New events rule has two edges

It's easy to look at the debate over a new events ordinance as a fight that just affects Genoa, but it's not.

We agree with the town and its critics that Candy Dance as an event must survive. Estimates are that anywhere between 75 and 80 percent of the town's budget comes from the annual craft fair. That amounts to more than $100,000 that taxpayers would have to come up with to support the town.

No one wants to see Candy Dance go away, but town residents are concerned that both visitors and crafters have noticed there are some quality issues.

Townspeople point the finger at rival craft fairs set up by business owners, saying the booths aren't judged and are in locations that are far more visible than the town's.

We understand the argument, but the ordinance proposed by the county to deal with it is a double-edged sword.

The ordinance would allow event coordinators to prevent other events within a mile circumference, which would certainly solve Genoa's problem.

But the ordinance applies to the entire county, not just Genoa. We have nightmares about one group pulling an exclusive permit for Heritage Park in Gardnerville, which would effectively block anything from happening in Lampe or Stodick parks.

We assume county commissioners would prevent this from happening during their discussions on an exclusive permit, but they have the discretion to deny a permit now.

We feel the unintended consequences of this ordinance outweigh its benefits to the town.