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Week 2

New Harbor is in crisis mode. With an unstable economy, an impending election, and a long list of issues demanding the public’s attention, this coastal city has no shortage of political controversies.

As you enter the community this week, proceed to the Action News 7 Studio to view the latest breaking news in New Harbor. Once you’ve watched the news program, explore the other hot spots to see what people are saying about these problems. You should then consider how each controversy specifically impacts the role you selected in Week 1 and decide which controversy has the strongest and most direct impact on your role.

Action News 7

Miles Johnson: Good evening. I’m Miles Johnson. We begin tonight with controversial new allegations against Jensen Construction. Jensen, one of the largest and most profitable construction contractors here in New Harbor, is being accused by one of its clients of being responsible for what could be the worst chemical leak in New Harbor history. Our reporter, James Grant, has the story.

James Grant: It has been a day of finger pointing and denial on the New Harbor waterfront today as three major players try to dodge blame and seek answers. It all began this morning when lawyers for Axis Chemicals publically announced the filing of a lawsuit against Jensen Construction. The lawsuit charges that Jensen knowingly and intentionally used lower grade construction equipment and pipeline when it built Axis Chemicals’ newest plant in the Harbor late last year.

Details are still sketchy and the area in question is closed to the press, but the new plant is reportedly wrought with weak foundations and piping leaks that are allowing a significant level of chemicals to escape the facility into the surrounding soil. We don’t yet have confirmation yet which chemicals these are or how harmful they may be, but sources can confirm that at least one or two chemicals have reached the water.

Leslie Franklin: ( EPA Spokesperson) We at the EPA first approached Axis Chemicals with concerns about their plant’s construction after the initial inspection period. Axis assured us that the issues would be dealt with, but on our follow-up inspection last week we found that Axis had carried on without addressing these issues resulting in severe chemical leaks. The government is now stepping in and seeking prosecution and no doubt this is what prompted Axis’ lawsuit against Jensen Construction this morning.

James Grant: Jensen Construction has said they will wait to issue a statement until they’ve had time to analyze Axis’s charges, but this is not the first time that they have been in hot water for safety and environmental practices. Many will remember just two years ago when Jensen was caught dumping scrap materials into the harbor while constructing the new headquarters of the New Harbor Port Authority.

There is some speculation that these latest charges could affect Jensen’s upcoming bid to build the new terminal of the New Harbor International Airport but we likely won’t know for sure until this all plays out in the courts.

Speaking at a press conference today, Democratic mayoral candidate and city council member, Alec Coppel, had this to say about the chemical leak.

Alec Coppel (at press event): The revelations of today’s spill are extremely regrettable. We need to do everything possible to ensure that the air and water of this community are safe for everyone who lives in it. Now this kind of things really gets under my skin, and it just goes shows how far we have to go yet in order to prevent this sort of thing from happening and damaging the local environment.

Reporter (off screen): Isn’t it true that Jensen Construction has significantly contributed to your campaign? Do you think they are at fault for the leak?

Coppel: I think it’s far too early to start pointing fingers at this point. What we need is an exhaustive investigation into what really went wrong and then to proceed appropriately from there. Thank you! Thank You! (he walks away from the press corps)

James Grant: Hardly a stinging indictment of Jensen Construction from Alec Coppel. Mayor Taylor issued a statement today condemning the leak and promising a full investigation that will quote “bring the full force of the law down on the party responsible for this neglect.”

We expect a report tomorrow from the health department to assess any additional health risks that could be posed. From the East Harbor, this is James Grant, Live Action 7 News.

Miles Johnson: Thanks, James. And stay with Channel 7 for the latest on this rapidly developing story.

In other news, at City Hall today Councilman Coppel introduced a new bill to the city council that will effectively ban all handguns on city grounds.

Alec Coppel (same press conference as before): The crime rate in New Harbor is unacceptable and it seems to be growing by the day. This past year over 240 people, including 68 under the age of 16, were shot in gun-related violence. Our current mayor and his allies on the council seem intent on doing nothing. I can’t let this continue. So that is why I have introduced today a bill that will ban handguns in our city streets. It will give police more power to apprehend those who regularly prey on the innocent, and it will make it harder for these same criminals to obtain these weapons that are causing so much pain and grief.

Miles Johnson: Both Mayor Taylor and Independent mayoral candidate Mary Davenport reacted today to the potential gun ban agreeing that it goes too far against 2nd Amendment rights. Davenport suggests that a compromise bill is possible and that she would be willing to meet with a group of gun advocates, police, and the city council to find a consensus.

Coming up on Channel 7 at 6 we’ll take a look at exotic new cupcake flavors that are sweeping the city and Jeff has your 5-day forecast!

Reaction points around town

“This proposed ban on firearms in New Harbor is restrictive and overreaching. Alec Coppel should know that you simply cannot place a wholesale ban on firearms. Citizens have a Second Amendment right to buy and own guns for legitimate purposes. Coppel’s proposed legislation is vague and fails to give responsible gun ownership its due. This law will not be passed.”

- Jeff Rodriguez, National Gun Association, Legislative Director,41, Hispanic, Republican

“Yesterday I walked on my dock and there was gooey muck and guck crawling up the stern of my Sailfish. Who wants to get in that water? When I first moved here these waters were pristine. Now the shoreline is littered with waste and the water isn’t good for swimming. Who knows what chemicals will eat your body in there, or what you might swallow. Think about all of those mussels what they’re doing to the poor marine life… or soon-to-be lack thereof.”

- Brad Fenner, Freelance Journalist/Consultant, 52, White, Democrat

“I like guns and I don’t think they should be banned. I’ve been hunting deer with my dad, God bless him, and brothers since I was four and I was able to shoot a gun when I was six. Hunting is a legitimate sport -- our ancestors have been doing it for centuries. I don’t think Coppel’s on solid ground on this gun ban. I’d like to get him out here for some sunshine, set him up with a nice big-game rifle and point him towards a sweet 30-point buck.”

- Dave Christiansen, Developer, 60, Republican

“I was shot in my right leg during a convenience store robbery, so no more right leg for me! Today I sit in my wheelchair and I go on because there’s no time to complain. Criminals should have the right to wreak this kind of havoc, you know? I’m for Coppel’s gun ban. Let’s get the guns off the streets and make a choice for a little civility.”

- Bea Rivlin, University Professor, 54, African-American, Democrat

“Yes, we’re going to take a close look at Coppel’s gun ban legislation. A ban could make sense if it reduces crime. I know those looking to protect their guns will not be happy, but average citizens might welcome it if they feel more safe and protected if it leads to a decrease in gun violence on our streets. But we will definitely take a hard look at the measure and make sure it takes everyone’s best interests to heart.”

- Sal Albelisi, Police Chief, 49, White, Independent

“I am a Coppel supporter, yeah, well -- sort of. Coppel’s into the environment, but then he takes money from Jensen Construction. They are documented polluters. I’m just not comfortable with that. If Coppel is pro-environment, why this hypocrisy in the middle of the race? It makes you wonder what kind of political favor Jensen is looking for, or what Coppel might be prepared to give down the line. I just don’t like it.”

- Jenna Choi, College Student, 20, Asian-American, Democrat