SedonaEye.com columnist Eddie Maddock
Sedona AZ (October 28, 2014) – Writing as a City of Sedona taxpayer and registered city voter, Eddie Maddock addresses Sedona Council members:
Anticipating your reaction of “Oh, it’s HER again” isn’t reason enough for me to decline making this contact.
Reading the agenda for the Council Meeting on Wednesday, October 29, the Sedona Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau, in name only since it clearly serves a “regional” function, will be making a presentation relating to changes in their fee structure. And why is this matter for Sedona City Council consideration?
Any such increases in fees being paid directly to the Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau have no monetary benefit to the City of Sedona. Increased fees to businesses inside or outside City Limits on behalf of the Chamber and now conveniently associated “Tourism” will not be contributing to Sedona City sales or bed tax revenues.
During a Sedona Council Meeting this past summer, Jennifer Wesselhoff admitted that non-chamber members did NOT benefit by receiving referrals from the City financed Visitor’s Center. Not one single councilmember refuted the statement she made about the need to “pay to play” and yet those non-tax contributors to city taxes do indeed continue to “play without paying” – as they DO benefit from Sedona City taxes as members of the “regional” Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau as well as publicity – via the contract for Destination Marketing.
For those who may not be aware, the original proposal for incorporated Sedona was the exact same area as the Sedona Fire and School “Districts.” Having failed to receive voter approval, the second ballot measure downsized the City Limits to their present locations: Just slightly south of Back O’Beyond; Midgley Bridge; and just west of the (Sedona Red Rock) high school. An attempt was made to annex VOC when Alan Everett was Mayor (approximately around year 2000) and the reception was NOT favorable to the proposal.
Therefore, the intense determination of this present City Council to accommodate expanded regional areas with benefit to “Play without Pay” does not make sense and remains an insult to the hardworking, tax paying businesses within Sedona City Limits.
As I was driving down Beaver Street in Flagstaff yesterday, and stopped at the traffic light on the highway, across West Rte. 66 and to the right was a very nice looking building with tasteful signage: “Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce.”
Following up by checking their website it states: “Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, an independent, non-profit organization financed by its members to promote business and advocate on their behalf. (Not a government agency or part of the City of Flagstaff.)” http://www.flagstaffchamber.com/about-us/
By continuing the policy set by the majority of this City Council, that being to follow your own preferences, agendas, and whatever other reasons that feed your determination to heavily fund a non-profit so inept as to refuse representation of the very businesses that funds an alleged “City Visitor Center” remains a mystery. Adding insult to injury is the Destination Marketing contract with the same “non-profit” so unprofessional that they must sub-contract with an alleged qualified Phoenix advertising agency to perform the job, paying them with Sedona City bed tax revenue which again stands to benefit out-of-area establishments.
City of Sedona Arizona
Will Sedona ever again see the light of day when fair and equitable officials will put aside their own egos and personal biases to do the job for which they were elected . . . that being to represent the residents and businesses within the confines of Sedona City Limits? For the most part we have not had that form of representation for the last four years (in my opinion) and there is no reason for hope during these eleventh hour decisions.
Please newly elected, in spite of a hotly contentious and down-right dirty election, be the best you can and reverse this biased process to a place where it makes some sense and restores over-due but rightfully deserved dignity to the confines of incorporated Sedona.
Respectfully submitted,
Eddie S. Maddock
Legitimate City of Sedona Registered Voter
For the best Arizona news and views, read www.SedonaEye.com daily!
This City Council Meeting will be at 3:00 PM today (10/29) and can be viewed on TV Cable Channel 4 or online.
Thank you for speaking up for the businesses. We feel harmed by the city actions. We are afraid to speak up. When we do we get bullied. The chamber is nothing more then a private money making club. The city disrespects their own businesses by giving the taxes we collect to them. They hurt us, this is why many are closing up shop, selling, moving.
discussion about permitting alcohol in City Parks.
1. 9A includes those speaking against and for permitting the sale of alcohol at City Parks. Those speaking in favor of permitting alcohol do not live within city limits. Those speaking against such an ordinance represented the 500 or more residents surrounding Posse Grounds Park. Again, residents heard the same refrain that non-profit groups don’t have access to affording rental of venues for fund raising, etc. as if these people are entitled to have access to such facilities.
2. 9B includes remarks made by each City Councilor. Mayor Adams and Councilor McIlroy spoke in favor of doing a survey, etc. before taking steps to change the city ordinance. Councilor Williamson at 62:06 manages to minimize the residents’ objections about allowing the sale of alcohol inside and outside any venues located there.
For anyone who’s interested, earlier in the evening during discussion about the Marriott project rezoning and approval, she made her plug for “affordable housing,” so we can look forward to hearing more of the same once the “new” mayor is seated.
http://sedonaaz.swagit.com/play/10282014-1014
Nancy
To homes surrounding Posse Ground (and other city park areas),
You do not and will not matter because you did not vote.
You do not count because those that do count voted for us.
We clearly stated our intention to address and pass this ordinance and we made it clear of being in favor of affordable development units. City staff and government will administer ADUs and take it out of the hands of the private sector landlords and developers now making money off the backs of the poor. There should be no private sector collecting rental income! The government will provide free or subsidized housing and it does not discriminate like the private sector.
Remember you voted for us (attention Les Springs, Hillside, Uptown, Foothills South, Mystic Hills, Poco, Chapel, you know where) to put CVS or Circle K or motels or timeshares or any other tax generating business at your wealthy privileged doorsteps. It is our obligation to concentrate commercial, industrial, business zoning evenly about the city limits.
99% of Sedona are selfish 1%ers or you would not be able to live here! Do not ask city hall for influence you do not deserve! You have a moral financial obligation with your ill-gained wealth accumulation to house our poor immigrant nationals slaving away in the kitchens where you eat and creating landscapes you admire.
Do not complain when we do and do not make policy that adversely impacts you! Do not complain when we put a halfway house, soup kitchen or ADU in your privileged neighborhoods. You do not own the red rocks or its views or this city. You are users and not producers. There are many vacant rental housing options in your neighborhoods and our city hall will create a program that forces the 99% to share the views equally! No more wealthy enclaves! You will live next to the person who cleans your toilets 1%ers and you will like it or move!
The 1% will not and can not have privilege over the 99%!
You will not matter at city hall because you are selfish and have wielded influence far beyond your rights. Others matter because you stepped on their necks to get your money! If you live in a bigger house than you need, you will pay for taking advantage when others have less than adequate housing. If you make above poverty level you will pay for those that do not.
What is fair is fair. You voted for us, for our beliefs and policy stances, now go back to your houses and be quiet. We do not give a damn what you whine about because we are not obligated to hear you!
Sedona has new voices!
Thank you, Nancy, for having shared on a personal level your comment now posted on Sedona Eye.
Having watched the meeting I agree with your assessment. The lack of concern by the majority of the City Council for legitimate residents in Sedona becomes more appalling day by day (IMO).
This is not meant to be disrespectful to our neighbors outside City Limits, many of whom are my friends. However, the ongoing plea for costly city participation in support of a growing number of “non-profits” has already become overwhelming and seemingly endless.
During the course of discussion a comment was made that alcohol was available at the very first Jazz on the Rocks Concert at the Posse Grounds. Having attended that event (prior to incorporation) I have no recollection of such a statement being factual. In fact, there were many community events during those days held at the Posse Grounds, including 4th of July fireworks, none of which I recall that alcohol was ever permitted. If someone is out there to correct my recollection, feel free to sock-it-to-me.
Another question I have is why wasn’t Sunset Park under consideration for alcoholic events as well? The ramadas there have posted rental rates for private parties.
When Councilman Dan McIlroy asked City Police Department Commander M. Hatler if the city has a record of police calls relating to events involving alcoholic consumption, she said “Yes” to which McIlroy astutely surmised a change in the ordinance would, indeed, require additional law enforcement. Once the policy is set in motion how will it ever be controlled?
Don’t know what else to say, Nancy, but even when things in Sedona “ain’t broke” it seems there are those wanting to fix them. Go figure.
Hot Damn, New Sedona Voices!
Finally the truth unfolds with your forthright words telling it like it is. Very revealing, refreshing, and best of all what a fabulous new mantra for use by the Regional Chamber of Commerce for Destination Marketing!
Jill Kyriakopulos and Yava-Coco Arizona liked and shared this FB article
Evil U R @New Sedona Voices
Evil attracts evil. :) :)
New Sedona Voices says:”The 1% will not and can not have privilege over the 99%!”
So I guess when the 99% make as much money as the 1% then hoorah!!! …..and the entitlement cry’s will go away?
I refuse to even knowledge the rest of your absurd comments…..have a nice day.
Hmmmmmmmmmmm…………………New Sedona Voices indeed!!! Apparently, Sedona has suddenly become a totalitarian Socialist/Communist city. Might be time to start the “Recall” ball rolling. You just might find out that we DO vote.
By the way, New Sedona Voices, why are you ashamed of using your names? Kinda like ISIS radicals all hiding their identities behind masks.
At the meeting (subject of letter to the editor) it got even worse. Council confirmed Chamber/Tourism Bureau is to function as a “regional” service. Now, however, instead of claiming when tourists stay at outlying hotels (Enchantment/Hilton) they (tourists) come into Sedona to shop and eat, the theory now is Sedona will be their base and from here they will gravitate out yonder. (Guess those visitors I spoke with the other day who were staying in Flagstaff and expressed their disappointment in Sedona as just a “tourist trap” weren’t aware of that.)
Anyway, point being the out of city Chamber members will continue to reap the pleasure of “play without pay” (city sales and bed taxes) while the discussion on the table is that City Limit businesses who are non-Chamber members must pay $50 to get on the promotion list at the City financed Visitor’s Center. Reason given it’s too difficult to account for them if they aren’t members. Hello!! How about getting the list of licensed city businesses from City Hall? How “difficult” is that?
So, it’s no surprise that it’s business as usual but the stench in the air grows more putrid with the holier-than-thou, we’ll do as we darn well please attitude so arrogantly displayed by this seated council. A couple of them made a weak attempt by asking sensible questions to maybe change the direction but wimped out probably due to their lame duck status. It’s unfortunate that the entire slate isn’t being erased but on the other hand reading the plans from “New Sedona Voices” clearly things will only get worse.
One thing for sure, where was the “silent majority” of non-voters that allowed this to happen?
ESM
Unfortunately New Sedona Voices is correct in many ways. Those businesses that endorsed “sedona sales tax & bed tax”being used promote the region AKA Sedona Lodging and Chamber members gave their endorsement for the new policy to be established.
Since the lodging workers, managers and staff all live outside the city they really don’t care about where the money goes. But the OWNERS should be removing their companies from caring the burden for the REGION. RECALL please!
LODGING you control it. DEMAND change. STOP endorsing abuse! Get something for your hard work. Get a return on your investment. Just think what the 20 establishments -lodging could do with 1.3 million. TARGET your own businesses! Lodging YOU control this!
Yes New Sedona Voices is correct, we let those outside the city control the city.
You pay in city lodging, outside plays with your money. LODGING owners you gave up CONTROL. Now you answer to the chamber. RECALL PLEASE!
@New Sedona Voices
YOUR DIATRIBE IS ONE WRITTEN BY AN EDUCATED HARD-CORE SOCIALIST/MARXIST WHO IS A LOCAL POLITICAL ACTIVIST…PERIOD!!! Readers should understand that New Sedona Voices is not remotely interested in the relationship between Council and the Chamber of Commerce but, rather, is interested in limiting your property rights and using local tax policy for social/socialist purposes. But, who would express such a Marxist point of view in Sedona? Let’s explore the possibilities~
Many of you know that I am a local investigative writer. Surely you know that Sedona has a recent Councilor candidate who was an activist party agent of the communist party outside the U.S. This person used to brag about it in his/her own curriculum vitae. This particular recent Councilor candidate hired a thug one year ago this week, in a written request to him, to take any necessary action against me to prevent me from writing about this person’s political belief-system. He did so in a truly vile written threat of physical harm to me which he delivered to me by email because I called the subject on the carpet at Sedona.biz for his/her communist belief-system leanings (I then provided incontrovertible hard-copy evidence implicating both parties to the Sedona Police and the Verde Valley Justice Court since the words of the party making the threats, together with the incoming councilor’s invocation to him, constituted a conspiracy to commit assault). The thug directly invoked your recent Councilor candidate’s name in his written threat to me. His/her friend, another sitting Councilor, has the exact same political and economic belief-system as the subject incoming Councilor and roundly applauded the election of this country’s first admitted communist City Councilor to the City Council of the City of Seattle. All of you have just read the manifesto of Sedona’s new governance and this City had better take heed right now if you believe in your own constitutional rights! New Sedona Voices is a part of this conspiracy mentioned above if not, in fact, one of the parties mentioned above.
@ J. Rick – maybe so but I wouldn’t rule out New Sedona Voices as being total satire; at least that’s how the post reads to me. It’s over the top.
@Warren:
New Sedona Voices’ comments are not satire. They’re a trial balloon. I have heard these comments before and I know who said them.
What was the title of the article you wrote, j rick?
@So names……….names please:
It’s right here in the October 2013 archives at the Eye:
Re: The Blindspot in the Education Budget Override Debate!
https://sedonaeye.com/the-blindspot-in-the-education-budget- override-debate
Actions put in motion by the city council during the past four years have defeated the very reason Sedona incorporated in the first place, which was to be removed from jurisdiction of two counties.
In fact it’s much worse. Designating Sedona as the hub for the entire Verde Valley is being done so at the obvious risk of also placing Sedona City in financial jeopardy since why then, as big brother, won’t we be responsible for footing the bill for all regional wish lists?
This it?
Kim Chott says:
October 25, 2013 at 4:24 PM
These comments, shown below, were posted by J. Rick Normand at Sedona.biz between October 23, 2013 and October 25 as commentary to an article at Sedona.biz posted on October 13, 2013 entitled “In the Political Ring with Tommy Acosta: Budget Override – Vote What’s Best for Sedona.” The owner/publisher of Sedona.biz chose, without notice to Mr. Normand, not to publish these comments although all other commentors were published evidencing that Sedona.biz didn’t have the courage to do the right thing. Herein, at SedonaEye.com, you can read them, as follows:
>>> 1.]
J. Rick Normand says:
October 23, 2013 at 7:56 PM
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
To Angela LeFevre, Daniel J. Sullivan, and the Education Budget Override “Yes” Vote Advocates posting at this site:
I would venture to say that not a single one of you knows who the academic superstar is in the industrialized world. Am I right? So, I will tell you that it’s the Republic of South Korea where 47% of eighth graders are ranked ‘advanced.’ In the U.S it’s only 7%! How can this be? Because in South Korea all teachers are free agents where their compensation is based on the success of their students in academic achievement that will lead to top job assignments in the business world. This system results in the highest paid teachers in the world and the most accomplished students in the world. Understand this…you cannot have a free agent teacher corps where unions exist. Neither can such success be derived from a system that permits an education overseer, such as the U.S. Department of Education, to continue to foist upon our children a system of public education that was developed in the 1850′s to feed educated workers of a per-determined mindset into the then newly evolving industrial revolution.
I notice that none of you ever refer to the failure metrics that I mention in the my numerous articles on the subject of failure to the U.S. Education System. I know that you, Angela LeFevre, and you, Daniel Sullivan have both read my articles because you’ve both posted comments to them. Never do either of you ever mention that you favor spending more and more dollars on a failed system of education than building a new system to replace the outdated failing system you both support. Why do neither of you point out that more and more money spent on our current education system has only produced these results for the kids you are so concerned about:
Average “Scholastic Aptitude Test” scores fell 41 points between 1972 and 1991. Apologists for public education argue that such factors as the percentage of minority students taking the SAT can explain this drop…which is patently false! Scores for European-Americans have also dropped. Kids scoring over 600 on the verbal part of the SAT have fallen by 37% since 1972, so the overall decline can’t be blamed on just ethnicity for “diluting” the results. The typical American high school student spends only 1,460 hours on subjects like math, science, and history during their four years in high schools. Meanwhile, their counterparts in Japan will spend 3,170 hours on basic subjects, French students will spend 3,280 on academics, and German students will spend 3,528 hours studying such subjects – nearly three times the hours devoted in American schools. In light of these facts, the U.S. Commissioner of Education Statistics recently revealed the results of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study which ranked U.S. Grade 12 competency in mathematics, the sciences and history as only the 16th best in the industrialized world after being number one from the end of WWII until the end of the sixties.
The reason you both support our current failing system is not because you care about the fate of our failing high school graduates as documented above…it’s because you support unions, socialism and political thought control of our kids. Below, for all readers herein to see, are facts regarding the background of Angela LeFevre, who insists on politicizing this non-partisan election issue, which are made without further comment, but each of you can decide for yourselves whether better education or socialization and unionization of it are motivating factors for support of our current system of education. If those of you wondering what the real solution to improving the fate of our children is, look to South Korean and not a Fabian Socialist model as supported by LeFevre and Sullivan. Voting “yes” will only further dampen the fate of our kids. What is needed is a completely reformed system of education!
Condensed Bio of Angela LeFevre:
From her own bio, she states that she…”was born in Leeds, England and earned a degree in Political Science (BSc. Econ) at the London School of Economics [LSE] in 1971. I [LeFevre] spent some time in London, working for the Labour Party as a Political Party Agent…”
LSE: funding came from the Rockefellers and the Rothschilds, the quintessential international capitalists. “Our object is to make this institution a place to raise and train the bureaucracy of the future Socialist State.” Lord Haldane (Lord Chancellor Labour Party and co-founder of LSE)
British Labour Party – a political party formed in Great Britain in 1900; characterized by the promotion of labor’s interests and formerly the socialization of key industries
Leeds, at the time of the Bolshevik Revolution, was the European capitol of party Communism outside the Soviet Union.
Leeds Socialist Workers Party
A REVOLUTIONARY ANTI-CAPITALIST BLOG
Britain’s democratic socialist party
ibrarysupport.shef.ac.uk/leftpam.pdf
May 11, 2013 – London : Communist Party of Great Britain, [1942]. – … Turn Leeds left : the Manifesto of the Leeds Area Communist Party for the Leeds. Metropolitan District …. History Group of the Communist Party, 1975. – (Our history ; 63).
>>>2.]
J. Rick Normand says:
October 24, 2013 at 7:56 am
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Daniel J. Sullivan, MD, JD:
Speaking of cutting through the mixed metaphors and tortured logic as well as the Emperor’s New Clothes as you did, thus implying that only you can see the light of the truth, Daniel, while insulting one of our most prominent citizens, I’m just wondering if this is you? I am probably wrong and, if so, I apologize here and now for my errant thoughts but there is a smattering of curiosity here about someone so self-righteous (Please tell me this isn’t you):
This particular Daniel J. Sullivan, MD, JD, who only coincidentally has the same name and monikers as our local commenter, lives in and practices medicine in Kingman…he’s not even a resident of Sedona or either of our counties. Surely such a person as this wouldn’t be meddling in Sedona’s affairs? I wonder if the below mentioned lawsuit could explain why this Daniel J. Sullivan left a very lucrative and famed practice in Ohio and Illinois, after having lost everything, only to quietly re-emerge in Kingman.
IN THE COURT OF APPEALS OF OHIO
SIXTH APPELLATE DISTRICT
LUCAS COUNTY
Daniel J. Sullivan, M.D., J.D. Court of Appeals No. L-06-1373
Appellant Trial Court No. CI-06-3097
v.
Chad M. Tuschman
DECISION AND JUDGMENT ENTRY
Appellee Decided: July 13, 2007
{¶ 1} This is an accelerated appeal from a judgment of the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas, in which the trial court dismissed a complaint for damages due to abuse of legal process filed by appellant, Daniel J. Sullivan, M.D., J.D., …
…..
{¶ 3} The undisputed, relevant facts are as follows. Appellant [Daniel J. Sullivan, MD, JD] is an orthopedic surgeon in Sylvania, Ohio, who performed back surgery on patient Michael Jaska.2 On January 14, 2004, appellee, Chad M. Tuschman, sent a letter to appellant notifying him of Jaska’s intent to pursue a medical malpractice action…
On March 4, 2004, a second patient on whom appellant [Daniel J. Sullivan, MD, JD] performed the same type of back surgery who was represented by appellee sent appellant a letter stating that he was “considering” filing a malpractice action.
…..
[Note] 2 The record shows that appellant [Daniel J. Sullivan, MD, JD] performed back surgery on many other patients, in which he employed substantially similar techniques.
…..
{¶ 4}…appellant’s [Daniel J. Sullivan, MD, JD] professional liability insurance carrier refused to renew appellant’s malpractice policy. As a result, appellant [Daniel J. Sullivan, MD, JD] was forced to seek coverage from a high-risk insurer, and was required to pay substantially higher medical malpractice premiums.
…..
{¶ 17}…This court has reviewed the entire record of proceedings in the trial court and, upon consideration thereof finds, after taking all the allegations in the complaint as true, and construing all reasonable inferences in appellant’s favor, that appellant [Daniel J. Sullivan, MD, JD] has not presented evidence sufficient to satisfy the second prong of the test set forth in Yaklevich, supra. Accordingly, we agree with the trial court’s conclusion that the complaint contains no set of facts which would entitle appellant to relief. Appellant’s [Daniel J. Sullivan, MD, JD] sole assignment of error is not well-taken.
>>>3.]
J. Rick Normand says:
October 24, 2013 at 10:44 am
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Mr Richardson,
Considering your position in this debate, I would think that you should be capable of structuring a lead sentence correctly. I think you meant “Typical of a bitter person WHOM we should all AVOID-” Voiding could be very messy for the custodial staff, don’t you think? Notwithstanding, as to your blanket generalization as to a typical “bitter person,” you must have the insight of God, himself, since you know nothing of me whatsoever…although you most assuredly should.
Now then, you want to improperly rely upon the mention of ad hominem “attacks,” then how would you characterize these…
“…especially when our State Representatives are more concerned about widening the rift and comparing our President to Adolf Hitler (De Fuhrer). Ms. Barton is a wonderful example of what our education system should NOT be.” ~from Angela LeFevre
and,
“…the “No” vote crowd employs in an attempt to rationalize their selfishness,…”~from Daniel J. Sullivan
Finally, you say “Looking forward to see what you are willing to contrive about me!” I don’t have to contrive anything. You’ve already made it perfectly clear that you don’t screen your closest allies very well. That’s a fact and it’s not a trait to which your students should be exposed!
So, let’s get down to facts Mr. Richardson. You run a very good school which is part of a badly failing system of education that produces high GPA graduates who can’t even come close to competing for top-eschelon career jobs in our globalized employment marketplace. You don’t believe me, then take a tour of the California University System top schools and see how many Asian students are dominating academia. Almost none of your graduates can gain admittance to any of those schools. Either you can fight for radical reform, which has nothing to do with spending more money, thereby truly helping our kids to a better life and our country to a recovery from its current unrecoverable flat-spin in the global economy, or you can continue to support accelerating failure while promoting your own career. If it’s the latter you choose, you may find me at the schoolyard to challenge you to a public debate on this issue in front of your students. And, trust me…you don’t want to do that!
>>>4.]
J. Rick Normand says:
October 24, 2013 at 4:45 pm
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Angela,
You’re the one who, as always, politicized this non-partisan issue. Now when someone who knows your track-record calls you to account, you’re aggrieved and hurt. There’s nothing sad whatsoever in my words…they’re only cold hard facts. Why don’t you ask Brenda Barton if your vicious words hurt her? Let’s stop with the cry-baby routine Angela. Don’t forget, I have you in writing on several issues in the course of an email exchange in 2011. Be very careful what you say!
>>>5.]
J. Rick Normand says:
October 25, 2013 at 6:52 am
Laurel Romm’s commentary here is the best ever locally written relative to the Education Budget Override issue. It appears to me that she is the person who should be leading the voter education effort. I see no hint of politicization of the issue or ulterior motives. More importantly, what I see in her comments is greater knowledge of the issue than anyone has expressed to date without having been colored by emotion. The logic in her comments is easy to follow, insightful and probable. She deserves a collective hurrah from all of us offering commentary on either side of the issue!
Before incorporation both counties were paying to subsidize non-profits. Now and as proven by the number of “regional” speakers going before city council representing newly formed non-profit “coalitions” Sedona is the new-found cash cow to finance them.
It seems this council never met a non-profit they didn’t fall in love with. Coconino and Yavapai Counties should, in turn, love Sedona for that. Maybe someone should call it to their attention and we could get a break on our property taxes?
@Mary S.
Good info. FYI I’ve been told that sometime before incorporation 89A was a dirt road with horse drawn buggies and our T.V.s were black and white.
Yep according to Rob Adams we had no roads before he was mayor @ Red Rock Steve. We come along way baby!
@Red Rockin Steve
Dirt road, horse drawn buggies, black and white TV? I don’t know but if true at least there must not have been traffic problems.:-)
@Sedona Flatlander
Didn’t you know? SR89A is a STATE Route. Has nothing to do with whether or not Sedona is incorporated as a city or town. If the city owned it it would probably still be a dirt road. Thank Goodness. On the other hand would that really be a bad thing? Look at the condition of the city owned streets in many of our subdivisions. Oh Well, it won’t be a worry for us one-percenters since finally the rich kids will be forced to be their fair share. (Our’s too!)
I believed that the Sedona council didn’t have the agenda others seemed heartfelt to discuss here, I was confidant I was right, I voted accordingly. But after a council woman/man talked guardedly at a private function, I’m stunned and embarrassed for him/her and offended by my vote for him/her. I’ve meditated on it for a time and believe it’s a duty to express the rest.
The council is too big for Sedona, it’s time to reduce council seats by two before the next election. Also automatic elimination of staff positions as they retire or leave jobs, assigning their duties with raises, but no new full time or part time employees. (Both these ideas are not mine but two respected city employees.) I’m a chamber business not an activist and won’t say more privately or in public but if it’s brought to a public vote I do vote. How will that happen? Honestly I don’t know and won’t get involved but will vote if brought to a vote.
Listen the Sedona Times rocks the world of a lot of establishmentarians. Many hippies and oldsters sold out to the government and are trying to control us more than any prior generations. (We don’t need more government or city programs, we need more good people serving others.) I’m disappointed that Sedona is troubled because money and power have corrupted us after all. Councilors want to get government monies and programs with false-need funds and that destroys our Sedona. People are moving away, good people on good property and good business’ in favor of Flagstaff, out of country, Prescott, Scottsdale, Valley, out of state and that’s the people I know of the past couple years. Turning the tide won’t happen with the chamber. It won’t happen with the city council. It happens by us.
(Please don’t print (deleted by editor) or contact information (deleted by editor) and thanks. (deleted by editor))
Trust me, I want to know when the debate with Richardson takes place, hope it’s on the school grounds. I like someone who tells it like it is………. and doing what they can to make our future leaders better educated. Thanks J.Rick.
Dave::
You sound very disgruntled and also sound like a boarder line A hole..
Keep up your hate crusade people… Your numbers are down to around 10 of you in town…. You sound like a bunch of hateful crybaby clowns…
@LJ
It’s just a hunch but it won’t surprise me if it turns out you weren’t the only voter flimflammed in this last election. It’s countdown to the real deal:
Ten, Nine, Eight, Seven, Six, Five, Four, Three, Two, One . . . BLAST OFF! No turning back . . .
It must be the same gang that approved the “new” Community Plan that elected these “new” birds. Just check out the “new” ideas for land use and the writing is on the wall. When vacant land is up for grabs by rezoning in your own neighborhoods you’ll realize you’ve been had and maybe, just maybe, should have taken time to learn the facts and voted! Silent majority. Fools all of you.
Can’t say as I know how long Kevin W. has lived in Sedona. But the “new” Community Plan and the “new” ideas for land use were old over 13 years ago when I moved here. Home Rule has funded the bloated City staff’s rabid pursuit of higher density since then, thanks to two nasty Community Plans and a couple of Major Plan Amendments.
Expect up-zoning, more bad development, worse congestion, a lower quality of life and continued City Hall overspending under the “new” Community Plan.
By the way, instead of socking it to non-multifamily homeowners and struggling West Sedona businesses, wastewater impact fees should be financing as much of our super-expensive sewer system’s new construction as allowable under AZ law.
@JeanJ
You seem to have wondrous ideas, maybe you should have thrown your hat in for the Dais of Seven.
Speaking of sewer fees, does anyone know how deeded time share properties are assessed? Do all the owners of one property pay the residential monthly fee? After all, that would only be fair since the reason given for them not being charged bed tax is because they are, in fact, deeded properties and therefore under consideration for property taxation which would warrant a blanket property tax an all residential properties. Therefore, seems only right that each owner of a timeshare would be charged the regular monthly sewer fee. Any clues? To date and to my knowledge attempts to get a direct answer about this controversy have never been addressed.
@ Speaking Of — Have you called City Hall? I generally get answers to questions such as yours by just calling them.
I have and no one knew. @warren
@George Further asked former council members and no answers. Wouldn’t bother to ask this council. The only voices they hear are from Chamber and other “regional” alleged non-profits. Problem at city hall is too many new people who are clueless about vague policies put in place to begin with.
Timeshares should be responsible for sewer fees.
If the property is deeded they(Diamond,Hyatt,Wyndham,etc) can pass the cost to the deeded owner. If they are selling a dream or air(points to be used anywhere in the world on the off chance that you can get the time and date you want) then the business should be responsible.
Most timeshares are pressuring the deed holders to purchase the dream or air rather than own actual land.
They also sell the rooms for the price of a timeshare tour and write it off as a business expense. Probably don’t pay tax on that.
They are also bringing in third party vendors, taking away local workers benefits, probably not paying the city tax(example-Diamond Resorts Activity Department)
They are placing little towers for wifi on their property too. Probably not paying the city for that business.
They are also providing a shopping service to deliver food/groceries to the rooms. Probably don’t pay city tax and who knows where they get the groceries.
Probably have a national deal worked out.
Sedona loses a lot of money to timeshare because no one monitors them.
Diamond does not belong to the chamber of commerce. Why should they?They only need them for job fairs to supply the rotating door of employees. Except for the ones that know where the ‘bodies are buried”.
Sedona-land of the free ride-if you are a timeshare business.
Hope that helps.
We knew Diamond Resorts,an international enterprise, didn’t give a hoot about Sedona when they dropped Fantasy of Lights. So sad, too bad. And the C of C actually believes their meager, amateur efforts will compensate. Ha! (more wasted tax dollars) Thanks for info TIMESHARES, a free ride. It makes more sense than the way this city has been managed from the get-go.
The Chamber of Commerce does not pay to play. Therefore they should NOT get one penny of Sedona tax money. Those monies should be used for Sedona City improving the quality of life. Education, youths, elder care, human society, libary, sewer system and economic development.
Make a regional visitors and bureau center with everyone paying to play. EQUALLY. The outlying areas should have NO problem paying to play EQUALLY into a regional program. Those that benefit from that should be more than willing to contribute.
Eddie tells half the story.
Eddie Maddock on Playing Without Paying
Eddie Said: OCTOBER 28, 2014 / 38 COMMENTS
“During a Sedona Council Meeting this past summer, Jennifer Wesselhoff admitted that non-chamber members did NOT benefit by receiving referrals from the City financed Visitor’s Center. Not one single council member refuted the statement she made about the need to “pay to play” and yet those non-tax contributors to city taxes do indeed continue to “play without paying”
Eddie, at the council meeting on October 29th, Jennifer Wesselhoff said the city does not pay the full cost of the up town visitor center. The city does not pay anything toward rent of the visitor center. This building was built and paid for by the chamber members and their dues. It’s rent alone, if rent had to be paid, would be well over $100,000 a year, and lets not forget property taxes.
Now the real question, is why in the world would a business not pay for a membership and receive all the benefits of the chamber? Membership starts at only $195.00 a year”.
Lets be honest there are only a few business complaining, and they are not members because of some past petty disagreement with the chamber or staff
These businesses are missing out on all the benefits the chamber offers and the chance to meet other merchants and benefit from their referrals.
They are only hurting themself and it does not make any business sense.
Seems to me the “Playing with out Paying are the few business that are not chamber members but want free services.
Steve Segner
Legitimate City of Sedona Registered Voter
Of course, Mr. Segner, it’s your right to state your case but isn’t it a fact that all city based businesses are required to collect sales tax as well as bed tax when it is applicable? As the city contracts the Chamber of Commerce to operate a “visitor’s center” on behalf of the “City of Sedona” the source of the funds paying for that contract is public money ~ city tax revenue. For those businesses who prefer to not be members of the Chamber of Commerce, for whatever reason, to be denied representation in a public funded service, isn’t that called “taxation without representation?” While, on the other hand, businesses outside City Limits that choose to be members of the Chamber of Commerce do indeed have representation without being required to contribute one penny to the City of Sedona tax base.
If the city were to operate a legitimate City of Sedona Visitor’s Center wouldn’t they do the honorable thing and establish their own facility? The lovely building near City Hall formerly occupied by a florist has been on the market for purchase for quite some time. The amount of money presently being given to the Chamber of Commerce for services is constantly under scrutiny relating to return on investment which term is self explanatory.
If the city were to reorganize their priorities, and Sedona being the tourist attraction of which we are all aware, they would do as Prescott and Flagstaff and proudly provide all in-city businesses equal opportunity for representation without making it a condition of coercion to join a private club.
As for the Chamber of Commerce owning the property, I am aware of that since my husband and I were among those attending a gala event many years ago held at Poco Diablo to celebrate the burning of the Chamber of Commerce mortgage.
Eddie Maddock
Still laughing @steve segner.Anyway you spin it, you have to lie to vote on Sedona City politics. That does not make it legitimate. Your not living at El P____l. Nor do you sleep there. Your teeny tiny place is not a big tax generator.
Once again your spinning the truth. The CHAMBER is taking money that they do not deserve. Ms Jennifer is a beggar, whining for money. The chamber is not 100% exclusive. They are the only ones wanting FREE Sedona City money. BEGGARS…. raise your own money. You make our city look like idiots.
You can be legally challenged @segner. Then you have to prove you regularly sleep at your place of business. Employee, family and friends will all get involved and challenged. Are you ready for this?
Thank you, Steve Segner. Your glowing words about the Chamber of Commerce substantiates and confirms what many of us already suspected. It is public funds, Sedona City tax revenue, that is being spent to promote the Regional Chamber of Commerce and not the other way around.
Are we to believe the 30% of the Visitor’s Center not funded by city taxes represents those city businesses that prefer not to be members of the Chamber? That is the only way you could possibly justify for them to not be included in the referral process of the Visitor’s Center since theoretically that portion is not being financed with public money given to the C of C. If that is the case, then add discrimination to taxation without representation.
Will you be giving the Chamber credit for our picture-perfect weather that is obviously attracting many visitors to Sedona? Do you really believe visitors are lured to Sedona because of the C of C and “word of mouth” isn’t by far the most effective method of advertising?
Whether or not tax revenue is up or down from past years Jennifer Wesselhoff has stated at several council meetings that it’s too difficult for her to figure out what, if any, percentage of Return on Investment exists. What? Is that standard policy for the city? To be so remiss at following up on financial benefits they may or may not be receiving on contractual investments?
At a recent council meeting Ms. Wesselhoff presented a report on the Chamber’s proposal for “Product Development.” Two council members, Mike Ward and Barbara Litrell, questioned the merits of the report. Litrell even suggested using another source to evaluate methods of product development. However, the bottom line was that both council members acquiesced and once again allowed the Chamber to plod on their one way and very successful crusade to promote “Themselves” with public funds.
Not only that, the Chamber contract for destination marketing is locked in for three years, is in not Mr. Segner? Based on that, why do you continue to complain? Your efforts assured that those newly elected will not rock your boat, so in all ways but one you and your gang are sitting pretty.
There’s only one missing link except, of course, you will not be truly happy until you receive 100% rebate of the increased bed tax. The scenario will be complete when the signs entering City Limits are changed to read “Entering City of Regional Sedona Chamber of Commerce.” Only then will the funding for destination marketing truly reflect the manner for which it’s being spent which is to promote the Chamber of Commerce and NOT the City of Sedona. Period.
@Eddie Maddock
Let me understand your point the City should stop funding the chamber center and open their own at the old florist? Interesting concept. If the city did as you suggest:
How much would it cost to man (or women) the building 7 days a week?
How much would it cost for utilities, water, A/C, heat etc?
How much would it cost for rent?
OMG Eddie if the city paid all of that money when the Chamber can do it cheaper, the posters on SedonaEye would be blasting them for wasting money.
This sounds like a loose loose conversation for the city.
Segner I’m starting to respect you a bit more after reading your fact driven posting above
Come on Eddie you won’t be happy until the Chamber closes their doors and go away. Then the people who help pay our property taxes will stop visiting. We can rip up the black top on 89A and put the dirt back along with hitching posts in front of each store.
I’m not a big fan of Segner most times and have to sit back and think about some of the comments about him on this site. In all reality It appears he’s come up with more ideas (and puts his money where his mouth is) to try to help move this city forward compared to you. What have you done in this century to help us instead of just bit*hing about everything.
Brilliant @ Eddie Now that a great idea. You can move another group into that building such as parks & recreation or community development. They can help manage it. Volunteers can also help. It will stop us from collecting taxes that the OUTSIDERS benefit from. We don’t get a benefit from the chamber. It will save us money and bring the business into the city. GREAT idea!
@Interesting!?!
If the city has no accountability for the over $1.3 million given to the C of C, then who’s to know what operating a legitimate tourist visitor’s center would cost?
At least the city would have their own product development by owning real commercial property instead of just vacant land which they have no money to make improvements for another special interest group in Sedona.
There’s also that other vacant building for sale near city hall over by the fire station. Anything at this point seems like a better deal than the lack of accountability presently being shown by this regional C of C and the city finds it acceptable?
It sounds like you’re another cheerleader for the Chamber or maybe one of the members with special benefits?
@Sedona Flatlander
Open your eyes it’s the closed minded who speak half truths like you and all of the others on this site that make this city look like idiots.
What you all want to keep off of this site is that the Lodging folks increased their tax to help fund the chamber for their marketing. It’s not wrong it’s just not what YOU want.
“Just Sayin’ “, what it is you aren’t Just Sayin” is what you and your cohorts are attempting to do is take this site down because it’s the only opportunity offered in Sedona for all sides to have a voice and be heard.
Get real @ Just sayin. Wrong again, look at the city reports. Bed tax is down. Do the math- return on investment. Lodging owners were not given a voice or vote in the matter. Every owner deserves one vote. Suckner only has 12 rooms, he benefits more from his wedding venue outside the city without paying taxes.
Math is neutral. This is NOT what the lodging owners wanted. The only ones that benefit are the non city businesses. They are the one screaming the loudest “it’s only pennies on the dollar” No vote was taken. Those in the village ram it through.
The roomer mill has it as a “idea hatched by city to get more money” Smart move, shows how smart they are. Good going for those outside the city. They hit a home run, got 1.3 million of taxpayers money without contributing one cent.
Talk about closed minded. Hillbillies. Your just afraid that more people will find out about the “Sedona Scam” taking city taxes -revenue to promote the region of non contributors. The truth is in the numbers, negative return on the city investment.
I’ve lived in the Sedona area for some time. Can someone please explain to me why is it okay to play without paying in the city limits?
We are all in an uproar about VOCA yet we push the city of Sedona to market us in the village. Yet I see those of us bi*ching about VOCA spending time over at the city promoting themselves to get funding from the city. Our dues are nothing compared to what the city businesses have to contribute. We don’t want to be pat of the the city. Why do we get money from the city? Isn’t it the same as VOCA management?
What is the difference? Can someone please explain?