Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz praised Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposal for a nuclear power plant in upstate New York last week at a Common Council meeting.

“As everybody’s seen in the newspaper recently, there have been talks about nuclear development inside Western New York,” the mayor began. “I applaud the governor’s leadership and vision in seeking innovation and sustainable energy solutions, including a potential for nuclear power development… The city of Dunkirk stands ready to be a part of that conversation, recognizing the potential economic revitalization and long term environmental benefits such a project could bring.”

Wdowiasz continued, “As the community continues to feel the lasting impact of the NRG plant closing…we understand the importance of restoring Dunkirk’s role in New York’s energy landscape.

“However, we will not move forward and submit any proposals without full transparency and support from our residents. The people of Dunkirk must be at the center of this process, not the politicians. We will engage openly with the community to evaluate the projects and the opportunities, to ensure that the decisions that are made are best for our city’s future.”

Wdowiasz may not have the full-throated support of the entire council. Councilwoman Natalie Luczkowiak recently expressed fears about the safety of a nuclear plant in the city, speaking at the start of a meeting of the council’s Economic Development Committee which she chairs.

Other city officials in attendance, including Councilwoman Nancy Nichols, appeared a little frustrated at Luczkowiak’s stance. Nichols said she was “all for it” if a nuclear plant could assist the city’s tax base.

“It’s not like it’s going to be a nuclear bomb,” she said.