By Mike Sunnucks
Phoenix Business Journal
Opponents of a $308 million Phoenix Coyotes arena deal approved by the city of Glendale on Tuesday have taken out petitions for a referendum asking city voters to reverse it.
They will likely need to collect roughly 6,900 voters signatures based on rules that require referendum organizers gets valid voter signatures from 10 percent of those who turned out for the most recent election.
The November 2012 election saw 69,558 valid ballots cast, according to an official canvas of votes.
Those signatures will have to be collected by Dec. 27 — one month after the Glendale City Council’s 4-2 decision on Nov. 27 in favor the Coyotes deal.
That deadline and petition effort could be a challenge unless opponents have resources and organization behind their cause.
Opponents could also challenge the legality of the arena deal under Arizona state laws governing business subsidies. A lawsuit, however, might have to wait until the deal between Glendale and prospective Coyotes buyer Greg Jamison is consummated and public money goes to the hockey team.
