By Parker Leavitt | The Arizona Republic
The Goldwater Institute is backing away from a threat to sue Gilbert over its popular Freestone Recreation Center, which the conservative think tank believes unfairly competes against private health clubs and violates state law.
In November, Goldwater attorney Taylor Earl sent a letter to Gilbert Mayor John Lewis demanding the town shutter or sell the $11 million public fitness center, which opened in 2002 and was fundedc by voter-approved bonds specific to the project.
The Goldwater complaint sparked a strong reaction from Freestone users and others around the Valley, who decried the group’s claims as “ludicrous” and “out of touch.”
Despite the backlash, Goldwater officials say they stand behind their belief that Gilbert has exceeded its statutory authority in operating the “unauthorized” and “illegal” facility.
