"Thomas Jefferson said a democracy is dependent on an informed citizenry. I don't care whether it sounds corny or not.  It's the truth." -Jim Lehrer
Carefree Truth
Issue #1071, January 5, 2024
Herbert and I listened to the Council meeting on Tuesday, January 2nd.  We were shocked by the anger and the false accusations being hurtled at the Council, Town staff, and Carefree Truth by this small group of fanatics.  The letter from the State Land Trust and the accompanying photo of the parcel was emailed to me by one of my readers.  The email address was not one from Carefree Town Hall.  And at no point was the letter marked "Confidential" by the State.  Neither our reader nor Carefree Truth did anything illegal by sharing the State's letter.  But it would seem that transparency about anything that does not fall into the narrative of this group is an attempt to "submarine" (I believe she meant "torpedo") their pet project. 
 
The childish display at the Council meeting by several of the audience members was reprehensible.  We shared that letter because, according to the State, the clause in the draft of the updated Carefree General Plan that addresses changing the land use designation of the 48 acres of State Trust Land is illegal, and it was important information to share with the Carefree voters whose votes are required in order to adopt the new General Plan.
 
One of the outlandish claims at the meeting was that Carefree is the only municipality around that does not have a park/recreation facility or open space/conservation areas.  The Carefree Desert Garden is a popular and commonly frequented park in the downtown that contains walking paths with dog waste bags and disposal bins, seating and table areas, 2 fireplaces, lovely water features, a playground and a splash pad, and an amphitheater for events, as well as a wide assortment of beautiful desert plants.  It has recently undergone an extensive restoration/refresh project by the Town.  This park is renowned throughout the Valley.  The Town also has acreage on the north side of town that is protected and is dedicated to open space/conservation.  The desert there, if they would care to look, is far more beautiful and contains archeological features and topography that warrant preservation.
 
Below is an example of beautiful desert:
Photo by Herbert Hitchon
 
The 48 acres of State Trust land is adjacent to a busy arterial road and near the airport.  This location is not conducive to peace and tranquility, nor is it conducive to safety for kids or dogs running around and playing.  And if you look at the photo that my reader included, contrary to what was howled at Carefree Truth, all desert is not created equal.  This parcel contains mostly scrub weeds and bushes.  It is scruby looking, as opposed to Carefree's preserves and the downtown park.
Photo submitted by a Carefree resident
 
P.S.:  We have noticed that no members of this group, who do nothing but criticize everything that happens in Carefree,  never make an appearance at any of the many celebratory events in the Garden, such as Veterans Day, the Christmas Tree Lighting, Chanukah, etc., that mean so much to so many of our residents, yet they represent themselves at Council meetings as "representatives of 80% of Carefree's residents".  The Town needs to hear from others of you who have positive comments.  Don't let this small group hijack Carefree because they are the loudest voices heard the most often.  You can email the Town at Kandace@carefree.org
and she will pass along your comments to the Council,
or you can choose to attend Council meetings to speak in person.
 
Thanks and have a happy and healthy 2024.
 
Lyn & Herbert Hitchon
 
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