When Kitsumi Kiyo said that she had been out late I was initially irritated, but now after hearing why, I was both grateful and intrigued.
Grateful, because she went out of her way for my benefit.
Intrigued, because why would she go so far for something that wouldn't really benefit her?
I asked, "Why did you go so far out of your way? Surely there was an easier way?"
She responded, "Sure there was, but this was more efficient."
"What do you mean? How was it more efficient?"
"Because, where we ate last night was a bar. And where else can you get good information on the people than in a bar?"
"I guess so… that seems a bit video gamesque. But, if it works… What information did you get? And what was the point?"
"Well, I needed the information for the discussion we will be having with the local government today. If we can get the all clear and sign all of the documents today, then we can get along with the building process on Monday.
The information was to help with the conversation. Things like how many people would you say are out of a job and looking for work? Or how would you feel about working in a factory? To, what would be your ideal working hours?
I asked a lot of questions that gave me valuable information. Information that will make this conversation much easier."
"Wow. You are really good at your job."
"Thank you, now let's go or we are going to be late."
"The meeting is happening now?"
"Yes. It is, so smile, we should be able to complete this project quickly and I will be able to go back home."
With that said she turned and walked out the door.
There was a 20 minute walk to the town hall where our meeting would take place.
When we got there, there was still 15 minutes until the scheduled time. So we sat in the reception room and waited.
We waited for 45 minutes.
Clearly they were trying to send a message.
But, we did get our meeting, as we were brought into the meeting room.
There, there was a collection of old men. They were lined up in their seats like stone statues. While we greeted them politely they remained seated and dismissively waved their hand saying, "Hmm. Yes, we know who you are. To what do we owe the pleasure of a great foreign investor showing interest in our little town?"
Kitsumi Kiyo started, "Yes, Mr, Ambrose has shown interest in opening a manufacturing plant here making computer parts. This will open up new…"
She was cut off by one of the old men as he said, "Alright, look here, opening another factory would ruin the beauty of our town. We don't want anything like that here."
Ms, Kitsumi countered, "Well the two locations in your town are on the outside of the flood wall. So, they would have no effect on the town's beauty. We want to retain the original atmosphere of the town as well."
Seeing that the previous old man was now silent she continued, "Right, back to what I was saying. With the opening of a new factory this will open up new jobs and be a new source of income for the township."
A new old man spoke up at this, "Ah, yes. A new source of income. We already know that there will be tax breaks for these businesses. We, the township, won't see much of an increase for years to come. So, why is this a benefit?"
Ms, Kitsumi explained, "With the increase of people with jobs comes the increase of people paying taxes. While it is true that there are certain tax benefits for the company, that is only true while the company is both new and unprofitable. Otherwise, they will have to pay the same taxes as anyone else. We certainly won't provide undue benefits for anyone."
Now that that old man had been shut up she continued, "The jobs themselves are non-taxing or non-strenuous. Which means they are perfect for your aging population"
Now a new old man spoke up, "Whoa, are you meaning to say that we can't keep up? That our people are weak?"
I could see the irritation bubbling up inside Kitsumi Kiyo, but she maintained her professionalism. She smiled and said, "Of course not. Everyone knows that the strongest people are those that live in the rural areas. But, wouldn't it be great to let your people have it easy? Do some easy work, get paid well, and have a few days off? Wouldn't that be nice?"
That same old man spoke up again, "No! It is part of our honor and creed that everyone puts in a solid and hard day's work. That those who take it easy are shunned and shamed. One who does not work hard should not expect to eat."
All of the old men seemed to agree with what was said. Nodding in unison like bobble heads, grunting in affirmation.
Kitsumi Kiyo then turned sharp and said coldly, "Don't forget that if you deny a national policy then the funding provided to your local governed area will be cut. Which means that everything that receives national funding will go away or be shut off."
The old men froze, their eyes turned cold and they grit their teeth in indignation.
She continued, "Look on the bright side, there is always a chance that he will choose the next town over to build in. Though I wouldn't count on that. So, sign the documents, and we will be out of your hair. Whatever is left of it."
You could see the visible tension and anger in all of the old men, but the head one sighed and then started signing what Kitsumi had provided.
Once they had finished signing they took their copy and we took ours.
When Kitsumi Kiyo and I got outside I asked, "How did that go? It seemed like it was going well but then things got tense. What happened?"
I don't know why but I decided to pretend that I didn't know what was said.
She said, "It was bad from the start. They had no intention of approving from the beginning. So, I told them that they really didn't have a choice. A local government can't say no to a national one."