Facts about the "Fake" Referendum in November
The Referendum wa a Trick - It's a PLOY for the rebirth of a dead, bankrupt 5000 tourist outdoor venue. MORE TRAFFIC & CROWDS
No to Cultural Park 2.0
THE REFERENDUM IS A RUSE TO TRICK SEDONANS TO SIGN A PETITION
What are you doing?The recent call for a referendum over Sedona's Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council decisions has ignited a community-wide debate. At the heart of this issue is a proposal to resurrect a 20-year-old outdoor event center culture, which proponents argue could be revitalized using taxpayer money.
It is not about their "concerns" about "Safe Place to Park," the city's temporary, 2-year initiative to provide up to 40 parking spaces for overnight sleeping for individuals who are working in Sedona. is now doubtful that the project could be pursued anyway. But the referendum continues – it's an opportunity to sell rebuilding of the amphitheater along with the associated massive parking needed.
This idea, championed by a new resident and his followers, aims to shift the focus from the current plans for the city-owned Western Gateway property —intended for housing and parkland—to establishing a 5,000+ attendee event venue.
Here is a video of the referendum advocate and initiator and 2-year resident from Portland Oregon William Noonan addressing/threatening our city council.
However, concerns have been raised regarding the feasibility and impact of such a project on Sedona, a small town with a population under 10,000.
Read the Red Rock News article on the history of the massive entertainment venue: https://www.redrocknews.com/2019/03/22/history-of-the-fall-of-sedona-cultural-park/
Critics of this large tourist-attracting amphitheater argue that Sedona would need more infrastructure, including sufficient hotel rooms and restaurants, to support the massive influx of concert-attending visitors from cities like Phoenix, especially on summer weekends. They emphasize the importance of a stable government and a transparent planning process, cautioning against decision-making through referendums, which they perceive as a form of "mob rule.” They remind everyone of the city’s plan on the 44 acres they bought is to go through a comprehensive planning process with public input on the ultimate use of the property which leaves the door open for discussion about anything including resurrecting the amphitheater.
On the other side of the argument, referendum supporters have begun mobilizing to collect signatures. They argue that saving the Cultural Park and advocating for the referendum represents a democratic way to decide on the city's future, ensuring that the citizens of Sedona have a direct say in its development.
Here is what experts say about the referendum process.. Is this what is happening???
... Manipulation and Bias: The concept of the "will of the people" can be easily manipulated or biased, particularly if certain voices or interests hold disproportionate power or influence within the community. This can undermine the democratic process and result in decisions that do not truly reflect the interests of the entire population.
Why Support Local Government Over Referendums
- Stable and Transparent Governance: Elected officials and established policies and procedures offer a structured approach to city planning and development. This framework ensures stability and transparency and provides a clear roadmap for the future.
- Expertise and Accountability: Local government officials are elected to represent the interests of their constituents and are accountable for their decisions. They possess or have access to expertise in urban planning, economic impact analysis, and infrastructure development, crucial for informed decision-making.
- Sustainability and Feasibility: The concerns about Sedona's capacity to support a large event venue highlight the need for sustainable and feasible development plans. Local governments can better assess and plan for the long-term impacts of such projects on the community and its resources.
- Inclusivity in Decision-Making: While referendums offer a direct way for citizens to express their opinions, they can also polarize communities and oversimplify complex issues. Local governments can facilitate more inclusive and deliberative processes, engaging a broader range of stakeholders in meaningful dialogue and decision-making.
- Long-Term Planning: City planning involves long-term commitments and investments. Local governments are better positioned to undertake comprehensive planning processes considering future housing, parkland work, and infrastructure needs rather than shifting priorities based on referendums.
- Manipulation and Bias: The concept of the "will of the people" can be easily manipulated or biased, particularly if certain voices or interests hold disproportionate power or influence within the community. This can undermine the democratic process and result in decisions that do not truly reflect the interests of the entire population.
In summary, while the call for a referendum in Sedona reflects a vibrant democratic spirit, supporting the local government's established planning and decision-making processes offers a more sustainable path forward. It ensures that development projects are aligned with the community's immediate desires and are viable, beneficial, and sustainable in the long term. As Sedona faces its future, it should focus on collaboration, expert guidance, and a shared vision for the town's development rather than divisive referendums.