Decades bill isn’t perfect, but much more acceptable

The proposed Decades rock ‘n’ roll amusement park in Eloy appears close to receiving the state of Arizona’s stamp of approval, which will come with the power to issue tax-free construction bonds and to collect special sales taxes in and around the park to pay back that debt.

Senate Bill 1450 awaits a only a final vote from the Senate before it heads to Gov. Janet Napolitano’s desk. The bill would authorize the creation of a new government district to sponsor a major amusement park that supporters say would rival the Disneylands and Six Flags of the world.

On Nov. 13, we explained our serious skepticism about using the privileges of government to bypass the traditional role of free markets and capital investors in determining what entertainment ventures are launched.

The philosophical objections behind our concerns have not faded. But it’s only fair to acknowledge several significant changes to SB1450 in the legislative process that have made the Decades proposal far more acceptable to other skeptics:

• Originally, the amusement park district was to be little more than a government bank that issued the debt and collected payments through sales tax revenues. Now, the public district would be an active partner in the project, actually owning the park while the bonds are repaid.

• The district would have to comply with all of Arizona’s open government laws, which hopefully would provide for more transparency and public involvement.

• The district would have to consider competitive bids for who actually gets to build and operate the amusement park. Obviously, the Decades developers would have an immediate advantage over any other potential bidders.

But at least those developers would have to make a specific case that they have the best concept for this type of massive public investment. The district would be able to buy property, but would not have the power of eminent domain.

• SB1450 says the district disappears if construction for an amusement park doesn’t get under way within eight years. Also, the amusement park would have to be sold to the highest bidder and the district dissolved once the bonds are repaid.

Finally, we take note that residents of Eloy and central Pinal County consider this proposal to be in the same league of economic and image enhancements as Glendale’s professional football stadium and Mesa’s planned Waveyard water recreation park. Both faced similar philosophical questions but still won the public’s endorsement.