Facility promises lifestyle, economic benefits

This is the last of a series of editorials that we are publishing giving The Sun's recommendations to voters on state and local ballot questions on the Nov. 4 ballot.

 For many in our city, the events center has become a real hot button issue in the upcoming election. It has generated a considerable amount of disagreement and debate.

  As envisioned by Global Entertainment Corporation and the city of Yuma more than a year ago at the initial presentation, the multipurpose events center/arena would seat some 6,500 people and would offer a wide range of entertainment and activities, as well as an ice hockey team and possibly other arena-type sports.

  Since the initial excitement, the proposed facility has become mired in controversy over how it would be funded, whether the community could afford or would support events there and whether private enterprise should build the facility without city government involvement.

  Voters will decide Nov. 4 whether to proceed with the project.

  City Proposition 400, if approved by Yuma voters, would allow city of Yuma officials to "prepare further city council actions necessary to implement this policy, to include but no limited to, a development agreement, real property transactions, contracts and other actions for construction and management of the MPEC (multipurpose events center), equipping the MPEC, management contracts for operation of the MPEC, contracts and leases with one of more minor league sports franchises and actions needed to implement financing of the MPEC."

  If voters say "yes," the city officials can proceed with a study of the feasibility of the facility and perhaps the eventual construction of the arena project, which could include up to $60 million in bonds to build the facility.

  We have seen two sides line up on this issue.

  One side is represented for the most part by Yuma residents who want to see the community improve and progress. They want more activities and events, things that people must otherwise go outside of Yuma to see. To them it is both a lifestyle issue and an economic issue.

  They want to make Yuma a better place to live in and to visit, something citizens groups have indicated they want in past citywide planning sessions. The need for a large events center in particular was identified in a general plan supported by Yuma residents. Supporting the arena is seen as being no different than supporting recreation programs and park facilities.

  There is also the potential economic impact. Business enterprises looking to relocate to Yuma take a close look at amenities that are available locally. They want to see good schools, good shopping and dining availability and good recreation and entertainment opportunities. They want their employees to be happy with the community and what it offers for their enjoyment. If those things aren't here, they won't come. A good lifestyle in the community also helps existing businesses recruit and retain desirable employees.

   Supporters also point out the other economic benefits. It would bring more businesses to the area around the arena which would generate more jobs and revenue to help pay for the events center as part of an "entertainment district."

   On the other side of the issue are people who are concerned about the cost of the arena and about taxpayers having to come up with the money for it if the arena is not as successful as supporters believe it will be. Although they do not necessarily oppose the events center - and some even like the idea - they believe it needs to be privately funded. They see this as a bad deal for the community and potentially for the taxpayers.

   We, too, would love for this facility to be built privately. That would be the ideal situation. The reality is - as supporters of the arena have said - these kinds of facilities always have public participation, whether one agrees with the idea or not. Government entities see them as magnets for private investment from businesses attracted by the events center's presence.

  So if Yuma is to have the advantages of an events center, public involvement will have to be accepted or there simply will be no events center.

  Because there is such disagreement on this idea, it will be up to a majority of voters to decide - something we have favored. That time has now come to tell the city where we as a community want to go on this issue.

  Our position on the events center from the time it was first officially announced in March 2007 has been that it has the potential to greatly benefit the community and that it should be paid for out of direct "user" fees from ticket buyers and groups who rent the facility, augmented by tax revenue from an "entertainment district" that would be created around the arena. That way those who use and directly benefit from it will pay for it.

  Our position has not changed and we recommend voters approve Proposition 400 so the possibility of having an arena remains open. Once it is approved, city officials will still need to ensure its feasibility under current conditions before proceeding with the project, but rejecting it out of hand would be wrong for the community.

  A yes vote on Proposition 400 is a vote for a better future for Yuma.