Despite being the first evening of a long weekend, many still attended a meeting Friday night opposing offshore drilling in Mahone Bay.
The event took place at the Mahone Bay Community Centre with around 80 people in attendance.
The issue of offshore drilling is being fought on many battlegrounds evidenced by the two U.S. speakers giving remarks on why they were opposed to such offshore operations.
John Webber, a town councilor from Bradley Beach, New Jersey spoke of the risk not being worth it.
“You’re putting tourism, fishing, beaches and all the things that go along with them at risk, and for something that isn’t guaranteed and will take time to develop it just isn’t worth the risk.”
The second invited speaker was Sheila Davies, Mayor of Kill Devil Hills, an island community in North Carolina. She echoed the sentiments of councilor Bradley and spoke about how her community relates to Mahone Bay.
“We are a small town with a population of 7,500 during off-season that balloons to 350,000 over the summer months, so tourism is our lifeblood. Fighting offshore drilling has been one of the most significant tasks I’ve had in my four terms, it is fundamental for the health of our community.”
The event also featured local speakers as well as a dinner where people could discuss concerns.
