Objection Overruled!

A counter-counterpoint opinion to “Objection: Leading the Readers” written by Cyndy Hardy

By Tommy Acosta | SVVT Editor

Sedona, AZ - July 5, 2008 - In regards to a Sedona.biz counterpoint written by Cindy Hardy to the editorial titled “Blinded by the Light,” this writer stands by the statement there are “two factions” on the Sedona City Council: those wanting 76 lights on 89A and those who don’t want the 76 lights.

Of course there are those who want a “hybrid” solution of sorts, but the real battle is between the Pro-76 Lights faction and the Anti-76 Lights faction.

The power play between the two factions requires the winning over by either of the opposing factions of what Ms. Hardy calls a council “middle faction.”

Those not wanting the 76 lights could live with a hybrid solution. Those who want 76 lights on 89A – will not.

Also, there is no need to identify the “culprits” as Ms. Hardy calls them because everyone knows who those wanting the 76 lights and those who don’t want them are.

Let’s not forget the ten-light recommendation for 89A presented at the June 10 meeting was never removed from table, even though some would want you to believe it was and others remain ignorant of the fact it was not.

The council majority voted to include the ten-light option in the community’s redevelopment plan. The illusion the “ten-lights” option was rejected by the council is important for Pro-76 Lights council members to maintain.

Anything less than getting 76 lights put up on 89A, would be a defeat to the faction wanting them. Anything less than the 76 lights going up -- would be a victory for those who don’t want them in their entirety.

But let there be no doubt there is a power struggle going on between these factions and we will see the strategies described in the “Blinded by the Light” article expressed and carried out to the “T” by both factions at the next council meeting and beyond -- including the calling for a new 89A safety committee by a Pro 76 Lights member of the council.

It is noble to note media’s duty to keep elected officials in check and to believe journalists possess the high-moral ground, experience and knowledge to do so.

It is the duty of the media to bring to light the machinations of those who represent the public, in a clear and to-the-point manner as possible, especially by reporters who are able to see what is really going on behind the scenes. Sometimes a journalist needs to look into their crystal ball and give a heads-up to the public on what is going to happen next, not just report the past as news.

Bluntly put, it is about who controls the council until the next election. The safety issue for 89A is the battlefield upon which this phase of the contest of power is being fought. The next two battlefields on the horizon are a National Scenic Area designation for Sedona and a second-alternate route at Red Rock Crossing.

Ask who on the council is against NSA and for a “public-accessible” alternate route at Red Rock Crossing. Then note if these same council members are for 76 lights on 89A.

Then ask which members are for NSA; against a second-alternate route at Red Rock Crossing; and where they stand on the 76 lights for 89A issue. That should help paint a clearer picture of what is to come, who the “culprits” on both sides are and where the line is drawn in the sand.

The public will see what is written in “Blinded by the Light” played out at the next council meeting. The Catch-22 factor described will dominate the meeting.

ADOT will not approve any option to the 76 lights that does not include medians and pedestrian barriers. The council will not be able to approve the medians and pedestrian barriers because of resistance from the business community. ADOT will go ahead with its original plan. The community gets 76 lights and a contractor gets $1.7 million to put them up.

The only hope the Anti-76 Lights faction has is to go back to the original compromise and approve it without change, or add another 10-20 lights as appeasement.

It is not about whether an objection is sustained or overruled. It is about who wins the case.

Related articles:

Objection: Leading the readers

Blinded by the light

Sedona ‘lights’ politicking running out of time

From light back to dark on 89A

Sedona City Council may reconsider ‘lights’ vote

Shedding more light on 89A

Council approves 89A Safety Committee recommendations

Sedona City Council to consider 89A safety recommendations

89A street light proposal for Sedona condensed but not curbed

89A Pedestrian Safety Advisory Panel makes draft recommendations for highway safety in Sedona

Lights out in Sedona

Community rejects ADOT 89A pedestrian lighting plan

[Home Page] [News Home Page] [Back to Community Page]