THE Greenville CITY COUNCIL A simulation of negotiation and persuasion

Background: Divide the class into groups of six. If the class does not divide evenly, “double up” roles. That is assign two players to the environmental advocate. You will represent members of the Greenville City Council. In addition, you are all up for reelection next year.

Background (Continued): Every member of the group has their own agenda and goals. YOU ARE NOT TO SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH ANY OF THE OTHER SIMULATION PARTICIPANTS. The Council must come to a conclusion on whether (and where) to build a new waste treatment plant.

Plant Construction This map represents the City of Greenville and the proposed locations for the new waste management plant.

Rules: Council members will read their opening statements. Discuss the pros and cons of building at each of the proposed sites. Floor will be open to residents to voice their concerns. Remember, the residents have a vested interest on where the new plant is built. The council may choose only one option.

6 Months Later…

The Greenville Council Results:

Choose to build at Site A The plant is up and running, causing enrollment to fall at FU. The football team can no longer move out of division I-AA. Smoke from the plant has caused attendance at the park to drop by 50%. $7 million has been pumped back into the economy.

Choose to build at Site B Mayor White’s recommendation is a complete disaster. Unstable ground has caused toxins to leak into the river contaminating the city’s water supply. Mutant fish have begun eating small animals around the banks of the river. Attendance at the park down 50%. Students at FU have started a riot destroying and looting most of downtown Greenville. Only $6 million is put back into the economy.

Choose to build at Site C Significant losses to area businesses have occurred. Attendance at the park is down 75% giving unruly gangs of miscreants the opportunity to take over the park. Muggings are up 250%. Only $7 million is put back into the economy. Downtown Greenville is virtually a ghost town. Miscreants roam the streets at will scaring residents and frightening small children.

Choose to build at Site D Business districts have suffered heavy losses. The state has paid the city $5 million for easy access to the new facility. Revenues are up $12 million.

Choose to build at Site E Business in the city experiences a huge revival. Revenues are up $29 million. Residents from districts 3 and 4 are developing a strange strain of cancerous pink eye.

Choose not to build The Greenville “Treehuggers Club” has given all the council members ringing endorsements. The trucking industry has gone bankrupt however. The Teamsters Union has sworn revenge on all the council members. John Byrd Jr. has mysteriously disappeared. He was last seen having lunch with Jimmy Hoffa.

T H E E N D