Written by Tommy Acosta

SEDONA, Ariz. – The will of the people has won. Nearly twice as many residents voted against the Sedona City Council’s plan to create a safe parking environment at Sedona Cultural Park for Sedona’s working homeless people living in their cars, with a final vote count of 2,490. The total was 1,377.

Regardless of your position on the referendum, whether you support an area deemed safe for Sedona’s unhoused workers or support using the site to establish a new cultural center, this vote proved that American democracy is alive and well in Sedona.

Some may point out that only 3,867 of the 9,000 potential voters participated, but it makes no difference whether 10,000 or 10 people voted. The system worked.

Opponents of using the park as a safe parking area for the homeless argued that it would create an unsafe environment and attract homeless people from other parts of the city who do not work in Sedona.

Additionally, opponents expressed a desire to use the site for art or permanent housing. Although the proponent may have had good intentions, the plan was not thoroughly considered. The main point of agreement for some was that users would not be allowed to drive their cars for heating in the winter or cooling in the summer.

Additionally, children are not allowed to play outside or interact with other children. People are not allowed to gather, which is too harsh for people who are used to freedom. This level of control is unacceptable, even if you have to live in your car.

It could have been better, and maybe even cheaper, if the city had paid for winter accommodation in a more affordable hotel in the city.

But we are confident that caring city officials and council members will try to find ways to accommodate unhoused workers in Sedona.

Sednans are people who care and recognize the humanity in others. If we unite our hearts, we will find a way.