Home » Business, Community, General » Eddie Maddock: Business as Usual?

Eddie Maddock: Business as Usual?

SedonaEye.com columnist Eddie S. Maddock

Sedona AZ – At a Special Sedona City Council Meeting, 3:00 Wednesday afternoon on January 11, 2017, after three long years of a contentious destination marketing agreement with the Sedona Chamber of Commerce, the City will again revisit the issue. We can only hope the negotiations will prove to be less controversial, fairer, and, in turn, result in acceptable transparency which will dismiss suspicion and mistrust of City Hall dealings. That might very well have been the case had the original commitment for Requests for Proposals (RFPs) as well as certified outside audits been upheld as proposed during the initial negotiations. Ignoring both valid concerns was a disservice to everyone.

Five options will be discussed at this meeting as follows:

Option 1: Move forward with the negotiations of a new contract with the Chamber of Commerce.

Option 2: Issue an RFP for tourism promotion services.

Option 3: Create a stand-alone destination marketing organization (DMO) without ties to the Chamber of Commerce.

Option 4: Create a City Department to handle tourism promotion.

Option 5: Issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a travel industry consultancy to assess the current structure, funding relationships, etc. and provide recommendations to the city.

Pros and cons of each option will be discussed at length, such as concerns RFPs will include bids from for-profit agencies. That brings up several questions. Without an official outside audit from a qualified source, how do they know the Chamber has not been making a profit? How many employees have they hired? What has been the cost of improvement to its own facilities, etc? And what is the source of funding for those operating expenses?

And will the City acknowledge the Chamber currently offers its own RFPs for specific services, realistically reducing it to a mere middle-agency, acting on behalf of the City of Sedona?

And how do they justify the extended branding of the Sedona Chamber of Commerce that has occurred within the past three years? What has been the source of that promotional funding for the Chamber instead of the City?

By creating a stand-alone destination marketing organization, the City could avoid real or perceived conflicts between tourism promotion services and the various other functions of the Chamber of Commerce. Although they specify… it is unclear how local and regional partners would react… why should that concern the City? Should their focus at long last be redirected to the residents of incorporated Sedona? They are the people who created the City in the first place, clearly, and with the knowledge it attracted tourists.

Sure, a stand-alone destination marketing organization would result in the re-creation of an already established and successful local agency. However the extent of success of the present local agency has never been undisputedly proven. The source of increased revenue after the great recession coupled with a reduction in gasoline prices has never factually been factored into the increased tourism and resulting upswing in revenue. Nor has it been determined to what extent advertising monies have merely resulted in excessive daytripping, which the City’s infrastructure clearly cannot handle.

As for the suggestion for Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a travel industry consultancy to assess and monitor the current structure, would that be nothing more than a babysitter for the contract with the Chamber of Commerce? Should the City have been serving that function for the past three years?

It has frequently been said the City could not afford to operate their stand-alone department. And how would they know? With a Chamber of Commerce now providing funding for USFS trail maintenance, contributing money back to the City for their traffic study, and other generous but questionably frivolous expenditures, most recently to propose purchasing property on behalf of the City with what appears to be leftover funds from the bed tax rebate, how can they make that determination without a precise and reliable audit from an authentic source? They cannot. Is there any reasonable explanation why the City should not take responsibility for allocating the bed tax revenue – all of it – including over and above destination marketing?

And the perfect opportunity to establish a genuine Sedona Visitors Center has been ignored by not including such a service at the Western Gateway. How long will this City tolerate discrimination of their own legitimate licensed, tax collecting businesses within City Limits unless they are forced to be members of what clearly is a regional Chamber of Commerce? And the practice of paid referrals is common, but should the City be involved by financing the activity with public funds and further discriminating against in-city businesses?

Molly Spangler recently hired by the city of Sedona AZ as its Economic Development Director.

With the recent hiring of a professional, Molly Spangler, to serve as Economic Development Director, there is really no need to burden our busy Chamber of Commerce with more additional duties besides servicing its members, which is the purpose of its non-profit organization.

Since when was the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau deemed the “Destination Marketing & Management Organization in Sedona for 65 years?” Up until just a few years ago was it not the Oak Creek Canyon Sedona Chamber of Commerce, then changed to Sedona Chamber of Commerce, and most recently “& Tourism Bureau” was tacked on? This elaborate extension of creating yet another illusion that simply does not exist is pretty much over the top. Wouldn’t you agree? Dumb question.

There is already a campaign in motion to “Make America Great Again.” How about a local endeavor to “Make Sedona Respectable Again”? Meet and greet our visitors with an authentic Sedona Visitors Center and related advertising?

Don’t we deserve it like other places?

Flagstaff (AZ) and Park City (UT) are but two examples that offer proof they survive very well without financial support to their respective Chambers of Commerce.

Read www.SedonaEye.com for daily news and interactive views!

1,387 Comments

  1. Mark, Sedona says:

    Time for the city council to be removed. Where are the recall forms? Set up tables at events and get the word out what they just did. Get signatures on NO JORDAN ROAD WON’T DISAPPEAR QUIETLY and SAVE JORDAN ROAD, SAVE OUR CITY

    Plaster this change to community plan on signs. Every house on Jordan Rd hould have a sign that says NO 84 HOMES HERE or 84 HOMES WILL DESTROY YOUR SCENIC VIEWS or NO 84 HOMES or SAVE JORDAN RD or NO 84, TIME FOR CITY COUNCIL TO GO or SAVE OUR COMMUNITY.

    Time for the residents to get off their asses.

  2. Jan & Jeff, Coconino County says:

    From what we understand it was an amendment to the Sedona Community Plan to allow for rezoning from low to high density which has been approved by the Planning & Zoning Commissioners (NOT approval for rezoning of the Jordan Road property – YET!).

    As the procedure to “amend the Community Plan” is yet to be approved by the Sedona City Council, this issue is of great importance to prevent the amendment to the Community Plan to be stopped by the Sedona City Council.

    If they approve it, all hell may very well break loose and it will be the beginning of many more requests for zone change over and above that of the Jordan Road Property, yet to be decided.

  3. Labella says:

    No water, no build

  4. Correction says:

    We misstated. In our opinions the issue of the amendment to the Community Plan is of great importance to prevent the measure to be “stopped” by the Sedona City Council. This is to change that statement to: “. . . . great importance to prevent the measure from being APPROVED by the Sedona City Council.”

    Translated: We object to the amendment of the Sedona Community Plan as approved by the P & Z Commission and will further object to approval of rezoning the Jordan Road Project when it is up for discussion by P & Z and City Council.

    Jan & Jeff, Coconino County

  5. Lisa VOC says:

    @janjeffcorrection yea!

  6. Build It For The Future Not Now says:

    Enough enough @city hall. Pare down the employees because they overlap job duties and fail to implement cost savings and it is an unremarkable group of people. To deal with them is like dealing with molasses. Many of the people that use to accomplish and love Sedona values have retired or left and their replacements aren’t of the same caliber because they were hired by people not so good at their jobs. Spiraling downward for ten years. Understanding our frustration is your responsibility.

  7. Vince, west Sedona says:

    A Phoenix investor said avoid Sedona because of its demographics. Interesting. He says there is no incentive here for productive growth with inflation.

  8. Eddie S. Maddock says:

    Watching that P & Z meeting was extremely depressing. The lack of consideration five of those commissioners displayed to those who spoke was and remains (IMO) appalling. Who died and appointed them judge and jury, anyway?

    This is a reminder to those who allegedly are in positions to bid for Sedona residents (and NOT themselves). The recent passing of Barbara Littrell is a timely reminder that none of you will be around forever.

    Although Ms. Littrell was a high profile activist and did many beneficial things, one of her legacies will remain her avid support for the ongoing contract with the Sedona Chamber of Commerce. That, Folks, is a fact.

    Kindly keep in mind when holding positions of authority (city council, commissions, school board, etc.) it’s your job to have the integrity to make decisions reflecting the will of the people – NOT your apparent know-it-all judgments and preferences and decisions which reflect your own personal opinions and/or choices.

    If you are unable to live up to that commitment, then consider resigning. Approving this obviously unpopular proposal to amend the Sedona Community Plan in order to facilitate a change in zoning for property on Jordan Road will just be the beginning of an onslaught of increased density – both in structures AND traffic! Two things Sedona obviously cannot handle.

  9. steve Segner says:

    P & Z Commission are not city employees. Locals from the community. they follow the community plan Economic Development
    Goals
    Support locally owned businesses.
    Recruit new businesses and organizations representing different business and institutional sectors that diversify Sedona’s economic base.
    Preserve and enhance Sedona’s tourist-based economic sector.
    Incorporate an assets-based framework into the City’s economic development efforts.
    Improve the City’s transportation, information, and communication infrastructure to allow businesses to compete regionally, nationally, and globally.

  10. Jess M. says:

    Clearly as defined by Steve Segner 7/11 @ 12:13 PM, neither P & Z Commission nor City Council/City Staff give a hoot about residents. (who ‘dem?)

    One thing being overlooked here is the Community Plan VISION STATEMENT:

    “Sedona is a community that nurtures connections between people, encourages healthy and active lifestyles, and supports a diverse and prosperous economy, with priority given to the protection of the environment.”

    Take special notice: “PRIORITY GIVEN TO THE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT.” = not happening!

    There really is only one solution. The well organized group that mailed out notices to Sedona residents about that most recent P & Z meeting and intention to amend the Community Plan did, indeed, generate substantial public turnout. To NO avail.

    There most likely is only one thing that will put the brakes on this runaway train:

    CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT

    A notice of “Intent to Sue” from a high power Phoenix attorney who means business will shake up City Hall more than any type of public revolution. It’s been proven in the past (generally without publicity since “they” apparently don’t want such matters to be made public.) It isn’t unusual for “silence” to become a critical stipulation in legal settlements “they” don’t want publicized.

    Unless and until people are so fed up they come together, finance, and drop that legal bomb – and mean it – it will remain “Business as Usual.” Yes indeed!

  11. Walter D Johanson - Uptown says:

    To the comment from Jess M

    Wow, how was it proven in the past, and yet you know about it? I find that very hard to believe. Was there a payout? Who filed the action?

  12. Tony, Support Free Cuba says:

    Louise Tillotson, a researcher who focuses on the Caribbean for Amnesty International, said the Cuban government is using a familiar playbook.
    “The tactic of entering someone’s home without a warrant, summoning them … for exercising freedom of expression or assembly is really common in the country,” she said. “You can imagine that this is a real risk or fear that will play out more in the next few days.”

    Crickets in Sedona, Castro lovers in Sedona, hypocrites in Sedona? Don’t want Cubans who know what communism is and died to leave it here? They aren’t as brain dead and uneducated as you.

  13. Jess M. says:

    @Walter Johnson – Uptown. To disclose specific or detailed information relating to settlements as you request would in fact be a violation of the agreements and thus render them void. My guess is you most likely are already aware of that. Sorry – NOT biting your bait!!

  14. Rashmi Rosen, Denmark native, happy American says:

    @Tony Democrats and nonpartisans will continue to vote Republican until they get rid of the communist and socialists running the party and the administration because to vote for Democrats is a vote for socialism now. The unhappiest people in the world according to international polls live in socialist and communist countries. Finland and Denmark rank very high on unhappiness polls.

  15. Eddie Maddock says:

    FYI @Jess M. and other Sedona residents with concerns relating to recent direction and decisions being made by our elected officials. There are other processes by which voters have the ability to reverse Council actions:

    REFERENDUM & INITIATIVE

    This process was successfully achieved as confirmed by the following article appearing in Sedona Times (now known as Sedona Eye.) In simple terms, the decision approved by the Sedona City Council in 2011 for City of Sedona to take ownership of SR89 in West Sedona was overturned.

    Here are some facts to ponder. Read away:

    Sedona Special Election Results
    SEDONA TIMES / NOVEMBER 10, 2011

    Sedona AZ (November 8, 2011) – The Sedona City Council November 8, 2011 special election results were tallied today. Two propositions appeared on the ballot for this election.

    The unofficial tally for Proposition 410 is Yes +-30% and No +-70% and for Proposition 411 is Yes +-77% and No +-23.

    1. A referendum challenging the decision of the Sedona City Council to acquire a portion of State Route 89A from the Arizona Department of Transportation.

    2. An initiative that would require the Sedona City Council to refer any offer by the State of Arizona for the transfer of a state route located in the City limits to the qualified electors of the City at a special or general election for approval.

    The deadline to file arguments for the election ballot was August 9, 2011.

    The measure voted on by Sedona voters referred to the Sedona City Council’s decision to acquire a section of State Route 89A in West Sedona and a portion of State Route 179 from the “Y” to Ranger Road, (the “transfer segment”) through a route transfer agreement with the Arizona Department of Transportation. It was referred to on the November 8, 2011 special election ballot as Proposition 410.

    A measure proposed by the initiative petition was included and labeled Proposition 411. This measure sought to amend the Sedona City Code to require that the Sedona City Council refer any offer by the State of Arizona for the transfer of a state route within the Sedona City limits to the qualified electors at a special or general election for approval and acceptance.

  16. Eddie Maddock says:

    City Council is moving ahead to change purpose for purchasing property on Brewer as a community park/gathering place. Big plans are progressing for more betrayals.
    Check it out:

    https://youtu.be/oW-q18ni7SY

  17. Janet Eddie Schell Souvall Maddock says:

    There’s even more. One item on the consent agenda at the June 23rd council meeting was approval for Sedona and Cottonwood to join forces to hire and fund a “housing manager.” The alleged purpose of which is to assist in addressing the housing problem of the “entire Verde Valley.”

    And guess what? Cottonwood will contribute 45% of the salary and benefits. Sedona will foot the bill for the remaining 55% to include travel, training, overhead and departmental costs. Now keep in mind – this is for the ENTIRE VERDE VALLEY!

    Now isn’t that special? Perhaps the most powerful argument when voters approved incorporation of Sedona was to be removed from the “region”. To create and maintain the ability to control the destiny of the area defined clearly by Sedona City Limits and thus avoid the connection with a “regional” concept.

    And now the City of Sedona will hire yet another “city” employee to “lead the implementation of the housing initiatives and is expected to work with, and cultivate, a strong network of community stakeholders to develop affordable housing solutions,” a city report states.

    Why no public notice and opportunity for Sedona residents to voice an opinion? What has happened to transparency and how about other little “deals” being made behind closed doors. More bombs to be dropped without opportunity for public input? Surely does seems that’s the situation here – unless . . . .???

  18. Peter says:

    If every Sedona resident doesn’t send that YouTube link above to every contact on their email account, then our Sedona is lost and ruined forever.

    Have that Galloway come before city council and testify to what he said? Every resident in Sedona should hear how he runs the show? Play it on the radio and play a recording for Sedona council records? Headline it locally and regionally?

    Was the plan all along to turn that property over to him or developers or reinvigorate Los Ab and its corporate bottom line? Was that or what was the deal? Freedom of information records going back a decade of city council and staff would shed light and more light from the emails from the chamber and its board? Dig deeper? Follow the money. What about other news and real estate companies intertwined in Sedona? Cottonwood? There’s definitely a master plan here by a select group of self appointed and elected wallets. Find it and them.

    Heartbreak in Sedona is heart attack for its residents and businesses and future. You cannot enrich the region on Sedona and the Grand Canyon dimes.

    One fire and one monsoon flood has created a present and future disaster for Flagstaff. People don’t stay while a town rebuilds, they move on and drive past . . . A Scorched rock town isn’t attractive and it isn’t a money maker.

    https://youtu.be/oW-q18ni7SY

  19. Dave, Sedona says:

    Look what I found. Couple of many comments to article written by Sedona Eye J Rick Normand in 2013 about Sedona taxes:

    Bankruptcy Judge WHAT says:
    July 27, 2013 at 6:49 pm
    5) Only last week, on 7/23/2103, the City Council went into Executive Session to discuss negotiations, etc., re the purchase of real property located at 250 Brewer Road, Sedona. The City is also considering acquiring the old ADOT property at the “Y” and land for Creek Access/Creek Park.
    6) The A/R regarding WW fees over 120 days delinquent is $450,000. According to the Assistant City Manager, more than half is attributable to two accounts in bankruptcy. She states the City will have to write off $70,000 on one account ($90,000 is owed) as per the bankruptcy judge.
    Who else is going bankrupt? Who else has gone bankrupt? Who is teetering? Are those properties being looked at by the city and they are forcing them into bankruptcy to claim them? More information is needed Jean.
    Jean says:
    July 28, 2013 at 5:59 am
    To Bankruptcy Judge WHAT,
    Why don’t you call up Assistant City Manager Karen Daines to request the specific information you are erroneously asking me about–then let us know what, if anything, you find out? BTW, did you watch the 7/23/2013 Council meeting? Some info might be on the video, some the City will not tell you, and some the City does not have. Surely you must know, Executive Session matters are “top secret.”
    Will you be attending the City Council meeting tomorrow (Tuesday, 3:00 p.m.)? Writing a letter to the Mayor and Council protesting their running the City of Sedona into the ground financially and otherwise?

  20. Francisco, Tolleson says:

    Cuban American musician Pitbull said in a Twitter video shared widely that he felt frustrated “having a platform to speak to the world and not being able to help my own people, not being able to get them food, not being able to get them water, not being able to get them medicine. But most of all, not being able to help and really get them what they deserve, which is freedom.”

    Free Cuba! Call your representatives and senators in Phoenix and Washington and demand they march with us now. They should be reaching out to us and showing they value us as citizens. If your representative doesn’t help, don’t vote them.

  21. GNS, Sedona says:

    Wow talk about sneaky. If there’s any truth to a report that Sedona Mayor “Sandy” got together with that mayor in Cottonwood and the two of them made the decision to hire (allegedly jointly) a new dude to solve regional housing problems – primarily at Sedona’s expense – and then adding insult to injury slam dunked approval of another pending disaster on a consent agenda – WOW! How do they get away with this kind of activity? Where the H… is transparency? Oh – forgot – “transparency” – wha’dat??

    And as for P & Z approval of an “amendment” to the Sedona Community Plan in order to increase building density, keep in mind it was NOT an official approval for the proposed development on Jordan Road! No indeed. It’s far more reaching than that if it also sails through approval by the City Council consent agenda or not.

    What it will effectively do is allow any or all future proposed developments the privilege of requesting zone changes without benefit of going through the process. Slam dunk, folks.

    Wake up. If you have any vacant property near you visualize a multi story structure. How will it affect your views? Quality of life be damned! It’s all about more development when little Sedona cannot even control or properly serve what has already occurred.

    Hopefully some of the real movers and shakers that promoted incorporation are rolling in their graves. Or if they’re still around to observe their huge blunder are they pleased with themselves? Oops forgot. Mayor Sandy was one of them and continues to thrive on and apparently enjoy her questionable authority.

    How much more damage will occur before voting residents wake up and change the cast of characters?

    What happened to the concept of a “weak” mayor vs a “strong” mayor? Sedona in the past has boasted about previous mayors as being in the weak category – having no more power or authority than regular council members (except for conducting meetings, signing documents, and setting meeting agendas.) Surely the perceived “deal” she and the mayor of Cottonwood made on their own would have been unacceptable had the previous interpretation of Sedona’s option for a “weak” mayor remained the rule. NO MORE – (apparently).

    Yep she’s good at setting those meeting agendas all right! Say what? Are there still term restrictions for mayor and council members (NOT councilors)?

  22. Sedona City Residents says:

    While driving to Prescott today to shop at COSTCO we heard an amusing commercial on the radio. It was promoting some candidate there (Prescott) running for mayor or something but the selling point was for “managed growth and sustainability.” However it stipulated within and exclusively in Prescott and not as a regional endeavor. Now ain’t that fascinating? And where have we heard those exact same words “Managed Growth & Sustainability”? Does the word “Sedona” ring a bell? Our laugh for the day. Our pleasure for the day was our shopping trip. Thanks for the opportunity to share our adventure whether or not you find it interesting.

  23. ROB, SEDONA says:

    COMMENT ABOVE SAID
    What it will effectively do is allow any or all future proposed developments the privilege of requesting zone changes without benefit of going through the process. Slam dunk, folks. Wake up. If you have any vacant property near you visualize a multi story structure. How will it affect your views? Quality of life be damned! It’s all about more development when little Sedona cannot even control or properly serve what has already occurred.

    COMMENT HERE SAYS
    WE DON’T NEED THIS IN SEDONA CITY LIMITS. WE DON’T WANT 7 PEOPLE MAKING DECISIONS FOR 10k. WE DON’T NEED A MAYOR WHO FORGETS HER PLACE SERVING AS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL. IT IS COUNTER PRODUCTIVE AND SHORTSIGHTED. GET RID OF THIS COUNCIL IN NEXT ELECTION. GET RID OF THEM NOW IN A RECALL. DO IT. OUR PROPERTY VALUES ARE GUARANTEED TO DROP.

  24. Sedona Keith says:

    List your favorite things about Sedona. Not one will be multi stories. Not one will be high rises. Not one will be fast food restaurants. Not one will be noise. Not one will be garbage. Not one will be traffic.

  25. Tammy says:

    recall or resign

  26. Scott says:

    China says it will nuke Japan if the US and allies attempt to prevent Chinese takeover of Taiwan. Chinese now have biggest navy in the world. Instead of opening Sedona arms to tourism which evaporates if we go to war or drought or coronavirus, we need to open our arms to tech businesses so that younger people come and find more stability. Instead of going for low end visitors, don’t bother at all. Tech brings wealth and a tax base and no unsightly buildings. My thoughts, Sedona.

  27. Bill, Uptown in NE for summer says:

    My favorite things? Dark skies & quiet solace escapes, Without solace I’ll sell. PLenty of quiet beautiful escapes in America & easier to get to and from, not the least is its stamp on travelers senses. Telluride comes to mind. Sedona loses its sense of self to become business oriented & bam there goes my & friends dimes. Other places exist!

  28. Betty says:

    @Bill @summer house Sedona charm lacking

  29. Jess Looking says:

    I moved to Sedona 30 years ago, it was an upscale resort town with a New Age focus.

    Now Sedona is a tourist trap.

    I moved away as did many others.

    Life is change. Sedona will go to a ghost town and then be reborn. Probably not in the lifetime of anyone reading this.

    IMO I’ve watched the director of the chamber of commerce, city managers and fire chiefs do their damage and move on . The overpaid parasites hang on until the host is near dead.

    Sedona is on her deathbed. Let her go….

  30. @jess says:

    @jess looking

    Guess what YOUR not missed. I’m sure your also finding many things wrong in your new town as well. Bye bye

  31. Biden Spends $2 Billion to not build wall says:

    “These interim findings show that the Biden administration’s efforts to stop border wall construction constitute significant waste of taxpayer resources,” the newly released report says. “As of the drafting of this report the Biden administration has paid border wall contractors at least $2 billion and counting to not build the border wall.”

    “This $2 billion comes directly from DOD’s budget, and the Biden administration’s continued waste of these funds poses risks to national security and border security,” it says.

    In a word, disgusting. They paid $2 billion to contractors SO FAR not to build the wall? What about the safety of our families and streets and homes?

  32. Marge, Sedona says:

    C’mon you guys and gals who refuse to give credit when it’s due. City Council has given unanimous approval of a tentative fiscal year budget at a whopping $71,692,843 for the next fiscal year! WOW! That’s 39.9% higher than last year – the alleged COVID-19 siege of suffering worldwide but apparently NOT in Sedona.

    Now based on that amazing statistic there’s little doubt the credit will go to Sedona’s more serious and ongoing siege: The Tourists.

    Think about it Sedona Suckers on the sewer when you realize the rate increase in your monthly bills. In fact, all “city” residents might consider checking out city tax on ALL of your receipts. And when you eat out? For those who can still afford it, how much “Sedona” tax is added to that $15 hamburger?

    Yes, indeedy, ya gotta hand it to the invaders, both needed, wanted, and those not terribly welcome (short-term home renters?). How would Sedona have lasted this long without them?

    So there’s little wonder or surprise the July 13th meeting resulted in a tidy development agreement with Sunset Lofts, LLC, for the development of a multifamily workforce apartment complex at 220 Sunset The city’s financial contribution is not to exceed $4.2 million. (such a deal)

    Here’s a thought. Texas has the slogan “Remember the Alamo.” How about a new slogan for Sedona: “Remember Nepenthe.” And soon to follow after approval of amending the Community Plan and Jordan Road property is rezoned: “Remember Sedona Prior to Incorporation.”

    Another possibility? “Remember our city roads/streets when under county jurisdiction – particularly Coconino”. With all that money to boast about and still crappy roads. Another beaut of a legacy?

  33. Eddie Maddock says:

    Forgive me, @Marge, but your message, although sad but true, did provide a smile here. Apparently there’s still at least one other person out there who’s been around for quite a while.

    Aren’t those of us fortunate to have settled in Sedona when we did. Struggling to make a living back then apparently is one thing that hasn’t changed. Except for the movers and shakers such as – developers(?). And perhaps high-end positions at City Hall? Those advocating for “work force” housing?

    And as for “affordable housing?” Well, way back when we lived in California we couldn’t afford to live in high-end areas either – beach, coastal towns, BelleAir(sp? – it’s been a while). However we never gave a thought about it and drove 40-50 miles or more daily to go to and from our places of work to where we could afford to live.

    How things have changed. Some for the good – some not so good. That’s life, and not necessary just in the big cities.

  34. Butch & Pam, Chino Valley says:

    There’s no affordable housing with government. It’s a package of gravy dollars for politicians. The cost to build using government funds exceeds the cost to build using local developers. At one time no respectable town dipped into government coffers. We stopped bringing friends and family to Sedona when they visited because it had lost its uniqueness and had gone straight to Disneylight.

  35. Phil, west Sedona says:

    @EddieMaddock Great comment. You’re right. Nearly everyone in Sedona who came from out of state commuted to big cities or lived in big cities. They pretend to care about others who commute, but its not about them but about how much they can wield power. They have no foresight because most of them have a form of macular degeneration because of advanced age, and they don’t give a damn because somebody else will live with it and not them. Most don’t have families or family members that live here because we’re all retirees. Just saying.

  36. E.S. Maddock says:

    Thanks, @Phil, west Sedona, for the kind words. Waiting to be blasted by those in disagreement remains a more likely occurrence. However, after having written the comment a couple of others came to mind.

    Remember this? Bumper stickers = “America, Love It or Leave It” https://www.si.edu/es/object/nmah_1423537

    And then an extremely creative Sedona mind of the times created this idea for a bumper sticker and had them produced. Premature, perhaps, but reflected the situation here very well back in the ’80’s:

    “Keep Sedona Beautiful – When You Leave Take Someone With You”

    That one came from our dear friend, Wally Parks, founder of the National Hot Road Association. My husband and I had the good fortune to meet Wally and his lovely wife, Barbara, during the short time they lived here in Sedona. We had wonderful times together, hiking and hanging out. Wally’s discovery of one uptown street he appropriately named “The Road to Nowhere.” It became one of our favorite “sites” to show other of our many friends who visited us here.

    Happy memories, indeed! KSB – When You Leave Take Someone With You!!:-)

  37. Jordan says:

    Please please please I remember that slogan – take somebody home with you and it needs to be an elected official.

  38. Erica says:

    my mom Debbie used to say that

  39. Gregg, Uptown says:

    Time hasn’t been a friend of present and past Sedona council decisions, most showing how poorly researched by staff and council themselves those decisions have been. One former council member said the only carrot that councils wanted or needed was free money from the government with no strings attached and said it with a snort a wink and an unprintable side comment. Voters are responsible.

  40. Anonymous says:

    It’s just one stupid decision after another with this so called city government.

    Presently their goal is to strive for sustainability. At the same time they continue to plan for high density rezoning in order to accommodate increased growth and more traffic. WTF who but residents are getting played?!

    We are already experiencing the results of poor decisions. That beat goes on and on and on.

    Sustainability BE DAMNED!

  41. Wm. D. says:

    This entire planning system (or lack thereof) since Sedona incorporated has been a farce.

    And now the current trend is to strive for sustainability? While at the same time seeking amendments to the worthless “Community Plan” in order to change zoning for high density development? An invitation for more people, more traffic, when Sedona us unable to “sustain” the mess that’s already established?

    These people are out of their minds. IMO Incidentally, is anyone else noticing the designated “government” Cable Channel 4 is not in service? Wha’ hoppen to that?

  42. Also Anonymous says:

    Clearly the ONLY voices being heard in this pathetic place are those of DEVELOPERS! Again check out the chicken hutches on W89. Godawful.

    Plans for rezoning on Jordan Road and mass development at the creekside property by the old Art Barn are other examples. Isn’t that the same property that huge development Cliff’s or something??? was proposed and then fell through?

    Sustainability may be an overstated buzz at city hall but clearly and based on the activity does anyone there understand the meaning?

    No? Go look at the chicken houses.

  43. Anna & Jason says:

    “Clearly the ONLY voices being heard in this pathetic place are those of DEVELOPERS!” @Also Anonymous

    Need proof? It was evident at the last Planning & Zoning meeting when the commissioners went along with the developer of the future proposed zone change on Jordan Road!!!! Now we can await the same type of action when the city council makes the final decision? Any bets on the outcome? Developer(s) versus Sedona residents.

  44. Maria-Ona Benitez says:

    Stop the insanity!

  45. Mary Ann Jones says:

    It’s extremely disheartening to live in a place where residents are so abused. The Chamber/City contract was just approved for $2.5 million in order to promote “their” 700 members! (How many of them out of city limits, not collecting city taxes, and competing with legitimate and deserving city businesses who choose to not be chamber members?)

    The even worse P & Z commissioners (except for two) voted to approve amending the Community Plan in order to increase zoning density to accommodate future plans for doing so on Jordan Road and then most likely all over Sedona if approved. That in spite of the huge crowd and numerous speakers at the meeting. And those speaking were representing probably hundreds of legitimate Sedona residents.

    VOTE THE COUNCIL OUT AND GET NEW P & Z COMMISSIONERS. And follow that up by cleaning out dead wood occupying City Hall. Remember – the “recommendations” to city council member and commissioners come from CITY EMPLOYEES – all of whom clearly favor developers. Hmm – and why is that? $$$$$?? Just wondering.

    Sedona Residents – unless you speak at the polls nothing will change. But then, of course, “we” must get honorable candidates? Is that even possible here in Sedona?

  46. Paul says:

    That this sham of a council decision was made by members today to impact tomorrow is a total disgrace. Unseat the jokers. Start today. Why didn’t somebody have a recall petition circulating at that meeting? Publish the names and organize a boycott of their businesses? Make your money and vote count residents and voters.

  47. Linda Nevins says:

    &paul.

    You know why!? Cause most here they for years are only concerned with “complaining” about all and everything “ concerning government. They only enjoy crying and distorting facts”. There “effort” is bitching nonsense on Sedona Eye”.

  48. Jim D,Uptown Sedona says:

    And why do you suppose Linda & Paul Nevins(?) dislike Sedona Eye so much? Apparently they don’t like reading factual comments. Or maybe the truth hurts? Better yet, could they be owners of a “short term” rental raking in thousands of dollars every month?

    However, the upside might just be they will enjoy having a 3-4 story apartment built next to their own property?

  49. Linda Nevins says:

    @jim
    Sure Jim…. Just keep on posting here on SE while taking NO REAL Constructive Action. You and the regular complainers are part of the problem!!

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