Sedona, AZ — For years Sedona residents have rightly expressed frustration that the Arizona Legislature has stripped local communities of the power to regulate and limit short term rentals. The result has been a dramatic change in the nature of our town.
So it’s surprising to hear that some of the same voices who have been advocating for local control over short term rentals are now willing to abdicate control of the dollars generated by tourism. They’re saying “No” to local control of what amounts to 70% of the City’s spendable money.
This is a huge disconnect.
If you disagree with how City funds are being spent, that’s an entirely different issue. Prop 400, Home Rule, doesn’t dictate how the money is to be spent, it merely allows the money to be spent.
If Home Rule fails, our money will be locked away in a bank account where it can’t be touched, to the detriment of the services we all need and enjoy. Does anyone really believe that locking away 70% of our spendable dollars will enhance the quality of life for residents?
Let’s be consistent.
Yes, we should have the authority to regulate short term rentals and Yes we should have the authority to spend our own dollars. Local control!
I hope my neighbors will vote YES on Proposition 400, Home Rule.