Excerpt from Clashing Opinions at Controversial Commissioners Meeting
Kyle Ellington
SUSSEX COUNTY, SC — Tension oozed from the courthouse last night as debate raged during the bimonthly Sussex County commissioner’s meeting, which centered on the most hotly debated topic in the area: a proposed strip mall. The development company, the county commissioners, and hundreds of concerned citizens gathered to deliberate on the issue.
“From what I gleaned from the report—which was filled with legal jargon—Mr. Denison and his company plan to destroy more than 200 acres of forest land in our county. To me, this is unconscionable!” claimed local citizen Andria Meir.
Meir is a member of the local chapter of the Sierra Club and has rallied against multiple development projects in the past. Beyond Meir’s remarks at the council meeting, the Sierra Club issued a press release decrying the construction plans.
One citizen who supports the new strip mall is Jerome Washington. Washington gave an impassioned plea to commissioners to allow the development of the commercial facility. Washington spoke about his failing delicatessen business located a few blocks from the proposed building site. Washington, who gave the most convincing speech of the night, eloquently stated that the new development would bolster business. He claimed that the strip mall would increase foot traffic in the area, which would help his shop and other ailing establishments.
Which statement BEST explains the differences of opinion between Jerome Washington and Andria Meir?
A) Washington believes that the mall will bring him more business while Meir believes it will ruin the environment.
B) Washington believes that the mall will bring more foot traffic to the area while Meir believes it will ruin her golf course.
C) Washington believes that the mall will ruin lush, green areas while Meir believes that the sleek mall is just what the area needs.
Eliminate
D) Washington believes that the mall will improve the look of the area while Meir believes that there is already too much commercially zoned land.