ Twist 1 when all are saying yes: - Water table tests reveal that pre test drilling tests have allowed the upper level crude oil has leaked into the local water table. -The petroleum has some uncertain history on its dividend plan, so there are doubts if payments will pan out Twist 2 when all say no: -The petroleum company has said that they will build new sports fields and a high school in town, AND pay for college of any Brattleboro high school graduate. -IF town says no, the company plans on drilling in Dummerston where a yes vote would be expected 2nd grouping.. Vote is today, you have 3 choices, Yes, No, I dont vote