This November a major
proposition is on the ballot for the citizens of Arizona. If passed, it
will transfer control of a significant geographical monument to the state.
Proposition 120 will transfer control of the Grand Canyon to the citizens of
the state of Arizona, raising a question of whether this landmark will be better conserved in the hands of the state, or the federal government.
This initiative was passed by the
republican controlled legislature and, if approved, will amend the state
constitution and transfer to Arizona the Grand Canyon and all of its “ air,
water, public lands, minerals, wildlife, and other natural resources.” Many
believe this has become an issue due to the recent movement called the
“Sagebrush Revolt” in which Western states are attempting to repossess federal
land (Weber).
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| Photo: Jackson, Stephen. Web. 31 Oct. 2012 |
Many question the proposition since Arizona can barely fund and take care of its state parks. They will need money to take care of and protect the additional 25 to 30 million acres they will acquire if this bill passed. This land encompasses anywhere from 34% to 41% of the state (Reuters). Many do not know how they can handle all this land but Sylvia Allen disagrees. She says, “ We do not have the ability in rural Arizona to provide jobs for our citizens due to the fact that the federal government controls all the land. It leaves us at a great disadvantage. We’re not able to bring in industry and provide jobs that we need” (Weber).
For some, they believe more local control over federal lands will provide the state with additional revenue sources. This proposition can only bring Arizona a flourishing economy and pride in the citizens who care for this marvelous landmark. The Arizona voters will determine if they can take on the responsibility of properly conserving this landmark come this November election.
Works Cited
Jackson,
Stephen. Web. 31 Oct. 2012.
Rueters, Thomson. Arizonans to
vote on taking Grand Canyon, other lands from federal control. NBC News. 23
Oct. 2012. 31 Oct. 2012.
Weber, Joseph. Arizona
to vote on taking control of Grand Canyon. Fox News. 24 Oct. 2012. 31 Oct.
2012.
Take more of a stand on the issue. I'm still not quite sure what side you are on. Be more specific on what this will mean for the environment, does the Grand Canyon need a lot of up keep? also this bill is to make it a state park and not a national one correct? Also, a design principle, its not good to seperate text, put your pictures off to the side and have text going around, it makes it more pleasing to the eye. Good post, just be more specific!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the feedback, the Grand Canyon does require a lot of upkeep and this bill will make it a State run park.
DeleteI do not understand the comment of "increases the revenues to fund public education." What role does the Grand Canyon play in education revenues, and vice versa?
ReplyDeleteAlso, how will owning the Grand Canyon create jobs? I think you are saying that the revenue from tourism would go to the State government instead of the Federal Government, but will that make a big difference? I don't understand how owning more land will help Arizona with their economy, or why it would create jobs.
If Arizona made the Grand Canyon a State park it would create jobs, for example park rangers. It would also give the State more taxes as a tourist location which could be used for public education.
DeleteYou create great credibility by quoting the senator, but it'd be even better if you quoted the opposing side as well. This would make the argument more fair and researched. There were also some statements made that perhaps need more explanation. Why is the federal government supposed to give the land back to Arizona? How does not having control over the Grand Canyon hold back business and revenue?
ReplyDeleteThanks! Unfortunately there are little interviews on this topic, all which were from the supporting view. The Federal Government promised to return back lands to many western states after they took control of many lands which hold back Arizona from taking 30% of it's State land to help create revenue.
DeleteIt's a little unclear whether or not you support this proposition; maybe take a stronger stance on one side or the other. And how would possessing the land of the Grand Canyon attract new businesses and jobs to Arizona? If new businesses were brought in, wouldn't that commercialize a majestic and serence natural monument and decrease its ascetic value?
ReplyDeleteI agree, research was hard to find but I do feel Arizona making the Grand Canyon a state park would be beneficial. State control would mean jobs to control the lands and taxes could be made in this area for any current tourist businesses.
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