The city of Springlyville is spending a large portion of its

The city of Springlyville is spending a large portion of its budget on the construction of a cultural center for the performing arts. The city is not without problems in the social sphere, with reports documenting overcrowded homeless shelters and a number of schools that lack proper facilities. Many residents have rightly complained about the construction, insisting that it be stopped and that the funds be allocated to solve more pressing issues. The mayor made a public announcement claiming that the city council had made the decision based on the idea that although the conditions in shelters and schools were extremely important, the need to hold cultural events had to also be addressed immediately.

In the argument, the two portions in boldface play which of the following roles?

a, The first is an opinion that supports the main position of the argument; the second is an opinion that opposes this position.
b, The first forms a basis for the argument's position; the second is evidence that weighs against that position.
c, The first provides evidence forming a base for the argument's position; the second is an opinion that counters that position.
d, The first is used to challenge the position supported by the argument; the second supports this challenge.
e, The first establishes support for the argument's position in the form of evidence; the second supports the same position by introducing an opinion.

OA C

SOurce: Economist GMAT