Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Delaying will only increase the costs. Why are you doing this?
We’re incredibly concerned about costs! If you’re worried about costs, please join us. On top of their excessive scope, these projects are wildly expensive on a cost per square foot basis. The City is preparing to pay almost twice as much per square foot for similar buildings in Manzanita and Astoria. We believe $12 million for a high-end tourist facility is too much. We believe there are serious concerns about the management of these projects, the concurrent construction, stacking on a single, variable funding source and more. We believe a more responsible approach built upon community consensus will save millions of dollars, improve operational outcomes and increase community cohesion.
Q: Don't we need - or want - all of these projects? (Police Dept, City Hall, the School)
We support all these projects in concept. But costs are too high. Why should we in Cannon Beach pay twice as much per square foot as our neighbors for similar projects? (See: Manzanita’s new City Hall/Police Station, or the proposed Astoria Film Museum.) It seems Cannon Beach’s City Council and staff are intent on spending every dollar they possibly can. (Remember: that’s exactly what the high-priced consultants, architects and builders want—the bigger the projects, the more they get paid.)
Q: The City says this won't cost 'me' anything. Tourists are paying through taxes. Why not do these projects then?
This has the potential to cost you, the citizen, everything. Cannon Beach is planning increase its debt to near $40 million, tens of millions more than the city has ever seen. This could reshape our future in drastic ways. Already the City plans to fund parts of these projects (in yet unspecified amounts) from the General Fund. These are full faith and credit bonds and the City is on the hook to pay every last cent, whether tourists come or not. Over 30 years, do you think there could be a disruption to travel? A financial crisis? Wildfires? Tsunami? Regardless of tourist receipts, the city has to pay. A significant disruption could bankrupt our city.
Q: Does your group want to cause more controversy?
No. We believe in democracy. We’re seeking consensus. We believe consensus is achieved when all people are heard. Cannon Beach has historically cherished voter input on big decisions like the purchase of the Ecola Creek Forest Reserve and the Food Tax. When and why did this change? We also believe that Council did not come into office with a mandate to increase debt to almost $40 million. If you believe that the community supports these projects then you should believe they will pass at the ballot box. If not, why should Council disregard the will of the community?
Q: The designs all look cool -- like other nice, new buildings in other cities. What's wrong with that?
We believe these designs—from out-of-town consultants—are out of sync with Cannon Beach’s village character. They are also out of sync with Cannon Beach’s Comprehensive Plan. All around town cottages are being replaced with big, gleaming McMansions. Why is the city determined to follow suit? Bigger is not always better. Remember: consultants, contractors and architects all have conflicts of interest; the bigger and more expensive these projects are, the more money they make.
Q: Why are the people in Cannon Beach Together hiding behind a PAC instead of being public?
The topics at hand have significantly polarized the community in Cannon Beach. Cannon Beach Together (CBT) is committed to centering discussions on the objectives outlined in our mission, rather than on divisions or personal affiliations. Members of CBT are encouraged to disclose their participation at their own discretion.
Q: Why would you not want to do what is best for honoring the tribal history?
The more money saved on construction the more presenters, events and exhibits can be produced to honor tribal and indigenous history. A big empty building is not a museum. (Cannon Beach already has a museum focused on tribal history.) Private rentals, weddings and corporate retreats do not honor tribal history.
Q: Wasn't there lots of analysis, discussion and alternatives debated and reviewed? Why isn't this the right answer?
This process has been long and it has been backwards from the start. There was never a budget. Designs were produced before costs were revealed. The cart came before the horse. When the costs were finally revealed long lines of citizens stood before council and said: please, find ways to reduce the cost. Those concerns were never debated or reviewed seriously. The most expensive option was chosen at every juncture.
Q: The City Staff has done a lot of good things around here. Why should we doubt their guidance / ability to deliver?
Project management of this magnitude is a full-time job. Managing a city is also a full-time job. There aren’t enough hours in the day to do both. A single small mistake, like some we have seen already, would pay for a full-time project manager and free the City Manager to do his (already) full-time job. What is going to fall through the cracks?