Dear Sedona and Village of Oak Creek Residents,

There comes a time when legitimate experience, formal education and proven leadership capability must trump all the baffling and babbling bluster.

That time has arrived.

Intelligent and sound reasoning on the basis of evidentiary fact – not on the basis of opinion, are mandatory when rendering life and death decisions. That’s the responsibility and obligation of ALL fire district governing Boards.

Life and death decision making.

Therefore, YOUR vote for whom to elect to make those decisions on your behalf and in your best interest, is of the highest possible importance. Your elected officials represent you. Choose with care.

Ballots for the Special Recall Election of the Sedona Fire District Governing Board are being sent by both Yavapai and Coconino Counties during the week of April 23rd. You may receive yours as early as Tuesday the 24th or as late as Monday the 30th. When it arrives, YOUR responsibility and obligation is to VOTE for those candidates most well-equipped and capable of managing your District in a fair, balanced and professional manner.

NAZIH HAZIME is a Fire Chief. He offers this community unquestionable leadership skills, procedural knowledge, hands-on experience and genuine expertise in all the workings of a fire district. It was at his hand this District was able to streamline operations and reduce the budget so substantially. More importantly, his impeccable personal and professional reputation stands on its own and requires no defense. There is no ’conflict of interest’ in his authentic commitment to all the citizens within the Sedona Fire District. He holds himself to the highest possible standards while demonstrating a true warmth, compassion and concern toward others.

His opponent, recalled Board clerk, Charles Christensen, has another complaint against him which this Board has yet to resolve. He chose not to participate in two of four public forums, the purposes of which were to inform the public of issues facing their fire District. He failed to meet a deadline for his Red Rock News interview, again dismissing the importance of communicating with constituents. During his talk at one forum, he disrespectfully referred to your Fire District as nothing more than an ambulance service. He does not deserve a seat on your Governing Board.

DIANE SCHOEN has been involved in public service her entire life. She recognizes – and has repeatedly stated – it is a privilege and an honor to be elected by the people. Her extensive formal education, her business credentials combined with her previous elected board experience will prove invaluable in conducting professionally executed Board meetings. She has meticulously concerned herself with the issues facing your Fire District and her comprehensive knowledge is outstanding. Her familiarity with budgetary details and operating within their constraints ensures well thought-out, well researched consideration of all the fiscal concerns facing this District.

In stark contrast, her opponent, recalled Board chairman, Dave Blauert, consistently demonstrates his inability to effectively preside over meetings, execute the responsibilities of his position or manage Board proceedings. Ever increasing crises of competence and acts of questionable judgment cloud any overt criticism. No one wants to shame a person whose once vital energy has waned. And while that may engender public sympathy, it is terrifying in a seat of such authority. It is time for him to step out of the public purview and retain whatever dignity and reputation remains to him.

Justin Paffrath’s candidacy – like his website – is thoughtless, ill-conceived, barely literate, frivolous and foolish. Its audacity is insulting to anyone’s intelligence. Enough said.

CORRIE COOPERMAN is well-educated, well-informed and well-able to manage the responsibilities of a seat on the Board. Her lifelong background in public health uniquely qualifies her to accurately address issues of inadequate and inequitable response times throughout the entire District. Her selfless dedication to the health and safety of all citizens has proven to be her motivation throughout an impressive career and will benefit everyone in this community. Her grasp of the issues this District is confronting has been demonstrated in public forum after public forum. Her commitment is undeniable and her direct experience with substantial budgets will provide much needed balance and competence to complicated fiscal issues.

Recalled Board member, Phyllis Erick has earned none of these accolades. She was unable to quote District response times but could recite the cost of a full-page ad in the Red Rock News. She autonomously sought legal counsel requiring a ratification vote by the Board to clean up her mess – either unaware of or entirely disinterested in – accepted procedural standards within the structure of a governing board. And when presented with budgetary documentation, her only response was, “I didn’t buy it then and I don’t buy it now.” Her repeated failure to grasp even the simplest of concepts only proves her own ineptitude for the position she occupies.

And now, YOU, the citizens of the Sedona Fire District have an unprecedented opportunity to defeat this overwhelming incompetence and bring a group of highly qualified, highly educated and highly experienced people to the table. The choice is yours.

Your VOTE for NAZIH HAZIME, DIANE SCHOEN and CORRIE COOPERMAN is a vote for: Intelligence over hype. Logic over fear. Respect over resentment.

Every single voter is important and every single vote counts. DO NOT WAIT. Vote for HAZIME, SHOEN and COOPERMAN as soon as your ballot arrives. They will not waste your time. They will not waste your money. They will not waste your vote.

Respectfully,

Sedona AZ