Home » Business, Community, General » Eddie Maddock: Business as Usual?

Eddie Maddock: Business as Usual?

SedonaEye.com columnist Eddie S. Maddock

Sedona AZ – At a Special Sedona City Council Meeting, 3:00 Wednesday afternoon on January 11, 2017, after three long years of a contentious destination marketing agreement with the Sedona Chamber of Commerce, the City will again revisit the issue. We can only hope the negotiations will prove to be less controversial, fairer, and, in turn, result in acceptable transparency which will dismiss suspicion and mistrust of City Hall dealings. That might very well have been the case had the original commitment for Requests for Proposals (RFPs) as well as certified outside audits been upheld as proposed during the initial negotiations. Ignoring both valid concerns was a disservice to everyone.

Five options will be discussed at this meeting as follows:

Option 1: Move forward with the negotiations of a new contract with the Chamber of Commerce.

Option 2: Issue an RFP for tourism promotion services.

Option 3: Create a stand-alone destination marketing organization (DMO) without ties to the Chamber of Commerce.

Option 4: Create a City Department to handle tourism promotion.

Option 5: Issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a travel industry consultancy to assess the current structure, funding relationships, etc. and provide recommendations to the city.

Pros and cons of each option will be discussed at length, such as concerns RFPs will include bids from for-profit agencies. That brings up several questions. Without an official outside audit from a qualified source, how do they know the Chamber has not been making a profit? How many employees have they hired? What has been the cost of improvement to its own facilities, etc? And what is the source of funding for those operating expenses?

And will the City acknowledge the Chamber currently offers its own RFPs for specific services, realistically reducing it to a mere middle-agency, acting on behalf of the City of Sedona?

And how do they justify the extended branding of the Sedona Chamber of Commerce that has occurred within the past three years? What has been the source of that promotional funding for the Chamber instead of the City?

By creating a stand-alone destination marketing organization, the City could avoid real or perceived conflicts between tourism promotion services and the various other functions of the Chamber of Commerce. Although they specify… it is unclear how local and regional partners would react… why should that concern the City? Should their focus at long last be redirected to the residents of incorporated Sedona? They are the people who created the City in the first place, clearly, and with the knowledge it attracted tourists.

Sure, a stand-alone destination marketing organization would result in the re-creation of an already established and successful local agency. However the extent of success of the present local agency has never been undisputedly proven. The source of increased revenue after the great recession coupled with a reduction in gasoline prices has never factually been factored into the increased tourism and resulting upswing in revenue. Nor has it been determined to what extent advertising monies have merely resulted in excessive daytripping, which the City’s infrastructure clearly cannot handle.

As for the suggestion for Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a travel industry consultancy to assess and monitor the current structure, would that be nothing more than a babysitter for the contract with the Chamber of Commerce? Should the City have been serving that function for the past three years?

It has frequently been said the City could not afford to operate their stand-alone department. And how would they know? With a Chamber of Commerce now providing funding for USFS trail maintenance, contributing money back to the City for their traffic study, and other generous but questionably frivolous expenditures, most recently to propose purchasing property on behalf of the City with what appears to be leftover funds from the bed tax rebate, how can they make that determination without a precise and reliable audit from an authentic source? They cannot. Is there any reasonable explanation why the City should not take responsibility for allocating the bed tax revenue – all of it – including over and above destination marketing?

And the perfect opportunity to establish a genuine Sedona Visitors Center has been ignored by not including such a service at the Western Gateway. How long will this City tolerate discrimination of their own legitimate licensed, tax collecting businesses within City Limits unless they are forced to be members of what clearly is a regional Chamber of Commerce? And the practice of paid referrals is common, but should the City be involved by financing the activity with public funds and further discriminating against in-city businesses?

Molly Spangler recently hired by the city of Sedona AZ as its Economic Development Director.

With the recent hiring of a professional, Molly Spangler, to serve as Economic Development Director, there is really no need to burden our busy Chamber of Commerce with more additional duties besides servicing its members, which is the purpose of its non-profit organization.

Since when was the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau deemed the “Destination Marketing & Management Organization in Sedona for 65 years?” Up until just a few years ago was it not the Oak Creek Canyon Sedona Chamber of Commerce, then changed to Sedona Chamber of Commerce, and most recently “& Tourism Bureau” was tacked on? This elaborate extension of creating yet another illusion that simply does not exist is pretty much over the top. Wouldn’t you agree? Dumb question.

There is already a campaign in motion to “Make America Great Again.” How about a local endeavor to “Make Sedona Respectable Again”? Meet and greet our visitors with an authentic Sedona Visitors Center and related advertising?

Don’t we deserve it like other places?

Flagstaff (AZ) and Park City (UT) are but two examples that offer proof they survive very well without financial support to their respective Chambers of Commerce.

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1,387 Comments

  1. @steve Segner says:

    And why would it be necessary for someone from the chamber to attend city council executive sessions? Clearly they have their own private sessions individually with council members prior to “official” meetings. Therefore they are already on the same page and know exactly what the subject will be – as it also appears in an official Public Notice so as to not break the open meeting law. (that’s another joke)

  2. chamber gets special favors from the city of sedona says:

    IMO chamber gets special favors from the city of sedona. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see the unlevel playing field.

    Chamber has city council liaisons
    they get city taxes even though they DO NOT collect them
    They get unlimited city staff time
    They get information, data and direction on how to build their army of NON city Businesses.
    They get FREE ADVERTISING on city website and much more.

    What has the money gifted to them done? Destroy the charm, quality of life and BUILT CHAMBER business.

    City hall is morans IMO dumbing down sedona and cheapening the quality

    Why are they getting it? because THEY say they are entitled. DUMB greedy killing your sedona.

  3. Ronnie W. says:

    @chamber gets special favors from the city of sedona But it doesn’t matter!! THAT’S what the people just last year voted to MAINTAIN!!

    There was actually the opportunity for change, but, duped by false information such as if they didn’t vote FOR Home Rule there wouldn’t be a Library, etc, etc, etc. That in particular stands out because the Library was here LONG before Sedona became a city and to this day isn’t part of Sedona City Government.

    Yep folks. You bought into false information and now Sedona is hog-tied by an IMO fraudulent “non-profit” regional membership club – aka Sedona Chamber of Commerce. I repeat – MY OPINION – as it is and remains my opinion that someplace there exists a “slush fund” to go along with the, quite frankly, shell game system. Again IMO – and isn’t that still a right in the USA? Oh – maybe the USA but here? It’s no longer OK to express an opinion in Sedona? Worse yet, as proven by election results voters took heed to false information and opinions without merit and acquiesced to scare tactics.

    Yep – steamed would be putting it mildly when analyzing the obvious set up in motion to continue slam-dunking the great-give-away to the C of C using a newly devised purpose as “Destination Services” instead of “Destination Marketing.”

    Millions of dollars will be handed out to the Non-Profit C of C (for clarification – NOT 501(c)(3) tax-deductible) but still incorporated as “non-profit.” What’s wrong with this scenario? What’s wrong with our City Council Members?

    Oops forgot! They are what the people reelected so clearly the direction being taken is exactly what the residents of incorporated Sedona wanted and asked for.

    So then who’s griping here on Sedona Eye besides me? Evidently people who either didn’t bother to vote or did vote to keep things status quo and an open door to enable the liaison with the C of C to become even STRONGER!!

    DESTINATION SERVICES (plan of work?) And for how many MILLIONS of $$$$ ????? Reap what you sow, Fools!

  4. Gripe all you want says:

    Perhaps posting comments on the SedonaEye is better than nothing, but not much.

    A lot of effort by a number of people you can count on your fingers was made to fund and support opposition candidates in the last election, but VERY FEW got out to poll, to go door to door to support the candidates.

    The ruling Cabal of Sedona city manager, DORR, the Library, the Sedona Red Rock Fake News Soy Boy’s, and the Sedona Chamber of Commerce all turned out to promote their special interests .

    Low information voters voted their feelings, and Sedona lost.

    When you want to see who lost Sedona, look in the mirror. Somebody needed to do something, and there were not enough somebodies on the opposition side willing to make the effort.

    It is said it only takes a dedicated 3% of the population to make a change. Just voting is not enough !!! Better luck next election, if you can even get some opposition candidates to run.

    If you had spent the time you will spend sitting in traffic knocking on your neighbors doors, maybe Sedona could have been saved. In my opinion, Sedona is ruined. You’ll get no sympathy from me.

  5. @Gripe all you want says:

    wow, you are absolutely right. I think that it’s time to put everything into perspective, our businesses need to make money to stay open and 95 percent of us came here as tourists and now that we’re here, we have to remain a tourist destination. I feel bad that you are just so unhappy living in a tourist destination but I guess it’s time for you to relocate. One very unhappy guy lost his political aspirations for mayor and saw the handwriting on the wall and moved. I think that was a good idea perhaps you should do the same.

  6. Steve Segner says:

    You guys are so funny, You Say :The ruling “Cabal” of Sedona city manager, DORR, the Library, the Sedona Red Rock Fake News Soy Boy’s, and the Sedona Chamber of Commerce all turned out to promote their special interests .

    Your follower will not go to or speak at council meetings, you do not participate or support Sedona organization, you just complain on the Sedona Eye…..you Bad mouth every city council or city manager in the last 20 years , Sedona is a liberal leaning city (good) and getting more so Great, Sedona is working on roads, connector roads , parks, and housing and all you do is complain about the chamber , the chamber , the chamber…….The City took away the six year contract with the chamber , the city council now sets the marketing and visitor service budget and you still complain…..and Really you are going after the ” Library,” meals on wheels and you expect to win elections…….The Last election showed support for the city council and city manager. It was not a small “Cabal” but the majority of citizens in Sedona that call the shots.

  7. Not True says:

    Those that need to earn a living can’t speak up. They are bullied by those third party clubs taking TAXPAYERS money to pay for their business ads.
    #itsnotyour$$segner
    #chambersucks
    #taxpayers$enrichchamber
    #hurttheworkers
    #kickCHAMBERout

  8. Library scam says:

    “We have to have HOME Rule or the Library will be closed !!!”

    What they really meant if if we don’t have home rule it won’t be as easy to steal your money.

    The Sedona Library was paid off the day it was built with donations.
    The Sedona Library has over $2 million in its reserve fund.
    The Sedona Library collects over $900,000 every year from your property tax.
    The Sedona Librarian ( Library DIRECTOR !!) Makes $90,000 per year
    The Sedona Library has over 150 unpaid volunteers.
    The Sedona Library then accepts a grant of $400,000 per year from the City of Sedona.

    It would still be open if the City of Sedona disappeared. You were lied to.

  9. Steve Segner says:

    Library scam says:
    Please run with this next election, oh please make my life easer ,The people that actually vote and go to council meeting and are active in Sedona also use the Library , so please be my guest and run people opposed to Library funding.
    We are very lucky we have a city that is funded by visitors that can afford to fund our Library with city funds along with county monies.

  10. They don't care says:

    The Cabal running Sedona don’t care if it is needed, they just want to spend money. Your money. If visitors funded the city there would be no tax on your utilities. Sewer fees would not keep going up. The fees on building a home would not approach $20,000.

    They don’t care the the Chamber gives tax money to the US Forest Service. The Cabal is not interested if the library actually needs the money, money was asked for by the library and so the city gave it.

    The fact that a grant and who knows what else is given to the Wine Fest, an event Mayor Sandy owns, is not given a second thought. After all, she abstained on voting for her own grant, so it is OK, wink , wink.

    Why are the City Manager and Asst City manager getting car and phone allowances? Are they traveling salesmen?

    Have you noticed the traffic and high taxes? If you don’t care, why should they?

    They enjoy playing Santa Claus, with your money.

  11. Check it Out says:

    The library was here long before Sedona incorporated. https://sedonaeye.com/eddie-maddock-city-council-deals-are-destroying-our-sedona-dream/

  12. @ They don't care says:

    “Why are the City Manager and Asst City manager getting car and phone allowances? Are they traveling salesmen?”

    LOL! Good one!

  13. Get This says:

    Claiming the City is funded by visitors is more heinous BS from Steve Segner.

    As commented previously, the CITY OF SEDONA COMMUNITY REPORT SPRING 2018 states under the heading “Sedona Facts” (Page 2): “FY 2017 city revenues generated by sales & bed taxes . . . .57%, two-thirds of which is paid by visitors.”
    Two-thirds of 57% is 38%.

  14. F.Y.I. says:

    @They don’t care – According to Sperling’s Best Places to Live “Compared to the rest of the country, Sedona’s cost of living is 46.50% higher than the U.S. average.”

  15. Peter, Sedona says:

    @Steve Segner says June 24 @ 7:05 PM: “We are very lucky we have a city that is funded by visitors that can afford to fund our Library with city funds along with county monies.”

    That statement , Mr. Segner, implies that we wouldn’t have the library without Sedona being incorporated and it is NOT true. The Sedona Library was established in 1958, long before incorporation. And that is also true of other local non-profits such as the Sedona Humane Society and, yes, even the Chamber of Commerce! Sedona was far better off before we had local government. We didn’t have all the quest and pull for power and control. People actually were friendly and got along. Incorporation ruined Sedona and it continues to get worse. What more proof of that is needed than the ongoing dissension and you, like it or not are a HUGE source of the problem Mr. Segner. An example is the opening quotation – your words.

    1958: A volunteer group, Friends of the Library, established Sedona’s first library in donated space, with three shelves of books and magazines also donated.

    https://www.sedonalibrary.org/history.html

    https://sedonaeye.com/eddie-maddock-city-council-deals-are-destroying-our-sedona-dream/

  16. Rita says:

    nailed it

  17. Steve segner says:

    I did not imply that at all, it is your statement. I said it’s nice that we can fund the library Above what we get from county taxes along with the I Humane Society Sedona is lucky that it has a good steady income source if we don’t need the money for savings and why not use it on public service, in many towns the city funds Humane Society Parks and Recreation and libraries. Remember your county taxes have nothing to do with the operation of the city of Sedona that is determined by our city Council based upon the income that we get from tourism
    So library funding is so dangerous that you can’t even use your real name on a simple discussion you people are all pathetic . Just remember the voters of Sedona use the library I know how to read .

  18. San Clemente , Sedona AZ says:

    Deliberate misrepresentations are like doctors writing prescriptions for patients but not knowing the disease to cure. This tax and spend mentality propelled Sedona’s first downturn in 2008-2014 and catapulted the loss of jobs and businesses. You can’t tax what can’t be generated, ruin the generator and you’ve destroyed the engine. Don’t take my word for it. Open an accounting or economics book at a local library and read it, and I’d state that it’s a free service but you’ve clearly overpaid the library for no discernible return this year or two. Go get your money’s worth?

  19. @steve Segner says:

    Why should the TAXPAYERS give the library one cent? They are handsomely paid from OUR PROPERTY TAXES!!!!!!!!

    They have MILLIONS in the bank and in stock. They don’t need it. They own everything no mortgage payments, the Sedona public library puts the gift from the city taxpayers in the bank.. Looks like a double dip. I got an email they wanted yes on homerule. They should be reported to IRS. They are a 501C3.

    Smells like a vote buy to me.

  20. Liberal BS says:

    ” steady income source if we don’t need the money for savings and why not use it on public service.” Segner and his Cabal can’t even imagine cutting taxes. Raise taxes and spend, spend, spent. They think your money is the Cabal’s money to spend. No consideration is ever made of need. Just SPEND, SPEND, SPEND.

    Ever heard of a rainy day ? Not the Cabal, they will just raise taxes until there is not a resident or business left.

    Karma will not be fun for the Cabal and their parasites.

  21. Peter says:

    To Steve Segner yes, I am a real person and did use my name, thank you very much. What you may not know is many people besides myself have cut back on donating to local nonprofits, even the Sedona Humane Society. My normal contribution to them is now going to Best Friends and National Wildlife Federation. The reason? All the damn money Sedona City has thrown at the Chamber largely resulting in promoting out of city limits businesses in direct competition w/city tax collecting enterprises. That’s why!

    Any more questions Mr. Big Shot Big Mouth?

  22. Steve segner says:

    So no last name Peter , you stopped giving to the sedona shelter because of the chamber? Are you sure your name is not Donna? Perhaps the others readers will see some connection

  23. Peter says:

    @Steve segner I stopped giving to the sedona shelter? What the ….. are you talking about? The sedona homeless shelter or what? What I did do was stop contributing to Sedona based non profits and, yes, it it because of the amount of money and the deal the city of Sedona cut with the regional chamber of commerce. Sorry to disappoint you but Donna? You are Clueless and that, Sir, is the truth!

  24. Freddy in city says:

    If ever there was a doubt about the inmates having taken over the institution the latest antic by city council should leave no doubt.

    By a split vote they approved giving MORE money to the chamber of commerce to promote tourists during the SIM sedona in motion project uptown!

    For months now they’ve been alerting locals about the road construction & now they’re going to advertise for tourists to “visit” and add to the congestion?

    Talk about nuts.

    If this doesn’t take the cake what will? imagine if tourists are crazy enough to believe the forthcoming hype from the over indulged chamber of crazies just what kind of impression do you think they’ll have once they venture up here and can neither get to uptown nor find a place to park even if they do.

    For crying out loud there’s enough traffic during the summer with campers and sightseers going to Oak Creek Canyon.

    And now to give more tax money from legitimate businesses to an organization with probably most of their members outside Sedona City Limits? Oh might add it was the Chamber CEO when asked way back when this program was set in motion how many of the Chamber members were outside incorporated Sedona, she (CEO) responded that it was too difficult to figure it out! HONEST that’s what she said – it was too difficult!

    And millions of dollars continue to be unleashed under the control of this inept and questionable operation?

    Any doubt? Inmates? Institution? Who’s running it? Any questions about that?

  25. Steve segner says:

    • Peter we seem to have a little obsession with the chamber in the city what does that have to do with the Humane Society which I called the shelter and you’re sure your name is not Donna .SHS ,shelter it’s a small allowance from the city to take in dogs but the city Police Department pick up is nowhere near the amount they need. SHS is a not-for-profit locally supported shelter but we know you don’t like anything local

  26. Joyce McClain says:

    Can’t stop laughing @Freddy in the city. Don ‘t you get it? Those tourists who might bite the unprofessional hype bait from the “regional” (regional really being the operative word) chamber of commerce will most likely solicit those chamber members outside city limits (the ones the Chamber CEO is unable to count because it’s too difficult. the ones not collecting Sedona city taxes)

    For crying out loud – if someone counted the members in the C of C information brochure wouldn’t that work? Normally – yes – however, more reasons to doubt the validity of anything done by this controlling force in Sedona. And the beat and endless money thrown at the monster continues.

  27. Plus they model!! says:

    Check out the Chamber Destination Event Planner where the chamber employees took a day, did several outfit changes and became models. (deleted by editor)

  28. Your tax dollars at work says:

    @Plus they model !!

    I bet they got to keep the outfits, after all, who wants used clothing. They have to look their best for “Destination Marketing “. (Deleted by Editor)

  29. Donna Joy Varney says:

    Well I am 100% sure Peter is NOT Donna.You need help Steve. Obsessed? (Deleted by Editor)

    There are hundreds of people that disagree with the city subsidizing the chamber aka your club. If your that good your chamber wouldn’t be 85% funded by the TAXPAYERS. Your MEMBERS should pay their own bills. In my opinion, it is immoral for the chamber to take taxpayers money. The city should follow Flagstaff who give ZERO city taxes to chamber. This is why I quit the chamber.

    Grow up and move on. You don’t want to get me going. Keep me OUT OF your low life DRAMA. I am sick and tired of (Deleted by Editor).

  30. Some Things Never Change says:

    “Business As Usual” all right.

    Sedona City Council should MANDATE the Chamber of Commerce to STOP encouraging visitors here during this very serious situation. Close the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center. Stop encouraging hikers most of whom do NOT maintain a six foot distance from one another.

    What’s wrong with them? Isn’t City Hall essentially closed as are restaurants and other businesses? Didn’t Mayor Moriarty declare this city is in a state of emergency? WHY IS THE CHAMBER AN EXCEPTION?

    You people allowing this should be held accountable.

    The thought of missing an opportunity to snatch money from tourists has become your Almighty God and it’s disgraceful.

    If tourists are reading this “Please, refrain from visiting Sedona during this critical period of time.” We don’t want you, we don’t have medical space or doctors and nurses for you. STAY HOME.

  31. Marlow Jones says:

    Council & Staff should read your message @Some Thing Never Change.
    As if it would do any good! NOT!

  32. Business as Usual? says:

    Business as usual? Hardly.

    City Council meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2020, 4:30 PM:

    ** Public Forum – Due to precautions related to the COVID-19 pandemic and pursuant to A.R.S. § 38-431.01(H), there will NOT be a public forum for this meeting

    ** NO PUBLIC ATTENDANCE will be allowed. However the session will be televised live at http://www.sedonaaz.gov OR on Cable Channel 4.
    Even city council and staff will attend the meeting remotely via electronic methods. (That should be interesting.)

    Maybe almost as fascinating is the main topic on the meeting agenda:

    AB 2571 Discussion/possible direction regarding issues surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and the City’s response

    So all you lucky people confined but tucked away safely in your homes, grab your favorite beverage and snack and prepare for what might just be the show of a lifetime.

    For example, will they discuss methods of extracting money from the residents? Will they address cutting back on donation to non-profits (library, humane society, recycles)? That’s how they managed to suck people into supporting Home Rule – as if these functions didn’t exist prior to Sedona becoming incorporated. Well, for the record, yes, they did – maybe with the exception of Sedona Recycles but even people outside city limits make a point to do their own recycling via the number of bins placed strategically around the area. Or let them try fund-raising events. It worked well in the past.

    Humane Society AND Library were here long before most of us who presently live in Sedona. And yes, so was the Sedona Chamber of Commerce, as a respectable non-profit who relied on voluntary support and didn’t have Sedona City Hall available to beg from, bragging and boasting about their own self-proclaimed importance as they do so. If any single thing should be kicked to the curb it’s the ongoing City/Chamber scam. ENOUGH and long ago past due for the cord to be severed.

    Scare Tactics – watch out – don’t be fooled – which is what they probably will count on – AGAIN.

    Peanuts, Popcorn, or whatever – snack away and enjoy yourself. Sedona and it’s beloved Chamber of Commerce/Lodging Council have been in control long enough. If anything should go (or at least financially stand on its own feet as was the case prior to incorporation) it’s them. Oh – Lodging Council is new but NOT the C of C which at least at one time was respected by the community. NOT ANY MORE. Just ask around your own “hoods”.

    Seriously – if possible check it out. Big screen TV is best. Cable channel 4 – Tuesday, 4/14 – 4:30 PM or live at http://www.sedonaaz.gov. Your future in Sedona is likely to be strategically placed under one or several microscopes. If they can, the buck will be passed on to YOU – SEDONA RESIDENTS! Wait and see.

  33. John Wilson says:

    It’s a darn good thing we don’t have a city property tax which can only be imposed by a vote of the people. Can you just imagine how they would be socking us in our faces with this current financial disaster? Not residents’ problem city funding of the C of C and catering to the whining CEO has become top priority. Time for a change, unfortunately it’s being forced by one of nature’s unintended consequences. Just for once let it not be turned into another disadvantage for the residents of Sedona who chose to make this once delightful place a permanent destination. It’d be fascinating if the Mighty Missy from the Chamber isn’t attending that council meeting on Tuesday by special invite – it wouldn’t come as a surprise to this guy. (deleted by editor) Might be worth watching to find out ,but she’d likely get placed out of camera range instead of her usual center stage or maybe she’s already on that island she likes to visit while texting her want lists? How about accountability and transparency? Keep that karma for later.

  34. OMG says:

    This article is dated JANUARY 7, 2017 and nothing’s changed. Except the unexpected. CORONA-VIRUS! Not a laughing matter and definitely a good reason to DROP the damn association with this regional rip-off outfit once and for all. No need to publicize the name even more. They only appreciate advertising that costs the city millions of $$$$$.

  35. Nathan, Sedona says:

    Where do you suppose the city will get the money needed to keep over inflated City Hall operating? Isn’t it already mostly closed but without spending cuts? Do you suppose they’ll increase sales tax even more? So let them. Who will even shop in Sedona for anything if they do? Let the great wise ones from Chamber & Lodging Council give back. They’ve been on the gravy train way too long.

  36. steve Segner says:

    It’s a darn good thing we don’t have a city property tax which can only be imposed by a vote of the people. Can you just imagine how they would be socking us in our faces with this current financial disaster?

    So, John, the way to stop financial disaster is getting people back to Sedona, 10,000 depend on tourism and it funds our government.

    John you say” It’d be fascinating if the Mighty Missy from the Chamber isn’t attending that council meeting on Tuesday by special invite” Yes on the normal meeting to look at funding for next year. Remember John all marketing money comes form bed tax on visitors, not the locals.

  37. Alex D. says:

    Business as usual? Maybe maybe not! The “as usual’ part most likely pertains to deviating from the reason Sedona incorporated. To my recollection it was for local control by voting residents within the area of incorporated city limits. It was done with the general idea of having a “weak mayor” versus a “strong mayor.”

    Translated: Generally Sedona mayor would maintain equal status of elected city council members but the mayoral title gave authorization to sign documents, decide council agendas, and represent Sedona at appropriate events.

    It was NOT for the purpose of authorizing a mayor to decide policies or make off-the-wall proclamations without city council approval. To not follow that mandate leaves us with what? Plain and simple A DICTATOR!

    Otherwise then on June 23 why was Mayor Sandy allowed to drop the bomb on elected council members? She stripped them of authority by having already approved a “dictate” order drafted by City Attorney Robert Pickels and read by City Manager Justin Clifton. This mayor’s “order” was a done deal with the draft proclamation prior to the public meeting where, as a matter of fact, more than 20 people from the public spoke AGAINST the proclamation!

    Speakers were limited due to necessity of coronavirus social spacing.

    Without such a decision having been made by a majority of the city council, would the referendum/initiative process have even been possible? How could this happen? And both City Manager and City Attorney were instrumental in facilitating the process and pulling it off.

    Is this the new status quo for “Business as Usual?” Has a new precedent been established?

    Wake up Sedona voters. You have an opportunity to make a change by voting in new people who will serve YOU instead of the obvious policy now leading the way. That being, precisely, decisions by Mayor Sandy Moriarty based on what SHE thinks is best.

    Sedona Citizens & City Council Members = BE DAMNED! Sedona government is out of control. Democracy has just been trashed and either you find it acceptable or pull up your adult panties and for vote for a change. Now or never Folks.

  38. Suze & Andy says:

    Way to go @AlexD. It’s about time someone had the courage of their conviction to bring forth the unwarranted control of the present mayor – Sandy Moriarty. It’s surprising Sedona doesn’t have term limits and her tenacity to remain mayor of Sedona and usurp votes of elected city council members is another good reason.

    Arrogance of power is currently reinventing the future of Sedona. And who is that you ask?! Sedona mayor, city manager, assistant city manager, city attorney, president/CEO of the chamber of commerce, and the little gent on Portal Lane representing the Sedona Lodging Council an affinity group of the C of C.

    Things could easily have changed two years ago had it not been for another arrogant group who brought in a third party candidate for mayor. That same group shattered control of the Sedona Oak Creek Fire DISTRICT(not an affiliate of Sedona city government) just a few years ago.

    Sedona voters – national elections are important BUT local elections are what reflect and primarily control your daily quality of life.

    WAKE UP – VOTE FOR A CHANGE

  39. John Daniels W Sedona says:

    Hay Alex D or whomever you are you seem to think that you know everything about city council. Perhaps you’re a former mayor or councilor? So, if you think something was done improperly, tell the AG, everyone else does and it always backfires.

  40. Alex D. says:

    @John Daniels W Sedona – nope – not a former mayor or councilor? As members of the Sedona City Council are elected “council members” they technically are NOT “councilors”. Most dummies are aware of that. Check other municipalities and to my knowledge NONE of them use the glorified councilor term. FACT!

    As for former members of the Sedona City Council, isn’t it quaint that Babs Litrell, a huge proponent for funding the chamber of commerce, no longer resides within city limits.

    And former mayor, Rob Adams, is still in town (city) but unless he continues to pursue fame on the Board of Directors of Keep Sedona Beautiful is keeping a low profile. Oops – forgot “Babs” also changed that Board Member standing to “Trustee” during her stint as president of KSB and the organization’s gone downhill ever since.

    So Mr./Mrs./Ms. “John Daniels W Sedona” at least City Hall will be rid of yet another avid fan and promoter of the ill-conceived control of Sedona by the “regional” chamber of commerce. Yep – good riddance to Vice Mayor John Martinez. His legacy is just that – as an advocate for the great give-away of city tax money to a membership supported club.

    Any more sage suggestions oh wise J.D. of W. Sedona?

  41. Peggy says:

    You sound @johndaniels like a current city hall bully and council / chamber idiot?

  42. LMAO says:

    Definitely it’s NOT business as usual with the local printed rag! Even THEY took issue with Mayor Sandy’s arrogance of power with her single handed decision relating to COVID-19 quarantine. See miracles CAN and DO happen. Keep the faith!

  43. James Harrington says:

    Been around here a long time but also silent for quite a while. However this caught my eye and can’t help sharing it.

    https://twitter.com/SedonaChamber/status/1277719736021741569/photo/1

    By golly gee, desperate times, desperate measures. Chamber of Commerce endorsing a write-in for city council candidate? OMG and jest when ya thinks there ain’t no more!:-)

  44. Joan says:

    What’s up John Daniels W Sedona? You are a dead ringer for Karen

  45. Marge, Sedona says:

    Must agree with the usage of the affectation “Councilors.” Even the local rag relates to elected officials as “councilman/councilwoman.” Wasn’t it yet another out of state dude hired as city manager who made the outlandish change some years ago? Yep left his unwanted calling card and then was off and out of here – back closer to his roots which were far from western USA.

    Read AZ Republic – no “councilors” there related to city/town government. If anything some of our local dignitaries might definitely benefit from professional “counseling.”

  46. @Alex D. says:

    Oh come on who really cares?

  47. Tommy says:

    Antifa and anti government and anti cops anarchists are threatening Gettysburg and other places now and already rioting in Portland because you silent majority of the spineless are losing your country values to liars and terrorists. You don’t deserve the country your Ancestors died and slaved away to better for you to live in peace and harmony.

  48. Wayne says:

    Gettysburg (That’s federal land). Hope Trump takes care of it!

  49. Howard says:

    Oh my . they don’t stop. Their like roaches. Trump has signed something to bring in military types to protect these places. But these are all peaceful protests. Summer of love events. And then they try to tell us it’s spontaneous. Unbelievable¿Sorry, I had to vent. stay safe. Some of the people around there won’t tolerate this kind of crap. Next Sedona the see what happens because most of people I know will roll over like lapdogs.

  50. Irene Braverman, Pomona says:

    If you riot then you should be immediately charged and arrested. There is no reason in the US to riot to have your voice heard or to cause change. Riots are covers for theft and barbarism and intimidation and not ideas.

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