8 Comments

1. Sean, west Sedona says:

   August 27, 2014 at 1:12 pm

   disappointment lefever was elected but it’s good this election is behind us, was getting old & time to move on, good coverage

2. Keith, Sedona says:

   August 27, 2014 at 3:34 pm

   ditto good coverage comment Sean

3. What have we learned? says:

   August 27, 2014 at 7:35 pm

   Let’s compare, in 2012 the last time we voted for/against Home Rule the results were:

   Yes- 1824
   No- 799

   for 2014 the results were:

   Yes- 1620
   No- 744

   For all of the money and hard work that some people invested to try to educate people against Home Rule it seems that both numbers dropped.

   There’s no question that people are really happy with the way things are. Perhaps their time, money and efforts would have been better spent helping the Food Bank or our world class Humane Society.

4. Sedona Flatlander says:

   August 28, 2014 at 7:23 am

   Don’t be fooled………… the City of Sedona and benefactors of city funding (regional Chamber ) spent significantly more than a small ad.

   The city ad indicated we have no roads with out it, Segner and his nasty clan had to stoop so low to vote on a city issues when they don’t live in the city.
   Dirty politics were clear and transparent.

   Bottom line the city is spending more money then they bring in. Someone will PAY and it won’t be the Regional Chamber. Look at the city of Phoenix. Spending more then they earn caught up with them.

   PEACE LOVE LIFE a far cry from that. Well I guess if you agree to pay the region and fund the city with 9 million dollars more then they earn using up any reserves. Tax payers be beware you WILL pay.

   I feel sorry for city staff. Now staff has to deal with MORIARTY & LEFEVRE. City hall is going to wish they got a no on home rule to control these women and Sandy’s BFF, Jessica.

   Ernster is the smart one- leave while the going is good. Good thing we have a medical Marijuana outlet in uptown, everyone is going to need it.

5. What have we really learned says:

   August 28, 2014 at 8:13 am

   Don’t you love numbers?

   Total votes in 2012 cited above 2623

   Percentage Voting Against home rule 30%

   Total votes in 2014 cited above 2364

   Percentage voting Against home rule 31.5%

   1)we are making some progress on voter education

   2) you must work for the government, “just believe what we say, don’t do any math. “

6. N. Baer says:

   August 28, 2014 at 9:22 am

   What is most interesting to me in this vote is the disparity between the number of people who voted for the councilors versus mayor. Also, as noted right above, the increase in the percent of people who voted against Home Rule.

7. DH says:

   August 28, 2014 at 9:23 am

   Don’t forget the city gave away more money than ever this year to special interests. Spent more money campaigning for home rule and lost support.

   Some say the city gave a kickback too by giving money to special interest groups in order to gain their support. Even with all that the educated “flat landers” are growing.

8. Tom Lamkin says:

   September 1, 2014 at 1:09 pm

   I would just like to point out that the election is not over. The primary has ended, but the general is still ahead and there is one seat remaining to be filled on the City Council. If you consider this position the vote tie-breaker on Council actions, your choice could be significant. I am a little disappointed by the negative comments regarding the candidates elected. They will now be your representatives on Council and I would encourage you to let your voices be heard.

   As to the numbers, there is no real disparity between the number of votes cast for councilors versus the mayor. If you consider that each voter can vote for 3 councilors the numbers of voters casting votes for councilors was 2,146 on average while it was 2,476 for mayor. It may be that some people voted for the mayor and not 3 councilors although all of the votes are not completely final.

   It also seems like a lot of time is spent on the Home Rule vote. I am not surprised by the outcome here based upon history. There is no real significant change on the numbers. I would suggest that the vote for Home Rule is not the focus, but rather the election of councilors that will be strong stewards of the money is key. Even with Home Rule being passed, councilors could drop the budget and increase the reserve. Again, communication with the elected councilors is the most effective way to contain your budget concerns. I do understand there is no guarantee that they will act as you wish. I did notice that the people with the greatest amount spent on the election seemed to get elected. I think the expenditures made increased their name recognition as well as support. I would suggest that if you really want to change things that you organize now and begin raising money for the candidates of your choice. In 2 years you will have another opportunity to sway voters to your way of thinking. Are you willing to invest in your future, or would you prefer to continue to state it is hopeless and in the hands of the cabal? I only spent $110 on my campaign and yet garnered over 400 votes (almost 19% of the voters voting cast a vote for me). If you all got together you could almost certainly get one seat elected that would be our voice. Good luck in 2016.

   Tom Lamkin