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Eddie Maddock: Small Town Warrior

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SedonaEye.com columnist Eddie S. Maddock offers words to live by.

Sedona AZ – Because so many have recently come to rely on “social networking” instead of online and or hard copy news sources, this offering may not reach too many people. However, in the event it crosses the path of even one other person – out of boredom or desperation – hopefully it will result in either a smile, frown, nod of agreement or disagreement with the message conveyed.

SILENCE

When they shoved aside the artists,

I was not an artist,

so I kept my silence.

When they muzzled our journalists and our television station,

I was none of these,

so I kept my silence.

When they tried to force out my elected representative,

I was too busy with my own life,

so I continued to keep my silence.

And when they started to attack me and the other Citizens of Sedona,

there was no one left to stop them . . . 

Self-imposed indifference turns much-deserved outrage into hopeless silence.

Be a SMALL TOWN WARRIOR.

The source of “Silence” (as offered above) is unknown.

69 Comments

  1. Marty Sedona says:

    Now if that message isn’t reason enough to vote then what is? However, and sadly,
    the masses will most likely continue on with their “tweets” to nowhere!

  2. Karen, Uptown says:

    We’re lucky in Sedona to have Eddie Maddock who lives and breathes the principles and example of a small town warrior. Keep on being a shining example of speaking truth. At least copy and paste Donna’s comment to your contacts. At least DO something.

  3. Elaine, Sedona AZ says:

    Should be mandatory to have limited terms of office.

  4. Sedona Rocker says:

    sign petitions they get your name & number &you don’t want that kind of beef with people collecting your taxes &deciding if you get permits no way

  5. Jan W. says:

    In other words @Sedona Rocker, you’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t (sign a petition). Then what’s the point? We just sit back and continue to do nothing while the “chamber” and “city hall” march onward with their methods of brow beating and scoffing at peon residents who really mean nothing to them?

    And the C of C claims to represent “us” ? NOT their job and NOT the City of Sedona’s job to give away tax money to them for any reason!! They serve THEIR members – no one else.

    Is there really any other way to make changes than to elect a mayor and city council members to take appropriate action that will make it happen? Then if they don’t do so, RECALL THEM!

  6. Kelli Boone, Prescott Valley says:

    Read and weep because you’ve elected a has been immoral reprobate to run this great country in the ground. Disgusting Demtards. Vote them Out in every election.
    https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2517307609340/just-39-of-americans-approve-of-biden-s-handling-of-the-pandemic-and-republicans-have-up-to-a-14-point-lead-when-democrats-ignore-attacks-about-critical-race-theory-and-defunding-the-police-new-dire-polls-shows

  7. @jan W says:

    To funny.
    Ye you can keep posting no sense comments on SE and change nothing ! NEGATIVE PEOPLE HAVE A PROBLEM TO EVERY SOLUTION.,, you have shown your true intentions.. continue……

  8. Community Voices says:

    Community VOICES are the Catalysts, Critical and Essential in our world today.

    to @@jan W pathetic- Shaming, bullying is a typical response from a taker. Are you afraid you’ll lose $$$$ and control?

    SPEAK UP | MAKE CHANGE

    https://www.change.org/p/sedona-city-council-defund-the-chamber

  9. Jan W. says:

    LMAO @jan W. Your response is so predictable it’s boring.If “comments on SE” will change nothing then why not just sit back and enjoy your victory? Go out and celebrate with your allies at a local bar and add to Sedona tax revenue. Surely a more pleasant past time than monitoring comments from “NEGATIVE PEOPLE” on Sedona Eye?

  10. MShobert says:

    All Y’all…

    Man, – what a bunch of whiners!!! Nothing has changed. Now that “…we’ve moved here from California or Michigan, we are going to do things ‘my way.’

    Loser attitude! Move back. Golden years suck!

  11. Corduroy Garren says:

    Worth fighting for? Sedona!

  12. Nora & Saul says:

    Thank you @MShobert for bringing up the immigrants from California or Michigan and elsewhere for that matter. However, the problem we see is that these folks have managed to invade Sedona and slowly over the years the exact opposite of what you propose has occurred.

    It’s pretty obvious the effort to turn Sedona into doing things “their way” is exactly what HAS and continues to happen here. You are correct – indeed to an extent Sedona has become more like living as they knew it. And it’s lost a good deal of its charm.

    Then after a few years these Eastern, Mid-West, and California people take note of the changes to create an updated(?) Sedona and then realize it isn’t what they wanted at all. Sedona has lost the charm! So they leave.

    Are you among those folks, Mr. Shobert?

  13. @community voices says:

    Oh your so cute…shaming?? Bullying??
    For the 2-3 posters here that complain about all!
    You’re hilarious. You should post that link for signatures another site will actually do instead of complaini and finger point. Pretty sure none of the elected officials in Sedona waste time reading comments here because they know that it changes zero. But thanks for your comment you’re so cute

  14. @@community voices says:

    This elected official is in the house and know others putting XXXs on here. Sedona alternative community voices living well right here. Can’t find petitions out there in the mainstream. Keep rocking the big house Sedona Eye community voices.

  15. @@@community voices says:

    “Can’t find Petitions “in the main stream” you say. That’s your problem you got an excuse for everything. I actually respect the lady who created the Petition. She’s actually takes “action” for creating it.

    But the “likes” of you and the other 3…. Not do much

  16. @@community voices says:

    If you want to read some crackpot editorials then you know where to go. Hysterical pothead opinions.

  17. Mr. & Mrs. W. Simpson says:

    We follow this site with interest and admire the policy of allowing a diversion of apparently unedited comments.

    One question comes to mind in following information posted here. It’s wonderful that at least some people are interested in attempting to make changes. However and realistically as we understand the current tally of those who signed the petition requesting no city funding to the regional chamber of commerce tallies slightly less than 300. How can that rather scant response in a city of just under 10,000 possibly compete with the 850 members of the “regional” chamber of commerce?

    Further, as we read and have followed some of the history, there’s little to no doubt the C of C runs Sedona City Hall. Isn’t the favoritism extended to that dues-paying member driven organization by especially one former mayor and presently the glorification presently offered by council members Thompson and Jablow nauseating and annoying to put it politely?

    There’s no doubt in our minds that unless Sedona registered voters rally overwhelming, votes during this upcoming election to replace this C of C kiss-up- group representing a majority of the present Sedona City Council the story will never be rewritten. So forget EVER seeing any meaningful changes in local policy at Sedona City Hall.

    A reasonably sure way to reverse that situation could be the formation of a legitimate Political Action Committee (PAC) that garners massive support by those willing to toss in $25 or so and really campaign – without being restricted as are non-profit groups such as Just Facts that really do nothing but take up another web site with information that most of us already know.

    Get some guts, people. We are both too old to organize but would be more than willing to spend a few bucks and lend our signatures to any effort that even appears to be more than just a non-profit 501(c)(3) “tax deductible” group. Haven’t 501(c)(3) organizations become dime-a-dozen boring events that really have little to no clout in fighting political battles that really matter?

    The above input, clearly, expresses our opinions and we thank Sedona Eye for allowing it and admire you for making such a petition available but must question your judgment in having done so. We have been told, however, that you would be fair and offer the same opportunity to the Chamber of Commerce and Lodging Council if they were to make a similar signature petition available in support of continued municipal funding for the C of C?

    But, of course, they needn’t bother since it’s quite clear the deal is a slam-dunk. What would anyone expect when it most assuredly appears the C of C has City Council & Staff in their back pocket(s) – a good position for kissing A- – – -?

    Again OUR OPINION(S)

  18. Jordan Chandler says:

    “Democrats seem to be hoping that Americans experience some form of memory loss over their terrible, radical governance and their even more radical future ambitions, and that this will stave off disaster in the midterms. Good luck with that. We all remember.” —Ben Shapiro

  19. Oak Creek Canyon Residents says:

    No we do not reside within the area of Sedona City Limits and quite honestly are very happy about that. We remind everyone that Sedona geographically is situated within two counties: Yavapai & Coconino. Every so often we are made aware of Sedona city projects which they request funding from one or both counties. If approved that means your property taxes will ultimately be diverted to create often stupid Sedona projects over and above the tremendous waste of money given to the Chamber and its tourism bureau.

    Our recent property value assessment from Coconino indicates our property value has escalated tremendously. Translated? Higher property taxes!

    Heads up! More $$$ to funnel off from our respective counties for Sedona? As long as they can afford to continue allocating several million $$$$ annually to this Chamber for utter nonsense, then do you really approve for our county property taxes to be filtered into Sedona’s revenue base? Is this anything more than commingling of public money? Or just another shell game?

    If you object, let your county supervisors know. In our case it’s Matt Ryan and as non-Sedona residents we in particular resent gifting our property tax money for any Sedona projects.

    We deserve to also be warriors in the stupid battle and nonsense of giving money to a Chamber which in the City of Flagstaff does NOT happen!

    We also think it’s very curious why both the former director of your Chamber, the Sedona City Manager, and also the Sedona City Attorney ALL resigned within approximately the same time period last year. Weird. Or is it just mind blowing too damn “Coincidental?”

    Period. And the end of our opinions too.

  20. Bill, Queens says:

    @jordan Cool. Kudos to you for reminding these pot smokers and pill poppers and cocktail sluggers that we’ll never forget being labeled as racists by Democrats to divide this nation and this city and state.

    If anyone tells me they’re proud Democrats or vote Democrat I know they’re supporters of racism, bigotry and communism and are the downfall of this country in this world. I grew up in the heart of Joe’s America and know who and what the Democrats are and do and it ain’t nice and ain’t for the good of their fellow man, it’s for themselves and their friends and families and drawn by racial lines.

    I watched one day of the Olympics and was sickened by NBC coverage and the syncopates who sell their souls and their children’s souls to buy cheap goods and clothes bowing down to China. Grow our own, pump our own, feed your own first.

    Let China and Russia foot the bill for the rest of the world like we do now, they’ve got more land and more people and more resources to help than we do. I’m ashamed of my neighbors for being radicals. I know some of their stories and their families would be mortified and disgraced by these above 70 lazy entitled small minded worms. Democrat propaganda TV can’t spit out a single thought that isn’t regurgitated!

  21. Kent & JoAnn A. says:

    We noticed a survey in the Red Rock News indicated more than 90% of Sedona residents did NOT plan on attending any events during this week’s film festival. (To begin with it was 100%!) Therefore West Sedona traffic should make City Hall and their Chamber of Corruption(?) shout with glee since it’s practically all tourists.

    But be prepared local “flatlanders.” Spring breaks are just around the corner. Staggered weeks will stretch that out!

  22. Robin says:

    ????!red rock snoozer??????dozed off reading its poll!!!!!!!!lost respect decades back for that (Deleted by editor)

  23. PX says:

    deserve free passes

  24. Taarush says:

    Let me say this is an interesting exchange of ideas. Thankfully it will be well received. A home is a sanctuary and the community is its protector not its owner. Keep that in thought when considering opening your home to unknowns. Be aware strangers do not need to consider your rules when determining theirs.

  25. Cindy Skelton, VOC says:

    Calling out the BS. Sedona IS the sanctuary and the resident-owners are ITS protectors @Tarush because when you grow a brain you don’t buy the “community raises us” BS. Most communities suck raising anything except our blood pressures. Luv to Sedona. Covid vampires want to rule us and we need places to call out BS.

  26. Simon says:

    How can Sedona be the sanctuary when our city council patronizes and finances a regional Chamber of Commerce thus allowing them so much authority? @Cindy Skelton, VOC

    Many of us also “Luv Sedona” but it breaks our hearts to watch it being controlled by a member driven organization. And that includes the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center, also funded by the City of Sedona but featuring only chamber of commerce members as referrals to their customers (visitors/tourists).

    “Our home is our castle” prevails IMO.

  27. Simon says:

    Are you shaking your head in agreement or disapproval @smh?

  28. Eve says:

    Small wonder our Sedona survives at the hands of greedy politicians and chamber oversight.

  29. Eddie S. Maddock says:

    Some things in Sedona never change. The rumor-mill being one of them.

    At least this recently dubbed “blight on Sedona” has not kicked the bucket, been whisked away in a UFO, no COVID-19 (yet anyway) or otherwise disappeared. Sorry to disappoint anyone hoping that was the case.

    Income tax season and even worse yet dealing with the local cable company have become time consuming. Of these two distractions the Internal Revenue Service pales in comparison with attempting to understand the dysfunctional management of those presently in control of our television service. Just my opinion, of course.

    The saga of the Sedona Cultural Park has not vanished. Maybe it’s just waiting to see daylight?

    Cheers!

    ESM

  30. Nathan Stabler says:

    Libs stand up for Ukraine. Even Harry and Meghan did today. Where are your voices city of Sedona?

    Have you been following the State of California audit that found California spends almost $850,000 FOR EACH HOMELESS PERSON ANNUALLY. Aren’t Sedona councilors following the same California welcome mat for homeless and illegals and defunding our police? Shouldn’t the city councilors redirect money from the Chamber to the homeless and sanctuary city initiatives which come with big price tags that need taxes to pay?

  31. Janet says:

    Chamber monies go to ?? Who gets those checks ?? Read comment about homeless and Sedona doesn’t need that catastrophic pathway in a mountain town of less than 10K people. We can’t handle the impact of tourists with money to pay for shelter and food and transportation and we don’t need to encourage more. Appreciate your articles, Eddie Maddock, and the table conversations they generate.

  32. Doug, west Sedona says:

    Sedona rumor mill has always been short of enough water power to grind corn.

  33. Nancy Lynn says:

    If you cared about this city you would want it to be preserved as the beautiful small town that brought you here and not some 5 and 10 cent store for tourists wanting a piece of us. Lose our cachet and people with money and plane tickets will go elsewhere like Jackson Hole.

  34. Wise Willie says:

    “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.”

    The problem is are we always aware of the difference?

  35. George, Uptown says:

    @Jordan Chandler says:
    February 19, 2022 at 6:37 pm
    “Democrats seem to be hoping that Americans experience some form of memory loss over their terrible, radical governance and their even more radical future ambitions, and that this will stave off disaster in the midterms. Good luck with that. We all remember.” —Ben Shapiro

    Sedona has warriors like Eddie Maddock with her deep knowledge of past positives and past boondoggles. Past history proves Sedona city on wrong course and using wrong ideology for decisions. Growth doesn’t mean expansion! Let’s change council ability to do things by making referendums mandatory on funding projects and zoning changes. That’s how to make lasting change to protect our fragile environment the council is ruining. Sign the petition and make your voices heard.

  36. Mark & Nadine says:

    We’ve remained silent but just now feel it’s time to toss in another two cents worth.

    With an election in a few months, how about Sedona residents (legitimate ones that is) make a concerted effort to contact council candidates and politely request HONEST opinions relating to current local issues. Traffic, maintaining scenic qualities, building codes, density, etc. Then document those comments and hang onto them for future reference.

    Is there anything better than occasionally or frequently reminding elected representatives of their commitments PRIOR to sitting upon what some of them appear to consider thrones, as they suddenly use judgement based on what THEY think is best regardless of why they were elected?

    Nothing will change unless Sedona voters make it happen. The ongoing diminishing numbers of Sedona residents mean nothing to them.

    The big issue seems to remain funding the chamber of commerce for unaccountable nonsense. Your voices will only matter when you vote.

  37. Sedona Keith says:

    @simpsons said “slightly less than 300” signed petition.

    Hey lady time I looked maybe 354.Pays to have visibility here and shows the fighting spirit of change matters.

  38. GNS, Sedona says:

    Get real @Sedona Keith how can a measly 354 signatures compete with a “regional chamber of commerce” boasting almost 1000 dues-paying members?

    And how many of those “members” benefiting from Sedona City tax revenue even live within Sedona City Limits? What’s wrong with this picture?

    And some people wonder why the population of Sedona is decreasing?

  39. Janis Hanks says:

    To compete in the future we need to save our environment from the negative impacts of tourism.

  40. @GNS says:

    Interesting the chamber is now bragging they have only 725 members which includes people, churches, realtors, ect So 354 is 48.8% of chambers so called members.

    LOOKS GOOD at 48.8%.

  41. Ronnie W. says:

    Mar. 2, 7:08 AM = Just checked the tally on the signatures and it state only 332 people have signed. So where does the 354 come from? At any rate, in a population of around 9,000 either way it doesn’t indicate any kind of mandate about funding the chamber of commerce. So it’s a waste of money = true since no value has actually be proven. However, isn’t that what government does best? Waste money?

  42. Mason says:

    Federal policies for the economic revitalization of Sedona doesn’t require a chamber of commerce, right? We don’t need a cultural park except as a scenic overlook. That’s being a small wonder and Eddie Maddock is a proven warrior.

  43. Eddie Maddock says:

    Thank you, Mason, for your kind words. They might just be the incentive needed here to inspire the monumental task of relating the Saga of the Cultural Park. It will be a challenge to chop a million words into 300 or so – and with social media these days, the message is that “people” don’t read lengthy stuff – here or other online publications and printed editions.

    Oh well – times have definitely changed. Maybe not so much in but Sedona but nationally? WOW!

  44. ESM says:

    OOPS – sorry about that last sentence.

    Should have been …..”times have definitely changed. Maybe not so much in Sedona, but nationally?” My mind must have been on the “Cultural Park” fiasco!”

  45. Debbie, VOCA says:

    Sedona City Council can limit density and building heights. Here’s how it gets done:

    https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/naples-city-council-votes-to-limit-housing-density-downtown/vi-AAUx3jt?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531

  46. @Debbie says:

    The city already has density and building heights regulation?…They have made it a bit easier for builders to add a few more apartments per acre.

  47. GTO says:

    good article

  48. O Canada, O Ukraine Hear Our Voices says:

    SILENCE

    When they shoved aside the artists,

    I was not an artist,

    so I kept my silence.

    When they muzzled our journalists and our television station,

    I was none of these,

    so I kept my silence.

    When they tried to force out my elected representative,

    I was too busy with my own life,

    so I continued to keep my silence.

    And when they started to attack me and the other Citizens of Sedona,

    there was no one left to stop them . . .

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