Town manager's favorite tool: condemnation

On Dec. 14, the State Land Trust is auctioning off property at the following location: Carefree Highway between 40th and 44th Streets.
Per a story in The Arizona Republic dated Dec. 2, the city manager of Cave Creek, Mr. Usama Abujbarah, said if the town is not successful in its bid for this land and private parties purchase it instead, Cave Creek will simply condemn the land acquired by the successful bidder.

By making this public statement, the town has cast a shadow on the success of the auction. The citizenry of Arizona, who are the beneficiaries of the sale of this land, have a right to expect a free, spirited auction and the realization of maximum payment for it.
In making this outrageous statement, Abujbarah will undoubtably deter bidders since very few want to knowingly get entangled in a promised lawsuit with the town, therefore dropping the fruit right into the laps of the town of Cave Creek at what might be a less than true market amount.

It should be noted that Abujbarah is not a newcomer to this type of tactic and seems always prepared to use it and back it up with taxpayer money.

I urge those with the power to do so to look at this transaction carefully in order that the people of Arizona are not deprived of money which would rightfully be theirs.

Michael J. Gibson
Cave Creek