SedonaEye.com columnist Eddie Maddock
Sedona AZ (July 28, 2014) – Attention all you silly little people who would dare go against Home Rule, the Alternative Expenditure Limitation!
A letter from Sedona City Council candidate Jon Thompson, in the City of Sedona Publicity Pamphlet for the August 26, 2014 election, states “you are but a vocal minority of Sedona.” Does that, therefore, mean you really neither exist nor matter? Do you not also have the option to vote your choice for Mayor and Council Members?
Is it true you “believe that Sedona is like a teenager with a minimum wage job who just got a credit card and is buying lots of expensive stuff he’ll never be able to pay for?” So says Mr. Thompson.
Disagree with Mr. Thompson and shame on you. Apparently his version of a “vocal minority” really has no voice at all – when, from another vantage point, they just might have a more accurate assessment of the state of affairs than does Jon Thompson.
If the current shortfall of funding, for apparently foolish things such as public safety projects (sidewalks, drainage) in favor of outlandish funding for the Chamber of Commerce, Film Festival, and a growing assortment of myriad “collaborative associations” doesn’t exemplify appeasement to spoiled brats, some of whom don’t even hold minimum wage jobs, then what does?
A rising groundswell of vocal discord with current Home Rule has impacted the 2014 City Council and Mayor election
Interesting, too? Of the eight letters submitted supporting Home Rule, two are from the candidates for Mayor, Cliff Hamilton and Sandy Moriarty; three are from City Council candidates, Scott M. Jablow, Angela LeFevre, and Jon Thompson; and two are from present City Council members, Barbara Litrell and Michael Ward. All are active politicians, devoutly believing they know what’s best, and that they are the voices of authority without responsibility for consideration or respect to those who think differently than they.
But wait.
The Chamber of Commerce advocates a Yes vote on Home Rule
There are eight letters of support for Home Rule. Who, pray tell, is missing from the above list?
Well, of course and why not, also throwing in a chest-thumping rah, rah! letter for Home Rule is none other than Jennifer Wesselhoff, President and CEO of the Sedona Chamber of Commerce.
A financial boon for the Chamber should not be ignored by any means, since surely it represents the not-so-silent majority who consistently show up at council meetings with open palms for more money. Are they, in fact, the ones being handed the no-limit City credit card at the expense of the alleged “vocal minority” of Sedona?
Not only that, Ms. Wesselhoff begins her letter by stating, “We all agree that Sedona is a special place.” Now who is it that gave her license to speak for everyone, as in “we all agree?” Or is it simply because she hasn’t even a concept that the little people – who would dare to speak up about their opposition to Home Rule – even exist?
Ballots for the Sedona City elections are in the mail
Let us not overlook that six brave souls from the alleged “vocal minority” did dare to exercise their rights and submit their own letters. Their names are Julianna Stewart, Anthony M. Tonsich, Henry Twombly, Joe DeSalvo, Dana Harold Varney and Terrie Frankel. These Sedona registered voters also provided factual backup to justify reasons for preferring to vote against Home Rule at this time and, therefore, expressed their opinions.
Is that reason for a “shame on you” moment?
Of course the end of the story will not be known until the magical date of August 26, 2014, at which time the votes will be counted and the results announced.
Will Jon Thompson be proven correct in his assessment? Are those crying out against Home Rule the “vocal minority?”
For the best Arizona news and views, read www.SedonaEye.com daily!
@Eddie,
Having read the campaign brochure of Jon Thompson, which he left at my front door, it took me no time at all to recognize that he is sympathetic to the organized Sedona socialist cabal of Jessica Williamson, Barbara Litrell, Angela LeFevre, and Sandy Moriarty. And, of course, never forget that the hallmark of a socialist in office is that he or she believes that his/her own politico/economic belief-system is morally and practically superior to the will of the majority… even if they know nothing of the discipline of economics. Therefore, they never listen to the public once in office. For that reason, I can also assure all you readers that the aforementioned socialists do not believe in the process of competitive bidding for outsourced local government services. Yes, socialists probably will control the City Council after the next election which will ensure ever-increasing city debt and corrupt award of outsourced contracts which always results in questionable distribution of treasury funds (you all know what I mean by politely stating the point this way). Isn’t it just amazing that our little resort town of 9,800 has a yearly budget that rivals far larger and more successful resort towns who competitively bid out all their outsourced services and, therefore, due to their reputations for integrity in governance, can attract private sector benefactors who will contribute huge dollar amounts to joint private/public civic improvement projects? My last sentence is correlative to the fact that Sedona, with the exception of Georgia Frontiere (and Sedona ran her out of town), has never been able to entertain the investment interests of such benefactors as have the City of Palm Desert or the Colorado west slope towns known so well to all of us. Nevertheless, the next Council, after this next probable socialist Council, will find that it won’t have to listen to the will of the people either, because the US and state economies will dictate ALL financial decisions to them.
Is the City of Sedona in compliance with AZ law as concerns the Publicity Pamphlet for the Home Rule election? And, since the ARGUMENTS “FOR” by two sitting Councilmembers published in the pamphlet are not impartial or neutral, are these Councilmembers in compliance with AZ law? Is the Chamber of Commerce in compliance with AZ law in view of its ARGUMENT “FOR” in the Publicity Pamphlet?
Reference: http://www.azleg.gov/ars/9/00500-14.doc
What’s the deal with the budget spending estimates Councilman Ward used in his ARGUMENT “FOR,” I wonder? The budget spending approximations used in the City of Sedona Publicity Pamphlet for the first year of the four before the voters, i.e., 2015-2016, are $34,483,147 under Home Rule and $25,478,292 sans Home Rule. In my opinion, the $9 million discrepancy (excess) is beyond-the-pale and but one factor that will influence the outcome of the Home Rule election unfairly.
You can write in names for city council and mayor.
I suggest you write in the names of all those who wrote arguments against the alternative expenditure limitation, with the exception of my name. I don’t want the job.
Eddie Maddock would be another good one to write in. Eddie for Mayor!!! Thank you Eddie for your insights and another great article.
The voter information pamphlet also confirms on how all the candidates will vote on home rule, they are all for it. They LOVE spending other peoples money.
All we can hope is the voters wish to be informed.
“If the current shortfall of funding, for apparently foolish things such as public safety projects (sidewalks, drainage) in favor of outlandish funding for the Chamber of Commerce, Film Festival, and a growing assortment of myriad “collaborative associations” doesn’t exemplify appeasement to spoiled brats, some of whom don’t even hold minimum wage jobs, then what does?”
Just reading the letter in the voter’s pamphlet from Jennifer Wesselhoff, Chamber of Commerce, she puts the fear out there to all non-profits that if Home Rule fails they will be put out of business. Again completely ignoring the fact that HSS, Library, and other legitimate non-profits fared very well prior to incorporation of Sedona and availability of city funding.
In a way it’s maybe like controlling by intimidation which in Sedona remains pretty effective because of the threat of either funding cuts and/or menacing new methods of increased revenue like special districts, bonds, city property taxes.
Unless people are elected with the intestinal fortitude to pull in the reins of the run-away Chamber of Commerce nothing will change. Sedona residents better prepare themselves for another four years of increased amounts of free money for services from unaccountable contracts which is unfortunate since the city does selectively track accountability on other contracts (library, recycles, humane society, senior center, etc.). But why not the Chamber, Lodging Council, local Tourism Bureau tie-in? Something rotten in the City of Sedona?
A no vote on Home Rule doesn’t mean forever. This city council has managed already to enact decisions which tie the hands of new council members for at least the next three years. An outstanding display of egotistical authority?
IMO, it is imperative that those voters among us who truly love Sedona and wish to preserve, rather than develop, must vote “no” on home rule. Anyone or group receiving money from the City should receive the same reporting requirements so that the City can measure how its money is used. If the Chamber wants to include businesses outside of City limits, then it is no longer the Sedona Chamber of Commerce and should change its name to reflect that. And, as in other cities and states, the Chamber must make or break it without city money.
Scary.
In 1887 Alexander Tyler, a Scottish history professor at the University of Edinburgh, had this to say about the fall of the Athenian Republic some 2,000 years prior:
“A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government. A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover that they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse over loose fiscal policy, (which is) always followed by a dictatorship.”
“The average age of the world’s greatest civilizations from the beginning of history, has been about 200 years. During those 200 years, these nations always progressed through the following sequence:
From bondage to spiritual faith;
From spiritual faith to great courage;
From courage to liberty;
From liberty to abundance;
From abundance to complacency;
From complacency to apathy;
From apathy to dependence;
From dependence back into bondage.”
Born 1776,
Died 2012
Jon J.T. Thompson –
“Sedona residents in 2006. I earned a BA in English from California Lutheran and an MA in English from Stanford, where I held a Wallace Stegner fellowship in the Creative Writing program. I have been a Managing Editor for a major college textbook publisher, but most of my career was spent in the technical writing field in California’s Silicon Valley. I have held positions from Senior Manager through VP at several high-tech companies, including Apple Computer, Silicon Graphics, Crossworlds, IBM, and two pre-IPO startups, managing multi-million dollar budgets and staffs of up to 40. ”
Humm looks like you have some red rock dust clogging your thinking. I am not impressed with your inflated ego. A writer and an ego all rolled up in one.
To all the little sedonans, all the ones that don’t count in Mr. JT point of view,
You can make a difference GO vote NO on Home Rule.
@TH Much appreciate the recap of Mr. Thompson’s writing background. Now we know where he acquired his creative skills to berate those disagreeing with his political views. Quite a way with words but how smart is he to attack potential voters regardless of how they vote on Home Rule? He must be pretty darn confident he’s a shoe-in to be elected to city council. Just a guess.
Yes write in names for city concil.. Waste your vote..
It is a democracy and Jon is correct.. No need to cater to the Vocal Minority cause all is never well with you folks.. There’s a complaint about everything so why worry about you folks!?
As far as Tony Tonscih goes.. Don’t recall any body asking you to run.. I know your ego tells you different but you wouldn’t have a snowball chance in hell.. Do please get over yourself..
Jon has my vote for speaking the truth
@ Joe T
Thank You for Your comment, and because of it I have just put Jon Thompson on My ‘No Vote’ list just under Scott Jablow.
I’m wondering about Who really is the ‘Vocal Minority’? If You are referring to the several who make regular comments here on the Sedona.Eye, please remember one of the lessons of statistics. “For Every One Person Who Speaks Up, There are 100 Watching and Agreeing”. I would also stake a bet that 99% of the readers here are registered voters.
Is Scott Jablow the guy who accused the Chair of “Let the People Vote” of hanging a banner from her house, yet she lives in a valley and the banner was on the house with the seven arches? Why did City Hall, upon straightening out the snafu, pursue the owner of the house with the seven aches, threatening her with a fine and jail time?
If Scott Jablow can’t get his ducks in a row, then please don’t vote for him to be on the City Council.
Scott Jablow, the guy who complained about how high the previous Board of Sedona Fire’s legal fees were, while being allowed by the then chief to contact SFD lawyers and charge it to the department? Thereby running up the bill.
At the time Scott Jablow was NOT on the SFD Board.
Ok registered voter…
I’m positive your one of the people I was talking about..
You know one of the regulars..
Your just using another one of your many fake names..
I’m posting this under a couple articles as I’m not sure where the best place is.
I believe it’s time for a reality check of the “want to be players” currently trying to take over our small town. Luckily, I was on someone’s mailing list and they felt there was real value in letting everyone know so I received the following:
“Below is a paste of a ‘do-not-pass-around’ email sent by Steve Segner. Steve Segner is the President of the Sedona Lodging Council.
For those of you who are not aware: the Sedona Lodging Council begged the City Council, in conjunction with and as Partners of the Sedona (Regional) Chamber of Commerce to raise the City Bed Tax Rates which allowed all lodging business’s outside our City limits to a windfall of people wanting to not pay a higher tax.
Please Read on:
“From: Steve Segner
Cc: SANDY MORIARTY
Subject: lets meet please do not pass around
Date: Sun, 27 Jul 2014 10:39:26 -0700
We need to do something that puts Sand on the map, the hill top people are Hamilton’s they hang together butt they are few…. We need the flatlanders….
I see cliff as a life long autocrat… We need to tell that story “Sandy gets her hands dirty…. Cliff talks and talks down.
Can you get me his background? I am thinking about a large rental truck parked around town with sides with Sands posters… remember all Sedona residents go to two locations each week, Bash’s and Safeway,
Lets be smart, lets run a gorilla marketing campaign
I think Cliff will try to paint the chamber in a bad light so he can come in and fix things ,lets keep the chamber out of this, and talk about and Cliff and his imperil management stile.
I think using the “T” party as a comment would be good.
Steve”
““““
….So, there ya go folks – the President of the Sedona Lodging Council – which is a side bar or affinity group of the (Regional) Sedona Chamber of Commerce which receives, I believe, the largest financial hand out from the City – is calling most of us “Flatlanders” as in dumb downs?… And He wants to run a “gorilla marketing campaign” as he believes He is so smart when in fact he is an embarrassment to his industry, our community and only wants to negate the rest of us as being dumber than rocks in order to have the City pay for advertising he wants for free.
Now, lets look at this link: 2012-860134659-09d177ca-9O.pdf
This is the link to the Chambers 990 filing, with the State, where they clearly state: they “promote & Foster the CIVIC, ECONOMIC & SOCIAL WELFARE OF ITS MEMBERSHIP AND PROMOTE TOURISM FOR THE CITY OF SEDONA AND ITS SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES”. (never realized the Chamber was responsible for Social Welfare – but hey – call me a flatlander!)
That is just the tip of the iceberg: the 990 report, signed by Jennifer W…goes on to say “THE CHAMBER MAINTAINED 459 MEMBERS IN THE TOURISM BUREAU; ASSISTED 449 TRADE PROFESSIONALS; ASSISTED 130 MEETING/EVENT PLANNERS; PARTICIPATED IN 6 TRAVEL TRADE SHOWS AND, IN CONJUNCTION WITH AZ OFFICE OF TOURISM, SALES MISSIONS TO LOS ANGELES AND LAS VEGAS. VISITATION TO WEBSITE BY 1.2 MILLION VISITORS; IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OTHERS PROMOTED LOCAL EVENTS, RAN NUMEROUS ADVERTISEMENTS, ……………and on and on………….NO Where does this legal report mention 1000 members. The report does state that their VISITOR CENTER ASSISTED 346,00 WALK-IN VISITORS (which would equate to some average of 900 a day?) and then she would like us to believe that a few lines down when she states that: “THE CHAMBER STRIVED TO INCREASE THE AWARENESS AND PARTICIPATION OF ITS 980 MEMBERS IN CHAMBER PROGRAMS….. Well I’m just tired of quoting and oh so tired of trying to get the Chambers numbers of members to equal the 1000 Jennifer keeps quoting to the City Council.
So my intelligent friends – I’ve given you what I received…sure as hell hope you appreciate the duplicity and self promotions expressed by Steve Segner to Sandy Moriarty who wants to be Mayor – at the expense of all us “flatlanders”.
Hi Alarmed 1 and 2. While I’ve no idea who the two you are – #1 is very correct in that it was Scott Jablow – that I believe was on City of Sedona P&Z at the time – and I know that he filled a formal complaint against me for hanging banners on my home for all to see —- all the while my home is in a valley well below anyone’s line of view. He did that in retaliation against the group I was blessed to chair that pulled off the greatest public vote against a seated council and their minions in order to Not Own 89A…………..all while Scott Jablow thought ownership was a bonus to the City.
I vote No on Scott Jablow and Home Rule.
Editor,
As I also received an email and cover letter disturbingly pertaining to political behind the scenes shenanigans, I was disgusted. At this time I have commented my own personal distaste. This election is about the City of Sedona and its governance and it is not about special interest groups pockets.
Respectfully yours.
For the record I, too, was an indirect recipient of the Steve Segner “master plan.”
It’s shameful that the strong-arm of the Regional Chamber of Commerce/Lodging Council/Tourism Bureau continues to drag the reputation of Sedona to perhaps the lowest level ever.
Clearly they are terrified of losing city funding so they won’t be able to run expensive full-page ads in the “Sedona Red Rock News”/ “Camp Verde Journal”/”Cottonwood Journal Extra” special section, 7/23/14, page 2, exclusively soliciting members to the C of C, and NOT promoting the City of Sedona.
Oh, but of course, that ad no doubt was paid for with dues from their alleged 1,000 (2,000?) members? That being the case, they could carry on without funding from honest, hard working businesses who supply the taxes to fund the “City” Visitor’s Center. Another joke since that is simply more public money being used to promote the Chamber of Commerce which even refuses to recommend those businesses footing the bill unless they are Chamber members.
Your cover is blown, Mr. Steve Segner, etal. Being made aware of names of some of your like-minded cohorts is even more disturbing. Sedona’s finest? I think not. Are you people really doing anything other than turning Sedona into a broken-down “has been” place to go?
Of course it doesn’t matter, but my vote will NOT go to those candidates being endorsed by the Chamber of Commerce & Affinity Groups since they obviously support the sleazy mud-slinging campaign tactics being promoted by Steve Segner/Sandy Moriarty, etal. That includes NO on HOME RULE.
Dear JP
If giving the Regional chamber 1.3 million is not about funding special interest groups what is? The Chamber proudly announces they only promote their members and do NOT promote ‘in city’ businesses exclusively that collected the taxes.
It is rather sick and extremely abusive for the city to permit such a thing. “You collect the taxes and we will give it to those that don’t. Businesses outside the city limits. That way we make your job harder.”
I’ve seen the scare letters. Trying to scare the other non profits for vote for home rule stating that as without it they won’t get funded. Since the library, human society, keep sedona beautiful and sedona recycles do provide services that fall under health welfare and safety they have nothing to worry about.
But the special interest group- Chamber and Main street along with film festival are currently scaring the citizens into thinking ALL the non profit providing a service will be cut off. Not true.
The Chamber, main street, and film festival are dipping into taxpayers money are are SPECIAL interests. By saying NO to home rule you’ll endorse the City to get focused on health, welfare and safety. Our true NP will not be cut off, they have more to make our city better.
Stop the insane treatment.
You wrote above that :::: the 990 report, signed by Jennifer W…goes on to say “THE CHAMBER MAINTAINED 459 MEMBERS IN THE TOURISM BUREAU; ASSISTED 449 TRADE PROFESSIONALS; ASSISTED 130 MEETING/EVENT PLANNERS; PARTICIPATED IN 6 TRAVEL TRADE SHOWS AND, IN CONJUNCTION WITH AZ OFFICE OF TOURISM, SALES MISSIONS TO LOS ANGELES AND LAS VEGAS. VISITATION TO WEBSITE BY 1.2 MILLION VISITORS; IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OTHERS PROMOTED LOCAL EVENTS, RAN NUMEROUS ADVERTISEMENTS, ……………and on and on………….NO Where does this legal report mention 1000 members.
I’m asking ::::: Is this true councilors and Mayor Ron about Sedona Chamber of Commerce? I for one feel Sandy wouldn’t be party to that fellows email. I’ll wait to see what she says. She’ll say what she stands for. Sandy wouldn’t support getting money the wrong way. You can call me a voter resident thinking about this. PS I’ve never commented before this. I get local news here after stopping the Red Rock News three years ago. There’s lots of us Bill guys in town. ::::::
I also received Steve Segner’s email. Which only shows me that the Regional Chamber is a Special interest group.
When the Chamber (regional) and their affinity group (lodging council) went to the city to get City funding via their idea to raise the bed tax, I spoke up and asked the city to say no. At that time I was a Chamber member.
I spoke up and was attacked. My business was targeted and removed from the “referral” list. I got phone calls asking me to go along, “you know us”, “we know better”, “trust us”. The most ridiculous words coming out of these peoples mouth. Most don’t even live in the city limits and many don’t have businesses in the city limits. All having conflict of interest.
I watch the council meetings and hear over and over how the Chamber only promotes their members. All the ads promote them, not the exclusive city limit businesses. The city is building Chamber business using your city taxpayers money. The businesses in the city limit are not benefiting. Wrong.
Therefore I will exercise my right to vote by voting No on Home rule. If a new city council can show me they are fair-minded, focused, creating a better tomorrow for the benefit of us in the city limits, then the next time home rule comes up I may vote yes. But for now I vote no.
To our Non-profits that enhance our Sedona living such as Sedona Recycles, library, and Human Society you do provide a service that makes Sedona a better place. These groups received funding before Home Rule and will after. You add value to our city. Don’t get intimidated.
If we enable the continued abuse, scare tactics, and intimation we are part of the problem.
Jon Thompson, I find your words appalling in the pamphlet, extremely negative. I now know you are not the man you claim to be. You made my vote easy.
No on home rule.
@Alarmed 1, 2 and Sheri G
Thanks for passing along the information that Mr. Jablow was helpful years ago in having those unsightly and illegal banners removed from that house on the hill or as you call it; “Seven Arches”.
I never could figure out why anyone would want to do anything to distract from the beauty of that area or that fantastic house. I’m sure that visiting tourists who help pay our sales tax really want to drive by Tlaquepaque and look up to see any campaign banners not to mention that stupid mannequin waving.
Can you imagine the entitlement of that women who owns that house; just because she’s someone who was famous 70 years ago for doing a chewing gum commercial with her sister, she thought that she was above the law. I’m guessing that if the over sized signs came down and she didn’t end up in jail like she said then the City was doing their job.
Good for Mr. Jablow. He has my vote thanks for getting that news out.
Just Sayin’
I plan to vote NO on Home Rule but am aghast at a few statements in the City of Sedona Publicity Pamphlet.
Mike Ward amazingly states in his ARGUMENT “FOR” that the City budget will be slashed from $38M to around $21M (i.e., by $17M) if Home Rule is voted down. All these estimates are hogwash. According to the SUMMARY ANALYSIS on Page 4 of the Pamphlet, the City budget will be cut from $34M to $25M next fiscal year sans Home Rule. Please don’t let Mike Ward’s ‘inflated’ amounts influence your vote.
Barbara Litrell ends her ARGUMENT “FOR” with a request to “Please vote yes on Home Rule Proposition 429.” This is not a neutral or impartial stance. In my opinion, at the very least, the City of Sedona and Barbara Litrell are influencing the outcome of the Home Rule ballot measure.
http//:www.azleg.gov/ars/9/00500-14.doc has the Revised Arizona Statute.
Clearly the Segner plot has at least to some extent gone viral. I received it from 3 different sources. I’ve friends who also received it from yet another source.
If Segner’s plan weren’t so disgusting it might be considered comical. Translated: his suggestion to leave out the Chamber. OMG the C of C and city tax money to them is what it’s all about.
Well Chamber and Mr. Steve’s elite Lodging Council (which to my understanding also doesn’t include all of those offering that service within city limits), if you do succeed in pulling this off clearly living with it won’t be a problem for you.
Faithful Members & Believers in the C of C, can you in good conscience vote for any of Steve’s Lodging Council and the Chamber’s endorsed candidates running for city council and, especially, Sandy Moriarty knowing first hand how underhanded and vicious they are?
Wonder how the present City Council is feeling about the true workings of these people they opted to sell the residents and businesses out for?
Reading with their own eyes just how conniving and desperate they are. Or did one or more actually offer the suggested Plan of Action to Steve Segner and Jennifer Weiselhoff?
@Just Sayin’
I know that house, it’s beautiful. I thought it was a doctor who owned the house, I could never understand why anyone would think so little of our town to do that and now I see that they’re complaining because someone called them to task. I can’t believe how small minded they are.
Just like only one council candidate continues to put his sign up on the main roads so the tourists can see them when all of the others agreed not to.
I’m guessing that by voting for Rio, I could be sure that he won’t work well with the others and likes to do what ever he wants without regard for the beauty of the city.
I really considered voting for him because he’s a local guy but, IMO he thinks more about himself then he does our beauty and has lost my vote.
Sherri G
Didn’t you get voted out of office along with Frye and stooped so low as to cut salaries in half for the incoming council as your last act in office. Wow, and you complain about others. Do you really think that Sedona people have short memories?
You should worry more about Airport road crumbling down than you do about this election.
No “Long Time Resident” Sheri G. was NOT on the City Council with Jerry Frey. If you really are a “long time resident” you would know that Sheri G. served on the City Council in the mid-90’s and was never voted out of office. She withdrew her petition to run for another term when she became involved with the real “Voice of Choice” for the redesign of SR179 (1999-2000). Get your facts straight.
Scott Jablow filed a complaint with the city against Sheri G. in retaliation for her “Let the People Vote” activities. The owner of the House of the Seven Arches told me she was unaware her banner violated city code. Far worst sight-blight in Red Rock Country are the proliferating signs throughout the city. As to the council that cut salaries in half for incoming councilmembers, my memory is that Sheri G. was not on that council.
Isn’t Scott Jablow the Planning and Zoning Commissioner who seconded the motions concerning the land exchange and development agreement that gave a portion of Goodrow Lane, a public street, to the Sedona Rouge for hotel room expansion purposes? This travesty although 19 of the 20 Goodrow Lane residents signed a letter to P & Z objecting to the loss of their Goodrow Lane access to Rodeo Road.
Please do not vote for Scott Jablow.
-Tao Te Ching, If you would guide the people, you must serve with humility.
If you would lead them, you must follow behind.
In this way when you rule, the people will not feel oppressed;
When you stand before them, they will not be harmed.
The whole world will support you and will not tire of you.
Because you do not compete,
You will not have competition.
Yes for Sandy for Mayor!
Seriously, for Steve Segner to write “lets keep the chamber out of this” is a dead give away of their devious intention. If candidates can’t claim victory based on the virtue of their own merit, they attack competition with smear campaigns. Not a new concept, Mr. Segner. It’s true, the present city council who listened to this man at council meetings say repeatedly “just trust us” should be hanging heads in shame.
BTW I, too, saw the huge full page ad (@ E.S. Maddock) in the special RRN section on 7/23, page 3. It isn’t the only print ad that’s popped up recently advertising the Chamber of Commerce and NOT the City of Sedona. But then why not? The Chamber’s is nouveau riche with public funding to advertise themselves.
Beware, too, legitimate service non-profits. Don’t buy into the Chamber or other scare tactics that you will lose funding for your organizations if Home Rule fails to be approved. Those worthwhile served Sedona well and strongly prior to incorporation. The gentleman who commented he was afraid of losing his “meals on wheels” unless he voted for Home Rule is more likely to lose his shirt if city leaders continue to recklessly throw millions of dollars at the wasteful and arrogant Chamber of Commerce.
Thank you, Steve Segner, for so succinctly pointing out how truly worthless are the likes of you, your Lodging Council, and the “regional” Chamber of Commerce with your alleged thousands of members as you continue to drag Sedona down into the pit of disgrace.
PS: @Different Perspective: GREAT COMMENT!
To @Long Time Resident,
With all due respect and to assist you in an accurate depiction of history; I was elected the first time in 1992 and served my full four year term ending in 1996. Being re-elected in 1996 I again served my full four year term which ended in 2000.
I was encouraged and considered running for a third term and decided my total of 11 years (including three years as a Council appointed member of P&Z) was enough for me as an appointed and elected official. Why? Because I wanted to participate in the Hiway 179 issue and continued to return to my community in that way.
I was never “voted out” of office, never served with Jerry Frye nor did I (to use your words) “stooped so low as to cut salaries in half for the incoming council as your last act in office.”
It does seem that some folks in Sedona do “have short memories” as well as inaccurate memories.
As a true long time resident, I am very concerned about the current Council election and Home Rule issue, as we should all be, and I will continue to be. Oh, by the way the issue of Airport road is in the capable hands of our City and County and I’d have thought you surely would know that.
Anyhow, I hope I’ve cleared up some Sedona history for you and that you will allow me my rights, as a citizen, to express myself without personal attack.
Oh, by the way, my name is spelled Sheri not Sherri.
to: Cindi Jacobson – who says: “Just like only one council candidate continues to put his sign up on the main roads so the tourists can see them when all of the others agreed not to. I’m guessing that by voting for Rio, I could be sure that he won’t work well with the others and likes to do what ever he wants without regard for the beauty of the city. I really considered voting for him because he’s a local guy but, IMO he thinks more about himself then he does our beauty and has lost my vote.”
Cindi – Are you so unconscious or uneducated or blind to not realize that Many candidates have their signs posted around town —-on Coffee Pot Road and Sanborn and Rodeo and Paramount? Their names are Scott Jablow, Angela, Jon Thompson and last but not least—- Sandy M. for Mayor.
Seems like its time to call you on your one sided routine regarding political signs!
Also believe it’s time for you to understand that someone placing a political sign absolutely does not mean they can’t work with others. That’s just Nuts
OK, my dear Cindi – lets get the real facts out and what you probably do not want to know – facts that just might change your votes: Candidates Scott Jablow, Sandy M for Mayor as well as Angelina and Jon Thompson ALL have signs littering out streets! So does this mean that we all vote no on them as well? Or were you just ill informed?
Campaign Signs don’t mean a person “won’t work well with the others and likes to do what ever he wants without regard for the beauty of the city.” —-to quote you. that is the most insane rational I’ve ever heard!
OMG Cindi……please come in out of the rain or at least find an umbrella so that you can get through a very small issue of signs and get on to the bigger issues of how these people will run our town!
To Sign Counter
I’m not unconscious, uneducated or blind. But I do read the RRN and remember the letter to the editor from 6 council the the 2 mayor candidates who said that they would not post signs on 179 or 89A and Rio and Mr. Frye didn’t participate. Now Rio has signs on 179 and 89A. I don’t know Mr Frye but I don’t see any of his signs on those roads so I’m guessing that he decided to follow the others and has his signs on personal property.
Dear Sign Counter,
I must stand up for Cindi. She was correct in Her intent, just off using the word ‘roads’ instead of Highway. Rio has His signs out on the Main Hwy 89A while the others do not.
However, in all fairness to Him, He did Not agree with the other candidates that He wouldn’t put His signs up there. A bit tacky on His part. Does make you wonder about Him and what He thinks of our City, and did leave Me with a bad feeling about Him.
But if all goes as planned, Rio will soon have company when a big, old rental truck gets parked out there in view of the Hwy with Sandy’s posters on it. I had to kind of laugh to Myself when I envisioned posters on a truck competing with those two foot tall, orange U-HAUL letters.
Now Sign Counter, please apologize to Cindi because You really did know what She meant, and stop slamming people behind a fictitious name, because it says a lot about You too.
Now I have to ask what did you people think you were going to get when incorporation was voted in? Incorporation involves setting up a government control and then the rats come out of the woodwork. You gripe about the spending of those in office you yet keep putting those high spending people back in office. We had 3 members on the fire department that was controlling their spending and what did you do voted them out. My last tax form showed a 26% increase for the fire department, can hardly wait to see how much increase it will be this year. You are getting what you vote for and until the majority change this you have nothing to gripe about.
Cindi Jacobson and Sign Counter both make good points.
Cindi sides with the candidates who opted to restrict placement of political signs. Great idea considering the “Old Y” and the maze of signs that used to be planted on that hillside going up to where Fort Hyatt now stands. Talk about overkill. And that I believe is the point being made by Cindi. Too many signs on every corner of Sedona is tacky and confusing.
I admire those who took a stand to observe restrictions for signs only on private properties which didn’t force this Rio person to do the same.
More money for more signs, ads, and mail-outs? Does that mean better qualified candidates or just better qualified at raising money from special interests who sponsor them? Hasn’t one candidate gone on record saying he’s only spending $200 on this election? Tom Lamkin? Does that mean he’s less qualified to serve as an elected official? I think not.
On the other hand, Sign Counter was spot-on with the advice offered to Cindi which was: “…please come in out of the rain or at least find an umbrella so that you can get through a very small issue of signs and get on to the bigger issues of how these people will run our town!” Spot on, Sign Counter! Heed thy own words
Actually I am the only candidate for whom you will see no signs on the streets nor a vehicle. I will not clutter the streets with signs just like I will try to clear the clutter in the budget, making sure the budget is balanced, or as close to that as possible next year and then at balance by the year after. I am being fiscally responsible in my campaign as is my view on spending. People who are spending a lot on ads and signs are just proving they need to buy themselves the position or that much advertising is necessary to convince the public they might be worth their vote. A vote for me is a vote for fiscal responsibility, dependability, a vote for protecting the safety of your health and well being. I am not tied to any power group in Sedona, I am a fresh independent voice.
Robert
I think those running in the Sedona Election agreed not to put any signs on 89A & 179. Today I was in West Sedona and Uptown. I only saw Rio signs. He has them in front of Dahl & Diluca & Mexicadona.
I think Cindi is right that they all agreed to not place any on the two main highways except Rio & Fry.
I have met Rio, he was not nice, very arrogant. Not a team player.He thinks to much of himself. Since these people are suppose to represent us, listen to us, and make decisions that is the best interest of us Sedonans I would NOT give Rio my vote. Just saying if he does get in……he be to good to listen to the people. Not my choice.
Go back and look at the post on Sedona Eye. They agree not to have any signs on 179 or 89A
Love that @Robert O’Donnell, candidate
Thank you!
for Robert O’Donnell, candidate
What is your position on smart meters. Are you willing to spend funds on legal action to have them prohibited and removed?
The quick answer is look at the link to the responses on smart meter questions. I am the only one still favoring the fight over smart meters. Even Jessica on the council says it is a dead issue because they decided not to proceed for 100K in something the lawyer feels will not win. If that is the case and we can not fight further on that, I would want to at least fight to stop the threat to have an opt out fee and a monthly fee of 30 bucks. I would love to see what would happen if APS said they would replace meters with the old ones unless you call in to say you want the smart meters. One other candidate pointed out that only 26% have opted out in Sedona (yet in other areas that were allowed to opt out only 5% did so) so why should we do anything for them when 74% did not opt out. I pointed out to him that most will do what is easiest, and doing nothing and allowing the change out was that, plus with the threat of a 75 opt out fee and 30 a month on top of that, that was too much of a financial hit for most to do so. In fact, I know some that will reverse them if the fees are dropped and others that might allow the conversion if they are actually implemented.
Thus I am for fighting where we can on smart meters and also any other health and/or privacy threat any companies might throw at us.
Let me clarify two things. First, when I said you would not see signs on any ‘streets’, I truly meant just that, not just the highways but all side streets also. I actually had them change the initial wording on the post to say the candidates ‘may’ post signs on the side streets, because initially it implied we all would post them and I was not planning to do so.
Secondly, Jerry also has posted signs on 89A, at least 3 between the high school and dry creek. There was also one other place in West Sedona on 89A that I saw a Rio sign.
Anyone can contact me via my email, ROD4council@yahoo.com I look forward to a discussion and a sit down if people would like that.
Robert
Robert O’Donnell, you are a brave man to throw yourself to the howling wolves on this web site not once but twice now.
You were equally as brave to go before the City Council at the last regular council meeting and protest the additional grant funding to the Film Festival although it fell on deaf ears.
If you remain that vigilant and diligent and observe the amount of public funding the Chamber of Commerce continues to spend on advertising themselves instead of the City of Sedona (which should be the case under the recent contract for Destination Marketing) you will have raised the bar to establish a new ethical high not seen by Sedona residents and City Limit businesses for years, possibly ever.
Just a few suggested hints for monitoring Chamber self-help advertising:
*Full page ad in Special Section of RRNews 7/23;
*City web site itself which directs City events to the Chamber of Commerce, quite possibly the boldest breach of all;
*The signage at City Visitor’s Center uptown identified as Chamber of Commerce instead of City of Sedona Visitor Center which should be the case since it’s funded with City tax money even without benefit of referrals to city-based businesses unless they are members of the C of C;
*Ongoing ads in weekly Kudos publications promoting Chamber and soliciting new members;
* And most recently page 8 of (mailed coupon booklet), Sedona events being accredited to the Sedona Chamber of Commerce, a regional enterprise based on their membership base and policy to promote businesses that do not contribute directly to the City of Sedona tax base.
If taken to task it’s likely the Chamber of Commerce would claim funding is from Chamber sources other than the million plus from City. However, to this date, nothing has been offered to substantiate what or whose money is being spent how or for what purposes.
In my estimation, the most you have going for you is that your name was not included on the list of endorsements from Steve Segner on behalf of the Lodging Council and Chamber of Commerce. Based on that alone, Sir, you have my vote . . . twice if I could get away with it.
Best of luck to you Mr. O’Donnell.
Sincerely
(Ms.) Eddie S. Maddock
Sedona Registered Voter
@Robert O’Donnell
Will you be speaking publicly soon?
This is for candidate O’Donnell:
I’m sorry, why don’t you just admit it, you are not spending any money because you haven’t been able to get support from your neighbors and friends. You keep talking about being fiscally responsible and yet you don’t have any credentials or background in that field to back up your statements or even show any examples of how you would do that. Sounds like a bunch of hot air to me.
I don’t agree with your point that; “People who are spending a lot on ads and signs are just proving they need to buy themselves the position”. I think that they are trying to reach the voters to get their message out.
Aren’t you the guy who said in the Red Rock that you wanted to help with the traffic problems and then you suggest bringing in horse drawn stage coaches? One with intelligence would think that having horses ride up and down Uptown would be a big cause of even more traffic not to mention who’s going to pick up the darn poop?
The best you have to say is that you’re against smart meters. That’s a very safe comment to make seeing how the sitting council did all the work or at least the best they could. You have never once said how YOU WERE GOING TO ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING.
First, Thanks for at least reading things about me. Second, it shows people do interpret things differently. I never said anything about horse drawn stage coaches. What I said is to have a unique transit method called the Sedona Stagecoach (something to peak an interest in the name) but my vision would be some motor coach in a shape like a stage coach, something people would talk about after their visit and hear about before they got here.
As for funding, I have not asked anyone for a dime, some neighbors had said they would put up a sign on their property if I have them. I do not ask because people are struggling enough to make ends meet without donating money to a political campaign. If people had offered I would accept and make sure their money and mine are put to good use. I live in the Harmony area, only the second person to ever run from this area, and many in this area are not the rich of the area. I am retired, did so at age 57 because I could afford to do so but in no way do I consider myself rich. Having a limited income myself and seeing the job only pays 450 a month, logically it does not make sense to spend a lot on the position. Jerome candidates do not spend a penny on their campaigns, that is from the current mayor.
As for balancing a budget, I was the credit committee chair for over 20 years and had to make decision on who could afford what and what kind of alternative offer we could make if possible. I was so good that loan officers whose job it was to review loans full time would often call me to review a loan to see what my suggestion is, sometimes nothing could be offered, other times I did offer something to help them out.
At the LWV forum, some asked me how I would balance the budget, I did not have an answer at that time but spent the next weekend reviewing the 300+ page budget and did find some items that could reduce the expenses by 3.75 million, would expect we would have to see if we could reduce payroll by 2M, hopefully via not filling many vacancies if possible. Even more cuts would be necessary and would have to have the assistance of the city staff to see where easiest to cut without hurting real services. Most cuts that I see from a quick review would be capital projects, such as sidewalks and some parks. I would be open to discuss with everyone in on the budget process different ideas to resolve the use of surpluses.
Can I win this election? Maybe, maybe not. If I don’t win I can not be blamed for the problems with the council, if I do win, then I will work hard to make the council something the people will begin to be proud of for doing what the city has to do to serve its people right.
I will be on KAZM on the 18th somewhere between 815 and 9 AM. Other than that, just the Chocolate Tree on the 14th.
Aaron M Anderson-Sanders, Annie Berardini-Rivers, Sherie Mercier, and 4 others shared this article with friends.
Quoting something written by Robert O’Donnell referring to “smart meters”: “Even Jessica on the council says it is a dead issue because they decided not to proceed for 100K in something the lawyer feels will not win.” Now doesn’t that just beat all!
This city government balks at $100,000 to spend for challenging what will quite likely eventually and conclusively be proven to be a deadly intrusion and yet they continue to throw dollars at the Chamber of Commerce without any known benefits except for the Chamber to maybe acquire more members. Where is the city attorney and his advice on that one?
I’ve already returned my ballot and for sure Robert O’Donnell, Cliff Hamilton, and “NO” on Home Rule were among my selections.
Back to article.
Everyone who wrote in favor of Home Rule has something to gain from it.
Voters do not benefit.
Vote no!