SedonaEye.com columnist Eddie Maddock
Sedona AZ (February 25, 2015) – As a concerned citizen I exercised my right to send an e-mail to the Sedona City Council members explaining my concerns about the following agenda item on the City Council meeting held Tuesday, February 24, 2015:
AB 1896 Presentation/discussion/possible direction regarding the Sedona Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau (SCoc&TB) tourism promotion efforts during the first six months of the new contractual agreement between the City and the SCoC&TB, and an analysis by City staff of sales tax generation between visitor and resident spending.
——-Original Message——-
From: Eddie Maddock
Date: 2/23/2015 1:32:16 PM
To: SMoriarty@sedonaaz.gov; mdinunzio@sedonaaz.gov; John Martinez; Jon Thompson; ALefevre@sedonaaz.gov; SJablow@sedonaaz.gov; Jessica Williamson
Cc: Karen Daines; Audree Juhlin
Subject: RETURN ON BED TAX
TO: Sedona Mayor and Members of the City Council
This is simply to present another side of the coin. As you are all aware, Sedona has many problems to be resolved that would much better serve the lodging council and community in general as an alternative to contracting for Destination Marketing.
For example, the traffic in Sedona the past few weekends has been horrific. Gridlock, to be specific. If those funds were used to purchase property for parking, relocate to an official Sedona Visitor’s Center in West Sedona, or use even if only as a temporary measure to establish parking at the Brewer Road Property . . . all would serve the community, tourists, and economy in general if for no other reason than people would be interested in return visits to Sedona.
Mr. Segner fails to acknowledge that national economy has been on an upswing, gasoline prices, although slightly on the rise again, have been at an all time low, the Super Bowl in Arizona drew in thousands of tourists, severe inclimate weather on the east coast versus seasonally mild in our own area during this time of year . . . how can these plausible reasons not have accounted for an undetermined upswing in tax revenue? Also, has payment of past delinquent taxes been accounted for?
The professional recently hired by the City to advise on economic development said, in his own words, that Chamber of Commerce companionship with city/towns should be exclusively to benefit and promote members and economy within the area providing the taxes. You are well aware that your current policy is in breach of that premise.
Please, revise your thinking and unchain yourself from a bad situation that remains unproven for doing much of anything except causing community bad blood and possibly increasing membership to a Chamber of Commerce representing the region or even businesses in other states besides Arizona
Respectfully,
Eddie S. Maddock
Sedona Registered Voter
Sedona AZ
Dear Sedona Lodging Council:
PLEASE ATTEND: The Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau will be presenting our mid-term report to City Council on Tuesday, February 24th at 4:30pm. Be there! (Sorry, I am out of town that night and won’t be in attendance.)
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Next meeting March 10th at 8:30am at Sound Bites. Agenda coming soon.
Also, we are working up a Letter to the Editor to send to the media/press in support of the Bed Tax renewal coming up. Here’s our draft:
Dear City Council
This letter is in support of the Bed Tax and use of funds by the City and Chamber of Commerce.
The City of Sedona recently reported that during the month of December 2014, total bed and sales taxes collected rose 24.2% over the same month of the previous year. Given that the hotels in Sedona have experienced unprecedented growth in the last 6 months of the year despite the canyon fires in late May and June and the closures at Oak Creek. January and February of this year will also be way ahead of the last year. This is all due in no small part to the City and Chamber’s off-season advertising campaign being a great success.
Karen Daines, the Assistant City Manager, was recently quoted as saying, “Technically we added some general fund dollars last year to cover the loss of the bed tax to the general fund, but moving forward we are considering that the entire amount comes from the bed tax.”
That means only bed tax revenues are going back into advertising and supporting the visitor’s center, going to where they are originally intended-to serve and promote the active and thriving economies development spurred by Sedona Lodging Council Members and Sedona Chamber of Commerce.
Steve Segner,
President
Sedona Lodging Council
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Much to my surprise, a gentleman by the name of Pete Sanders, a resident of Oak Creek Canyon, spoke before the Council and made reference to “a letter” which very much indicated it was the e-mail I had sent to the City Council. He made adamant objections, especially to my suggestion that Sedona considers their own Visitors Center, the same as Flagstaff, Prescott, Cottonwood and other municipalities. Clearly it appeared Mr. Sanders had been furnished my communication with the City Council and because I had not received even one reply from a member of the City Council, I sent the following e-mail to City Manager Karen Daines and Community Development Director Audree Juhlin who had been cc’d with my e-mail to the Council:
——-Original Message——-
From: Eddie Maddock
Date: 2/25/2015 11:27:43 AM
To: Karen Daines; Audree Juhlin
Subject: THANK YOU SO MUCH
Hi Karen & Audree:
This is sent to both of you not only as Sedona city staff members but also because the two of you in the past have always expressed support in my efforts to disseminate factual information.
Realizing that all written material going to City Hall is immediately public information, it shouldn’t have come as a surprise when almost point by point, word for word, most (if not all) of the contents of my e-mail to City Council, cc’d to you, was ripped to shreds by denial and really, at times, very lame justification for why it shouldn’t have been applicable.
Of course, maybe that’s part of your job, to make council members look good (or bad as the case may be).
However, the resident of Oak Creek Canyon who blatantly trashed “the person’s letter that suggested a real Sedona City Visitor Center” was about one of the lowest points of any city council meeting I’ve observed since the days of incorporation.
To think he was blatant enough to further suggest that if the city were to provide their own “real” legitimate visitor center he would be denied representation as a business owner because he wasn’t eligible to vote in Sedona elections. Really? At some point it would have been refreshing (if for no other reason than to be polite) to remind him that of course as long as he remained a member of the regional chamber of commerce he would be appropriately represented as a member of that special interest group, for they would not close their doors if the city were to open another visitor information center, strategically located at the other end of town, which would also assist in alleviating uptown traffic congestion. And it would serve well as representation to the “Western Gateway” into our incorporated city, in compliance with the newly revised Community Plan.
Further (and I don’t believe he made mention of where his business is located) but if it is within city limits then surely he must have a business license and as such would, indeed, have representation in the obviously obsolete notion for the City of Sedona to ever have their own legitimate visitor center.
Lingering questions: Why did Sedona incorporate in the first place and why is it that State Statutes continue to be ignored? Why the determination to discriminate against city limit businesses in favor of those who do not collect city taxes? Why ignore the advice from your professional speaking on economic development when he clearly defined the responsibility of a chamber of commerce as being to first represent their own members, but most assuredly if partnered with a city or town, specifically those that collect taxes within the designated area?
Mortified, disgusted, and very much aware of the extent and determination of the bullying beasties hell bent to allow this city to be controlled by a “regional” chamber of commerce is putting it mildly. Sedona most assuredly did not incorporate for that purpose and, of all people, Sandy Moriarity should be aware of it.
By all means, feel free to share this with Jennifer, Steve, and the gang to make their “day after” as much fun as they had at the meeting. You can all take pleasure in knowing your strategy worked, at least to some degree. But as the saying goes, “It ain’t over til the fat lady sings” and one day, when you least expect it and probably after I’m long gone, it will happen. It’s called “karma.”
Sincerely,
Eddie
* * * * * * * * * * *
City Manager Karen Daines notified me with reassurance that neither she nor Audree Juhlin had shared my e-mail with anyone because to their knowledge they had not received the copy I had sent. Therefore, I resent the City Council e-mail to them with the following message:
——-Original Message——-
From: Eddie Maddock
Date: 2/25/2015 7:03:04 PM
To: Karen Daines
Cc: Audree Juhlin
Subject: Fw: RETURN ON BED TAX
Hi Karen:
This is the letter to which I referred in my previous e-mail to you and Audree. I’m surprised you didn’t receive it because I cc’d both of you. Maybe this will clarify the other e-mail I sent.
Thank you for your response and I want you to know that always I’ve respected the two of you for your intelligence, integrity, and patience to serve different members of an ever-changing city council. Of course that’s over and above your cooperation to deal with my many pesky questions of which you have cooperated to make my life easier.
Clearly this e-mail was circulated by one of the Council Members, and from the comments I inadvertently heard when the microphone was mistakenly turned on at today’s council meeting, it could have been any one of them. (subject of another e-mail I cc’d both of you I do believe)
Under no circumstances is it my intention to accuse or blame you for anything. All I seek are answers to questions and more often than not lately that seems to be mission impossible.
My respect and admiration for both of you remains at maximum and good luck with serving as Interim City Manager. A job I do not envy.
Sincerely,
Eddie
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Now for the kicker – grand finale of this most recent series of e-mails, the one to which I made reference in my communication to Karen Daines:
——-Original Message——-
From: Eddie Maddock
Date: 2/25/2015 3:44:17 PM
To: John Martinez
Cc: Jon Thompson; ALefevre@sedonaaz.gov; SJablow@sedonaaz.gov; Karen Daines; Audree Juhlin; Sedona Sweet Arts; Mike Goimarac
Subject: FYI
February 25, 2015
3:30 PM
Hi John:
When I tuned into Channel 4 to view this afternoon’s city council workshop, apparently you weren’t aware the microphones were turned on prior to when the meeting began.
It was really disappointing and shocking to me, John, to hear you say something to the affect you all must do something about “Eddie Maddock and Donna Joy.” Although muffled, it appeared others were in agreement.
Just what exactly gives you cause to make such an accusation? And to think the State of Arizona was in pursuit of changing the Open Meeting Law? Obviously there’s no need in Sedona since apparently it doesn’t exist.
For your further information and I speak only for myself, I’m an independent agent and work alone. However and apparently unlike others, I do try very hard to keep an open mind and maintain some semblance of understanding, compassion, and respect for views different from my own.
Another curious discussion was under way about just who all was going to ride someplace together tomorrow?
Not that it matters, but maybe it’s time for all of you to look in the mirror and be pointing your fingers in a different direction. Passing judgment and making accusations without merit can be a dangerous game, although it appears likely that more and more at least a few are heading in that direction.
Wow! Forgive me for feeling sick to my stomach.
Hope you reach a consensus about how to deal with the two “alleged” Sedona evil-doers.
Better yet, I hope you never have anything worse to deal with the rest of your lives.
Regretfully,
Eddie S. Maddock
Sedona Resident since March 31, 1977
* * * * * * * * * * * *
The above e-mail was sent with a request for a receipt, as I did with the fourteen e-mails I sent to Arizona State Senators. Seven of them acknowledged receipt of my e-mail. So far the only reply I’ve had is from Jon Thompson:
“Eddie,
This was very upsetting to read. I can only hope there is a logical explanation for what you heard that leads to a different, benign conclusion. But in any case I want you to know that I certainly did not hear anything said about you or Donna at that time and would not have participated in or condoned any such discussion.
JT”
* * * * * * * * * * * *
A
nd so you have it, another few thousand words about the ongoing saga of the mystery of how a little town of 10,000, more or less, has ended up with such complicated government and the unanswered question of the determination to allow it to be ruled at the whim of a regional Chamber of Commerce under the direction of a Lodging Council?
One might wonder if a deal had been cut prior to the approval of the increased bed tax?
Oh, and for the record, two Council Members will drive themselves and the remaining five will be riding together to the Intergovernmental Meeting in Clarkdale late Thursday afternoon.
A quorum?
Arizona Open Meeting Law, where art thou?
For the best Arizona news and views, read www.SedonaEye.com daily!
@West (wear) Sedona Resident
You are not right about much of anything and least of all Sharlett.
How come it is so very difficult for you to understand what I write? I’m not angry in my posts. I just express my opinions – which you don’t favor – that’s your issue rather than mine. I don’t give a damn who you are as all I want to do is clear up much of your misinformation, as I see it. You have a problem with that?
That’s your problem.
Opinions are just that – unless they can be substantiated – which I attempt to do in my responses. I am dumb founded at someone who just continues to throw childish tantrums on emotional and bully tactic basis’s rather than attempting to find a middle ground. You sling words and concepts that have no merit. I really don’t sit back and think up fake names – what’s the benefit or point? I’m quite busy in my day to day life and if I had the time to join one of the city controlled citizen engagement groups – I might contemplate doing so. But to date, my time frame doesn’t allow such a walk down that never ending City controlled road.
@West(wear) Sedona Resident – I’m done with you and your illogical rants (IMO), your Bully Gorilla garbage and your lack of facts.
@Laura – You are truly a treasure!
@Mary S. – You’ve figured out Karen Daines. Good job! WOW! A Moment of (F)ART? I repeat: ” How about the mayor and council spend quality time, for just one minute, getting their ducks in a row to stop adding money to their budget for personal projects that do not adhere to Health, Safety and Welfare concept of real issues? How about this mayor and council taking a moment to reflect on complete transparency with council procedures, that have, for the most part, worked?”
@Charlie
Just curious, I’ve worked at HD in cottonwood for the past year as stock clerk and I have yet to see a TV for sale anyplace in our store.
@sharlett/Julianna
You don’t have the time? Didn’t you get fired from your city job(not an easy thing to do) congratulations for that BTW..
I reckon it had something to do with your big contemptous mouth…it’s no wonder you have such hate for city government and those that actually do.. You don’t play well with others as reflected in you hate fueled rants…
@Sir Ricky As stated in my comment, I went to Cottonwood to purchase a TV at either Home Depot OR Wal-Mart. The TV I purchased was from Wal-Mart. About 3 years ago I seem to recall that HD did supply them at that time. Because I found what I needed at WM it wasn’t necessary to go to HD on Sunday but I appreciate the information that they no long stock TV’s there. Anyhow sorry for the confusion.
TVs can be found at Walmart & Sears in cottonwood AZ
@SirRicky,
This is an example of how angry folks stretch the truth in an attempt to make their point more valid…
Hey Steve Since you have publicly said that lodging-chamber targeting to increase the rooms stays in off season, that you don’t want weddings or anyone here for spring break, why do you take credit for all the sales tax and bed tax revenue? Shouldn’t you be only getting credit for the off season?
I’ve lived here for 30 years we always been packed for spring break, holidays, may and September October. Before I moved here we couldn’t get a room anywhere in town if we didn’t book it 3 months out. We have always seen more visitors when back east has bad weather. When the euro is strong we see more europeans. Please explain why you and the chamber take credit?
@Matt
I’m really not certain who it is you are directing your slam at but in the event I’m the target I can assure my TV purchase at Wal-mart last Sunday was real. Reading from the sales slip dated 03/08/15 at 09:32:37 AM for the purchase of one VIZIO 32″ E-SERIES TV, Manager Carmen Ramirez, Walmart 2003 E. Rodeo Dr, Cottonwood, AZ 86326.
It was my intention to purchase a Sony or Samsung, but I was told that WalMart had a sale last week on TV’s and the size requirement I needed in those two brands was temporarily out of stock.
I will stand corrected on my recollection of the place I looked at TV’s 3-4 years ago. It was Sears and not Home Depot and the TV I purchased at that time was another model from Wal-mart. With the exception of that unintentional error, the rest of my account is factual, actual, and contrived for no other reason than to express the FACT that TV’s cannot be purchased in the City of Sedona and vacuum repair service is no longer available. Both were at one time. No ulterior motives here. In fact I related another truth which was the traffic wasn’t nearly as bad as I had anticipated and even made a pleasant comment about the mountain bikers.
You sound as if you might be with the Chamber or Lodging, waiting to take credit for the Mountain Biking event? Otherwise why would you devise such a ridiculous comment at least if was directed at me since my story is the truth, without ulterior motive.
End of report.
@Charlie
Can’t you just feel the luv???
You better get used to people calling you on the little stuff even if its just dropping a letter or two because the folks on this site have no lives but lots of opinions.
Matt, the town in full In April and May, we all know that, so the city work to fill rooms in slow months, I said I do not do weddings, Just El Portal, Weddings are great business for Sedona. I do not take credit, the City of Sedona’s advertising program Is working, Sedona had a strong summer and Fall, and spring is above last years…if you remember last year it was cold back east.
The city has marketing have programs going all year but the big push is in winter and summer. 65% to 70% of city income come from visitors, we should all be happy when the town fills up and thank the city council for all the work they do to help grow the visitor base.
By the way low gas prices to not help the Sedona hotel business, we seem to do better when gas is high ( comments from last hotel meeting)
low gas prices make it cheaper to drive to L.A , Sedona is close to Phoenix and a good deal when gas is high.
Steve
Sedona,
You believe you do better when gas is high? If you or anybody else is basing business on gas prices, that’s poor forecasting or extrapolation of data. Sorry fellow, take it me, gas prices have little to nothing to do with Sedona tourism except for those driving more than 1K miles. Those tourists are few and far between, not statistically relevant. Airline prices impact your tourism base and so does weather, and in the recent past times, if state and national parks are open. You get trickle down from Grand Canyon and trickle up from Phoenix via California and when advertising is right, Nevada, Colorado, Texas and Utah. Canadians fly; Overseas fly; North flies; east coast flies; Midwest flies; Idaho to Alaska is hit or miss depending on season whether fly or drive and their family size and statistical wealth. The South has Florida ocean and Gulf, Texas Gulf and Galveston Bay, and perfect summer weather driving North all the way to Maine. (It’s cheaper to fly from California to Sedona via Phoenix if further north than Sacramento. Same guide for Reno area of Nevada.)
@ P.C. Right on!
Been in business in Sedona over twenty years. You are correct. That is why transparency is needed and the city needs to invest strictly on the city return on investment. As long as they pay or gift a special interest groups the rationalization of taxpayers’ money will continue. No accountbility.Thanks for specking up P.C.
P.C
yes, as I said the hotels in Sedona stated at last weeks meeting that High Gas help draw visitors to Sedona…. I see it in my business and I have customers tell me often. “we were thinking of going to New Mexico to San Diego but with 4+ gas we came back to Sedona. I am just passing along comments from other hotels and past guests.
Every market is different. Sedona did very well through the last depression because the people in Phoenix came to us for shorter and cheeper vacations.
STEVE
Not my intention to create a challenge, but again gas prices are “conversational” but statistical proof shows impact very little on actual driving or planning habits unless coupled with recessionary or depression “others” like no confidence in economy, loss of jobs, lack of job creation, political instability (high crime, personal safety issues and homelessness are high value negative impacts on income). For older travelers and families with young children, proximity to home base and good emergency health care are important concerns coupled with excellent to reasonable quality vs expenditure for recreation, food and lodging; For most travelers, amenities drive their choices (outdoors vs indoors; city vs country; sea vs in land; in country vs out country; multi level transportation vs self transport) and many other factors of various degrees of importance depending on your target audience. Overseas travelers, time and distance between “places of interest” are of utmost concern for maximum bang for the buck – how far then is Sedona from the Grand Canyon and Phoenix airport (etc) or Los Angeles and Vegas. Much more and much less are relevant and to be considered, Sedona appeals to outdoor enthusiasts but outdoor enthusiasts leave little cash behind. Good luck with your business, Sedona. Beautiful area!
@Steve Segner = It’s been my impression the reason for this excessive “Destination Marketing” funding was just that. To attract tourists who stay in Sedona for longer periods and NOT, to quote you: ” people in Phoenix came to us for shorter and cheeper vacations.”
That statement alone defies all logic for the wasted money the city is spending with the chamber of commerce to promote their own members, the chamber’s primary obligation. The city’s primary obligation as explained by Larry Harmer, the economic development expert, should be to promote those City Limit businesses that are, in fact, collecting the bed and sales taxes, the basis for Sedona’s economic growth and stabilization.
The $1.2 million would be far better spent to promote tourism by providing adequate parking to mention one of a number of neglected comfort amenities sorely lacking to assure short or long term visitors a more enjoyable experience and at the same time allow for more shopping instead of driving around using up gas, cheap or expensive.
From the looks of traffic, automobiles still seem to be the primary source used by tourists to reach Sedona City Limits, most of whom are still coming from Phoenx for “shorter and cheeper vacation.” (your words)
I’ve never been one to bad mouth the City Council and Mayor in the past, but after watching last Tuesday’s City Council meeting, particularly for the CVS discussion, I was sickened. I’ll start with Mayor Sandy Who ran for election saying She would ‘Listen’ to the residents. Well, She may listen and then proceed to slam anyone with a different opinion then Hers. During Her explanation before the vote She actually said that ‘except for the few people (and there were many) speaking during the public forum against the CVS, that all the rest of the people at home were in favor of it’. Really!? I was at home and wasn’t in favor of it. She also said that old phrase ‘Not in My neighborhood’. Really!? I live 2 1/2 miles away. Also during the meeting She said that the public forum could be changed at any time or canceled all together as She pleased. Really Mayor Sandy? Are You still listening? These are but examples.
Then We have Mayor Sandy’s buddy Councilor Jessica, Who in My opinion is as nasty, critical, and condescending as a person can be against the residents here, and uses the same statement over and over at each meeting ‘Frankly I don’t care what people think….’. If Her opinion could be explained nicely it would never occur to Her to do so. Only sarcasm spews from Her mouth, and she’s about as diplomatic as a fire ant.
In stark contrast to these Two We have Vice Mayor Mark DiNunzio Who I only agree with 50% of the time, but listen to 100% of the time because of His delivery, research and references to His talks with the local residents. Thank You Mark, keep up the good work.
The hostility that is running through the City Council at this time is apparent with little slams against each other, and almost outright arguments. Mayor and Council if any of You are listening to Us I suggest You act professional and like the leaders of the City You represent. People and tourists ARE watching.
I apologize if any of the readers here take offence, but I just had to get this out. The honeymoon is over with our new Council and I’m so ashamed of most (4 to 3) of them. What a way to show our City.
@Juust Thinking . . . Your summary is spot on. If you caught any of the meeting on Wednesday, it was even worse. The “I” word seems to be the extent of the vocabulary being displayed by this seated council. Unless comments they receive from the lowly public (“flatlanders” according to Steve Segner) are parallel to their own thinking, the “I/Me” group of seven considers them negative by their distorted virtue of disagreement with their own personal opinions.
The purpose for which they were elected has become conveniently ignored. Their concept of self-designated importance is to convey and rule with the “I think” words thus solely and totally confirming “their” determination to impose “their” (collective “I”) ideas and agendas on the voting residents of incorporated Sedona. A new challenge for Mission Impossible: Has anyone been able to keep count of the number of times the “I” word is used at a council meeting?
Of course as long as “they” continue to keep Jennifer Wesselhoff and Steve Segner, the guerilla source of how the newly elected were seated, they (collective “I”) believe “they” are doing their job. Steve Segner’s name has now even become revered at council meetings as it was dropped as being in attendance at one of the specific events reviewed towards the end of Tuesday’s meeting.
The absurd notion of allowing performers (artists?) time far exceeding the “Moment of Silence” to appear at council meetings is absurd. To have scheduled a “Special Meeting” for such dribble as the three agenda items on Wednesday exemplified the self-importance this egotistic seven has bestowed upon the only words they seem to understand: “I, Me, Me, Me, I, I (think, believe, etc.) It is an embarrassment to Sedona.
They sit in utter ignorance of the concept “There is no ‘I’ in team.” What’s really scary is that with this prevailing attitude our property, lifestyle, and all things most of us moved to Sedona for remains in jeopardy.
So when you are burdened with financial assessments for desperately needed “new money” to provide the “I wants” of this illustrious seven, if you object, be prepared for the ongoing label of “negative, nay-sayers” or similar belittling tags simply because you disagree with the controlling “I think” people presently calling the shots. It is what it is.
@Here Here
You must be joking, I am a person who is heavy into the arts, I love the fact that artists are going to be apart of a council meeting on a regular basis, I voted for most of the new councilors because they said that they appreciate artists and gosh darn, I guess they do. That’s why so many talented people come to Sedona is because of some type of art. I think that it’s a step in the right direction.
Say here, just thinking, and Here Here..
Or let’s same some time and just call you all by your real name which is “to much time on your hands” SHARLET…or shall we say Julianna(who got fired from her government job cause of her big mouth)
As I have already said if you HATE Sedona so mych move out(you won’t be missed) or run for council(which you won’t do because that takes away from your Hate letters)…
You can’t fool us Sharlet …
Mayor Sandy needs to stop working as an event planner at the airport and start trying to focus on being a mayor. She is attending workshops rather than doing her job on city time. Are you the only one getting paid to attend?
Since when was a governing body created to perform duties other than what is outlined by state or federal rules? It seems councils for a long time have been griping about too many and too lengthy meetings. And now they want to add performances?
Can’t wait for word to get out about that and give more cause for making a mockery of Sedona’s off-the-wall creative thinking. Can’t wait for artists to line up and then complain because they didn’t get their fair share of time. A comedy of errors must surely be in order with this latest proposed fiasco but perhaps that, too, is another form of Sedona art.
And no, I’m not a hater of arts or Sedona. What I do believe is art in all forms has an appropriate place, has always had a place, and does not need to invade the business of running city government in a professional manner.
Our own home is filled with Sedona art crafts as are the homes of many of our visiting friends over the years. Of course, we spent money at local galleries which added to the economy. Attended Jazz on the Rocks, Flagstaff Symphony performances at Poco Diablo and elsewhere, and were actual paying patrons not looking for free performances at City Hall council meetings. Sort of cheapens the artistic touch and ability for those who might stoop so low, but then that’s my opinion and no one else’s who’s taken time to air their thoughts on this site.
And no, I am not Sharlet or anyone else other than myself. Those imposing such suggestions appear to be doing what it is they are accusing, making asinine assumptions, poorly written at that. And just how do you know whether or not any of the “assumed” aliases of Sharlet or Julia or whomever have been members of city council, commissions, or are actively engaged in a current committee?
Those comments, to which you are entitled, are predictable and trite. With something genuine to offer you would probably glean more respect. Did you watch the council meetings and listen to the frequent “I” references? Or is it possible you were among the seven who were making them?
Have a great day and take advantage of “A Moment of Silence” which, fortunately, five of the seven members of the city council found to be of value.
To rant-Monologue, a lengthy discourse by a single performer, especially if irritated or upset
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bullying is the use of force, threat, or coercion to abuse, intimidate, or aggressively dominate others. The behavior is often repeated and habitual.
Ignore the “click” of those negative controll freaks. They work for the city in one way or another. Taking money from the city, protecting the mighty $.
Agree with you Here Here and Juust thinking enjoyed reading your post.
It appears that if someone expresses an interest in purchasing commercial property, the City is not attempting at the very beginning to “suggest” more appropriate locations than smack in peoples’ neighborhoods and/or creating more convoluted traffic pattern adjustments. We will most likely continue to experience many more instances of this unless and until there are residential buffer zones which I suggest be established now.
@West Sedona Resident: I find it very flattering that I irritate you so much and I’m amused that you continue to “assume” that You disclaim my existence and that you, so piously, think you know who I am and attach another name to me in the form of “Julianna”.
My name is Sharlett and that’s all that matters.
On your end? You seem to be a ranting person who just doesn’t get it that there is a right of all of us to have our say without being intimidated or bullied and just cuz You refute facts?….doesn’t make you right as your facts never refute or substantiate the real facts.
@Susan gets the concept of bully tactics. @Winefest gets the concept of duality and how our Mayor works for Her special projects. @Reflections on CVS Decision; Points well spoken. @Jerry, Sedona City Limits – keep on with your well thought out comments.
And lastly to @West Sedona Resident -what you simply don’t understand is the level of love I do have for Sedona and how hard I will fight against people like you!!!
@ Jerry, Sedona City Limits
Thank You for Your comment and I couldn’t agree with You more on each subject.
I too enjoy art in Sedona and appreciate the changing works on the chamber walls, but I don’t feel performances belong during Council meetings, Period. Perhaps if the Council is serious about promoting the performing arts Our Recreation Department could arrange for performers to showcase their work in the City Hall plaza at lunch time for all the enjoy. Not Council meetings where it would only add to a carnival environment which we already have. This whole thing came up in the first place because Mz Jessica so hates anything close to introspection. And now in the meeting Our mayor has changed the ‘Moment of Silence’ to the ’10-15 second of Silence’.
Also thanks to Here, Here, Judy Stein, Winefest for Your comments.
In closing…. No, I am not Sharlet either. There are those who would have others believe that this Site only has a very few commenters that use different names. I have even heard this from members of the Council, Not True, there really are many of us that don’t believe You’re doing a very good job at this point.
@ Reflections on CVS Decision. How about getting the facts? Only 1 acre of the 5.2 acre CVS Pharmacy site area was zoned Commercial (C-2). Thanks to P & Z rubber-stamping CVS Pharmacy’s zone-change request, over 4 acres of Residential property (RS-12) were rezoned to Planned Development (PD).
It’s time for Sedona’s “too many retirees” to take back our city.
@Winefest
The last time I checked the position of Mayor, while provided a stipend of sorts, is volunteer. IMO we should be thrilled that she still has time and interest to participate in some way so that we can keep Winefest going.
Say, it just occurred to me after someone pointed out a recent letter to the editor in the Red Rock News suggesting for Red Rock Crossing to be reopened.
With the former Sedona city council so intent to represent the entire Verde Valley, and this one certainly seems to be following the trend, how about it? If there’s any truth that former Mayor Rob Adams will reside in Yavapai County by the time of the next election and run for County Supervisor to replace Chip Davis, what better chance is there for that to happen?
As it seems he’s leading the pack on a Sedona Citizen’s Committee to develop the sewer acreage, especially with a performing arts center, YIPPEE! What a blast for the regional economy with restoration of the Red Rock Crossing alternate route to pave the way for development all the way from Sedona to Cottonwood and the right guy in office to make it happen.
Sharlett
Your incapable of love cause your so filled with hate…
BTW julianna….you don’t bother me just like informing the readers here of your inability to take any constructive action other than complain!!
Your a fraud!! And once people Sharlett/julianna backs up her BS comments with 2 or 3 fake posts also written by her..
The bullying you Complain of has been coming from your end for years now…
@Just Sayin’ – Congratulations! – you have now picked up on One personal preference of our mayor….she has many more.
Could I remind us of another preference both Sandy and Jessica have (aside from voting like twin sisters) is the Affordable Housing charges to any new development and how there is No parity or level of comparison of charges charged to any development?
I, for one, am very tired of watching council meetings and witness/hear the anger councilwoman Jessica spews on many issues and with such disrespect to our community voters! Just because She feels someway doesn’t mean we have to dumb down to agree with her.
I am aware she has been under duress for the last few weeks due to the death of her son and as a mother my heart hurts for and with her —- but that doesn’t give her the right to spew such vitriolic words and concepts with such disrespect.
If I remember correctly CVS was supposed to pay $18.900 for affordable housing for some 13,000 (?) sq feet and all the people they would employ, the proposed Marriott was to donate open space instead of fees for over a hundred rooms, Sedona Rouge had to give 2 affordable units in exchange for 32 new rooms and then there were 4 affordable rooms the Sky Ranch place up on airport mesa had to give for 40 rooms.
Where is the parity/equity/fairness for those business’s? Where is the understanding that as Sandy and Jessica continue to cry about affordable housing – they also lower the bar on affordable housing as they set a new lower precedent with each vote?
Isn’t it time for one set of rules to be followed? Which includes the winefest, and all the other “personal” feel goods of the council?????
Oh, and by the way @West Sedona Resident – You have stopped amusing us with your lame rhetoric without substance…instead you just spew anger without facts.
I truly wish you the best (of a time of rest and re-gathering and time to refresh yourself with the actual Facts).
@ Devil’s Advocate
Red Rock Crossing will not take people anywhere close to Cottonwood. It would take people to the Village of Oak Creek. Before stirring up a swarm of bees once again, get a map and the facts.
Take Care.
Oh Sharlett
You don’t like the tone of Jessica at council meetings… You poor thing you..
2 things: I’m sure she doesn’t care what you think since you contribute nothing except complaintts from the sidelines for years now…
You probally don’t like the angry overtones cause it reminds you of yourself…
Your a fraud julianna.
Now please write a response with 2 or 3 fake names to back up your BS ..
@West Sedona resident.
You have tagged Jessica very correctly as she doesn’t care what Anyone thinks!
Yet many of us deeply care about how our council represents our little town and she isn’t cutting it! Because she is a councilwoman are you actually suggesting she is always golden and 100% correct every time she opens her mouth? HA!
Find it very amusing/amazing that you don’t know or even want to understand the difference between a person’s “opinions” (that are most often supported with facts, in my case) and “complaintts” (your misspell word) that just attack anyone who disagrees with your pious nonsense.
Now, cuz I’m feeling nice and to hopefully make your day – here are my 3 responses using my real name and without fake names: #1) Sharlett says get a grip. #2) Sharlett says – did you forget to take your pills? #3) Sharlett says Try taking a walk on the wild side and attempt to learn how to respect other’s opinions!
Funniest part I find in reading yet another of your rants is that you somehow think I am someone called “Julianna”.
I’m a fraud? Hey @West Sedona resident – how do you define yourself?
No Sharlett….
Jessica was voted in by a majority of voters….
She actually had the guts to put herself out there and run, instead of the constant complaining from the sidelines like YOU.
Why should she care about anything you or anybody like you thinks and show you any due respect.
You have for years now have never been satisfied or contented with anything or anyone regarding Sedona government.( most likely I suspect because you got fired)
You seem to thrive on ill content which says more about your hatful nature then anything else. So might I add until you put your big hateful mouth to use for something useful besides crying and complaining. Why don’t you give it a rest. You contribute nothing. You are a fraud!!
West Sedona Resident has been writing disinformation under various alias for years. Her tell is the two periods after most of her sentences.
Just a sad middle aged city employee that knows her job is a fraud and wastes taxpayer funds for no good purpose. Can you imagine how low your opinion of yourself must be after you take money from retired people on a fixed income and waste it? Many have committed suicide after being drained to the point they have no hope. Imagine living with yourself knowing you have assisted in that?
Character matters, the person writing under “West Sedona Resident” and other alias shows theirs.
One wonderful thing about the universe is Karma, liars and frauds inevitably
get what they deserve.
Have a blessed day.
Your damn right they do Jess Lookin
@West sedona resident:
“Jessica was voted in by a majority of voters”….Here is the reality of how she stood with the voters – a lame #3: DINUNZIO, MARK 2047 29.90%
MARTINEZ, JOHN 1864 27.22%
MILLER, JOHN D. 1369 19.99%
WILLIAMSON, JESSICA 1524 22.26%
Write-in Votes 43 0.63%
There was no Majority as though she was anointed in first place….she just came in 3rd. BIG difference.
Am sure you will respond with how she got elected by a whopping 22.26% —- and that’s NO Majority.
“She actually had the guts to put herself out there and run”. Ok Mr. Williamson your words (off your face book page) now come back to haunt you.
“Why should she care about anything you or anybody like you thinks and show you any due respect”. Again, these words are just too similar to your posts about your wife back when she was running and you posted you were collecting signatures for her petitions.
And furthermore – WHY should she care about the likes of me and my words? Quite frankly it is because I Am a voter and because she can either be a stellar player or a dim sung player. Seems to me she takes the lower socialistic route and only satiates herself and the mayor tag team routine.
You also write “instead of the constant complaining” and “most likely I suspect because you got fired)” I’ve news for you! #1 I Have Never Been Fired from a City Job – unlike your wife Jessica!
and #2 When I make comments and speak my opinions (which I believe I am allowed to due according to the U.S. Constitution) somehow it would behoove you to pull up your big boy pants and respond with facts rather than fiction and words that direct the conversations away from the real issues!
In my world I have learned that when Facts are presented and the response is deflection of those facts off to another topic – well, that is done to Avoid the Truth!
I’m all about the truth and facts. YOU? @Jess Lookin Correctly states: “One wonderful thing about the universe is Karma, liars and frauds inevitably get what they deserve. ”
Nuff Said – West sedona resident & Mr. W.
Sharlett/Julianna
Your s joke!!!
As always angry and usually wrong..
As I said she won regardless of the percentage.. She put herself out there and won as you cry and complain from the sidelines(for years now). Contributing NOTHING..
You got fired from your city job which fuels your contempt for city government..
Now write 3 fake posts using different names..
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
It’s unfortunate. It appears there’s an attempt here to take over Sedona Eye and use it as a battlefield for individuals to activate personal attacks, directed at those with either differing opinions or as a means to dredge up other grudges unrelated to any subject at hand.
The nature of this article has all but been eradicated by use of unrelated comments serving only to take up space and discredit an otherwise well conceived service for the community. Factual information and opinion submissions provided by contributors is offered with options to agree, disagree, suggest, comment, and a true opportunity to exercise the right of “Freedom of the Press” as well as “Freedom of Speech.”
The few people (probably limited to two or three) who continue to take advantage in less than a productive manner, such as attempting to mollify personal disputes in an intelligent and adult manner, choose to display behavior very similar to that of small children throwing temper tantrums, for which they should have a swat on their behinds. But, of course, this day and age that would no doubt be considered child abuse.
In the meantime, the diversion obscures the subject. Over a million dollars of city revenue is being wasted to embellish the web site of the Sedona Chamber of Commerce and for ads soliciting new members (see page 11 “Kudos” March 18). And another absurdity is in the making – a Chamber of Commerce restaurant guide also with city taxes but to benefit only Chamber members. Such guides are already available in local publications at no cost to City of Sedona. These frivolous notions appear to have nothing to do with “destination marketing.”
No matter how much bantering continues, the offering of over a million dollars of City of Sedona bed and/or sales tax to a regional Chamber of Commerce remains an increasingly questionable practice with no change of policy in the foreseeable future.
The above comments represent my own thoughts and opinions and are offered as a contribution from a legitimate Sedona resident and registered voter.
Eddie S. Maddock
Eddie,
Yes, a million given to the Chamber of Commerce without oversight is wasted. The 2014-2015 City of Sedona Budget of $38,385,154 is also full of waste. That’s about $3800 for every Sedona resident, but I guess only the tourists count.
Especially when the Acting City Manager Karen Daines says a million for capital improvements, ” is a lot of money”. I think a city’s main purpose is capital improvements. Things like roads. Public safety. Not binging more tourists and congestion to benefit a small number of business owners who may not even live in the city.
People need to look at the budget and be informed.
Thank you for your efforts.
Sorry Jess,& Eddie
Your comment ” A million given to the Chamber of Commerce without oversight is wasted” I just WRONG.
First of all you are wrong about no oversight.
You can get a copy of the contract from the city, (did you) No, the contract was worked out line by line with the city council, the city manager, and the city attorney. Then it was presented to the city council for review and vote.
Remember 60% to 70 % of all city income comes from visitors, you live in a tourist town, with no city tax, the tourist income does not benefit a small number of out side business people it pays the majority of salaries in Sedona and drives the entire economy.
Steve
@Jess Lookin
Thank you DJV for your comments to support ESM
Steve Segner, you ask valid questions. Now I have a couple for you.
Was a deal made between the City of Sedona and the Lodging Council and/or Chamber of Commerce PRIOR to the Lodging Council agreeing to the bed tax increase?
In other words, did one or more Sedona City Council Members agree to award the Chamber of Commerce the exclusive rights to the Destination Marketing Contract before it ever went before a public city council meeting?
Was the only reason you agreed to the bed tax increase because you were guaranteed by one or more seated council members that the State mandated return for the discriminatory transaction privilege tax increase would be awarded to the Chamber of Commerce without additional Requests for Proposals?
Would you have agreed to the bed tax increase without the promise of the Destination Marketing Contract?
@steve segner.
I’ll call you out on one of your lies, ” no city tax”? It’s on all my utility bills, my phone bill, and the sales tax on everything I buy.
Liar.
No question about it.
Jest lookin question
Ok, let’s say the city budget is $3,800.00 per person as you state, we know the 70% of city tax income comes from visitors, so now your number is only $1,140.00 pp.
Do you fell better ? Seem like a good deal. Remember you pay no city tax.
As to Eddies question re bed tax there was no deal with the city, the city council makes all laws, we just said it was ok with the hotels.
Steve
@Steve segner : Let’s start with Eddies question re Bed Tax and her concept of in the dark room closet deal with the city – aka Done Deal before it ever came before the Council.
Please, Please, PLEASE let us know when your illustrate lodging board ever asked their members to vote on the concept of the .5% increase in bed taxes? To quote you Mr. segner: “we just said it was ok with the hotels”. HUH???
So if you can not produce a Lodging Membership vote on the issue – How in the Hell can you say it was OK with the hotels? aka = back room deal! Opps, I forgot that you wrote you had it in the bag.
Next: as I recall – isn’t our city of Sedona debt service over $5000.00 per person? How do you factor that in?
Eddie and Jess are not wrong in their questions of oversight of the $1,000,000 because there is NO Profit & Loss Statement ever provided to the City —just Miss Chamber CEO smiling and saying we’ve got your back and you, Mr. Segner just saying “Just trust me/Us”.
And, Mr. Segner you are 100% Incorrect that the tourist paid revenues to Sedona and the City’s coffers do not benefit the ” a small number of out side business people” . Why do I say this? Easy. The Regional Sedona Chamber promotes the “outsiders” with just as much volume as they do (or don’t) all the legitimate in town business’s.
If you really want to do something good for the local Chamber who wants to become the “Regional Chamber” then why not get the rest of the governmental bodies, in our area, to support the concept of SAME level of taxation that Sedona and Chamber and Lodging good old boy group dumps on Sedona business’s? Or, are you just swimming in your own cesspool?
OK you broke the record for most comments. Move on.
Hey Steve S..
Save your breath… They ask a question..you answer it….they complain more and find fault in your answer…
You can’t satistify this unsavory cast of characters … As you know they twist and relief on misinformation …most of all Sharlett and whatever 3or 4 fake names she is posting under..
Disregard her completely …
Btw Eddie Maddock
I also am a resident of Sedona and am also a registered voter…
Also when REAL reporters write a story they present real facts and don’t intetject there digs, or biases in the story…
Save that for the comment section AFTER you write your story
@West Sedona Resident : You state: ” I also am a resident of Sedona and am also a registered voter…” If that’s true, then why is it you do not identify yourself with your REAL name?
For your further information, where did you get your information that I ever claimed to be a REAL reporter?
Eddie Maddock