Home » City Council, Community » Eddie Maddock: Sedona Struggles to Maintain Quality of Life

Eddie Maddock: Sedona Struggles to Maintain Quality of Life

SedonaEye.com Columnist Eddie S. Maddock opines on the struggle to maintain Sedona Arizona’s red rock splendor and quality of life in the face of commercialism, tourism, favoritism, and the resulting eco-unfriendly biohazards.

Sedona AZ (October 21, 2017) – With a flurry of hard core issues presently on the drawing board such as the Fire District Bond, amendments to the Sedona Community Plan which will increase land development density, and the increase of Sedona City sales tax, maybe it has or has not been an oversight to more prominently address the current “Citizen’s Survey” which was mailed to a select number of Sedona City residents.

Not having personally received the survey, several outside contacts related concerns with some of the questions, which resulted in obtaining a copy of the survey via online research and which, with approval of the Editor of SedonaEye.com, is shown in a text format for informational purposes only so as NOT to be confused as an official document to be completed and mailed back to the source contracted for the research.

The results of this “citizen’s survey” may or may not have a tremendous impact on the direction of Sedona’s future. However, considerable unrest exists relating to ongoing troubling changes in the quality of life for those of us who are permanent residents and who moved here to enjoy life with a small town atmosphere.

Although difficult, this informational offering is submitted without comment or editorializing – which will not prevent me from making future comments if it does, in fact, appear on SedonaEye.

SedonaEye? Who dat?

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The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Sedona AZ

Please complete this questionnaire if you are the adult (age 18 or older) in the household who most recently had a birthday. The adult’s year of birth does not matter. Please select the response that most closely represents your opinion for each question. Your responses are anonymous and will be reported in group form only.

Please rate each of the following aspects of quality of life in Sedona:

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Sedona as a place to live
Your neighborhood as a place to live
Sedona as a place to raise children
Sedona as a place to work
Sedona as a place to visit
Sedona as a place to retire
The overall quality of life in Sedona

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. Current Progress 5%

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Sedona as a whole:

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Overall feeling of safety in Sedona
Overall ease of getting to the places you usually have to visit
Quality of overall natural environment in Sedona
Overall “built environment” of Sedona (including overall design, buildings, parks and transportation systems)
Health and wellness opportunities in Sedona

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Overall opportunities for education and enrichment
Overall economic health of Sedona
Sense of community
Overall image or reputation of Sedona

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to do each of the following:

Very likely Somewhat likely Somewhat unlikely Very unlikely Don’t know
Recommend living in Sedona to someone who asks
Remain in Sedona for the next five years

Please rate how safe or unsafe you feel:

Very safe Somewhat safe Neither safe nor unsafe Somewhat unsafe Very unsafe Don’t know

In your neighborhood during the day
In Sedona’s downtown/commercial area during the day

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Sedona as a whole:

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Traffic flow on major streets
Ease of public parking
Ease of travel by car in Sedona
Ease of travel by public transportation in Sedona
Ease of travel by bicycle in Sedona
Ease of walking in Sedona
Availability of paths and walking trails

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Air quality
Cleanliness of Sedona
Overall appearance of Sedona
Public places where people want to spend time
Variety of housing options
Availability of affordable quality housing
Fitness opportunities (including exercise classes and paths or trails, etc.)

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Recreational opportunities
Availability of affordable quality food
Availability of affordable quality health care
Availability of preventive health services
Availability of affordable quality mental health care

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. Current Progress 15%

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please rate each of the following characteristics as they relate to Sedona as a whole:

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Availability of affordable quality child care/preschool
K-12 education
Adult educational opportunities
Opportunities to attend cultural/arts/music activities
Opportunities to participate in religious or spiritual events and activities
Employment opportunities

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Shopping opportunities
Cost of living in Sedona
Overall quality of business and service establishments in Sedona
Vibrant downtown/commercial area
Overall quality of new development in Sedona
Opportunities to participate in social events and activities

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Opportunities to volunteer
Opportunities to participate in community matters
Openness and acceptance of the community toward people of diverse backgrounds
Neighborliness of residents in Sedona

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please indicate whether or not you have done each of the following in the last 12 months.

No Yes

Made efforts to conserve water
Made efforts to make your home more energy efficient
Observed a code violation or other hazard in Sedona (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.)
Household member was a victim of a crime in Sedona
Reported a crime to the police in Sedona

No Yes

Stocked supplies in preparation for an emergency
Campaigned or advocated for an issue, cause or candidate
Contacted the City of Sedona (in-person, phone, email or web) for help or information
Contacted Sedona elected officials (in-person, phone, email or web) to express your opinion

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

In the last 12 months, about how many times, if at all, have you or other household members done each of the following in Sedona?

2 times a week or more 2-4 times a month Once a month or less Not at all

Visited a neighborhood park or City park
Used Sedona public libraries or their services
Participated in religious or spiritual activities in Sedona
Attended a City-sponsored event

2 times a week or more 2-4 times a month Once a month or less Not at all

Used bus, rail, subway or other public transportation instead of driving
Carpooled with other adults or children instead of driving alone
Walked or biked instead of driving
Volunteered your time to some group/activity in Sedona

2 times a week or more 2-4 times a month Once a month or less Not at all

Participated in a club
Talked to or visited with your immediate neighbors
Done a favor for a neighbor
Used the Sedona Hub

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. Current Progress 23%

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Thinking about local public meetings (of local elected officials like City Council or County Commissioners, advisory boards, town halls, HOA, neighborhood watch, etc.), in the last 12 months, about how many times, if at all, have you or other household members attended or watched a local public meeting?
2 times a week or more 2-4 times a month Once a month or less Not at all
Attended a local public meeting
Watched (online or on television) a local public meeting

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. Current Progress 26%

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please rate the quality of each of the following services in Sedona:

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Police/Sheriff services
Fire services
Ambulance or emergency medical services
Crime prevention
Fire prevention and education
Traffic enforcement
Street repair
Street cleaning

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Street lighting
Snow removal
Sidewalk maintenance
Traffic signal timing
Bus or transit services
Garbage collection
Recycling
Yard waste pick-up

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Storm drainage
Drinking water
Sewer services
Power (electric and/or gas) utility
Utility billing
City parks
Recreation programs or classes
Recreation facilities

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Land use, planning and zoning
Code enforcement (weeds, abandoned buildings, etc.)
Animal control
Economic development
Health services
Public library services
Public information services

Emergency preparedness (services that prepare the community for natural disasters or other emergency situations)

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

Preservation of natural areas such as open space, farmlands and greenbelts
Sedona open space
City-sponsored special events
Overall customer service by Sedona employees (police, receptionists, planners, etc.)

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. Current Progress 28%

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Overall, how would you rate the quality of the services provided by each of the following?

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

The City of Sedona
The Federal Government

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please rate the following categories of Sedona government performance:

Excellent Good Fair Poor Don’t know

The value of services for the taxes paid to Sedona
The overall direction that Sedona is taking
The job Sedona government does at welcoming citizen involvement
Overall confidence in Sedona government
Generally acting in the best interest of the community
Being honest
Treating all residents fairly

Please rate how important, if at all, you think it is for the Sedona community to focus on each of the following in the coming two years:

Essential Very important Somewhat important Not at all important

Overall feeling of safety in Sedona
Overall ease of getting to the places you usually have to visit
Quality of overall natural environment in Sedona
Overall “built environment” of Sedona (including overall design, buildings, parks and transportation systems)
Health and wellness opportunities in Sedona
Overall opportunities for education and enrichment
Overall economic health of Sedona
Sense of community

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. Current Progress 36%

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Cities are faced with difficult choices with limited budgets. While the City is currently working on solutions to reduce traffic, please select up to two (2) additional priorities you would want the City to invest in over the next few years:

Additional cultural facilities (museums, theatres, etc.) Additional parks and facilities (playgrounds, sports facilities, etc.)
An Oak Creek park or walk Other
Increase the walkability and bikeability of Sedona None of these
Ensure housing for those who work in Sedona

Please select up to three (3) service areas for the City to contribute additional funding in order to expand existing services over the next few years:

Recycling services Arts and culture programs
Library services Social services (senior center, food banks, etc.)
Animal services Other (please specify)
Business development services None, I’m pleased with levels of service in listed areas

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please indicate how likely or unlikely you are to use each of the following sources to learn about City issues, activities, events and services:

Very likely Somewhat likely Somewhat unlikely Very unlikely Don’t know

City website (www.sedonaaz.gov) and eNotify emails
Local newspapers (Red Rock News) and websites (www.Sedona.biz)
Local radio stations (100.1, NPR on 103.3 or 88.7, etc.)
Channel 4, the local government TV channel
City Council meetings and other public meetings
Talking with City officials and staff members
City communications via social media
Word-of-mouth

To what extent do you agree or disagree that each of the following would increase your use of a bicycle or walking as a means of alternative transportation:

I would ride a bicycle or walk more often if…

Strongly agree Somewhat agree Somewhat disagree Strongly disagree Don’t know

There were more off-street bike, sidewalks or multi-use paths/trails
I felt safer from traffic while riding a bicycle/walking
I had better health or physical ability to do so
I do not want to use a bicycle or walk as a means of transportation

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

To what extent do you support or oppose the City investing in creating sustainability policies and programs in the following areas:

Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Don’t know

Increasing use of alternative energy sources
Encouraging water conservation
Fostering National Forest stewardship (trails, access, etc.).
Increasing recycling services
Developing plans to meet the goal of zero waste in Sedona
Requiring higher green building and development standards

To what extent would you support or oppose the City of Sedona encouraging growth in the following types of businesses/industries?

Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose Don’t know

Technology (i.e., life science, R&D)
Outdoor recreation
Tourism (i.e., hotels, restaurants)
Healthcare (i.e., pharmaceutical, hospital, medical offices)
Arts and Entertainment (i.e., graphic design, interior design)
Light warehousing and distribution (i.e., truck operators, stock clerks)

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Our last questions are about you and your household. Again, all of your responses to this survey are completely anonymous and will be reported in group form only.

How often, if at all, do you do each of the following, considering all of the times you could?

Never Rarely Sometimes Usually Always

Recycle at home
Purchase goods or services from a business located in Sedona
Eat at least 5 portions of fruits and vegetables a day
Participate in moderate or vigorous physical activity
Read or watch local news (via television, paper, computer, etc.)
Vote in local elections

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Would you say that in general your health is:

Excellent

Very good

Good

Fair

Poor

What impact, if any, do you think the economy will have on your family income in the next 6 months? Do you think the impact will be:

Very positive

Somewhat positive

Neutral

Somewhat negative

Very negative

What is your employment status?

Working full time for pay

Working part time for pay

Unemployed, looking for paid work

Unemployed, not looking for paid work

Fully retired

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Do you work inside the boundaries of Sedona?

Yes, outside the home

Yes, from home

No

How many years have you lived in Sedona?

Less than 2 years

2-5 years

6-10 years

11-20 years

More than 20 years

Which best describes the building you live in?

One family house detached from any other houses

Building with two or more homes (duplex, townhome, apartment or condominium)

Mobile home

Other

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Is this house, apartment or mobile home…

Rented

Owned

About how much is your monthly housing cost for the place you live (including rent, mortgage payment, property tax, property insurance and homeowners’ association (HOA) fees)?

Less than $300 per month $1,000 to $1,499 per month
$300 to $599 per month $1,500 to $2,499 per month
$600 to $999 per month $2,500 or more per month

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Do any children 17 or under live in your household?

No

Yes

Are you or any other members of your household aged 65 or older?

No

Yes

How much do you anticipate your household’s total income before taxes will be for the current year? (Please include in your total income money from all sources for all persons living in your household.)

Less than $25,000

$25,000 to $49,999

$50,000 to $99,999

$100,000 to $149,999

$150,000 or more

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc.

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Please respond to both questions:

Are you Spanish, Hispanic or Latino?

No, not Spanish, Hispanic or Latino

Yes, I consider myself to be Spanish, Hispanic or Latino

What is your race? (Mark one or more races to indicate what race you consider yourself to be.)

American Indian or Alaskan Native

Asian, Asian Indian or Pacific Islander

Black or African American

White

Other

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. Current Progress 92%

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

In which category is your age?
18-24 years 55-64 years
25-34 years 65-74 years
35-44 years 75 years or older
45-54 years

What is your sex?

Female

Male

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. Current Progress 97%

The City of Sedona 2017 Citizen Survey

Do you consider a cell phone or land line your primary telephone number?

Cell

Land line

Both

The National Citizen Survey © 2001-2017 National Research Center, Inc. (END)

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

734 Comments

  1. Suggestion says:

    Suggestion for Mrs. Maddock: How about you resubmit this same article but just change the date to Wednesday, January 17, 2018. That is when the City Council will convene for a “Special City Council Meeting” beginning @ 2:00 PM.

    Special Business – AB 2288 – Discussion/possible direction regarding destination marketing and tourism promotion goals, objectives and approach for the FY2018-2019 contract year. This will take place in the form of a joint meeting between the Sedona City Council and the Sedona Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau’s Executive Committee.

    Woo-Hoo- BUSINESS AS USUAL (but now being conducted at a SPECIAL meeting)

    Why bother? The damn contract was approved for seven years!! What a waste. Yep the beat goes on. Business as Usual or WORSE??

  2. Suggestion under Wrong Article says:

    My above suggestion is posted under the wrong article. Sorry!!!! Although any of the articles I suppose represent business is usual – oh well.

  3. Wanna Bet? says:

    Wanna bet that at the “special” meeting on Wednesday one of the great product development approvals will be to donate a portion of the multi-million dollar Chamber of Commerce budget (city revenue) to the USFS for “trail maintenance?” Such a deal – Federal Agency receiving money from a small municipality that cannot even afford to maintain their own city streets and roads?

    WOW – wanna bet that’s a trade off for the USFS to allow invasive laser light shows onto Federal and possibly designated “Wilderness” land by the C of C?

    Time to contact National Wildlife Federation and other interested wild life organizations to wise them up to what’s REALLY going on the NOT-SO-MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN THE WORLD.

    Boogie-Boos and Deplorables are in charge including the USFS District Ranger Station if they buy into this BS offer, thinking it isn’t without a payback obligation.

  4. @suggestion says:

    Ut oh

    Someone’s at it again ….
    Posting under 15 different names

    If you hate sedona that much and you only see negativity ….
    Please leave

  5. MaryC says:

    It always makes me chuckle when someone posts anonymously ranting about anonymous posts.

    How dare they post anonymously ? by anonymous

  6. @Wanna Bet says:

    bettcha your correct on what to expect

    BTW if any one read that RRN report about the survey results will translate the double speak from that City Manager??????? OMG talk about CONFUSED ???? Maybe if the wiseass posting as @suggestion translates the manager’s rhetoric as nothing more than a feeble attempt to support the PRETEND results from the rigged & lowbrow survey — it would be more worthwhile than worthless accusations about 15 people doing something or another??? Maybe the 15 fantasy voices are the same ones using Segners name to make WORTHLESS comments????

  7. @&wanna bet says:

    Omg
    The survey came out months and month ago and YOUR still crying about it.
    Whaaaaaa
    You are in desperate need of mental health observation.
    Please outside readers of Sedona Eye don’t interpret this crybaby as Sedona sentiment.

    We love it here….

  8. @&wanna bet says:

    Omg

    I forgot to mention, we love it here because we work for the city of Sedona and have every Friday and every holiday Monday off !!!

    Plus, two weeks paid leave and two weeks paid vacation….THE FIRST YEAR !!!

    We love it here…. We don’t live in Sedona though. Taxes are too high.

  9. The Vote is in!!!!! says:

    The people and residents have voted on how they like living in Sedona by how many stay or live here. The State of Arizona monitors this and reports it annually.
    The population factor is 1.4546 which is NOT good. At least is is better than Tombstone. hahahaa
    Handful likie Sedona cause we taxpayers pay their bills via funding to the chamber…….. likie ???

  10. @maryc says:

    I love it as well….we are all sure your name is really MaryC!!!
    Duh

  11. WSR - New & Improved says:

    So why did it take months and months to reveal the results @@&wanna bet?
    Sounds like you were among those crafting the survey questions? And maybe even helped calculate the results? Talk about whining. Your resistance to Sedona’s most recent scam speaks much louder than what you put in writing.

  12. JJ says:

    The city of Sedona has a credability problem. When you get survey results it is more likely a lie.

  13. JJ says:

    Red Rock News has a credability problem. When you get a srvey result it is more likely a lie.

  14. Newcomer says:

    Unsure why you think your “entitled” money from bed tax people…
    As I said before I don’t see that or the chamber on my tax bill.

    Taxes we pay!!!???

    Are you kidding me? The small amount of taxes I pay here is insignificant compared to other states. I There was a post on SE that showed when it comes to the Federal Govt, AZ receives much more then it GIVES to keep my taxes artificially low!!

    Thank you other states that are givers.

    One more thing…..you people just enjoy bashing all things Sedona and live to complain about everything.

    So if other people that live elsewhere read SE. we are not all crybaby’s . Some of actually love it here and are not stupid faultfinders.

    Thank you

  15. Sedona Attracts LLL says:

    Quality of life has diffidently changed in Sedona and the greater Sedona area. Sedona was 30 years ago an exclusive beautiful location with dark skies, great small town charm.
    Some of the greater Sedona residents thought it was good to incorporate the region and get $$$$ from the tourists. Many were fooled saying they may get the houses condemned because of the lack of sewer systems. Those in the greater Sedona region (same as School & Fire districts) voted NO WAY. So it incorporated as a spec in the middle of those districts. Hence creating the first SMOKE & confusion of Sedona residents. After the voters in the greater Sedona region turn down incorporation those supporting incorporation reworked the incorporated area. Then it incorporated.
    Wikipedia says it best (post below)

    TIME TO MAKE CHANGES FOLKS-ELIMINATE outside SPECIAL INTERESTS
    VOTE OUT EVERY SITTING COUNCIL PERSON that sits on the CURRENT COUNCIL. They have ruined SEDONA and driven Low Life Losers here.

    VOTE NO on homerule and FORCE them to play fair.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sedona,_Arizona
    Government[edit]
    Politically, Uptown Sedona, the Gallery District and the Chapel area (all in Coconino County) and West Sedona (in Yavapai County) form the City of Sedona. Founded in 1902, it was incorporated as a city in 1988. The unincorporated Village of Oak Creek, 7 miles (11 km) to the south and well outside the Sedona city limits, is a significant part of the Sedona community.

  16. BJ says:

    Keep on loving the going trend in Sedona. Good for you. Production of “sanctuary city” in motion. And the influx of more California residents making the trek to Arizona will continue and include Sedona. Compared to high cost of living in CA Sedona cost of living is a bargain even without alleged “affordable” housing. And for a 101 course in Running for Sedona City Council check out the latest RRN editorial. It explains in detail how it’s done here and the underlying message is to get THEIR APPROVAL!!! (as if we didn’t already know that)

  17. @BJ says:

    Will add one thing to your comment. once here people from California and/or elsewhere want to change Sedona to become exactly what they had before relocating. Go figure!! (and they most likely are the ones who keep writing how much they LOVE it here because slowly but surely it’s turning into Sedona’s version of Nightmare on Elm Street)

  18. @BJ says:

    Oh boy

    Thanks for proving the point made by Newcomer..
    Take a breath……man

    You hate spills over and your reason for life seems to complain ..

  19. @@BJ and other Takers says:

    Yes the people paying taxes from California and elsewhere has made it possible for you “Takers” in AZ to keep you taxes artificially low..

    So when they move to Sedona they should make. It in their own image since they have been “carrying” you financially and still all you do is complain. You should just say thank you.

    http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/arizona-among-states-most-reliant-on-federal-government-6627939

  20. BJ says:

    Thanks to comments from BOTH @BJ’s in particular the one who helped prove my point with the “hate spills over and your reason for life” as it sooooo applies to that person who posted it. (probably one of the transplants from CA or the east coast who so love to change things here to what they chose to get away from).

    Ya made my day by your predictable response to which you will most likely do the same with my comment here. Hate? breath deeply and read your own words.

  21. Ron W. says:

    Question for those who continue to criticize Arizona for something having to do with not paying federal taxes or something and other states paying our way? @@BJ and other Takers and @Newcomer(s) etal.

    Once again why are you here in Arizona then and why Sedona? You make no sense. And further what in the world does your point have to do with the questionable survey and Sedona’s quality of life, subject of the above article?

  22. steve Segner says:

    Newcomer says:
    January 17, 2018 at 6:30 am
    Unsure why you think your “entitled” money from bed tax people…
    As I said before I don’t see that or the chamber on my tax bill
    Newcomer, the only significant tax residents pay to Sedona city is sales tax, and not of food like cottonwood. The just hate the idea that sedona is funded by visitors and the marketing program is funded by bed tax. Happy to drop bed tax, hotels would love it lets just have a city property tax, nothing is free.

  23. Here We Go Again says:

    And yet another intruder pirates the good(?) name of “steve Segner” January 19, 2018 at 3:52 pm. Offered again as a reminder is the following:

    “Steve segner says:
    January 12, 2017 at 10:51 am
    After last night meeting and the outcome, and the no shows from the sedona Eye,I will no longer need to follow all the crazy talk signing off no more posts.”
    If you see a steve segner it will be a phony posting been fun so long ss

  24. Sedona Residents Unite says:

    The city of sedona DID NOT incorporate to facilitate special interests aka Lodging club and Chamber. Those are taxpayers money and shouldn’t be used for favoritism. Especially without checks and balances.

    THESE business groups aka sedona lodging and chamber are regional membership groups have nothing to do with the city EXCEPT for they have been lobbying the city of sedona for funds. Their claims for rationalizing are outrageous! They need to be STOPPED. They are controlling and ruining OUR city!

    Use the power you have. Register to vote, and VOTE them out. Vote NO on homerule. Then any candidates Steve his clan along with rr news slams (like they did to cliff h) vote them in.

    These groups are private enterprises and should not receive one cent of taxpayers money. Their regional members should pay their own bills. Vote them out.

  25. @steve Segner says:

    About the message allegedly from steve Segner 01/19. And where is it the written law that cities/towns must finance a marketing program and or a chamber of commerce for that matter? Most incorporated areas giving NOTHING to the local chamber of commerce. Flagstaff is one example but there are many others. Park City Utah is another but they do promotion via the Utah Tourism Bureau. And further there’s no rule that a city MUST have a visitors center. It’s just plain stupid for the city to give money to the Chamber Visitors Center because it functioned without it before Sedona incorporated. Just a bunch of wasted money. And why did you agree to the bed tax increase if it wasn’t a sweetheart deal for you? City should stop promoting Sedona, It was “discovered” long before it incorporated and it wasn’t because of the high-and mighty (so they think) chamber of commerce. Get a grip Segner or whoever you are. Stupid reasoning but hey, you sold the dummies at city hall so what’s the beef?

  26. Tony Tonsich says:

    I took the time to listen to the Special City Council meeting with the chamber of Commerce on January 17.

    To give you the short version, of the $2.3 million given to the Sedona Chamber about $600,000 is spent directly on advertising. In my mind that is like buying a $60,000 pickup truck and paying the dealer $230,000.. Why, because you did not shop around, that’s what you get with no bid contracts. Not that the city should be paying for advertising when they don’t have the funds to pave our roads. Most cities give NOTHING to their chamber of commerce.

    Their target market areas are Phoenix, Tucson and Chicago. I wonder which ones all the day trippers come from? One council member said “We can stand some growth. There’s nothing wrong with day trippers. They’re are all good, they all contribute.” Part two of the meeting at about 63 minutes. I submit the report from my neighbor she is finding human feces complete with toilet paper on the wilderness trails adjacent to our neighborhood. Someone contributed, but they contributed to making Sedona a “Shithole.” More traffic, human shit on the trails, yea day trippers!!

    The Chamber is planning a “Diversion Board” Billboard on I-17. I’m sure all the high dollar multi day stay upscale travelers will see it when they just happen to be driving by. It sounds to me you will get those that are more interested in T-shirts and tomahawks. Tourist trap anyone? NO, NO, NO, NO.

    We need new leadership.

  27. New and improved West Sedona Resident says:

    Omg…
    soneobe took a crap on the or near the trail…
    Wow call out the national guard tony.

    Launch an investigation Tony.
    I hope they took a sample so maybe we can lift a print off or at least get a DNA sample.

    Come on man …get on it Tony.
    Hope you took pictures . I hear your pretty good at that
    Lmao Thnks for the laugh you moron

  28. Mrs Roger Thomas says:

    To Mr Tonsich

    Do I understand that you are saying that you are blaming only the people that are attracted by the CoC ads are responsible for leaving human feces in the wilderness??? NO ONE ELSE!!!!

    As for that “diversion board” you are speaking about; are you sure that it will be installed by the CoC and not the City? Part of the city’s traffic plan was to have ADOT install 2 signs one on SR 17 and one on the south direction of 89a up in Flagstaff. It sounds like you really have no idea of what you are speaking about here.

  29. steve Segner says:

    I’m having a new sign made for my hotel.

    If you hike the local Forest Service Trails, this inn not responsible for human feces in your room.

    “Steve segner says:
    January 12, 2017 at 10:51 am
    After last night meeting and the outcome, and the no shows from the sedona Eye,I will no longer need to follow all the crazy talk signing off no more posts.”
    If you see a steve segner it will be a phony posting been fun so long ss

    Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha. You beleived me?

  30. Mrs Roger Thomas says:

    To Mr Tonsich

    Do I understand you are sure it was not a bear or a coyote that just happened to leave feces where a piece of paper just happened to fall in the wilderness?

    Do you have witnesses of the culprit?

    How could you possibly know who was speaking at the meeting as during the entire meeting all that was visible was the slides from the Chamber?

  31. M Mallon says:

    @New and improved West Sedona Resident

    We will be on the lookout for Obe Wan’s evil son “soneobe”, who “took a crap on the or near the trail.”

    Thank you for identifying the violator.

  32. Jessica says:

    No proof the chamber brings in one cent of city sales taxes. No proof that the taxpayers $$$$ increased sales tax. Economy recovery is across the us.
    Yep the chamber has degraded the quality of life. Driven the high-end shoppers out.

    No state laws require to GIFT money to a private entity – chamber. Super stupid city council. kick them out. Vote for change. City council you are driving residents to become AirBnB’s.

  33. Newcomer to sedona says:

    @Jessica

    Your talk sounds like a lot of phooey and double talk.

    You say there no proof that “the chamber” brings in one cent yet you blame the chamber for lifestyle degradation!???

    So the tourists don’t spend money here ? But they would be here without the chamber? Say what!!!???? You make no sense just spewing hate and nonsense.

    So they come here but don’t spend money here!?

    Ruined high end shopping?
    I repeat say what?

    As I said I don’t see a tax on my tax bill for bed tax or a tax for the chamber of commerce…

    Stop you bellyaching crybaby. Any body out there reading Sedona Eye most of us love it here but there is apparently 5 people here on Sedona eye who hate all. Many post using different names and many don’t even live in sedona. Hashtag (crazy)

  34. Mary C says:

    For my morning laugh I always go to the comments section of the Sedona Eye. Reading anonymous posters go nutz hating the haters. Soneobe, tourists and bears s******* (deleted by editor) in the woods. Priceless.

  35. Tony Tonsich says:

    I don’t think it is the job of the city of Sedona to bring in tourists or subsidize the chamber to do so. It is the job of government to maintain roads and other essential services while making Sedona a great place to live.

    The Chamber in their presentation listed 3 categories of visitors:
    Day tripper
    Loyal customer
    Brand evangelist

    The brand evangelist are those that loved Sedona so much they wanted to live here. Remember red rock fever? People who would do almost anything to live in Sedona? Now we pay the fire chief a six figure salary and his wife still refuses to live in Sedona. The assistant city manager, another six figure a year salary and doesn’t live in Sedona. It shows the failure of recent policies that the resident population of Sedona has fallen by about 10%. The brand evangelist are not growing in number, they are leaving Sedona.

    Yet the chamber still advertises for day trippers that clog our roads, for a little higher occupancy rate and short term sales revenue.

    We can change things. I need your help.

  36. @Newcomer to Sedona says:

    You obviously detest SedonaEye yet write about how much you love Sedona (city or region you don’t define). So why in the world do you spend so much time reading SedonaEye? The handful of opposition to the alleged five people you claim are making literally hundreds of comments on this site expresses far more hatred than they do. Where is your love and human kindness to so completely ignore the rights of others to express opinions even when they do not agree with you? Simmer down. Enjoy hiking on the increasingly littered hiking trails where the current trend seems to be for poop-ops instead of photo-ops! Paradise lost? Oh forgot! The USFS

  37. Get Real says:

    @Newcomer to sedona

    You have no idea what you are talking about. Word of mouth, recovery from the Great Recession, and low gas prices are bringing the tourists to Sedona. By spending millions of public taxpayer money on the Chamber annually, the City Council is violating the State Constitution “Gift Clause.” VOTE THEM OUT in August. VOTE HOME RULE out in August.

  38. Newcomer to sedona says:

    @Tony Tonish

    I don’t know you nor have I ever met you..

    But at the urging of a friend I did a search of you and your prior comments on Sedona Eye thruout the years past.

    (Deleted by editor)

  39. Good One says:

    ” Enjoy hiking on the increasingly littered hiking trails where the current trend seems to be for poop-ops instead of photo-ops! Paradise lost? ”

    Courtesy #1@Newcomer to Sedona 1/22 12:05 PM

  40. Neyland Stad says:

    @ Get Real

    It is obvious that you have no fracking idea what the State Status is regarding “Gift Clause”. You and Tony should do your homework before you spew such misinformation.

    As stated by SS, Disneyland and Coke must advertise in order to survive from competition, be it other products or attractions. Same as Sedona regarding other cities and states.

    With the elimination of “Home Rule” what services does Tony or all you other yahoo’s suggest to eliminate that would equal $10MM to $14MM. The Chamber only receives approximately $3MM, so what departments do they propose to cut? Police, Public Works, Parks & Recreation, Sewer, Community Development.

    As always, all talk but no actual recommendations to cut spending. Sounds like crap spoken at the Old Boys Club.

  41. Tony Tonsich says:

    Comparing Sedona to Disneyland or Coke. Have you heard either of these comments? , Cheap and sugary for Coke, known to remove paint. Disneyland, Expensive tickets and long waits.

    Do you want either of those for Sedona?

    How about a few cuts to the $3,000,000 budget for just the city managers office? $3,000,000 for the Chamber of Commerce.

    How about not sending a Sedona employee(s) to a hotel near Times Square in New York, two credit card charges at $1549.45 each? Sheraton San Diego, $1507. All in the last fiscal year, I’m planning to hit the ground running so I got the reports.

    Did you know Sedona has 50 people on the police payroll? Mesa AZ, has 26 per 10,000 residents. San Jose has 9 for 10,000 people. I’m all for law and order. Do you think Sedona might be over staffed or is this a tourist problem? Remember according Yavapai County tourists only pay 17% of the sales tax.

    What do you think?

    I need your help and your vote.

  42. Police says:

    How many police does Sedona need? 50???

    http://www.governing.com/topics/public-justice-safety/gov-cities-police-officers-hiring.html

    It is just another tourist expense?

  43. @Neyland Stad says:

    For starters the city could cease and desist paying outsiders to use city facilities (The Hub & Posse Grounds) and charge for use during special events.

    ALL subsidizing to the Chamber of Commerce over and above the Service Contract, including special events (Holiday Central; Marathon, etc.) and the Visitors Center (NOT associated with City of Sedona) shout be cut. The Chamber and its members operated that visitors center long before incorporation so it wouldn’t cease to exist.

    Funding for Parks & Recreation could also be cut or eliminated and charges/fees implemented for special programs.

    There’s considerable speculation about use of credit cards by Sedona City Council & Staff. Little wonder they give a hoot about increasing sales tax by .5% since if they eat out at restaurants they aren’t footing the bill. Sedona taxpayers are.

    Re-evaluation of city staff. Reduce unnecessary employees in connection with Citizen Engagement and other frivolous and unnecessary departments that contribute nothing to the infrastructure related to health, safety, and welfare.

    And in general, do what the rest of us do when costs rise but income does not. Utility bills, inflation, and living expenses in general. We must tighten our belts and reduce spending to accommodate the city’s ill conceived necessity of balancing a budget without benefit of extracting more money from the public in general.

    Many ways to cut out “pork” from the fat piggies. Beginning but not ending with putting them on a monetary diet.

    VOTE NO ON HOME RULE!

  44. steve Segner says:

    @Neyland Stad says:
    There’s considerable speculation about use of credit cards by Sedona City Council & Staff. Little wonder they give a hoot about increasing sales tax by .5% since if they eat out at restaurants they aren’t footing the bill. Sedona taxpayers are.(really?)
    Not one fact listed….
    This is just sick, a posting with a made by someone using a made up name, a “considerable speculation” about city employees stealing!,this is 100% with out facts….. this is how we got Trump….
    This is the same kind of comment that Tony Tonsich made about fireman eating breakfast and him I can understand he is just dumb.

  45. Save Sedona says:

    With all the information available to the public it is very clear that tourism is driving cost of living up for the small town and greater sedona region. It is degrading YOUR Sedona.

    The city of Sedona has more employees per residents then a standard city of 10,000. The residents pay more per household for their sewer even though the average should in Sedona is smaller (1.78 per household) Yet the charge more then double to those on sewer. The city even charges vacant lots.

    You can’t trust the local government governing boards as they have allowed special interests to penetrate the government without any checks and balances.

    Government paid jobs are the highest paid above the average Sedonan income.

    Tourism has and will continue to degrade the residents quality of life. Time to SAVE SEDONA.

    Register to vote. Get 15 of your neighbors registered and knowledgeable on the scam going on here. We can SAVE Sedona.

    VOTE in new council persons with NO connection to special interests.

    STOP any collusion by using your voice to elect NEW city council

    Don’t vote for ANY of the existing council or past 4 year council. They are the root cause!

    Follow the money as those getting funded are extremely involved.

    VOTE NO on Home Rule = NO on Alternative Expenditure Limitation

  46. Here We Go Again says:

    Another fictitious “steve Segner” rises to the occasion @ steve Segner says:
    January 27, 2018 at 7:34 am. So once again, here comes the disclaimer:

    “Steve segner says:
    January 12, 2017 at 10:51 am
    After last night meeting and the outcome, and the no shows from the sedona Eye,I will no longer need to follow all the crazy talk signing off no more posts.”
    If you see a steve segner it will be a phony posting been fun so long ss”

    However it sure wouldn’t come as a surprise if by some miracle the plug is pulled on the “alleged” free-for-“not” all spending spree carrying on at City Hall. Just an opinion, mind you. Be careful, unknown person using the Segner moniker.

  47. Tony Tonsich says:

    You should really be more cautious before you challenge me on facts. I will give you facts, As I plan to hit the ground running as mayor I have the complete payroll and all the credit charges for the past two years. You just have to ask the right questions, and I do.

    For example, a Credit Card Charge posted 3-24-17

    Mayor Sandy and Karen O, at Mariposa Restaurant $41.07

    If it is the Karen O that happens to be Assistant City manager, she only made
    $133,108.18 plus at least 2 weeks vacation and two weeks paid leave for the 16/17 Fiscal year. Plus benefits.

    Voters can decide if she needed them to buy her lunch during her 4 day work week too.

    I have pages and pages of charges, I can let the voters decide if they are reasonable. Like hotels near Times Square I noted above. All documented from the city.

    Every time you attack me I will release more factual information. Before you consider trying to intimidate me, as some have tried with others in the past, I have paper backup for everything I post. As to frivolous lawsuits, my brother is a lawyer, my brother in law is a lawyer, my first cousin is a lawyer and my daughter is a lawyer. Make no mistake, I have no problem getting legal representation and I will pursue damages and legal fees.

    My lawyer daughter is willing to go door to door to campaign for me. Do you think she will hesitate to file a lawsuit?

    Vote No on Home Rule. I need your help to win as mayor. Elect a new city council so WE can change things.

  48. Norma says:

    Right on Tony!!!

    You have my vote.

  49. JJ says:

    You have my vote Tony. We just need to make all that info reach the voters. The flatlanders have to understand how the city has there greedy hand in their pockets. While they are busting their rears to eek out a living the ” special people “are living like royalty off their back. No on Home Rule!

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