Anti-dam governor pulled down by pro-dam camp

Advocates of dams in the Nagano Prefectural Assembly on July 5 used the force of numbers to ram through a no-confidence motion against Governor Tanaka Yasuo who has been calling for an end to the era of dam construction.

Only five assembly members, all Japanese Communist Party members, voted against the motion.

In the gubernatorial election in October 2000, Tanaka defeated his rival by a 110,000-votes margin with a campaign pledge to review wasteful public works projects. All opinion surveys conducted by the media show that an overwhelming majority of respondents said they don't need dams in the prefecture.

JCP Ishizaka Chiho said that many Nagano citizens have welcomed Governor Tanaka's "No more dams" policy and the recent decision to cancel the constructions of Asakawa Dam and Shimo Suwa Dam. Ishizaka criticized the pro-dam force for trying to shove the governor away in order to cling to their construction projects.

JCP Fujisawa Noriko, pointing out that administrative work participated in by residents with Governor Tanaka are taking root in the prefecture, criticized the dam advocates for attempting to break this new trend.

A man in the public gallery in the assembly hall was infuriated by the pro-dam assembly members who defend the interests of construction companies instead of the well-being of residents. Another said, "The no-confidence motion is a challenge to Nagano citizens. We will deal a heavy blow to the dam advocates in the next election."

Tanaka will have to decide whether to dissolve the prefectural assembly within 10 days or lose the governorship in 10 days. (end)