Dear Sedona Eye Editor,

It is an honor to introduce and provide information on the Candidates running for the recalled seats on the Sedona Fire District Governing Board. These people will establish financial stability, protect our professional emergency services, and work within the limits of Board authority.

A refreshing change, indeed!

I know as the weeks roll by, more and more people will become familiar with these names and faces but for now, please meet:

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Diane Schoen

Long time Sedona Fire District resident, Diane Schoen will run in opposition to recalled SFD Board Chairman, Dave Blauert. Diane has been actively involved in civic leadership since 1994 and served on the Sedona Fire District Chapel Station Committee. Her background includes service as a School Board President and as a Manager for Scholastic Inc. where she gained invaluable experience in the monitoring of million dollar budgets.

Diane’s consistent attendance at SFD Governing Board meetings has led to her genuine commitment to the safety and welfare of the community. She has publicly addressed the current Fire Board about their repeated violations of Open Meeting Laws, illegal practices of overspending of public funds and ongoing disrespect for the public they serve.

She has stated that “The safety of our community should be the primary concern of the Fire Board while at the same time representing the public fairly and instituting a responsible conservative approach to the spending of taxpayer dollars.”

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Corrie Cooperman

Registered Nurse Corrie Cooperman will run in opposition to recalled member, Phyllis Erick. Corrie has lived in Sedona since 2008 and has been consistently impressed by the professionalism and dedication of Sedona Fire District personnel. Her observations at SFD Board meetings and her service on the SFD Chapel Fire Station Study Committee convinced Corrie the recalled members actions are threatening the quality of our fire department. Her background in public health makes Corrie keenly aware of and uniquely qualified to assess the necessity for well-trained, experienced and dependable first-responders. Corrie’s concern about potential erosion in personnel and services, if current Board policies continue, has motivated her to take a public stance to restore safety, integrity and morale.

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Nazih Hazime

Former Sedona Fire Chief Nazih Hazime will run in opposition to recalled SFD Clerk, Charles Christensen. Nazih is the current Fire Chief for our neighboring Verde Valley Fire District. It is very common for members of one district to serve on the governing boards of other districts and fortunately for the citizens of the SFD doing so represents no conflict of interest. Nazih has expressed his overwhelming concern over the disintegration of public safety at the hand of the current Board majority. His candidacy is a direct result of that concern and is an example of his dedication to the citizens of the SFD and the proud, professional employees who serve them.

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Your support of these candidates is a support of their mission to protect ALL citizens in the Sedona Fire District!

When you ballot is received in the mail, please VOTE for these people!

Thank you.