SEDONA, Ariz. — Maybe I should write something about the airport or the city, or maybe I should just let the sleeping dog sleep. That’s what I think should be done.

However, the issue to be discussed is the cultural park.

That’s difficult. It’s going to be a big decision. I think Sedna’s soul will be revealed depending on what direction this proposition takes. Is it about compassion and keeping employees close, or is it an insult to the community?

It might be a good idea to create a safe place for homeless people to rest. You could also revitalize the park and build a new amphitheater. That would increase traffic in Sedona and be good for business. I think the infrastructure should be able to handle it.

There are two camps, one who believes it is doing good for their fellow man, and the other who believes it is a threat to their lifestyle and the safety of their community. Some believe it’s not the best use of the land compared to putting a stadium there. Some people hold the opposite view.

So what does this reveal about Sedona? Are we a city that fosters compassion and light, or are we a citadel for the elite? We have to put ourselves in the shoes of the homeless, in this case the workers sleeping in their cars. That’s a better way to say it.

Putting myself in their shoes, if I were in that predicament, I don’t think I would accept their invitation. Of course I’d like to park and take a shower, but staying there won’t work. I couldn’t warm up my car on a cool night, couldn’t cool my car on a hot day, and couldn’t interact with my neighbors. That doesn’t work for me.

People in the unhoused sleeping car community know where they can sleep and how to stay out of trouble. They are good at making themselves invisible.

Because it is out of sight, it is not a burden to the community. So why would the city want to create a homeless encampment for people who probably won’t use it?

Many opponents of the parking proposal are concerned that people using the facility will have a negative impact on the local community.

Others think reopening or rebuilding cultural parks would be great for concerts and community enjoyment.

The city government came up with an idea that it believed would help homeless workers and the businesses they work for.

However, the people decided to test the government’s ability to put the parking issue to a referendum.

It will be interesting to see who wins once the election is over.

Sedona’s citizens, through their elected officials, could say they wanted safe parking and, ultimately, housing.

Some may say that the point is that the will of the people must prevail.

For the people of Sedona, this is one of the most important issues the city has ever faced.

Can compassion for others prevail?

Or will the opponents of safe parking prevail?

My bet? So will the antis, in the long run.

Written by Tommy Acosta

Publisher, Sedona.biz,