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?

*********************************************************

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)

Read www.SedonaEye.com for daily news and interactive views!

734 Comments

  1. Wait MaryC says:

    Wait a darn second. You may not like that the Chamber promotes Sedona to tourists but my business depends greatly on just that type of promotion. I live here and I own 2 businesses in this city. I suppose you see no value in local owned businesses but I live that life. The Chamber promoted that crazy light show on the rocks and I thought it was a waste of money well let me tell you something, MY BUSINESS ROCKED and I am not even a member of the Chamber!

    All of you Chamber haters just like to hate to hate and will never get it.

  2. @Speaking of surveys says:

    Your prediction appears to be 100% correct. As of now, 12/26 6:29 PM here are the results:

    It was great: 30.8%
    Needed to be longer: 20.5%
    Show needs to be different: 7.5%
    Did not like it: 40.4%

    So, conveniently and after next RRN next edition press time closes, the consensus is the public LOVES the latest Sedona rip-off even though initial “votes” indicated otherwise. The “unofficial” RRN poll appears to be as unauthentic as the $14,000 city survey (subject of the above article) which we are still waiting breathlessly for the results. RIGHT!!!

  3. Tony Tonsich says:

    Someone posted above “I will take credit for saying that you think that you are the smartest person on this site.” Funny stuff, the only name I saw in the post was mine. How does one take credit with no name? Not even a fake name? Roger that.

    Moving on:
    Padded payrolls? Sedona spends nearly twice as much as the State of Arizona says a city our size should spend. When the citizens voted for “Home Rule” they gave the City of Sedona the right to spend in excess of the state mandated limits.

    No bid contracts, all with no other bids or RFP’s, request for proposals. Sedona Chamber of Commerce, Sedona Hub, Sedona Film Festival. Well over two million a year total. Oh and in case you did not notice, Sedona needed about 10 Million this year from “reserves” to meet it’s budget.

    I’m sure most readers of the Sedona Eye are not as dense as the anonymous posters. I do enjoy them helping me make my points.

  4. Karen says:

    Wake up Sedona Voter

    There’s a joke I like to tell. Let me ask you this: Which is the gravest danger? Is it the ignorance, or is it the apathy of the average American today? Stumped? Here’s the answer: I don’t know and I don’t care.

  5. Well Guess What? says:

    The results of that light poll (no pun intended) aren’t in Wednesday’s paper (12/27) but going to RRN home page isn’t working so how are we s’posed to vote????? Hmmm – what’s going on?????

  6. M Mallon says:

    Imagine this situation, you hire a maid. Once you add up all maid takes in you figure out she makes more and works less than you do. You put your change on your nightstand. After a while you notice every time the maid comes she steals a few coins off your nightstand. Those are the ones you notice, she finds the coins in the couch also.

    Would you call what she does stealing?

    The maids name is Sedona. She takes a few cents when you buy gas, from your electric bill, from your cable bill, she really pads your sewer bill. Sedona also raised her rates for nickel and dimeing you , she wants to take more effective in March. Sedona and her friends party really well, why not she makes more than you do and all she can steal.

    Would you call what she does stealing?

  7. Sedona Takers says:

    Imagine you live in a state (az) that uses more money from the federal government then it takes in…..Your would call those people “takers” or “users”.

    And although they “suck up” other states tax revenue they want to contribute less and less and leech off other states…to make ends meet.

    Hello complainers of taxes and sedona government….YOU are all takers and examples of the above..

  8. M Mallon says:

    Imagine you live in a city where the highest paid people work for or benefit from the city.

    And although they “suck up” your taxes, they don’t live in the city and contribute almost nothing.

    Hello tax feeders, you are the takers. The taxpayers are tired of it.

  9. So What's Your Point? says:

    @Sedona Takers. You make no sense. The simple solution to the ongoing quest to raise taxes might be more acceptable if government, at all levels, cut out pork spending and undeserved entitlements. They could begin in Sedona with cancelling the bogus contract with the Chamber of Commerce. Take the increased bed tax revenue and seek bids from professionals for another contract where actual demands for external audits and precise return-on-investment is part of the contract.

    Next could be cancelling the asinine contract with the Red Earth Theatre, paying THEM for using a city-owned facility. In addition approving special event permits for serving food and liquor thereby competing directly with legitimate licensed Sedona businesses.

    These are only two examples of blatant give-aways. In the near future when budget expenditures are being decided, the line-up of beggars will stand before the city council, now known for their generosity throughout every non-profit in the Verde Valley and beyond.

    Why you don’t get it that it isn’t unwillingness of people to pay their fair share, the operative word here is “fair.” And unless and until we have representation willing to actually be fiscally responsible, plan on continuing complaints. Take care of essentials FIRST and then, if there’s anything left over, divide it up appropriately among those who deserve it. Simple.

  10. Oh Brother says:

    @Sedona Takers say what???? Those that paid into social security PAID IN!!!! Others are the takers @a sedona taker

  11. As Predicted says:

    RRN Poll Results: (12/29/17)

    “What did you think of the light show?”

    31.8% – It was great
    21.3% – Needed to be longer or more days
    8.9% – Show needed to be different
    38.0% – I did not like it

    Therefore indicating that at least 53% enjoyed it (great but needed to be longer or more days) Well, we’ll just have to hang our hats on the authenticity of these questionable results after at the onset those that did not like it were in the lead. Who would have thunk the end result would be what it is. DUH!!

  12. Prescott Math Prof says:

    How many voted? Was it possible to vote more than once? Mathematically percentages without a basic math equation and outcome controls are ridiculous. That’s why all polls are unscientific, baseless and are unacceptable in academia research. They are used to social engineer the uninformed. Look it up. On a side note, if you believe polls, Hillary Clinton won the election and Donald Trump lost.

  13. Dan, Uptown says:

    Well Sedona missed a gold mine yesterday afternoon/Thursday. Took 30 MINS in the right lane to get from Airport Rd to Y . Cars moved much quicker in the left lane & reason? MANY left lane cars instead of going around the roundabout were making illegal right turns FROM THE LEFT LANE!!! Stalled movement in the appropriate lane designated for that purpose!!!! Where in the (deleted by editor) was traffic cops for 2 reasons (1) to direct left lane traffic around the roundabout AND (2) to issue citations to the (deleted by editor) violators of illegal right turns?@#$%^& OMG chance of a LIFETIME to fatten city coffers legitimately and educate how to use & NOT use a roundabout. Should have been a no brainer but NOT!!!! Hey Sedona try to figure out how to run a city!!!! Can’t get traffic moving with what we’ve got now & you want more???!!! You can’t build enough roads or bypasses to solve the problems of RED ROCK MOUNTAINS THAT WON’T MOVE UNLESS YOU BLAST THEM DOWN!!!! Complete idiots in city hall.

  14. About That Damn Light Show says:

    Because the following restrictions apply to flying drones, why wouldn’t they apply to intrusive lighting on USFS lands as well?

    The following is the law, folks, and not your selfish money making scams. This latest attempt ain’t over yet. Check it out.

    Protect Wildlife & the Environment 

    Do not fly over congressionally designated Wilderness or Primitive areas as many people seek these places for the opportunities for solitude and quiet that they provide. 

    Do not fly over or near wildlife as this can create stress that may cause significant harm, and even death. 

    Pursuit, harassment, or an intentional disturbance of animals during breeding, nesting, rearing of young, or other critical life history functions is prohibited unless legally approved as research or management. 

    Follow state wildlife and fish agency regulations on the use of UAS to search for or detect wildlife and fish. 

    Launch the UAS more than 100 meters (328 feet) from wildlife. Do not approach animals or birds vertically with the UAS. 

    Birds are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and bald eagles are also protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act which, among restrictions for causing harm, also prohibits harassment and disturbance of bald and golden eagles.

    Reread that last reference: “Birds are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act”

    Keep Sedona Beautiful, where are you on this? Must we rely on national sources to expose this travesty?

  15. JJ says:

    @Dan,Uptown @#$% Retarted @ Sedona. Write City Council, Chamber of CommerceAKA Chamber of (deleted by editor)

  16. @sbout the damn light says:

    &about the damn light

    Your hilarious…..like you care anything about federal lands ….
    Your were the first to fight the National Monument destination …

    Your care nothing about federal lands and you hate all government..
    As I said you are Self Serving hilarious and are a liar …

  17. M Mallon says:

    Delusional imbeciles giving orders and dishonorable cowards mindlessly executing them. That is the setup we are dealing with. They are burning the furniture to keep warm, only concerned about the present moment. More tourists dollars today, no thought of destroying Sedona’s reputation or quality of life.

  18. Susan Sedona says:

    Too funny. The sap that attempted to take on the comment from About That Damn Light Show enhanced the information presented regarding area restrictions for drones. Seems the facts hit too close to home? @sbout the damn light? My guess is the one and only laser light performance had it’s final curtain call in Sedona.

    And about the reference to the National Monument, once again a sad attempt at comparing apples & oranges. Don’t forget folks, the area east of the Broken Arrow Forest Road is already designated “Wilderness”. Translated: OFF LIMITS! DIG?????

  19. @susan sedona says:

    @susan sedona

    Oh all that B…..ing you’ve been doing here on Sedona eye regarding fake dead birds and all the other fake outrage you’ve been posting under different names…..has been just that FAKE

    Your self serving comments are far more ridiculous then the light show.

    You dig!!!!!????

  20. About That Damn Light Show says:

    MESSAGE TO @sbout the damn light says December 29, 2017 at 10:32 pm

    You write – – – “Your were the first to fight the National Monument destination …”

    And just where did you get that information since clearly you do NOT know who I am. Never thought it possible that dumb could be exceeded by stupidity but that IS one thing you proved me to be wrong on. OMG just when you think you’ve heard them all!

  21. Eddie Maddock says:

    @Dan, Uptown. Thank you for an accurate accounting of the traffic mess on Thursday afternoon (12/28). Funny thing is when I left for an appointment in Cottonwood earlier in the day I felt pretty smug being able to conveniently take the option of VOC via Beaver Head Flat, avoiding the ongoing traffic backup headed north into Sedona on SR179. Figuring it would be equally as clever to return through West Sedona, I continued my detour via Dry Creek Road to Thunder Mountain, then zig-zagged all the way to Airport Road where I connected with 89A. What a surprise there was in store.

    However, turning left to complete my journey, I remained in the right hand lane, even though cars to my left were obviously moving through the “Y” intersection more quickly. However, because SR179 was my destination, my belief was (still is) it was more considerate to stay put and not attempt merging back into the right lane further down if my option had been to move to the left lane.

    Clearly there were many, many more who did not think that way and so managed to save a few minutes by illegally merging with traffic within the roundabout to turn right onto SR179. It was unfortunate there wasn’t traffic control. It could have been one easy solution to a bad situation. Oddly enough it appeared very little traffic was continuing from 89A to the uptown area at that time of day.

    Funny thing was, once onto 179 even in front of Tlaquepaque traffic was moving comfortably as it was on both sides of that State Route, at least all the way to my destination on Morgan Road.

    Yes, it was an unexpected and not so pleasant surprise. Funny thing is my policy when possible is to plan on staying home when anticipating high-traffic days in Sedona and Thursdays generally aren’t so bad. WRONG!! Oh well. My current intention is to stay put in my own little corner of the world until next year!!

  22. JJ says:

    Tony T for mayor. We have a voting block just waiting to get you in. We love you Tony T!

  23. steve Segner says:

    yes, Tony please run it will be fun a voting block or six people using six names . I love elections…

  24. West Sedona Dave says:

    I urge any and all to run for political office…..Because pissing moaning and non-stop complaining solves NOTHING!

    And there sure are a lot of nothings spouting off, and not having a single clue how local government runs or works!!!

    So please, even the twits should run!….You got all the answers, and are legends in your own minds!

  25. @West Sedona Dave says:

    For once we agree on something @@@ I urge any and all to run for political office…..Because pissing moaning and non-stop complaining solves NOTHING!…..

    That for sure is the ONLY way Sedona will have positive changes and be redirected.

    PLEASE TONY T Run for City Council. Probably your chances for a council seat will be better. Recalling that first election when Sandy Moriarity ran for mayor, S Segner went on record to dig up dirt on her opponent Cliff Hamilton. Then the RRN did a hatchet job editorial at the 11th hour without giving CH an opportunity for a rebuttal. Plus four years of your logical thinking would be great. If you are a lone voice it will do no good.

    Sedona needs change. At least four voices OF AGREEMENT to pull out of the quicksand sink hole we’re in.

    Thanks West Sedona Dave again. GREAT SUGGESTION.

  26. Sedona Keith says:

    point 1: Democrats according to national nonpartisan poll don’t have prob w/voter fraud (Republicans are opposed) WTF??? is wrong w/u Democrats ??? I’m one & it sickens me to read a majority of you don’t care ??? Third world country attitudes??? Dictators attitudes???? What’s wrong w/u??? This ignorant survey proves somethings wrong w/u.

  27. steve segner says:

    dig up dirt on her opponent Cliff Hamilton?. or just what Cliff said?,!, Tonys Posts I am sure will help him, unless someone facts checks them.. good luck Tony.

  28. Sedona Keith says:

    forgot to mention this

    https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/2-protesters-in-iran-killed-as-social-media-apps-blocked/ar-BBHyZnQ?li=BBmkt5R&ocid=spartandhp

    U.S. Democrats, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe approved countries like Iran and China and Russia and N Korea restricting their people’s access to social media/internet apps/use according to a survey. See Who Approves Government Controls of Internet & Social Media.

    You Democrats of today are (deleted by editor) scary (deleted by editor). Reverting to roots as the party of the Nazis. (deleted by editor) you (deleted by editor)

  29. Jerry, Legitimate Sedona Voter says:

    @steve segner, sounds as if you will be the one to be doing a “fact(s) checks on them” (Tony T.) Is that a threat or a promise or both? As if we all don’t know the answer to that one. My guess is Mr. S is already digging into digging up dirt on Mr. T. Candidates unrelated to the the Chamber Gang/Lodging Council, be prepared and beware. History is bound to repeat IMO.

  30. Mrs Roger Thomas says:

    steve segner talking about facts and fact checking, that’s a hoot.

  31. Mrs Roger Thomas Question To Jerry says:

    Come on Jerry, how can you say that about Tony T? What dirt do you think that those folk would find on such an upstanding citizen?

    As for that person who ran against Mayor Sandy 4 years ago and lost big time, like it or not (deleted by editor). If that person felt that he was such a great candidate, he could have run against Mayor Sandy in 2016 but he nor anyone else chose to.

  32. Tony Tonsich says:

    Happy New Year !!

    Blessings and Joy to all. Let’s all pledge to make the beautiful place we live and the world a better place in 2018.

    Join me, we can change things !!!

  33. GREEDY PIGLETS says:

    The tourists trash the roads like pigs Our over invited guests of the greedy pigs on the Council and the dark chamber.
    Your going to implode the city and it will be a welcome moment, keep up the good work. Destroyed by your own hand.

  34. @@Tony T 12/23 says:

    @Tony T says December 23, 2017 at 3:30 pm

    “You and others keep saying that sewer rates were promised. Well, Mr Know it all, future councils do not have to honor any promise made by a prior council. So if a promise was made in 2000 by the then council, the next council can not be held to it.”

    Very good point @@Tony T because it means that a majority of new members on the city council could readily cancel that idiotic, frivolous, money-wasted, stupid, moronic, outrageously costly service contract with the chamber of commerce! It’s the affiliates of the chamber ONLY that benefit from the dumb deal. City gets nothing of value, no matter how they try to justify it. Time for it to go along with those who continue to allow it to happen. 30-day cancellation should be immediately put in action by new council. Same as those that wiped out the pledged money for the wastewater plant.

  35. Response to Mrs. Roger Thomas says:

    You ask “Come on Jerry, how can you say that about Tony T? What dirt do you think that those folk would find on such an upstanding citizen?”

    Answer….

    No Mrs. Thomas, I’m acquainted with neither Tony T nor Steve Segner and know nothing of Tony T’s background or past activities. I’m extremely impressed with him because of his articulate contributions to SedonaEye, grasp of Sedona’s history and present direction and projected solutions to a really declining quality of life that residents of this once desirable community no longer enjoy. Any more questions?

    – Jerry, Legitimate Sedona Voter

  36. JJ says:

    @@TonyT

    If you want a true indicator check the population growth of the city of sedona. While Cottonwood and Camp Verde have beeen increasing sedona has stifled. Now look at the growth of the chamber of commmerce and the sedona city government they have been growing at an alarming rate. Get the message. Screw the citizens of sedona. Thank you very much.They should all croak.

  37. West Sedona Dave says:

    Wow JJ,
    You sure do twist yourself into knots?….Bet your killer at Twister?

    So do we have a traffic problem or not?….Are we land locked or not?…..You would be happy with Cottonwood growth to Sedona?…..You know that small city crap the wingnuts yap about here all the time?

    No that’s right, the glass is half empty in your hollow empty world, so you just spout off to feel good……There are Meds, and Dr.s for those kinds of problems!

  38. Get Real says:

    Although Sedona’s population is stagnating, it’s median age is not. According to the City of Sedona 2016 CAFR (Comprehensive Annual Financial Report), the median age of 50.5 in FY 2009 is 58.0 in FY 2016.

    Sedona is becoming a yawn. The City has been sold to tourism, and its quality of life is declining.

  39. Hehe says:

    you are so funny @west sedona Dav

  40. Washington Post story - tourism says:

    Hawaii is in trouble with a record number of tourists.

    But these record arrivals haven’t come with record spending. Adjusted for inflation, today’s tourists are more frugal than their predecessors.

    “We have put all our eggs into one basket, and that is tourism. But not everybody who lives on this island wants to work in the hotel industry, and it’s almost impossible to feed a family here working as a farmer,” Lyte quoted Maui County Councilman Alika Atay as saying.

    “We are now seeing drastic displacement of young people leaving Maui because of a lack of economic opportunity,” Atay told Lyte.

    Bonham agreed that heavy reliance on tourism had foreclosed other options….

    Read the story in full, Sedona City Council. Today’s tourist is not what Sedona mission wants or needs…no more mass advertising to cheapos…

  41. Tony Tonsich says:

    @Washington Post story

    The Sedona Chamber’s and the current city management’s motivation is money. In a beautiful place like Sedona people are going to want to visit. In being motivated just about money and tax they are ruining Sedona for both the tourists and residents.

    When I moved to Sedona over 25 years ago it was the most expensive town in Arizona. It’s not any more. The biggest indicator is while the population in almost every city in the world had gone up, beautiful Sedona has gone down by about 10%. That indicates a failure of leadership. What do our leaders in the the City and Chamber propose? Doing more of what failed.

    We need new leadership. Join me, we can change things.

  42. Big Surprise - NOT!! says:

    “SURVEY: 90% rate city as ‘excellent’ or ‘good'” – Red Rock News 1/12/18.

    Yep – a whopping 505 Sedona residents responded but how many were actually registered Sedona voters? Makes one wonder because the ongoing cry for “affordable” housing in the past seems to have come from those complaining they live in outlying areas and can’t afford to live in Sedona? Hmmmm – curious how that outcry continues when the average drive from Cottonwood for example is 15 minutes – city limits to city limits.

    An it failed to mention how many mailings did it take to acquire the 505 responses and were any duplicate responses? We already know that survey was mailed out at least twice. And it might be remiss here to leave out a profound quote from City Manager, Justin Clifton: “I think the survey is a good representation of general public opinion. In some cases it confirms what we already believed. More importantly, we discovered numerous instances where general public opinion is very different from the opinion of those we hear from most.”

    (Hmmm – curious. Don’t they mostly hear from Chamber of Commerce director/members and those individuals from other special interests who generally control council meetings?)

    But he is probably correct. The silent, apathetic majority who don’t even bother to vote need not bother to complain about traffic, proposed high-density development, wasted money for unnecessary Sedona, promotion and marketing, and various other foolish nonsense that will continue. Why? Because they can.

  43. Newcomer to sedona says:

    @Big Surprise

    Perhaps the survey was correct and jaded hate filled people like you are insignificant. Perhaps see good instead of evil in ALL things Sedona.

    Actually you should sell you house(if you even own one) move out of town and let people who live it here move in.

    Bye bye and don’t let the door hit you in the you know what.
    There a lot to hate in other parts of the state…..go on out and find it

  44. steve Segner says:

    “SURVEY: 90% rate city as ‘excellent’ or ‘good’” – Red Rock News 1/12/1805 to 6 Sedona Eye, negative view of the world” looses”.

    City council now has clear view of what residents and workers want.
    Housing , jobs, roads, and visitor support. (trails)
    P. S. Tony had to chuckle at you comments to council just for the record,
    city need to go to a five day week.
    Tony:
    4-10 hrs day =40
    5-8 hrs dates =40.
    Do the math. count to 10 four times!
    Starting early help builders and residents, working late help with meeting that run past 5:00 p.m.and council meetings and residents after work.
    It also let crews clean up town,early a.m.

  45. Survey ??? says:

    so only 454 answered that they thought sedona was okay. We all know about the double dippers 10-15 answers from the same takers aka those being enriched by taxpayer funding. Taking credit for all sales tax. Who would answer those stupid questions on the survey……..city hall most likely made the answers what they wanted by removing surveys from their equation.

  46. Good Grief, Charlie Brown says:

    It’s common knowledge polls can be manipulated simply by the questions being asked. And just who composed those questions? Was it one of those Citizen Engagement Committees without names? Gee Whiz! Big surprise how the results turned out. Curious too it was the city manager and not the assistant city manager who followed up with the results.But guess what? If polls were reliable Hillary Clinton would be President right?

    BTW why isn’t the real S. Segner screaming like a smashed cat based on his oft repeated pledge as follows appearing under Business as Usual, SedonaEye:

    Steve segner says:
    January 12, 2017 at 10:51 am
    After last night meeting and the outcome, and the no shows from the sedona Eye,I will no longer need to follow all the crazy talk signing off no more posts.
    If you see a steve segner it will be a phony posting been fun so long ss

  47. F.Y.I. says:

    SURVEY – The majority of residents don’t want tourism.
    Strongly opposed to tourism……33%
    Somewhat opposed to tourism..24%

    Our town is absorbing too many tourists for the infrastructure. More cars, aircraft, people and ATV’s are crowding into a small space and diminishing Sedona’s quality of life. Residents are paying an unfair burden of the sewer rates as well.

    The City is dumping millions into the Chamber annually. With no RFP’s (Request for Proposals), last year it was given a seven-year contract with virtually no accountability.

  48. Newcomer says:

    @survey
    I answered all the questions
    I love it here…please leave

  49. West Sedona Resident says:

    yappy yap special interests yappy yap @newcomer getting $$$ or do you live outside the city-limits? Better yet member of the chamber? Bet all three and bet you are one of the sedona takers posting a dozen times on the eye, employed by the city. Stealing the legitimate residents quality of life. yappied yap

  50. M Mallon says:

    @Newcomer,

    Would you like us to leave you our house and car keys? We have already had to sell the family silver to pay the sewer fees. Sewer fees that are twice as much as Cottonwood residents pay.

    You will not have to commute to Sedona when Tony Tonsich eliminates your no work job.

Leave a Reply

Copyright © 2008-2017 · Sedona Eye · All Rights Reserved · Posts · Comments · Facebook · Twitter ·