Official Career Storm

Chapter 1709: Chapter 1709

Song Guanchao was well aware that all the reporting was just a formality. The pollution in the industrial park had been going on for years; which Vice Mayor wasn’t aware of it?

He said, "After these days of thorough investigation, there are a total of 22 polluting enterprises in the industrial park, and the pollution issues are very serious. I suggest..."

"There’s no need for your suggestions." Sun Jiajun waved his hand, rudely interrupting him: "Mayor Wu just asked you to lay out the situation, say what you know, that’s it. You don’t need to propose solutions."

The others turned their heads, sensing the tension in the air.

Being interrupted didn’t anger Song Guanchao. He smiled and said, "Mayor Sun, your words are inappropriate. As the deputy leader of the inspection team, my job is to investigate and make suggestions. Moreover, Mayor Wu hasn’t spoken yet. Is Mayor Sun suggesting that without a rooster’s crow, the sun won’t rise?"

Mayor Sun’s eyes turned cold, ready to scold, when Wu Qiangwei spoke, "Director Song, please continue."

Mayor Sun’s mouth twitched but swallowed back his words, while Song Guanchao continued, "I suggest taking immediate action on polluting enterprises to prevent the pollution problem from escalating further."

Wu Qiangwei asked, "How do you propose handling it?"

"Mayor Wu!" Sun Jiajun interjected again, "These enterprises are substantial. I suggest it’s best to hold a meeting with the City Committee for discussion."

Wu Qiangwei glanced at him, "I’ll notify the City Committee, but right now, this is an internal meeting of our City Government. We need to first discuss a handling plan. Does Mayor Sun feel that I and the Vice Mayors are incapable of coming up with a solution?"

Suddenly cornered, Sun Jiajun cursed inwardly but said, "That’s not what I meant. I just..."

"Just what?" Song Guanchao picked up the conversation, "I’d like to hear Mayor Sun’s perspective on this issue."

Sun Jiajun shot him a glance, "My view is simple. These are key enterprises of the city. Although the pollution issue is severe, a compromise can certainly be negotiated. It’s not necessary to publicize the problem widely and make it known nationwide, affecting Jiangzhou’s image."

The Vice Mayors gave a startled look at Song Guanchao. Sun Jiajun’s words had pointed implications.

Was it Song Guanchao who released the interview video online?

"Mayor Sun, why not be more explicit in your words?" Song Guanchao said calmly while looking at him.

Sun Jiajun snorted, "If one wishes not to be known, he should not do it."

"Heh, Mayor Sun’s words confuse me, I really don’t know what I’ve done. Oh, I understand now."

Song Guanchao pretended to have an epiphany, "Could it be that Mayor Sun thinks I released those interview videos?"

Sun Jiajun’s smile was sardonic, believing that Song Guanchao was merely acting.

"Why isn’t Mayor Sun speaking? It’s so pointless to imply and throw mud, say it openly."

"Ha ha."

No matter how much Song Guanchao tried to provoke him, Sun Jiajun remained unmoved.

He was angry but had no real evidence.

Saying a few sarcastic words was one thing, but if he accused Song Guanchao in front of all the Vice Mayors of releasing the video, and Song Guanchao denied it, with no evidence, he’d be in a tough spot.

This much he understood clearly.

Seeing that he wasn’t falling for it, Song Guanchao smiled and said, "Let’s not worry about the videos on the internet for now, let’s talk about something else."

"I’d like to ask Mayor Sun, was it you who told the polluting enterprises to resume work?"

Sun Jiajun was straightforward, directly admitting, "I told them to resume work, is there a problem?"

"Of course there’s a problem," Song Guanchao said, "The shutdown order was given by Mayor Chang. After Secretary Han and I took over, we reported to Mayor Wu and decided to continue the shutdown. They can only resume work when a pollution solution is presented."

"Why did Mayor Sun allow them to resume work under the premise of Mayor Wu’s decision to maintain the shutdown?"

Sun Jiajun was fuming, this guy was using Wu Qiangwei to pressure him, questioning him in front of all the Vice Mayors.

"Why did Mayor Sun let them resume work?" Wu Qiangwei also spoke.

The other Vice Mayors maintained serious expressions but were inwardly cheerful.

The clash between the top leaders, even happening in public—such a rare sight.

But they could tell that Sun Jiajun was clearly outmatched.

Wu Qiangwei, with Song Guanchao’s support, had the upper hand; Sun Jiajun was no match.

Gripping his teacup, Sun Jiajun said, "The enterprises have been shut down too long, causing instability among the workers and impacting the enterprises’ profitability. Considering all factors, I believe they should resume work first. The pollution issue can be resolved gradually."

Wu Qiangwei did not push further, merely making a point—if she wanted, she could escalate matters.

"Let’s discuss a plan for handling the polluting enterprises." Wu Qiangwei steered the conversation back on track, "Everyone, please offer suggestions, let’s brainstorm."

Song Guanchao was the first to respond, "The pollution problem in the park must be addressed immediately."

He pulled out a document, shaking it in front of everyone, "Recently, I had Director Zhou conduct visits and investigations. This is the impact and damage caused to nearby residents by the industrial park’s waste emissions since its establishment."

"The number of cancer patients has exceeded 80! More than 1,200 people are suffering from diseases!"

"This doesn’t even include those affected by air pollution leading to illnesses."

"According to preliminary statistics, at least three to five thousand residents have been affected by pollution over the years!"

Hearing such detailed data from Song Guanchao surprised the attendees.

They knew the park’s nearby residents had long suffered from pollution, but it was the first time they heard such detailed data.

Three to five thousand people—though it sounds like a small number, it averages to three to five hundred people a year, with nearly 100 of them developing cancer.

It’s quite a shocking figure.

If the data in Song Guanchao’s hands were released on the internet, the public outcry would at least triple.

Crack!

Chang Hai lit a cigarette, resting his head on a hand as he smoked silently in contemplation.

The person most responsible for the park’s pollution was probably him, the Deputy Mayor overseeing it.

In a low voice, Sun Jiajun said, "The enterprises will actively deal with the effects of the pollution. Moreover, I’ve spoken with them, and they are already purchasing related waste discharge equipment."

Song Guanchao said, "I consulted with relevant professionals, and as far as I know, for these enterprises, adding discharge devices to existing equipment is as costly as purchasing a new set of equipment. Moreover, they need to reoptimize their production line."

"The shareholders of these enterprises would never agree to this plan!"

"If the government mandates them to add discharge devices, the shareholders will immediately withdraw investments, abandoning these enterprises."

"Thus, I suggest immediately freezing the assets of the 22 polluting enterprises to prevent capital flight."

"Then, hold a meeting with the City Committee to discuss a plan for closure, restructuring, and merging, and submit a proposal to the Provincial Committee, enlisting professionals to assist, in completing the closure and restructuring."

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