Sedona AZ (October 23, 2012) – The following Eye on Sedona article is penned by Vice Mayor Mark DiNunzio at the request of the City of Sedona and is submitted by the City of Sedona:

When Ginger Graham notified me that it was my turn to contribute to the City Talk column, I began to mull over subject options: What is big? What is important, what is general? What is of interest? What is noteworthy?

Many grand schemes, broad plans, ambitious strategies and worthy visions came to mind. The Community Plan Update, the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, Sedona Visioning as an Arts and Culture Education destination, all magnificent undertakings.

Yet my musings kept bringing me back to a common refrain that guides me daily when I ponder a decision or action–Mark, just do the next Right thing.

Immediately, a seemingly small project came to mind and stuck there. A small project to all except those directly affected by it–the relocation of the City’s Public Works yard that is located in Posse Grounds Park adjacent to a residential neighborhood.

Some months ago, a group of neighbors did the next right thing and told City staff and Council of their unhappiness with the noise and clutter of the maintenance yard. Staff listened, observed the yard, took action and recommended that the yard be moved to a commercial area. Council concurred. Property was found. A purchase was approved. Staff is moving towards acquisition.

Hopefully, within the next 9 months, the Posse Grounds neighborhood and Park will be free from the activity of the maintenance yard and will be restored to its intended Park ambiance and use.

This happened because individual citizens, including those who work within City Government, stepped up and– just did the next right thing.

I glow with gratitude touched by their good will; their positive actions; and, their contribution to our City.

We know that all of our grand, general ideas will require individuals stepping forward to implement them, one piece at a time, one step at a time, or they will remain idle thoughts. Over the next few years we as a community will have the opportunity to do more for our town, for our neighbors.

I trust that we will continue to come together for the common good, each of us doing the next right thing, starting now.

In just a few weeks we will have the grand opportunity to vote on the National, State and Local level that will shape our communities’ futures. Please join Barb and me in exercising the cherished right to vote. Together, let us do the right thing and vote on November 6th!

Enough from me. I would like to share with you from the writings of William Henry Channing, penned over 100 years ago, that eloquently strike at the truth of our purpose here, the Art of Living. May God continue to bless you and yours.

“To live content with small means;

To seek elegance rather than luxury, and refinement rather than fashion;

To be worthy, not respectable, and wealthy, not rich;

To listen to stars and birds, babes and sages, with open heart;

To study hard; to think quietly, act frankly, talk gently, await occasions, hurry never………….

This is my symphony.”

Vice Mayor DiNunzio concludes with the following disclaimer: These comments are mine alone and do not represent the thinking of City Council or City staff.

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