Conflict Of Interest On Nuclear Power Plant Vote?

After three days of debate, county commissioners in Pueblo decided they needed more time on whether or not to grant a zoning change for a proposed nuclear power plant east of the city.

The vote is planned for April 25, but TARGET 13 Investigates is asking if one should recuse himself from the vote.

Chairman Jeff Chostner once was a business partner with Don Banner, the man who is trying to get the zoning change.

Both were partners in a Pueblo law firm until 2007, when both went their separate ways.

?In terms of an ethical issue, under state statue, I have been advised by our attorneys that I don?t have conflict interest,? said Choster, when asked by TARGET 13 if he planned to recuse himself from the April vote

Choster said because he hasn?t done business with Banner for the past four years, he doesn?t see it being an issue.

He said he wants to make a decision that will serve in the best interest of the public.

Another room full of people showed up to the third public meeting Thursday night to show their opposition to the plan.

?What about my kids, what about their kids,? asked Ester Burke, a local resident. She worries the plant would cause radiation problems. ?We don?t have water for a nuclear plant.”.

Matthew Emmits, who is new to Pueblo, said he would rather see a solar or wind power plant instead of one that generate nuclear power. ?We brought our kids here to raise our family.?

He said he and his wife left Vermont and that a nuclear plant by where his wife once lived was a blight on the community.

Banner, who wants to change the zoning, said the water issues were not a great concern. He told the crowd of about 100 that the plant would be able to buy water from nearby ranchers. He also said the plant could be a hybrid nuclear power plant that wouldn?t need much water.

County commissioners will take the public comments and information provided by Banner to review and make their final decision in April.