SedonaEye.com columnist Eddie Maddock
Sedona AZ (July 1, 2015) – So how many are still in Sedona who lived here when voters approved to incorporate?
The few remaining must surely recall that “NO CITY PROPERTY TAX” was a huge stipulation without which incorporation might never have been given the green light. Sales tax was favored because it wasn’t discriminatory against property owners. In other words, everyone “pays to play” as has become a catchy little phrase on this site.
Back then, the story was “for only one more penny on the dollar” we will have our own police department, control development, and a myriad of amazing advantages not available under the jurisdiction of either Coconino or Yavapai County. (The fact a Coconino County Sheriff Sub Station was located on Forest Road for some reason was overlooked.)
In addition to the veiled threat of property condemnation in the event Sedona, as an incorporated city, didn’t come up with a sewer treatment plant, residents were influenced by and objected to the construction of West Sedona’s White House Inn. And with the rumored prospect that a Sizzler’s restaurant might be erected on the land west of the main Post Office, the incorporation movement advanced to approval.
Sedona AZ
In retrospect, was the White House Inn (now a neutral color) really so bad, and how dreadful would a Sizzler’s have been taking into consideration the almost lot to lot development that occurred, beginning immediately after the incorporation deal had been signed, sealed, and delivered? And, what now has that one penny on the dollar turned into?
However, those in power remain determined to “get us” property owners one way or another, as if we are somehow exempt from paying the city sales tax over and above what we contribute to the state and respective counties.
Presently proposed in the budget is $75,000 to create and implement garbage and recycling service within city limits. Translated this means an opportunity for the city to collect yet more sales tax and franchise fees from property owners.
And that isn’t a form of city property taxes? In the event this comes to pass, be prepared City Residents, to see a potential – and even substantial – increase in your monthly garbage collection fees.
Also in the future plan is $75,269 for a new city planner position to help create Community Focus Areas. This will include, of course, the defunct Cultural Park – at which time the USFS land trade necessary for the erection of the facility, also approved by voters, was accomplished with the stipulation that in perpetuity the property would NEVER be approved for commercial use.
That remains to be seen.
Be prepared for potential consideration of rezoning in all areas. None will be exempt if justification, real or perceived, stands in the way of “progress.” (That term, of course, is subjective, therefore, the meaning depends on one’s interpretation.)
Another comprehensive transportation study at the tune of $250,000 is on the table. A lot of do-re-mi being spent to be told there are too many cars on the two State Highways which serve to facilitate entrance and exit corridors for our City.
DUH!
So let the creative minds spend probably millions more to attempt methods by which to make “connector” roads through our subdivisions. Been there, done that, and guess what? Property owners wanted no part of that, the same as they didn’t care to become an incorporated city if it meant “CITY PROPERTY TAXES.”
And remember back, not too many years ago, when Arizona Department of Transportation was willing to install medians in West Sedona?
Yes, indeed.
And what happened?
Well, many of the businesses on both sides of the highway screamed like smashed cats because that would disable left turn access into their properties. They likewise balked at the idea for frontage-like roads to be provided by cooperation with adjoining business owners. The only place that occurred was the two properties facilitating the Harkins Theaters and Plaza West.
There is misrepresentation about just who it is paying taxes.
While the Lodging Council, an affinity group of the Chamber of Commerce, agreed to a half percent bed tax increase a couple of years ago, it isn’t the lodging establishments that are paying those taxes to the cities. It is the customers, patrons, visitors who book reservations, rent rooms for a specified duration, and, in turn, agree to pay the assessed taxes for the service.
Therefore, all the credit being given to the Lodging Council for adding to the tax base isn’t coming from them. It is with their consent they collect that money on behalf of the city and, at the same time, increase their own financial worth depending on amount of seasonal or annual activity based on the number of rooms they rent. They are in business to make money for their own profit. They do not work for the City of Sedona. The same is true of all other businesses.
Those businesses in Sedona collecting city, county, and state taxes likewise do so because they are assigned that responsibility as a condition of doing business in Sedona. They are also required to pay for City of Sedona Business Licenses. They are not, out of the generosity of their hearts, simply keeping records, filling out forms and remitting money as an act of kindness and charity to financially support the cost of operating a municipality.
And, again, just what is the source of the money collected by all Sedona businesses, including lodging facilities? It is people, customers, who pay money for the goods and services they receive.
To continuously praise, honor, and glorify the presumed sanctity of the Sedona Chamber of Commerce (formerly Sedona/Oak Creek Canyon Chamber of Commerce) as well as their affinity Lodging Council is dishonoring the source of the money they collect in order to rebate the percentage rate levied by the City of Sedona. To do that is a slap in the face to the people – all people – residents and tourists alike. Biting the hand that is feeding them is a mild comparison, while giving credit where it isn’t warranted only adds insult to injury.
The purpose of this city has become distorted from the original intent which was to set aside a designated area defined by City Limits. Then within that area establish a method of sustaining it by promoting pertinent businesses, with primary consideration for residents and taxpayers within those boundaries – and most of all providing services to that segment. No more. This city crosses the line by discriminating against qualifying businesses while at the same time promoting competition outside the legitimate jurisdiction.
Certainly a healthy spirit of regional unity and cooperation is desirable and should be encouraged, but not at the expense of those deserving recognition, namely the residents and businesses of the City of Sedona residing within Sedona City Limits.
Why is that so difficult for city councils, staff, and management to understand? Reflecting back wasn’t it made quite clear by the expert, Larry Harmer, when he addressed the city council at a meeting in January of this year?
Admittedly most of this is old news, but without apologizing, as the Fourth of July approaches, the time to celebrate Independence Day and justice for all, is it unfair to hang it on the line again? Fairness is not the existing policy in Sedona today when City Limit businesses are coerced to become members of a special interest club – if they expect recognition in the City financed but “official” Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center.
If businesses refuse to submit to intimidation they receive no recognition since the City refuses to dignify and earmark an “official” City of Sedona Visitor Center in support of legitimate licensed operations.
Residents continue to be chided and subjected to criticism for not paying our fair share as millions are being spent for non-essential purposes – most of which also favor pandering to special interest groups.
In Sedona the Fourth of July has lost essence of the intent. Thank you, City Leaders, for choosing a path that vastly deviates from the purpose for which Sedona became an “Incorporated City.”
Enjoy your power. Nothing lasts forever.
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Bravo!
Clear and transparent.
Thank you
Donna Joy Varney
Another good article from Ms. Maddock. With thanks for the trip back to reality from the surreal of today.
About that property where the cultural park is, why do you people think it failed? That land is sacred same as Seven Canyons. They didn’t have very good luck out there either. Disrespecting Mother Earth comes with a price tag. For believers that means much more than the mighty dollar grabbers that continue to lurk about. Be aware. You may not have the final say if abuse of our sacred ground continues. This is no joke.
Mrs. Maddock great article. Spot on. I feel that the city is enabling and endorsing abuse of the in-city businesses and residents. Thank you for standing up for all us.
Front page of the newspaper is about how they plan on making our sacred land commerical. It appears they will break that agreement also.
Yes the plans are huge for the cultural park area. Wonder how those surrounding neighbors will feel about that! And high density development makes no sense since they plan to spend all that money for a traffic study and then create another monster which will only make matters worse. It’s true. The inmates have taken over the asylum!
@ Joshua — Comrade, you just don’t understand. Traffic will be minimal because we will all get around by walking, riding bicycles and taking the electric trolley.
@ Joshua
So, you’re saying that vacant land that is zoned for development next to houses should never be developed? If a person bought their land or house next to that area expecting it never to be developed were not seeing the big picture of the future.
@Just Sayin’
I don’t recall that the Cultural Park (CP)was originally approved for commercial and residential development. One of the main funders to the CP was a grant given by Az State Parks to develop a Park. Then, after the mega failure, the city ran into some problems when that current council wanted to allow Tennyson and then Fitch to get their money back by developing far beyond the original city and state approval.
So that meant they (Council) either had to pay back some $350k to $400k to the State or shove that money off to another city park project….hum – wasn’t it the Barbara Park venue where the money got shoved? And that project is costing the City How Much Money and just where is it in the process?
So, Just Sayin’ you are computing sour apples to sweet pineapples.
Reality is that the CP failed due to inadequate management and funding. It was a pie in the sky feel good and once the reality hit the Cultural Bd they tucked tail and went belly up.
One concept that comes to mind is this new routine of “Focus Areas” approved in the new community plan. This is the newest version of the old “Transitional Zoning” areas. Why do I bring this up? Because there are many of the same players who keep calling for more Commercial Development. Who are these people? Hey, just look at the list of players on the Community Plan update committee and then look at their professional motivation. I see a Conflict of Interest. What do you see?
The pie in the sky feel good words used in the new community plan just revolve around money and sorry to say provide us with a rather new version of Strip Devolvement with a huge question of Conflict of Interest of many members of that committee!
One more little thing I simply need to say: In watching a city council meeting last week or so – I saw and heard our councilor Angela LeFevre clearly declare that SHE had petitions for the new KSB wanting a National Monument designation. Sat What? She is supposed to be Impartial and not state her opinion until there is a final public meeting and after she has heard from all the public.
It’s my take that Angela LeFevre is in a clearly defined state of Conflict of Interest! And where was our city attorney?
This is the 4th of July Holiday which celebrates our Independence. In my mind that means that any and all conflicts of interest, all the miss information and dumb downed rollovers need to be cleaned up.
Our Independence, in Sedona, will happen once WE ALL speak up and stop the BS
Just pick a number (one out of seven) @Sharlett and the draw will be a council member that has the habit of expressing the “eye” word. Ms. Jessica would probably take first prize if a count was taken. The point, however, is that none of them want to hear from the public if they disagree with their own set agenda(s). The deal with the cultural park will make Mr Tennyson etal happy folks. Grease up the gears on those bikes, people, and if you don’t like what these master minds have planned for us – all of us- then don’t let the door exiting Sedona hit you in your rear ends.
Sharlett…..You should really take your own advice “Stop your BS” That would be a breath of fresh air…
Point?
@westsedona resident Knock it off. Definitely an elected official or partnered with one? Single track. There’re 24 other letters to use. Leave the pills or bottle alone.
Sedona rocks! Love involved citizens! It’s Independence Day!
The Cultural Park was created with the promise that the land would NEVER be used for-profit purposes — the land exchange was made with the condition that there would be no businesses of any kind, except those that were non-profit and support the city. Tennyson’s idea of developing the land as a joint venture with the city is out of the question.
Perhaps the city should turn the tables on Tennyson, who’s back door dealing got him this land for a mere $6 million (appraises today at $350-400 million) and take the land by eminent domain because he is NOT living up to the original concept, which is NO DEVELOPMENT period.
The land should go back to the Forest Service OR given to the college.
Response to Just Sayin’ – To my recollection the land is zoned residential which has nothing to do with “commercial.” So your comment makes no sense. If, in fact, that is the case, residential zoning exists, then rezoning and a Community Plan Amendment I do believe will be in order. That’s where another betrayal will come into play. If this city moves forward to zone commercial then that’s a game changer. Native Americans, are you paying attention?
What you further don’t seem to get is that there would never have been a Cultural Park had the people not voted approval of the land exchange with the USFS. It was done with a condition: NO COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN PERPETUITY. Go against that is betrayal. PERIOD!
J.J. you are SPOT ON. Thank you. It’s comforting to know there are a few of us still paying attention. Let’s hope it will be enough.
@JJ
You make a very good point, if what you say is true and I’m not saying that it isn’t. But if it is true, PLEASE STAND UP AT CITY HALL AND TELL SOMEONE! I’m not in town long enough to know if there was a promise that the land would NEVER be used for-profit purposes. Your point can be our smoking gun to hold Tennyson’s feet to the fire.
@Gretchen
And we all thank you for your spectacular contribution…NOT…
What a fantastic comment…
Eddie,
Great history information, much of which I did not know and I am saving for my own knowledge and in case I ever run for city council again, and get elected, I will have this knowledge to help guide the city with our history in mind. You are a great resource of knowledge and hope the council relies on you for information, I will if ever elected
I also agree that council members should not be promoting their own opinions, when they are council members they are supposed to lose much of their personal opinion sharing, especially when sporting a name tag indicating they area a council person. I was appalled that Angela was at the 4th of July event handing out the National Monument brochures. No matter my own opinion on this, an official should not be doing this without full council and city approval.
Don’t know what you people expected when incorporating but proof was all over the nation long before Sedona decided it was a good plan. Seems to me Sedona still keeps electing the same people that are spending money not only foolishly but like there is no tomorrow. Again the spenders have the power and continue to have the power for some reason. When we had an elected group and a fire chief that controlled the spending of the fire department it didn’t take long for them to be done away with. It didn’t bother people that not too long ago the fire department tax was double the school tax, one of the people in power also had her spouse on the fire department and with a good promotion before she resigned but we did get an apology that she failed to adjust the mill rate as the property value went sky high. Don’t know if the voters here are blind or just plain brain dead but it is probably both. Keep putting the same people back in office and following the same policies, am sure if you keep doing the same things over and over again as you have in the past next time things will come out different, I think that is called insanity.
Thank you, Robert O’Donnell, for your comments. It might be of interest to you in case you aren’t aware that Sandy Moriarty, current Sedona Mayor, has been a resident of Sedona long before incorporation (40 years as I recall from her campaign promotion). Another high profile Sedona resident is Jim Eaton who served both as a member of the City Council and a P & Z Commissioner. He was also on the Sedona Community Plan Task Force (committee.)
The reason for mentioning both Sandy and Jim is because they had first hand knowledge of the terms and conditions that were put forth to the voters on both issues: Incorporation and the proposed USFS land trade for the purpose of the Cultural Park.
Unless they have gaps in their memories and recall it differently than “no city property taxes” (in the case of incorporation) and “no commercial development of the Cultural Park land, in perpetuity” then in my opinion both would be less than forthright if they chose at this time to deny either or both commitments.
Eddie Maddock
Mr. O’Donnell:
I couldn’t agree with you more about the history lesson giving by Mrs Maddock she knows her facts and presents them well.
I don’t know what is more appalling, council member Angela using her first amendment rights to pitch the monument idea(regardless of my agreeing with her or not) or the mere thought of you running again.
After almost 30 years we just recently moved away from Sedona. Couldn’t take any more broken promises made prior to incorporation.
We can both attest to the commitment there would be “NO City Property Taxes” if incorporation were approved. It was also clearly stipulated that if the land exchange with the U.S. Forest Service were approved that property would NEVER fall into the hands of commercial, for-profit developers. That the Cultural Park failed was probably preordained from the beginning.
We were familiar with leaders of Citizens for Self Government spearheaded by Cecil LockhartSmith, in particular Ron Bricker and Pat Kantor. Her husband was a dentist in Sedona. Maybe they were smarter than we were because Pat and her husband moved from Sedona not too long after incorporation because they were not happy with the turn of events.
There were others as well: Spence & Evelyn Thompson, Patty & Ron Henry (moved to VOC). Patty was the Chamber of Commerce “Director.” No glamorous big-city CEO label which came later with a $75k salary increase since Patty was thrilled to be earning $15k. annually as just being a “Director.” Gloria Sherman, a door to door incorporation activist didn’t linger long after the dye was cast and the true colors bled out. We believe even Ann & Bob Siebel went from Sedona to VOC then elsewhere. (Ann also was a member of the City Council.)
The point here is that the underhanded workings of the “system” even foiled some of the most well-intended who were ultimately fooled but realized it after the fact.
Don’t plan on the local “gang rule” to behave with honor. It was tactics employed during the last election that served as the final nail in our Sedona coffin. Sad.
What are the details regarding the turnout for the May 2014 Community Plan election that made 13 Community Focus Areas with the potential for rezoning/upzoning a reality (including the Western Gateway CFA with the Cultural Park)?
As many are aware, a lot of Sedona citizens don’t show up to vote. Out of the 6,495 electorate, only 2,485 ballots were cast–YES 1,530 and NO 954. The 1,530 YES votes meant only a trifling one-fourth of the 6,495 registered voters were needed to pass a Community Plan update that will make more density, strip malls and traffic congestion possible. Pathetic.
The people who run for office are basically “volunteers” as Sedona pays $400. per month to a city council member and $600 per month to the mayor. Running the city is a full time job, believe it or not and everyone who is on the city council gets sick of it eventually as it is extremely time consuming and pays nothing, not to mention all the gripe and grief. If everyone commenting here ran for city council and mayor, you could change things. Jessica Williamson covers her ears, saying, “I am not listening” when she hears something she doesn’t like! How can someone like this be on the city council?
@JeanJ
Community Plan support or not, we’re going to have more of everything in the future. Keep this in mind, the existing commercial lots along 89A can still be built on and there’s not thing one that you or anyone else can do about it. Well, we know that you’ll always bit-h but nothing else. I would love to see more strip malls with a big ass Sears or some other high volume store that will bring us more tax money.
As for the low turn out for that vote, did you ever think that no one really gives a hoot enough to take the time to vote?
To Robert (O’Donnell?)
Where do you come up with this stuff???? Running the city isn’t a full time job for city council, it’s a full time job for those over worked employees.
For someone who knows a lot about how much those council people get paid you should also know the limits of their job.
It seems to me, Robert O’Donnell, you’re a tad hard on Angela LeFevre. Agreeing that allowing personal preference to control decisions on public issues at council meetings is inappropriate, I see no reason that elected officials shouldn’t be able to enjoy free expression on their own time.
In fact, offering information about a National Monument is in my opinion somewhat of a community service. It will allow those who are uninformed, including myself, an opportunity to learn more about the proposal.
Let’s also keep in mind that it was Angela LeFevre that insisted during the council approval of the CVS pharmacy that something be put in writing to assure and guarantee the proposed property to remain as open space in perpetuity would be included as part of the agreement.
I didn’t live in Sedona before incorporation but am wondering at this time if others were as prudent to secure in writing there would be no city property taxes and also that the land exchange for the Cultural Park would in perpetuity never be allowed to be developed commercially or for profit.
@Robert O”Donnell wrote: ” I was appalled that Angela was at the 4th of July event handing out the National Monument brochures. No matter my own opinion on this, an official should not be doing this without full council and city approval.”
I’ll bet the City Attorney (pick one) will reply with some lame answer that she can do what she wants “on her own” as long as she is not Representing the City….how absurd and how myopic is that concept?.
……..but the Fact remains that at a City Council Meeting this very same Elected Council member clearly stated she had Petitions for the National Monument concept and would hand them out to whomever wanted them. And guess who never stopped her? Neither the City Attorney, City Manager, Assist City Manager NOR the City Mayor!
The other point is that once anyone becomes an elected official – they have basically lost their Private Side and are always seen as an Appendage or part of the City.
The only saving grace Angela has is to declare Conflict of Interest and stop speaking or having a say or taking a vote on the issue at the Council Level.
So I pretty much think she blew the concept of a Private Citizen by doing their thing at the City 4th of July celebration!
The City’s Legal department really needs to get itself in order and Educate all the Council Members on Conflict of Interest re ARS statutes.
Furthermore, Angela, as an Elected person, needs to find her way to an educated and respectful and rational way of understanding that while She may be aligned with KSB – But, legally, she is not to represent them or their wishes while She sits on Council!
This is too far over the illegal edge of people in the City just turning their backs. Angela needs to roll herself back to realize she just can not get away with this garbage. I call it reason for Recalling her.
@Robert O”Donnell I want to personally Thank you for all that you represent. Honesty, integrity and the ability to analysis with facts, removing any personal agendas.
Sedona is very “clicky” If the “click” doesn’t feel like they can control and manipulate you, they will make up stories, bully and call you names. Take pot shots at you. I know this first hand. Very unwelcoming and unbecoming Sedona.
Keep it up Robert! We all have something positive to contribute and should all be welcome. It helps the public when you post on the eye. We get to learn more about the kind of man you are.
Sincerely,
Donna Joy Varney
As most are aware, the C.E.P.’s Western Gateway Community Focus Area Work Group is working on the future development of the Cultural Park and vicinity.
What’s not to love about the City of Sedona’s Citizen Engagement Program?
The C.E.P.’s over one dozen active Work Group’s are very controlled–no public meetings or information sessions, with transparency sorely lacking. Basically, Citizen Engagement is a legal way to get around Arizona’s Open Meeting Law. The Sedona public is belatedly allowed input on the various Working Groups’ thoughts, plans and efforts at the very last minute when the details re matters such as the Cultural Park, etc., come before the City Council for a vote.
According to the news in the recent 2014 COMMUNITY CONNECTION, “Since the program’s inception [1-1/2 years ago], over 200 people have registered for the program…” This is less than 2% of the city population because many of the over 200 participants and DO NOT reside within the city limits. The City lets anyone join. It also counts as participants those who do join but they refuse to let participate.
In my opinion, less than 2% of city participants out of a population of a little over 10,000 indicates this program is for the purpose of saying “citizens are involved.”
P.S. To Just Sayin’: DUH!
Rationalizing bad behavior by claiming they didn’t know, changing the agreement over time. Telling the residents they don’t contribute.
Procedures, processes and documentation should be in place to protect the people. 1,2,3…….. Do you ever hear “I have a conflict of interest” anymore at city council meetings? All I hear is “I”, “I”, and “I” from council. Jessica Williamson is absolutely great at this.
They are using a lengthy bureaucratic community plan to speed their personal agendas along. The new community plan was written to confuse the voters. Superficial, it sounds good. Who read it before they voted?
Citizen’s Engagement program is another way the “I’s” are controlling you. They are not the citizens but the “region”. The outside region is in control of the city.Those outside the city gets more benefits then those inside. Just because they sign up doesn’t mean they allowed anyone to”play”. The city picks and chooses the players. They allow outside residents and businesses to control and confused the issues. Smoke and mirrors.
Great point @Eddie Maddock. The taxpayers are the ones playing the taxes, not the chamber or lodging group. Council is facilitating abuse of residents and businesses in the city limits.
It’s all a facade. Sedona hypocrisy the three g’s = Greed, Gluttony, and Gossip.
N*R*
@ long time resident
You just proved you are a city employee.
Does ANYONE seriously believe there is an “overworked” government employee?
@ Donna Joy
Neither I nor anyone else said that Robert isn’t Honest and have integrity. BUT IMO his analysis of the facts are screwy. Want proof, watch him speak in public forums. For someone who has been in charge of Toastmasters for 20 years, he sure doesn’t know how to speak or learn about the topic that he’s speaking about.
Norma – you are so right on about the citizen’s engagement program. I have signed up twice. I was told “that committee is full,” or “we don’t need help in that area,” when they didn’t call me and I called them. The Citizen’s engagement program is actually the opposite – keeping citizen’s out of the loop. It’s a BS program and needs to be done away with.
The community plan has changed throughout the years at the whim of who ever is on the City Council. These people are manipulated by the Sedona 30, among others. It’s so true that the city itself is being run by non-citizens and corporations. Bed taxes do not support Sedona and profits of hotels and timeshares are sent to their out-of-state corporate headquarters – those monies do not stay in Sedona.
I think people are getting pretty tired of all that. And let’s not forget, it’s not who votes, but who counts the votes (otherwise Gore would have won the presidency, but his brother, Jeb Bush, owned the voting machines).
People looks at our leaders – both local and national – and they think, “if they can get away with this (corruption), why can’t I?” Then you have rule breakers all over the place – from Sedona homeowners renting out spare rooms, to City Council members bending the rules to suit their needs.
-J.
@ Jess Lookin You outta know…..Since your got fired from you governement job… Moron…
I think the city of Sedona should purchase a truck load of adult diapers to distribute around town once a month…. There appears to be ALOT of cry baby’s and complainers in town…
Perhaps a diaper change and s nice bottle of milk will soothe your consistent anger and hatered of everything
@Just Sayin’ Suggestions for improvement are key for growth. Learning from our mistakes is such a fabulous way to make positive change. The presentation can open or close the front door.
Positive encouragement brings on positive change. Welcoming those with different concepts and ideas brings innovation, IMO. I just love the book I’m OK, You’re OK by Thomas Anthony Harris. It shows us how we enable or disable each other.
It so easy to judge others. If one makes the effort but fails then they are winners, they tried. If one sits back and doesn’t put in the effort then they lost the opportunity for success and growth. If we judge, label and put others in box then we lost all opportunity.
Donna Joy Varney
@West sedoba, um Sedons, um Sedona resident,
I have never worked for the government. I admit I did apply for a job with the City of Sedona just after I retired. There were 10 city employees sitting in the initial interview. I guess they had nothing else to do. I offered to pay for something out of my pocket as an incentive, I was applying for a management job, everyone sitting in looked at me like I was from Mars.
“overworked city employee” hahahahahahaha ROFL hahahahahahahahahaHAHAHAHAHAHA
I’m glad I did not get the job, I could not in good conscience work that little or waste that much time.
” Overworked”, hahahahahahah
Regarding city employees being overworked. In what other office job do you get two weeks paid vacation and two weeks paid leave,THE FIRST YEAR. .
City of Sedona employees do, along with other holidays. Look at the city website yourself, the way things look, we work for them.
@jess looking You DID get the job……but you got fired… I guess those MEDS you take ate clouding you memory….no worrys…congrats on you forced separation from government
How quickly the thread turns south when those attack each other behind the mask of the computer. I wonder if these people would say the same if they were in public… because in public, so far, people are a lot more polite. Even the old starving folks in Greece lined up peacefully for the bank to open today.
What’s going to happen when …. is waiting in FEAR for the worse. Right now it’s lovely outside – even the chemtrails haven’t been too bad of late. There’s folks in town and the cash registers are ringing.
In this time of prosperity we must look to making our city stronger, the community bond brighter. It’s OK that they city didn’t call upon me for the CEP group, even though I know I could have contributed much after living in Sedona for 20 years. It’s OK because I know they don’t want contributors – they want minions. No thanks.
Every morning people meet in Sedona — at coffee shops, hotels, restaurants — and they have a dialogue that goes like this: how can I afford to stay in Sedona? How can I get MY child into Verde Valley School as a local? How can we get the city to support music and the arts? What can I do to make things better?
So while you’re sitting and complaining at the computer, there really is a whole community out there that are working to get things done without the help of the Chamber or even the City. That’s what this city is – as much as there are complaints, there are also those very glad to be here and they are looking to keep the spirit of Sedona alive.
It doesn’t take a psychic in a vortex to see that this country is in deep. We are now warned about ISIS and how it was important to stay away from 4th of July events. How many had their weekends ruined by the constant FEAR the MSM puts out every minute of every day? How many stayed home in fear of some terrorist attack?
We had a real terror attack here in Northern Arizona last March when internet and cell service was severed by “vandals.” I’d like to know how “vandals” knew just where to dig, and how deep, to cut the fiber optic cable so it’d take take out all internet and cell site from Cave Creek to Flagstaff, with the exception of the Sedona Public Library, the Enchantment, and Heart of Sedona? How does that work?. Police could not field 911 calls. Hospitals could not access patient files. Why is this not considered a terrorist attack since other areas also have had fiber optic cables cut – Google it for latest details concerning the vandals who cut fiber optic cables in Tennessee, Ohio, and most recently, 4 events in the Bay Area of California.
We had better find some common ground here real soon. I suggest everyone plant their gardens and get to know your neighbor. Smile on your brother, love one another ….
J.J. = not a clue who you are but thank goodness there’s another voice of common sense out there. Others have attempted to surface but have been slammed by uncouth, almost illiterate responses and attacks.
Just today I had to travel to Flagstaff to see my primary care physician who relocated because he was forced to find better schools for his children. When 35 (which is the number quoted to me) teachers resign from the Sedona Oak Creek School District it isn’t just our city government that’s failing.
Our day of volunteer fire department of course is long gone because no way could they handle the current number of calls. And how many of those are due to an increase in the tourist industry?
Of course Sedona’s economy is based on tourism. It doesn’t take much sense to realize and admit that. But the ultimate price? It isn’t the tourists who pay our increasing county property taxes for school and fire districts, NOT a part of incorporated Sedona.
Having heard a promotional Sedona commercial on Channel 10 this AM when I was preparing to go to Flagsfaff, it was embarrassing – almost as much as the opening amateur talent show at the beginning of first Tuesday council meetings. Spending $1.5k to market Sedona to destination vacationers and what are we getting? Day trippers by the thousands. If you wonder why, watch the commercial.
Sedona is sinking, sinking, sinking. (IMO- must include that based on very diligent legal advice from the past.)
Thanks a million, J.J, whoever you are. You know where it’s at (again IMO.)
Happy Trails,
E. Maddock
Eddie M
If you think your your in that same category as the response by JJ above…
Your delusional……
She’s talking about you in the negative….
Your best article yet, Eddie.
Sounds like your jealous of Eddie M @West Sedona Resident. Give it up. Eddie M. is using her real name and speaking the truth. Your hatred comes through in your posts. We LOVE Eddie Maddock!
@West Sedona Resident, you make an interesting observation about “J.J.” speaking about me in the negative. If someone disagrees with me it isn’t surprising or upsetting.
Specifically what pleased me is that according to J.J. people in Sedona are out and about discussing city issues over coffee or whatever. Having no first hand knowledge of such events, all I can say is that I hope it’s true, primarily if it serves to inspire a larger voter turnout.
Because you refer to J.J. as “she” it appears you are far better informed than I am.
@Gari – hi there! Good to know you’re still on board and thanks for your comment.
Wrong again, West Sedona Resident. I was talking about YOU. Someday you’ll get over your amnesia and remember we’re all in this together.
Thank you for your kind words Eddie.
-J.
Just for your information, I will always post with my full name, not hide behind some cover name, and this is only my second post on this issue (the reply by Robert was not me). I’ll readily admit I do not have complete knowledge about all subjects Sedona but am more than willing to learn and remember. I offered my services by running for city council because I wanted the people to be represented by someone who believes in voting for what is best for the people, not just what is best for themselves or people who donate to a campaign.
I know that my decisions will never please everyone at the same time, I just hope that more than less will like them. I had hoped to offer a difference to the residents and hoped more would turn out to vote. Realistically I expected to have a good showing but figured those who won (spenting the most money to campaign would win), so earning 6 votes per buck spent was good, but the total counts were very disappointing. I had hoped to get into a run off and maybe have no one win in August. Anyone who wants to share their direct opinions with me is more than welcome to email me directly via rod4id@att.net. At least I tried to be elected, if I ever try again it will be a much more concerted effort with a need for others to support the campaign financially. Those that complain about who is running should either run themselves or support someone that can make a difference, be that someone else or me if you feel that way.
Thank you @Robert O’Donnell. Wonderful that you clarified that post. I’d support you if you run again. I get others also. “We” need more people like you.
Donna Joy Varney
With all sincerity I hope J.J. is spot on – that people of Sedona are meeting, discussing, and facing the problems that will not go away if they are ignored.
Traffic congestion, the proposed development plans for the 40 acre Cultural Park property, problems with the Sedona Oak Creek Unified School District and the current $15+million budget for the Sedona Fire District, cost necessary to accommodate safety of uncontrolled number of tourists, mostly day trippers, to satisfy the glut of the Lodging Council and Regional Chamber of Commerce. To date, the significant impact of that special interest group, both financially and blatantly displayed at city council meetings, is disgraceful.
Thank you J.J. for the hopeful ray of sunshine you have currently offered since the past significant number of years this city government has been kissing up to special interests, including but not limited to the Chamber. The only way change will come about is encouraging voter support. Next year is another election, and unless something dramatic happens before then, it’s our only chance.
Robert O’Donnell, you are a brave and honest man. In Sedona your downfall could very well be not because you’re brave, but because you are honest
4 july to you 2