National News

Referendum backs air conditioners for schools

音声ダウンロード

A three-year dispute over whether classrooms near an air base in Saitama Prefecture should be equipped with air conditioners culminated in a referendum Feb. 15, with the majority voting in favor of installing them.

Amid low voter turnout in the Tokorozawa vote, 65 percent voted for installation, concerned about noise from open windows in the summer.

Mayor Masato Fujimoto, who called for “a lifestyle in harmony with nature” and opposed using air conditioners, is not legally bound by the vote. (Kyodo)

所沢市の住民投票、過半数が小中学校のエアコン設置に賛成

航空自衛隊基地周辺の小中学校にエアコンを設置するかどうかの是非を問う住民投票が、所沢市で実施された。投票率は低かったが、投票結果は賛成が多数を占めた。

The Japan Times ST: February 27, 2015