Home » City Council, Community » Eddie Maddock: Sedona Struggles to Maintain Quality of Life

Eddie Maddock: Sedona Struggles to Maintain Quality of Life

SedonaEye.com Columnist Eddie S. Maddock opines on the struggle to maintain Sedona Arizona’s red rock splendor and quality of life in the face of commercialism, tourism, favoritism, and the resulting eco-unfriendly biohazards.

Sedona AZ (October 21, 2017) – With a flurry of hard core issues presently on the drawing board such as the Fire District Bond, amendments to the Sedona Community Plan which will increase land development density, and the increase of Sedona City sales tax, maybe it has or has not been an oversight to more prominently address the current “Citizen’s Survey” which was mailed to a select number of Sedona City residents.

Not having personally received the survey, several outside contacts related concerns with some of the questions, which resulted in obtaining a copy of the survey via online research and which, with approval of the Editor of SedonaEye.com, is shown in a text format for informational purposes only so as NOT to be confused as an official document to be completed and mailed back to the source contracted for the research.

The results of this “citizen’s survey” may or may not have a tremendous impact on the direction of Sedona’s future. However, considerable unrest exists relating to ongoing troubling changes in the quality of life for those of us who are permanent residents and who moved here to enjoy life with a small town atmosphere.

Although difficult, this informational offering is submitted without comment or editorializing – which will not prevent me from making future comments if it does, in fact, appear on SedonaEye.

SedonaEye? Who dat?

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The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Sedona AZ

Please complete this questionnaire if you are the adult (age 18 or older) in the household who most recently had a birthday. The adult’s year of birth does not matter. Please select the response that most closely represents your opinion for each question. Your responses are anonymous and will be reported in group form only.

Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Sedona:

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Sedona as a place to live
Your neighborhood as a place to live
Sedona as a place to raise children
Sedona as a place to work
Sedona as a place to visit
Sedona as a place to retire
The overall quality of life in Sedona

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. Current Progress 5%

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Sedona as a whole:

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Overall feeling of safety in Sedona
Overall ease of getting to the places you usually have to visit
Quality of overall natural environment in Sedona
Overall “built environment” of Sedona (including overall design, buildings, parks and transportation systems)
Health and wellness opportunities in Sedona

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Overall opportunities for education and enrichment
Overall economic health of Sedona
Sense of community
Overall image or reputation of Sedona

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following:

Very likely Somewhat likely Somewhat unlikely Very unlikely Don’t know
Recommend living in Sedona to someone who asks
Remain in Sedona for the next five years

Please rate how safe or unsafe you feel:

Very safe Somewhat safe Neither safe nor unsafe Somewhat unsafe Very unsafe Don’t know

In your neighborhood during the day
In Sedona’s downtown/commercial area during the day

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Sedona as a whole:

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Traffic flow on major streets
Ease of public parking
Ease of travel by car in Sedona
Ease of travel by public transportation in Sedona
Ease of travel by bicycle in Sedona
Ease of walking in Sedona
Availability of paths and walking trails

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Air quality
Cleanliness of Sedona
Overall appearance of Sedona
Public places where people want to spend time
Variety of housing options
Availability of affordable quality housing
Fitness opportunities (including exercise classes and paths or trails, etc.)

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Recreational opportunities
Availability of affordable quality food
Availability of affordable quality health care
Availability of preventive health services
Availability of affordable quality mental health care

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. Current Progress 15%

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Sedona as a whole:

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Availability of affordable quality child care/preschool
K-12 education
Adult educational opportunities
Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activities
Opportunities to participate in religious or spiritual events and activities
Employment opportunities

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Shopping opportunities
Cost of living in Sedona
Overall quality of business and service establishments in Sedona
Vibrant downtown/commercial area
Overall quality of new development in Sedona
Opportunities to participate in social events and activities

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Opportunities to volunteer
Opportunities to participate in community matters
Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds
Neighborliness of residents in Sedona

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months.

No Yes

Made efforts to conserve water
Made efforts to make your home more energy efficient
Observed a code violation or other hazard in Sedona (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.)
Household member was a victim of a crime in Sedona
Reported a crime to the police in Sedona

No Yes

Stocked supplies in preparation for an emergency
Campaigned or advocated for an issue, cause or candidate
Contacted the City of Sedona (in-person, phone, email or web) for help or information
Contacted Sedona elected officials (in-person, phone, email or web) to express your opinion

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

In the last 12 months, about how many times, if at all, have you or other household members done each of the following in Sedona?

2 times a week or more 2-4 times a month Once a month or less Not at all

Visited a neighborhood park or City park
Used Sedona public libraries or their services
Participated in religious or spiritual activities in Sedona
Attended a City-sponsored event

2 times a week or more 2-4 times a month Once a month or less Not at all

Used bus, rail, subway or other public transportation instead of driving
Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone
Walked or biked instead of driving
Volunteered your time to some group/activity in Sedona

2 times a week or more 2-4 times a month Once a month or less Not at all

Participated in a club
Talked to or visited with your immediate neighbors
Done a favor for a neighbor
Used the Sedona Hub

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. Current Progress 23%

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Thinking about local public meetings (of local elected officials like City Council or County Commissioners, advisory boards, town halls, HOA, neighborhood watch, etc.), in the last 12 months, about how many times, if at all, have you or other household members attended or watched a local public meeting?
2 times a week or more 2-4 times a month Once a month or less Not at all
Attended a local public meeting
Watched (online or on television) a local public meeting

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. Current Progress 26%

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Sedona:

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Police/Sheriff services
Fire services
Ambulance or emergency medical services
Crime prevention
Fire prevention and education
Traffic enforcement
Street repair
Street cleaning

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Street lighting
Snow removal
Sidewalk maintenance
Traffic signal timing
Bus or transit services
Garbage collection
Recycling
Yard waste pick-up

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Storm drainage
Drinking water
Sewer services
Power (electric and/or gas) utility
Utility billing
City parks
Recreation programs or classes
Recreation facilities

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Land use, planning and zoning
Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.)
Animal control
Economic development
Health services
Public library services
Public information services

Emergency preparedness (services that prepare the community for natural disasters or other emergency situations)

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Preservation of natural areas such as open space, farmlands and greenbelts
Sedona open space
City-sponsored special events
Overall customer service by Sedona employees (police, receptionists, planners, etc.)

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. Current Progress 28%

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by each of the following?

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

The City of Sedona
The Federal Government

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please rate the following categories of Sedona government performance:

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

The value of services for the taxes paid to Sedona
The overall direction that Sedona is taking
The job Sedona government does at welcoming citizen involvement
Overall confidence in Sedona government
Generally acting in the best interest of the community
Being honest
Treating all residents fairly

Please rate how important, if at all, you think it is for the Sedona community to focus on each of the following in the coming two years:

Essential Very important Somewhat important Not at all important

Overall feeling of safety in Sedona
Overall ease of getting to the places you usually have to visit
Quality of overall natural environment in Sedona
Overall “built environment” of Sedona (including overall design, buildings, parks and transportation systems)
Health and wellness opportunities in Sedona
Overall opportunities for education and enrichment
Overall economic health of Sedona
Sense of community

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. Current Progress 36%

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Cities are faced with difficult choices with limited budgets. While the City is currently working on solutions to reduce traffic, please select up to two (2) additional priorities you would want the City to invest in over the next few years:

Additional cultural facilities (museums, theatres, etc.) Additional parks and facilities (playgrounds, sports facilities, etc.)
An Oak Creek park or walk Other
Increase the walkability and bikeability of Sedona None of these
Ensure housing for those who work in Sedona

Please select up to three (3) service areas for the City to contribute additional funding in order to expand existing services over the next few years:

Recycling services Arts and culture programs
Library services Social services (senior center, food banks, etc.)
Animal services Other (please specify)
Business development services None, I’m pleased with levels of service in listed areas

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to use each of the following sources to learn about City issues, activities, events and services:

Very likely Somewhat likely Somewhat unlikely Very unlikely Don’t know

City website (www.sedonaaz.gov) and eNotify emails
Local newspapers (Red Rock News) and websites (www.Sedona.biz)
Local radio stations (100.1, NPR on 103.3 or 88.7, etc.)
Channel 4, the local government TV channel
City Council meetings and other public meetings
Talking with City officials and staff members
City communications via social media
Word-of-mouth

To what extent do you agree or disagree that each of the following would increase your use of a bicycle or walking as a means of alternative transportation:

I would ride a bicycle or walk more often if…

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don’t know

There were more off-street bike, sidewalks or multi-use paths/trails
I felt safer from traffic while riding a bicycle/walking
I had better health or physical ability to do so
I do not want to use a bicycle or walk as a means of transportation

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

To what extent do you support or oppose the City investing in creating sustainability policies and programs in the following areas:

Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Don’t know

Increasing use of alternative energy sources
Encouraging water conservation
Fostering National Forest stewardship (trails, access, etc.).
Increasing recycling services
Developing plans to meet the goal of zero waste in Sedona
Requiring higher green building and development standards

To what extent would you support or oppose the City of Sedona encouraging growth in the following types of businesses/industries?

Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Don’t know

Technology (i.e., life science, R&D)
Outdoor recreation
Tourism (i.e., hotels, restaurants)
Healthcare (i.e., pharmaceutical, hospital, medical offices)
Arts and Entertainment (i.e., graphic design, interior design)
Light warehousing and distribution (i.e., truck operators, stock clerks)

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Our last questions are about you and your household. Again, all of your responses to this survey are completely anonymous and will be reported in group form only.

How often, if at all, do you do each of the following, considering all of the times you could?

Never Rarely Sometimes Usually Always

Recycle at home
Purchase goods or services from a business located in Sedona
Eat at least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables a day
Participate in moderate or vigorous physical activity
Read or watch local news (via television, paper, computer, etc.)
Vote in local elections

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Would you say that in general your health is:

Excellent

Very good

Good

Fair

Poor

What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on your family income in the next 6 months? Do you think the impact will be:

Very positive

Somewhat positive

Neutral

Somewhat negative

Very negative

What is your employment status?

Working full time for pay

Working part time for pay

Unemployed, looking for paid work

Unemployed, not looking for paid work

Fully retired

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Do you work inside the boundaries of Sedona?

Yes, outside the home

Yes, from home

No

How many years have you lived in Sedona?

Less than 2 years

2-5 years

6-10 years

11-20 years

More than 20 years

Which best describes the building you live in?

One family house detached from any other houses

Building with two or more homes (duplex, townhome, apartment or condominium)

Mobile home

Other

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Is this house, apartment or mobile home…

Rented

Owned

About how much is your monthly housing cost for the place you live (including rent, mortgage payment, property tax, property insurance and homeowners’ association (HOA) fees)?

Less than $300 per month $1,000 to $1,499 per month
$300 to $599 per month $1,500 to $2,499 per month
$600 to $999 per month $2,500 or more per month

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Do any children 17 or under live in your household?

No

Yes

Are you or any other members of your household aged 65 or older?

No

Yes

How much do you anticipate your household’s total income before taxes will be for the current year? (Please include in your total income money from all sources for all persons living in your household.)

Less than $25,000

$25,000 to $49,999

$50,000 to $99,999

$100,000 to $149,999

$150,000 or more

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please respond to both questions:

Are you Spanish, Hispanic or Latino?

No, not Spanish, Hispanic or Latino

Yes, I consider myself to be Spanish, Hispanic or Latino

What is your race? (Mark one or more races to indicate what race you consider yourself to be.)

American Indian or Alaskan Native

Asian, Asian Indian or Pacific Islander

Black or African American

White

Other

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. Current Progress 92%

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

In which category is your age?
18-24 years 55-64 years
25-34 years 65-74 years
35-44 years 75 years or older
45-54 years

What is your sex?

Female

Male

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. Current Progress 97%

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Do you consider a cell phone or land line your primary telephone number?

Cell

Land line

Both

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. (END)

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734 Comments

  1. West Sedona Dave says:

    @Truth

    Just a heads up, you do understand all city governments must allocate their monies to project?…..Even if the whole project is covered by grants or any other funds…

    So its very possible with books to make it look as they are over budget while grants have been applied for and accepted as so!

    But you rather set your hair on fire, then look into the real facts, or understand how community government works…

    Got it!

  2. @west Sedona Dave says:

    No you got it wrong. The budget has all grants and other money in it.

    What is the deal about catching hair on fire? That is bizarre but so are you. GOT IT!

    NO VOTE on homerule!!!

  3. Robert Smith says:

    I have an idea, since there seems to be all sorts of different and opposing information thrown around on this site. Let’s ask Ms. Eddie to do what she does best – ask for the real facts and publish her findings here. Like for instance does a no vote on home rule only affect the chamber contract, which I am all for. Or does it affect other city services, like police and fire and code enforcement? I would like to better understand the situation and so far no one on here has any real info. Eddie, would you mind helping your SedonaEye readers out with some validated facts and information? Please!

  4. F.Y.I. says:

    Your ignorance is showing, West Sedona Dave.

    The real facts are the City’s budgeted expenditures ($47,752,118) exceed Estimated Revenues ($37,762,477) by $9,989,641. In other words, the City of Sedona has a budgeted negative cash flow of $9,989,641 for the current fiscal year. See RED ROCK NEWS’ May 24 and 31, 2017 PUBLIC NOTICES. The City’s FY 2017-2018 budget is published for everyone to read.

    Truth is, the City needs to live within its means.

  5. @Robert Smith says:

    What a great idea! I would support Eddies facts 100% oh BTW the fire department is not part of the city but from what I have been told, EVERYTHING ELSE WOULD BE OPEN TO BEING CUT. Eddie, what’s your take????

  6. Jessica says:

    In my opinion the chamber of commerce Steve’s lodging club is stealing the quality of life for the residents and are creating a more difficult playing field for the legitimate business owners.

    Decent people wouldn’t do that. Real businesses wouldn’t be taking hand outs. Maybe because they aren’t really trained in what they have. Like steve, he went from dog food salesman to owning a tiny B&B. Jen was a waitress. I won’t vote for any these nor will I vote for home rule. Getting rid of home rule will only make city hall stop the insane giveaway to so called non profits. Vote no on home rule. The city will have to stop being fast and free with taxpayer’s money.

  7. @West Sedona Dave says:

    What the heck are you talking about?

    “Just a heads up, you do understand all city governments must allocate their monies to project?” (what “project”?)

    Say what? And just where is your factual backup to prove your allegation?

    If it smells like a rat and acts like a rat, it must be a rat. How about you and your comrades instead of blabbering gibberish without proof, as you continue to accuse others contrary to your questionable rants of doing, either practice what you preach or crawl back into your holes for permanent hibernation.

    And BTW where in the word did the idiot come up with the comment that 99% of the people living in Sedona love it here? What is the factual source of that fairy tale? Is it fear of losing control over our lives that’s driving you to panic? That’s OK though because panic often causes people to become careless and sloppy. That’s the upside of your desperation.

    NO to Incumbents; NO to Home rule

  8. Steve segner says:

    Robert Smith I am hosting a meeting on home rule April 10 at 8:30 at the Sedona rouge I’m going to have theCity manager come and talk about home rule and how it will affect the city and also about the upcoming $30 million traffic plan financed by the half cent sales tax

  9. Information says:

    Arizona’s local governments Roughly 17,000 local governments operate
    within Arizona’s borders.

    These include counties, municipalities (cities and towns), and districts. There are also 21 tribal governments in Arizona. However,the latter derive their authority from the national government and are largely beyond the state’s control.

    Local governments are not sovereign governments. Rather, they are “creatures of the state.” According to a principle known as Dillon’s rule, local governments can exercise only the powers expressly granted to them by the state’s constitution and laws. Some local governments enjoy greater autonomy through home rule.

    The city council has proven they are NOT working in the best interests of the residents, property owners. for years. They have blatantly given away millions of dollars, degraded the quality of EVERYTHING in the city limits. We have become a day tripping one time visit while the residents are imprisoned in their houses because of the traffic.

    VOTE NO home rule they have proven to you over and over they are NOT managing things correctly. VOTE NO. They need MORE controls not less. They do not deserve the freedoms of home rule. They have not earned it.

    Control city council Vote NO on Homerule

  10. R (nothing else for you) says:

    Is it me? Did Segner hijack the men’s meeting as his? This politicking & that’s what it is strikes me & others wrong. Don’t like feeling manipulated on my time & my dollar. Most of us don’t even live in the damn city. Deal with city only when have to & care less how the budget is spent. No one overworked there & seem well paid. That’s more then I need to know & I know it already. Give us a break.

  11. Robert Smith says:

    Thanks for the information Steve. I will try to make that meeting. I still think it would be helpful to have a trusted source of accurate information posted on this site by Eddie.

  12. West Sedona Dave says:

    (Available online – google cottonwood budget 2017) with partial text below:

    The disparity between each is marked. In 2010, there was an approximate $90 million difference between the original budget, $132,562,405, and the actual budget, $41,818,105.

    Upon seeing this figure, taxpayers might think, “The city saved $90 million” and immediately wonder where the money is. This line of reasoning is incorrect, however. According to Rodriguez, both the original and revised budgets are both “snapshots of a place in time” and wish lists, representing what the city could receive in funds and what it might spend them on.

  13. Who Cares? says:

    Steve segner says:
    March 20, 2018 at 4:09 pm

    ” I am hosting a meeting on home rule April 10 at 8:30 at the Sedona rouge I’m going to have theCity manager come and talk about home rule and how it will affect the city and also about the upcoming $30 million traffic plan financed by the half cent sales tax”

    As if the City Manager would consider saying anything other than how we will suffer if spending is controlled. And, of course, what better scare tactic than using deferment of traffic improvements.

    Why won’t he be discussing cutting pork spending to Red Earth Theatre, funding special events at city owned property, and, especially reevaluating the outrageous and wasteful contract with the chamber of commerce?

    Oh, no, here come the scare tactics instead of offering valid cuts to wasteful spending. If traffic and road maintenance had been put on the front burner a long time ago there perhaps wouldn’t even be a need to consider voting against Home Rule. However, that isn’t the situation – AT ALL.

    So toot your horn fictitious Segner (or whoever you are) as you clearly made a point comments with your name aren’t even from you!! And you call yourself credible? And as for the City Manager, wasn’t he the one who extended the City/Chamber contract to SEVEN YEARS? And why won’t he be discussing that, issue, alleged “Steve Segner?” Both of you appear to be a source of the problem with absolutely no valid solutions to real problems which begin but not end by terminating the contract with the Chamber. Then maybe people might be more in favor of supporting Home Rule. Ever think about that, Stevie and aliases?

  14. Steve segner says:

    R
    Yes my meeting , I am getting the word out on yes on home rule I have made it my project this year. And JJ all company’s and cities charge departments over head for main office functions accounting 101.still no answer from Tony on how he will run SEDONA with $12,000,000 less and improve services.all road work and traffic support will stop and sewer fee will go up because they’re Fees and the cap does not count. Just FYI

  15. @who cares says:

    Omg
    You need mental
    Health attention….Think aboutit ok..

  16. Way To Go! says:

    Yea Man, let the unknown Steve segner (refer to his comment on SE over a year ago) push to maintain Home Rule. That quite possibly will wake up the voters since it seems Mr. Unknown Signer has his hand in every pot at City Hall. Just in case this current imposter IS the “real” SS whatever he recommends is a good reason to vote AGAINST it! Why? Because he’s the force behind ALL THOSE $$$$ going to the “regional” Chamber of Commerce! Ya want facts? Ya got ’em.

  17. M Mallon says:

    segner is under the impression that if you have a government office with 18 people in it, 16 of whom browse facebook, play solitaire and go to meetings all day, if you cut half the staff your service will decrease. No, you just decrease the payroll and overhead costs by half. The level of service does not change, as they were not providing a service anyway.

  18. @M Mallon says:

    Spot on!

  19. Eddie S. Maddock says:

    Due to controversy relating to Sedona’s recent half percent increase in sales tax, the following communication was received from Mayor Sandy Moriarty which is a timely reminder to the public in general. Thank you, Mayor, and I hope you find my method to convey your message appropriate:

    “Eddie,

    I’m hoping that you are aware that the “Sedona sales tax of 10%” is not all Sedona tax. Our portion of the tax is 3.5%, the rest is state and county, and the Yavapai & Coconino rates are different. La Paz County has the highest state/county rate, at 7.6%, with Coconino coming in second at 6.9%, while the Yavapai rate of 6.35% is in the bottom third. Only one county is under 6%, Mohave, at 5.85%. So many cities and towns in Arizona have rates similar to Sedona’s overall rate. In the Verde Valley, Camp Verde has the highest local retail tax of 3.65% and Jerome has a rate the same as Sedona, 3.5%. The other two incorporated municipalities, Cottonwood and Clarkdale, have rates of 3%. Perhaps you will also consider sharing that information.

    Thanks,
    Sandy”

  20. senile Steve segner? says:

    Steve segner keeps asking the same question over and over just like some senile old person. No matter how many people answer, he keeps asking. Steve, as nicely as I can say it, you’ve asked that question too many times. (deleted by editor)

  21. @steve Segner says:

    Haha r u legal??????

    City manager ????? scamo imo to much money man

  22. Mrs Roger Thomas says:

    To M Mallon:

    Let’s be clear, you are assuming a lot when you say:

    “16 of whom browse facebook” That sir, is an assumption.
    “play solitaire” That sir, is also an assumption.
    “and go to meetings all day”, and this too is an assumption although I’m sure not far from the truth because, THAT MAY BE PART OF THEIR JOB!

  23. @ M Mallon says:

    Hey just because that how you operated when you work doesn’t mean the rest of the world doesn’t have a work ethic….

    Don’t project how you operated on others..

  24. M Mallon says:

    @Mrs Karen Thomas

    “work ethic…”

    Everyone knows if you really want to work hard you take a government job. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

    ““and go to meetings all day”, and this too is an assumption although I’m sure not far from the truth because, THAT MAY BE PART OF THEIR JOB!”

    We know how much gets accomplished when you are in meetings all day. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHH
    ROFL

    Sedona City Employees work 4 days a week Monday to Thursday, with 8 Monday Holidays, two weeks paid vacation and two weeks paid leave the FIRST YEAR OF EMPLOYMENT. Then the few days they are actually in the office they “go to meetings all day”. !!

    They will not be missed. Reduced service indeed !!!

    Thanks for proving my point !!!!

    No on Home rule !!!!

  25. Tony Tonsich says:

    “Meetings are a part of their job”, referring to Sedona City employees.

    Like $15,000 spent in the last fiscal year for “CoachingProfessorsdotcom”

    “Our company assists participants to revive their old, often forgotten life passions and to discover or re-discover their life purpose. We coach participants in planning and moving forward towards their goals and ultimately their life purpose. Self-management strategies, how to place the reactive mind under control and how to create what is most important in your life is all part of what participants learn in the “Achieving Your Life Full Potential” Series.”

    Or lunch with Mayor Sandy at Mariposa on the city credit card.

    Or Seminars, in Phoenix, San Diego or New York City.

    If you want proof and details I got this information from information requests I made to the city.

    We could cut spending in half, not touch the Police department and not even notice a minute drop in service.

    Don’t believe the fear , we need new leadership and NO on Home Rule.

  26. West Sedona Dave says:

    So to all the great minds at the Sedona eye.

    So by voting No to home rule……what will it accomplish?

    Very simple question, so it should be a very simple answer?

  27. Mike H says:

    There is theory in aircraft design. Add lightness. What is not there doesn’t weight anything, doesn’t cost anything and can’t fall off.

    If the City of Sedona was an aircraft, it would be way over budget, too heavy, way behind schedule, ugly and not be able to fly. Time to start with a clean sheet of paper.

    No to home rule. No to incumbents.

  28. Transparent $$$$$$ says:

    It is so transparent that ____ is getting money for his businesses enrichment without having to earn it.

    He rants, raves creates smoke and mirrors trying to convince you all the the chamber deserves this money. WELL folks the chamber is being enrich at the COST of your quality of life.

    NO CITY gifts bed taxes to membership-chamber! The chamber has received $8,623,708.00 from the sedona taxpayers since 2013 for their association members private enrichment. YOU pay CHAMBER lives high!

    Vote NO on homerule. Vote O-U-T ALL incumbents

  29. George N. says:

    Re sales-tax comparisons offered by E. Maddock (3/21) as requested by Sedona Mayor Sandy Moriarty, the bottom line is more bang for the buck shopping in unincorporated areas. Easy solution including gasoline. Thx for the heads-up.

  30. Tony Tonsich says:

    What will No on Home rule accomplish?

    Lower taxes, Less day tripping tourists, Lower resident sewer fees, because rates should be based on usage, so hotels and Air B$B would pay much more, a retired person living alone would pay much less.

    If tourists pay so much, why do residents sewer fees keep going up?

    To accomplish this, you need not only No on Home Rule, but a new city council. The existing city council allowed $10 million in expenses over revenues even with home rule. Home Rule allows unlimited spending, No on home rule puts a limit on spending.

  31. JJ says:

    @ West Sedona Dave-Very simple answer it would reign the city’s out of control spending. Budget for 2018 is up over 10 million. Stop funding their bogus non-profits lined up for their tax payer handouts. Gift the chamber and lodging council zero. Vote no on home rule and cut out of control spending and gifting special interests.

  32. Ben says:

    @Mike H.

    BRAVO, BRAVO, BRAVO . . . = Standing Ovation.

    Only problem – half the half-wits making comments here won’t understand it. No names mention but a clue might be the initials SS and add “etal.”

  33. Jen M says:

    Voting no on home rule does not reduce taxes, taxes remain the same. You will not pay less in taxes. Money collected from the same taxes just go into a savings, it does not lower sewer, but most likely will increase individual sewer responsibilities, financially, cuz city money can’t be used on sewer system, since its frozen by a silly cap not related to local needs, Ask the Mayor or any Councilor including fiscally responsible Curivan. Governor Duecey says no regulations on airbnb, and cities cannot regulate airbnb differently than single family homes, so airbnb cannot by state law pay more than you and me, voting no on home rule is not a fiscally wise decision, voting in fiscally responsible citizens to serve on city council and mayor is the best choice! Let’s find and support folks to run for council that can do a better job than our existing council, and won’t be delusional with the stupid idea a no vote on home rule is wise, wake up Sedona, responsible, wise leadership is needed, not reckless thoughtless leadership that gives away local control, like a no vote on home rule!

  34. F.Y.I. says:

    What could be cut with the loss of Home Rule?

    – The $9,989,641 budgeted negative cash flow (2017-18)
    – The bloated City staff (increased from 125 to 142 this year)
    – “Create Neighborhood Connections,” $5,252,700
    – “Travel Information System,” $6,211,000
    – “Land Acquisition,” $7,605,000
    – “Bike Skills Park Phase II,” $339,600
    – “Oak Creek Canyon Management Plan,” $575,000
    – Millions given annually to the Chamber of Commerce
    – Paying The Hub to use a city facility
    – Community Service Contracts
    – Funding the Parks & Rec Department
    – Citizen Engagement
    – Economic Development Department
    – Public taxpayer funds paid to the USFS (by the Chamber)
    – Residents paying an unfair burden of sewer fees/rates
    – Running the City’s reserves/savings down
    – Accommodating more lodging units
    – Increasing the number of cars in Sedona

    There’s no thought of maintaining Sedona’s beauty or quality of life.

  35. West Sedona Dave says:

    Well, Tony I should have known you would answer wrong or lie….So which is it?

    You do know all the taxes stay the same, except the state opens an account which that money sits right?
    Any road improvements would not move forward unless the city took out bonds right?
    The sewer rates will rise as well.

    Now the silly handouts people rag about, yep those would stop……..
    Police would have a situation, so I guess huge cuts their?

    I have a feeling that Tony thinks that the mayor is all powerful?….The mayor is not, and the most power the mayor has is if city council is tied…

    The Red Rock news has done more than one article on this in the past, I suggest everyone to look them up…..As it appears that the admin here will not let us use live links to inform and educate anymore?

    Just to say no without understanding the outcome is absolutely dangerous and stupid…..But around here stupid is a badge of honor!

  36. Larry W. says:

    And why would all taxes necessarily stay the same @West Sedona Dave? If revenue over the Home Rule restrictions just had to sit in a bank, then there would be no need for that increased half-% bed tax that created so much of this fury in the first place! So it should be repealed. Then, of course, that would mean NO nonsense financial return to the Lodging Council = no city/chamber contract. Immense cuts in expenses right there. Then drop funding to Chamber Visitors Center. It would still operate as it did before Sedona became a city.

    Why that 12 million could be reduced in a heartbeat providing we had sensible council members representing us. But, of course, how can that happen if sensible people are too smart to run?

    Little doubt if Home Rule is voted down those in power would punish the voters for being naughty boys and girls and continue to fund non-essentials and special interests and leave health and safety essentials for the public in general on the back burner – just the way it is now. However, that also means it might cramp their style to some extent of being the big shots to the obvious gang they now cater to.

    Vote NO on Home Rule. See what happens. Don’t like it – then vote to approve it in the future. However, please consider letting those ruining our quality of lives that we’re mad as hell and aren’t going to take it any more.

  37. steve segner says:

    West Sedona Dave
    They live in a “Trump world” of made up facts…. They want a wall just like trump but they want it on 179. NIMBY . Why would any sane person take 12,000,000 from the city budget? City haters , city workers haters , tourist haters. City income was over 1,700,000 over budget last year. And the city can now use savings to start road projects, every city in America wood lover to have Sedona income from the bed and sales tax. The chamber get no money from the city the Chamber is a vendor and works for the city at the city direction for marketing in off season……. Tony will walk away from $12,000,000 but bitches about cell phones and a mayors lunch…. Big thinking this election is going to be so much fun…

  38. @F.Y.I. says:

    GREAT LIST! Will you please run for Council?

    BTW, another reason to vote No on Home Rule: Segner wants it.

  39. OMG says:

    Will someone be so kind as to translate what the heck some guy named steve segner posted 3/23 at 12:09 pm? Am I the only person who finds it close to being illiterate? Or, perhaps, is that guy smart enough to do that intentionally so people will read it more than once to figure out the the heck he’s saying? Anyhow, my opinion is that whatever his message is/was went missing in just reading his garbled up nonsense. Sounds like a desperate man to me, for whatever reason(s)??

  40. senile Steve segner says:

    steve segner says:
    March 23, 2018 at 12:09 pm

    “every city in America wood lover to have Sedona income”. Wood lovers steve?

    Money the city gets comes out of someone else’s pocket. Shocking, just shocking people would like to keep their own money.

    Steve, you would be wise to stop proving you are senile. Of course, a senile person would never stop saying gibberish.

    No on home rule, cut city staff. Don’t cut the police. Easy peasey.

  41. JJ says:

    @West Sedona Dave-Thanks for convincing me -I was on the fence. NO ON HOME RULE!

  42. Quotable Quotes says:

    Steve segner, March 20, 2018 at 4:30 pm – “Robert Smith I am hosting a meeting on home rule April 10 at 8:30 at the Sedona rouge I’m going to have theCity manager come and talk about home rule and how it will affect the city and also about the upcoming $30 million traffic plan financed by the half cent sales tax”

    Steve segner says on March 21, 2018: “I am getting the word out on yes on home rule I have made it my project this year.”

    According to Arizona Revised Statute 9-500.14 Use of city or town resources or employees to influence elections; prohibition; civil penalty:

    “A. A city or town shall not spend or use its resources, including the use or expenditure of monies, accounts, credit, facilities, vehicles, postage, telecommunications, computer hardware and software, web pages, personnel, equipment, materials, buildings or any other things of value of the city or town, for the purpose of influencing the outcomes of elections….

    F. For each violation of this section, the court may impose a civil penalty not to exceed five thousand dollars…”

    Read, and re-read the above quotes followed by the State Statute. Will the City Manager actually appear at such a controversial meeting with first hand knowledge the intent is to influence the outcome of the upcoming ballot issue?

    Anyone out there need more reasons to vote NO on HOME RULE?

  43. Tony Tonsich says:

    @West Sedona Dave

    “I have a feeling that Tony thinks that the mayor is all powerful?….The mayor is not, and the most power the mayor has is if city council is tied…”

    I have no illusions that I can do this by myself. Even if elected mayor, I need a like minded city council that believes the residents money belongs to them, not to the city. A council that is focused on Sedona Residents First, not the entire Verde Valley or every small entity that puts their hand out. Charity should not be a public function. There is always a limit to other peoples money. I have faith that Sedona citizens will give and volunteer without being taxed to do so.

    I need you help, I need more people to run for city council.

    WE can change things. NO on Home Rule. Putting a reasonable cap on spending is a start. We can take out town back. Don’t believe those that preach fear and hate.

  44. Here We Go Again says:

    Well, if the City Manager attends Segner’s meeting and takes a position supporting Home Rule (which understandably he does) will that be any worse than the Assistant City Manager avoiding to give up the names of those on that Citizen Engagement group who contrived the very special questions in that survey, subject of the above article?

    Unless and until Sedona ceases and desists from shadowy activities with probably the same unnamed people, trust and unrest will really be the controlling factor here. Transparency at one time was important to city councils and city management. Not anymore. Back-room deals and decisions are generally the name of the game.

    At least Steve Segner loves to be in the limelight with his overbearing and illiterate diatribes. Oh well – so he’s the Crowned Prince at City Hall. Nothing lasts forever. That he proves by his continued posts on SE after he said he’d no longer comment here. Now well over one year ago. Why should we believe anything he says or writes after that disingenuous commitment?

    They continue to tout sustainability at City Hall. Well, isn’t it about time to consider the sustainability of our quality of life which continues to sink to a new low? Apparently State Laws don’t matter in Sedona. Haven’t our Legislators already proven that with their refusal to request an investigation by the AG’s office for certain perceived blatant violations up here?

    If ever there was a time for change it’s NOW.

    Vote NO on Home Rule. Do you really need more reasons to rein in uncontrolled spending?

  45. @here we go again says:

    You are correct

    There YOU go again spouting of a bunch of hate fueled nonsense..
    Get that mental health checked!

  46. Deanna May says:

    This good advice seems to have gone viral “10% SALES TAX – DON’T SHOP SEDONA”. Thanks to those responsible. Makes sense to me unless and until city spending is returned to sane priorities and ixnays catering to special interests. Beginning but not ending with the regional chamber of commerce.

  47. @Deanna May says:

    How come I did a search of your name and NOTHING comes up for you in Sedona..(deleted by editor)

  48. @@here we go again says:

    wassah matter? truth hurt? or do ya prefer to remain in denial?

    and just who is (are) the sickos on this site? oops – not sickos but clever, manipulative con-artists and money grabbers – of course – my opinion which is more than idiots like @here we go again bother to qualify their input.

    more reasons to vote NO on Home Rule

  49. West Sedona Dave says:

    Camp Verde 10.%
    Cottonwood 9.350%
    Sedona 9.35% (before .5 cent increase march 2018)
    Clarkdale 9.350%
    VOC 6.350% (state of AZ. 5.6%-Yavapai county 0.075%)

    If people want to save on any tax, you must live in a unincorporated township!
    By doing so you will not get the services of a city….Police,Parks, or a voice.

  50. Deanna says:

    @@Deanna LMAOoooooobviously you don’t know how to use a computer or a brain & your comment reeks of alcohol, cannabis and ignorance. Apropos? Submit your name and I’ll do a search on you. BTW there are Deanna’s in Sedona and in most towns and cities because like your name it’s shared by many.

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