Frequently Asked Questions

1.    Why doesn’t the federal government just give the Park to the town?
A.    The last time the Forest Service gave a significant parcel of land to a town (the Show Low Airport), so many communities asked for so much land that the Arizona congressional delegation made a commitment to never give away land again. The land is owned by all the citizens of the United States and can’t be transferred to a local government without compensation.

2.    If I live in Pinetop-Lakeside for only part of the year, can I vote?
A.    The Navajo County Recorder’s office says if you have multiple homes, you can choose which one will be your residence for voting, and you can change if you like. (Remember that only one voter registration is in effect at a time, and if you want to switch back to another location, you should do it 29 days before voting in an election.) The county officials consider it a matter of voter preference, like selecting your political party. You can register online at www.azsos.gov or get a form at the post office. Registration deadline for the Pinetop-Lakeside election is Aug. 1.

3.    Why don’t we just do nothing? Isn’t the park protected by federal law?
A.    While Congress has enacted legislation that the park can only be purchased by the town without “further act of Congress,” the intent of the legislation is temporary. Congress could change its mind, particularly if the town does not act in good faith.

4.    Why use a sales tax rather than a property tax or other funding source?
A.    The park is used by many people, from those living in the town, to those with primary or second homes nearby, to tourists. The residents of Pinetop-Lakeside pay only 12 to 15% of the local sales tax, making it a good match between the usage of the park and the revenue.  

5.    I don’t live in the town, but would like to help. What can I do?
A.    Please volunteer to help. We want to personally contact each of the 2,400 voters in the town. We will also need some contributions to pay for the cost of the campaign.

6.    Can the Town protect the Park as Open Space through zoning?
A.    The federal government is not subject to the town’s zoning laws and attempting to “take” the land through zoning could be very expensive and ultimately unsuccessful for the town.

7.    Will the tiny tax (two cents on a $5 purchase) be enough to really acquire the park?
A.    It won’t be quick, but it is enough to show good faith to the Forest Service. Scottsdale used a similar tiny tax to create its Preserve, which is now larger than Tempe.