Ms. Wesselhoff explained that none of the public money goes to operate any functions of the Chamber of Commerce. She claims her salary is solely derived from C of C membership dues. She went on to say the Tourism Bureau is privately and publicly funded and the Visitor’s Center is funded by City.

However Michelle’s salary IS primarily derived from the private funding portion of Tourism Bureau funds but subject to being subsidized as, perhaps, is necessary.

And, yes, we would also like to know why the Directors/Presidents/CEO’s of ALL non-profits weren’t allowed to meet with city staff members to decide the CITY’s annual budget? Meals on Wheels; Humane Societies (all of them in Northern Arizona); Keep Sedona Beautiful; Sedona Recycles (and they, too, expand beyond City Limits with their collection bins placed elsewhere). These are just a few examples of non-profits who most likely are far more beneficial to the public in general than the over-blown importance of a chamber of commerce allowed to run amok!

And, BTW, we WERE supporters of Vice Mayor John Martinez until we learned of his avid participation and support of the great City of Sedona love affair with a “regional” chamber of commerce. And City Council questioned funding for Verde Valley Caregivers? Maybe it’s time for ALL non-profits to revert to what they had to do before Sedona became a “city.” Rely on funding from their supporters. It worked back then! Why not now?

BTW – wasn’t it Mike Ward who not too long ago submitted his name to fill a vacancy on the City Council? Well, little wonder he wasn’t appointed! Obviously he was tainted by those in power when he had the good sense to vote “NO” on the C of C rip-off from the beginning! Mark DiNunzio also showed good judgment and common sense. Huh? Common sense? Wha’dat??

The most recent meeting was about the budget, and not a surprise was the open admission that Jennifer Wesselhoff was subjectively on center stage while council members and staff performed virtually(?)

To cut to the chase, one must simply read the above factual article to rewind back to when the city/chamber scam began = 2013. Then calculate the increased funding and control that’s existed and allows to increase every single year.

Maybe the latest admission is Ms. Wesselhoff’s participation with at least two city staff members (disclosed at the meeting) to sit down with them and assist in the budget planning process.

Question is: What about the directors of other Sedona non-profits? Why then aren’t THEIR administrators allowed the same privilege?

Why is this blatant discrimination acceptable? Admitting most other local non-profits are 501-c-3 (tax deductible) and the chamber “non-profit” status doesn’t qualify as “tax deductible” what difference should that make?

Adding insult to injury, the city council discussed and questioned at some length the contribution to Verde Valley Caregivers since it transcends into “Verde Valley.” And what about all the C of C members outside Sedona City Limits? “Extended” discrimination?

This is nuts! And using the addition to the C of C of “Bureau of Tourism” gives no justification. If they choose to represent themselves as a State of Arizona service, then let them go to Gov. Ducey and get funding from him.

Nero may have fiddled when Rome burned, but our city council and staff continue to do much worse to Sedona by their neglect of appropriate functions of municipalities in favor of serving only one selective non-profit special interest group. Then to allow the C of C to own property (Jordan Road) purchased with city money? That isn’t the reason Sedona incorporated.

This chamber of commerce hasn’t been authorized by Sedona voting residents to represent THEM! So get off your high horses, especially during this critical time of dealing with a deadly disease. Do something beneficial for the population in general and put an end to the unwarranted give-away and unnecessary control of these parasites. Is COVID-19 really any worse?

Mother Nature and Karma exist in case you aren’t aware. Good riddance to those of you who created this mess. Nothing lasts forever.

Isn’t this the reason for incorporation? The metes and bounds of the area, Sedona City limits.

Just because the city council has enabled and endorsed a TAKEOVER allowing non-city-residents and non-city-businesses to partake in city politics doesn’t make it right. Look at the citizens engagement program. They are mostly of non city folks and the chamber. The outsiders are running the city. shameful.

What happened to ALL the affordable housing the city permitted when the hotels were building???????? Another scam by hotels to grab more money? They are renting out those affordable housing rooms as tourists rooms.

Disclose the truth – Challenge them! Cause they ain’t disclosing the truth major issues.

Give the businesses and residents their own voice and STOP outside special interests from dictating your lives.

IMO

They advertise saving $$$$$ by keeping the sales OUTSIDE the city limits. Frommers tells travelers to stay OUTSIDE Sedona because of taxes. Reported in AZR more stores and malls closing. 25% of all malls should be gone in AZ.

Frommers:
” A Taxing Situation — You can save a little bit on your hotel bill by staying in the Village of Oak Creek rather than in Sedona proper. Not only are there several budget hotels here, but also the room tax is only 7.35% vs. 13.737% in Sedona.” http://www.frommers.com/destinations/sedona/hotels/overview

Ask your members. This is why the galleries SHIP art to avoid paying those taxes. Just like the past city manager reported. I believe there was an article in the RRn. Logic??????? why would the in-city businesses pay to advertise those selling the same stuff as them. Isn’t doing businesses in this backaxx town hard enough with the high rents and the city taxes????? The city taxes commercial rents so watch out folks for another tax increase. 3% on top of the $5,000 a month rent. Merchants beware rents are on the rise. They need more money to pay to advertise those outside the city limits. cause $$$

GREAT idea @Challenge the Truth !!!!!!!

If you speak up the local controlling groups will come out and attempt to silence you. It is in their best interest as their lives are enhanced by participating in local issues and having a local dominance over everything in the greater Sedona area. City Council have repeatedly said if they don’t hear from you they believe you agree with them. They enable and endorse that local dominance control to participate and dominate local government as they win accolades and support from them. The system is being worked.

This is my experience and opinion. When is enough, enough? People are afraid to speak up. Workers, business owners, residents. Just like any bully, only when you unite and stand up can to stop this insane control.

Standing up and speaking the truth without any personal gains is what makes Mrs. Maddock one of Sedona’s finest leaders. I would like to express my gratitude to Mrs.Eddie Maddock and thank her for all her hard work and the contributions she makes to our community.

Thank you to Mrs. Maddock.

“I challenge you Let the businesses vote. Also ask them if they prefer a lower bed tax rate.”

Why in the world would any business give a hoot about a tax that doesn’t effect them?

Can you at least get on the right page for an argument?…..So Illogical!