SedonaEye.com columnist Eddie S. Maddock addresses city of Sedona polls and whether those surveys will have impact and value.
Sedona AZ – Results of city of Sedona’s most recent survey in conjunction with 2024 budget planning were recently released. Sedona claims a population of 9,684 residents, 682 (7.0425%) of whom responded to the city survey.
Considering only the first twelve on the lengthy list offered in the City report, in order of importance, maintaining “Open Space” was at the top: Other options did not come close to matching even half the passion displayed for the desire to pursue vacant land conservation!
Following Open Space as No. 1, they are in order of importance:
Workforce Housing;
Parks & Recreation;
Indoor Recreation Center;
Cottage Communities;
Neighborhood Commercial Facilities;
RV Park or Campground (to serve local or seasonal workforce);
Art Museum;
Business Space for Economic Diversification (office space, low impact manufacturing/production, etc.);
Conference Center;
Homeless Shelter;
“Other.”
Clearly the hot topic of the future of the Cultural Park by preserving its open space remains the overwhelming preferred option with multi-family reasonably priced rentals a lukewarm consideration.
The choice of “other” options for the Cultural Park included 33% preferring restoration of the original use for which the property was acquired – its restoration as a venue for arts and music.
“No” to subdivision road connections prevailed, and ongoing and obvious excessive traffic conditions maintained high ranking on the list of polled complaints.
Along with Open Space, Oak Creek preservation remained important for receiving city funding.
And the idea of electric vehicles and related accommodations ranked last.
As for “housing for the homeless,” the unanswered question of why beggars hang out on street corners when “Help Wanted” signs are posted on so many businesses, remains a mystery.
Also in the report, isn’t it somewhat curious why the mention of the vast city owned acreage in the vicinity of the waste water treatment plant never arises during these efforts to allegedly “find solutions to the ongoing and unanswered problem of reasonably priced workforce housing?”
“Many people often use the word survey to refer to a questionnaire, but it also refers to the entire process of conducting market research by gathering and analyzing data. Poll, however, has a much narrower and more specific definition. It simply means a study in which you ask people their opinions. To be clear, a poll is a type of survey, but not all surveys are polls.”
But let us not forget perhaps the most familiar definition of the term “poll”: “The place where votes are cast or recorded – usually used in plural (at the polls); a counting of votes cast.”
Now here is the Big Question: How will the City Council interpret the results of their own recent survey? By addressing the will of the majority or displaying perceived impropriety by continuing to pursue high density development of the Cultural Park and make other decisions based what they think is best? But that’s their option leaving the voters with really only one safe passage: Vote at the city election polls where it counts. At least we hope – but nowadays even that process is under scrutiny!
To view the city of Sedona poll on its website, click here. Be sure to read poll respondents written comments below the graph.
Very interesting read. The last line relating to the voting process carries quite a punch.
Reference to national election three years ago and then the more recent election of Arizona governor. Too many unanswered questions with the process of counting the ballots so it seems. IMO of course.
Thanks for the clarification about polls/surveys. There is another little issue that over the years which has appeared to be a bit of scheming. Frequently questions are designed in order to obtain specific answers. Sometimes even on ballot measures it becomes puzzling to know if a question about an issue is in support or in opposition. Has anyone else made that observation?
It will be interesting to find out how the city council addresses the results of this recent poll. Cultural Park property especially. If they rezone and go for dense development then maybe it will be time for the Referendum/Initiative process. That for sure will send a message. It’s worked in the past.
Staff gives and takes classes in this kind of survey and poll methodology. The goal is to shape opinion by eliciting and controlling its agenda and compilation. Most groups here use it. Truth shading.
We are former Idaho residents. Sedona was on our radar for quite a while before retiring and making the decision to move here just a little over a year ago. Some new acquaintances told us about Sedona Eye. Our main reason for commenting is to thank Sedona Eye for providing an authentic source for researching true facts. By going into your Archives offerings it took only a short time to locate at least three eye-opening entries. It’s a rainy day here in Sedona and as a diversion checking out the following links might just be worth the time. Thank you.
https://sedonaeye.com/sedona-eye-exclusivebreaking-news-on-89a-referendum/ https://sedonaeye.com/perspective-election-analysis-and-prediction/ https://sedonaeye.com/sedona-special-election-results/
Remember the plan to build a walk down by the creek side ? That would have been perfect with these floods .
With scientists recent discovery that they were wrong about Greenland (that it really was a tropical paradise with dinosaurs contrary to what teachers said, taught us and believed since their creation) which disproves the myth of climate change theories of Al Gore and his leftist conspiracy theorists fame (remember he’s that old privileged white guy who said he invented the internet when he didn’t?), LET IT RAIN AND SNOW AND BLOW THE DUST AWAY.
Thanks George & Suzanne (3/15) for offering the information relating to the 2011 89A Turnback proposal.
The results of the Referendum and subsequent Initiative ballot proposals are a real eye opener.
What better examples of the power of the people when they take action instead of just complain.
United we stand; Divided we fall.
@Mr. & Mrs. W. Simpson – “United we stand; Divided we fall”. Amen & Hallelujah!
Nothing is everything, Sedona blowing up red rocks for tourist roads to Cottonwood tourist attractions is financially irresponsible.
@jon Councils believe votes mean power to them when votes mean best of worst options of nongovernance.
7% is VERY important and should be the force of change for Sedona !!!!!! because ABC news said yesterday less than one half of one percent of US population is LGBTQ++ and they get more attention than people getting murdered or these 7%?????????? no way that’s right because that’s a hell of a lot zeroes people in the LGBTQ++ attention
Will someone please explain WTF the comment from “Liz” has to do with the subject of the above article?
It’s just Liz being Liz. You see this is what the right wing hate machine does. Complain about everything, spread lies, and hate anyone different than you. It really is the norm around here….It dosent need to follow anything, just regurgitate hate and bigotry. Hope that helps?
What asshile? You calling Sedona 30 7%ers what? Biden’s mom hated gays and blacks and nonCatholics like he said so over and over and they were racists and didn’t care about anything but what they said and would fight you if you disagreed. Watch the tapes and hes everything his mom and dad were and said to do and be and check out his brother and sister. Like Man, get this there’s no there there! Except Joe and @say what, you’re perversions are everywhere in Sedona.
ESM – Clearly the hot topic of the future of the Cultural Park by preserving its open space remains the overwhelming preferred option with multi-family reasonably priced rentals a lukewarm consideration.
Ray – Government housing ideas and builds suck.
Divided we fall.
Biden admin will do ANYTHING to get his admin off the hot seat for ruining our economy and the train and plane wrecks every other day, riots and murders that nobody gets to go to jail for, 10,000,000 illegals running loose in this country for taxpayers to provide for (there’s your reparation money folks) and Biden wants to arrest Trump for Stormy Daniels money from 7 years ago. Let’s go the full Monty and arrest Bill Clinton for molesting and harassing Monica and causing her 15 years of public humiliation, and arrest Hillary as a co-conspirator for falsely claiming Monica lied when it was Hillary and Billy’s Willy doing the political national manipulation game shame on a powerless young girl. (Embarrassed yet to be a Democrat?) Sedona, we don’t want any illegals or gangs or homeless here dropped off by other area politicians. Sedona Taxpayers First. We pay to play and it’s our rules to spend. It won’t be to spend millions to provide tiny homes WITHOUT TOILETS or RUNNING WATER and more which is called a SHED that cost a million dollars each. We can’t stop laughing here at Californians…
no way is this going to work out
And you wonder why the republicans can’t win an election.: your far right craziness is just as bad as the far left woke crowd. LOL
People are tired of being lied to by council, tired of being lied to by council controlled media, tired of narratives, and tired of agendas. We want the truth, plain simple unembellished and simplicity of lives, serenity of surroundings, self responsibility and minimal government interference. We take care of our Sedona own without being told by council. Enough has been said and done, council and staff, now do the basic grunt work of the city and leave the glory caring to us.
Ok, Im game! Give me a list of things that council lied to you about?
I will be waiting.
Bask in it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxyMIov9ngg
Basking imagining it.
Pres. Biden just indefinitely blocked oil drilling on millions of acres of federal land here in America. He refuses to turn on the pipeline that gave the poorest of us money in our pockets! DEMAND that President Biden makes America energy independent again! Call Kelly and Sinema and demand they vote for Arizona residents and not Venezuelans and Russians and Chinese polluters! We need more refineries and more oil and we are the lowest polluter in the world while those countries are insanely off the charts and will never cut back on pollution or production! The Chinese uses African child slave labor to mine its chemicals. What is wrong with Biden democrats that they support African child labor and sex trafficking by South America and poisoning girls in Iran under despots because they were found in schools! NO NO NO to this insanity! Why is our President and his party hating the people of America in favor of corrupt politicians and tyrannical governments? WHY? We must work to unelect these radicals in office who ruined our banks ans economy and security while funding militant tyrants worldwide and send aid to those it enemies! This is insane!
Yes and let’s unelected the traders/ or put in prison those who were involved with attempted over turning of a free and fair election (deleted by editor)
Horrible #traders
@brian yea ok
Note to you: Republicans won midterm elections to make them the majority in House because in 2 yrs proved D’s were (deleted by editor)
What a stupid comment @Mariablahblah when your comment has nothing to do with her comment. Stop being a California NY Illinois Oregon Washington traitor (think you need to check your nouns while demanding others use correct pronouns). Maybe Illinois is waking up from its black on black crime stupor led by a woke black mayor the voters overwhelmingly voted for until they discovered they elected a bigot and racist and incompetent mayor and kicked that major the hell out of town by the biggest majority ever in its city history – 75% yes slammed to 17% no when the mayor said crime stats were lower while they quadrupled. Dead bodies have an odor when stacking up on streets and in morgues, mayors.
All this rhetoric, and all you you weak teats spew your venom, under the cloak of secrecy, cowardice, and fake names…
Yawn……….
decision making process here reeks
Why do you care? @mshobert Didn’t you move away from Sedona? Or have you moved back because you were soooo missed by all of your friends?
Your obsession with local affairs is peculiar. Especially in the event you actually don’t live here – within incorporated Sedona where your voice MIGHT make a difference.
Poor fellow. Have you considered seeking advice from a professional?
Notice how Democrats are finally saying it was a free and fair election rather than stolen? Somebody call Hillary and tell her to take her chill pill because her party knew it was a free and fair election when she lost her mind screaming how she was supposed to have won because the polls said so. Thank God for the electoral college which does its job to ensure free and fair elections and not national surveys and polls determining winners and losers like in Sedona.
https://youtu.be/Qivt5xC2fVk (YouTube offsite)
This radical DA’s campaign funding failed scrutiny and he’s trying to use power grab tactics against his opponents. Trump payment of $150,000 to a hooker six years ago is a personal nondisclosure and no secret due to the hooker failed attempt to blame shame, and no campaign finance law applies because the FBI and the Justice department and the campaign finance committees said it and refused to bring any charges after thoroughly investigating. But it opens the doors to remove Biden Harris for similar campaign fund misuse and this radical DA is after him too.
This New York DA watched too many “Billions” television shows! He should watch the reruns that showed how the New York DA disgraced himself politically and had to resign by using political dirty tricks against the millionaire he hated personally.
We know now that Trump did no harm to US as President and did much good. We can’t say the same for Biden Harris now and as a Democrat I am appalled at this repugnant and unethical DA’s grab for personal power. He needs to be sanctioned or re-educated in the Constitutional law he must uphold. Personal vendettas are not how our blind justice begins its works.
in Russia, Venezuela & Nicaragua prosecutors are used as political weapons to harass, arrest & disqualify candidates …sounds like mshobert without a law degree and a California education
SNOOZE
‘Lock him up!’ – Sigh…
Online BREAKING: House Judiciary Committee announces hearing in Manhattan where DA Alvin Bragg’s failed agenda is letting crime surge out of control.
Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg has one focus, and one focus only: PROSECUTING TRUMP FOR BOGUS CHARGES.
Bragg downgrades violent felonies and crime spirals out of control on his watch according to local and state officials. He’s a politically motivated zealot, not an even-handed prosecutor. Key witnesses will testify in Congress
– UNDER OATH
– EVERY PENNY of Bragg’s federal and campaign funds will be tracked
– SUBPOENAS of all internal campaign and state communications and information
– Bragg’s laser focus during his campaign on President Trump instead of prosecuting violent criminals with taxpayers money.
What will be done about Sedona Chamber?
Polls can’t get lower for White House that loyalists are frantically trying to get cushy private sector jobs before the administration implosion. What CoC jobs will be vacated when money dries up here?
Well if those in control continue to have their way the money will never dry up because they will just find another method to assess increased “sales” tax – like they did for the “temporary” Sedona In Motion (SIM) tax that was to have ended at a specified time (Sunset wasn’t it called?) and, then, as other of Sedona alleged “temporary” taxes IT JUST NEVER WENT AWAY.
Broken city promises over and over.
Yes, as has been mentioned in comments here, be grateful they cannot tax our properties without voter approval. If they had that option – every damn little item on their endless spend, spend, spend list would be tossed at property owners.
That’s damn scary since it was the voters that approved incorporation and subsequently the mayor and city council who finalize our so frequently misguided decisions. Crosswalk at Tlaquapaque and redesign of uptown to mention two.
At least everyone pays sales tax which includes tourists. Good, because isn’t it tourists who create the need for so much increased spending? Aren’t tourists the cause for more roads to accommodate traffic which pushes roads to the top of the city “spend” list?
But keep in mind, residents, every month your utility bills include that cute little contribution noted as “city tax” added to the total. Yes, you do pay the price in many ways.
Dear Mr. Editor,
Mr. James Comer words are worth a minute to read it and to think about it. Hispanic and Latin families vote Republican. Protect our family values and show we are grateful for this great American country rights to liberty and vote Republican. Call your Senators and Representatives and demand they protect Hispanic and Latin babies and others babies lives today:
When I became Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, everyone warned me not to step in the ring if I couldn’t take any punches. Well, I took their advice and stepped in anyway.
As the GOP’s top investigator, I’ve made a LOT of enemies looking into:
– Internal communications of the Manhattan DA targeting the former president
– Suspect payments to the Biden family from a Chinese company
– Hunter Biden and his shady business dealings
– The origins of COVID-19 and any potential cover-ups
– The Biden Administration’s failed response to the baby formula shortage
– Joe Biden’s widespread use of catch-and-release for illegal immigrants
The blowback from the Liberal Mob was swift and severe: The Biden Administration said my bombshell report was full of lies. Vox said my investigations were “flopping.” Jennifer Rubin said I was focused on “phony scandals.” And the Manhattan DA is refusing to cooperate in our oversight investigation.
Every Tom, Dick, and Harry is coming after me but our House Majority will never stop fighting for you, the American People. However, we can’t take on the Liberal Mob – and keep fighting for accountability – without YOU.
If you’re with us, I urge you in the STRONGEST POSSIBLE TERMS to help defend our House Majority.
Your support makes a huge difference. I hope I can count on you in this pressing time.
Together, we’ll take back our country.
Thank you,
James Comer | Chairman, House Oversight Committee
Broken hearts are the legacy of Sedona councils ineptness.
@PaulJackson Agree with a number of those points & thanks for making them
1) we need to cancel tourism 2) we need to stop government aided development of property and roads that’s not for parks or recreation or for public use support like cultural park
3) unelect Jessica Williamson
https://youtu.be/t9478Uqe7co. (Offsite link)
Sedona next Portland Oregon in City Council hands? Boycott Portland. Boycott Sedona? I’m not buying electric cars because they’re environmentally worse than my 2019 Mercedes and don’t get me started on EV (deleted by editor) batteries and the grid. My insurance premium was going to be higher with an EV! Back off my ass for EV anything.
Jim Jordan didn’t show up when he was subpoenaed by the January 6 commission.
More political theater that goes nowhere as far as Jim Jordan is concerneed. Jim Jordan is a tool and you, Eric, my friend are mindless sheep.
Biden took family castle shopping in Ireland. LMAO
Jan 6 commission was fake news and you’re a tool and sheep because you can’t even look at all of it.
Don’t give a (deleted by editor) about the White House zombies. Talk about Sedona issues.
Cancel tourism related perks. We’re small town barely holding on and don’t need more debt. Build parks and maintain. Bus terminals are insanity woke.
Yea what do we need buses for? They only help, the old, disabled and can force tourists into them to reduce traffic! Do you have any clue what woke means? You just might want to look it up instead of sounding like a fool?
Looked it up and you’re the definition of woke. Busses help old and disabled is bullshit and you’re talking out of both sides of your (deleted by editor). There’s free transportation for Vets and disabled already. No elderly persons who’ll ride that bus or trolley and it’s been proven time and time again with failed bussing services you goons in government want. You want free gravy money from feds without having a justified reason to take it because it comes with no oversight. City could subsidize residents only and never out of city residents transportation fares if they have to get involved at all by offering annual discount fare books of tickets like other places. To hell with tourists because sitting on traffic never stops them from coming and they don’t want to see TOWN they want to see views which 90% of them doing driving straight THROUGH city. Nobody wants to ride a bus to an ART GAllery or SHOPPING MALL.
Uber and Lyft and other taxi ride services exist without Sedona government interference. The resorts can ferry their own people around in vans like they do now and almost nobody uses them. You’re interfering with mom and pop businesses and get rid of the councilors who keep ruining our views and our community. Get out of our pockets.
3 cheers Brian
Turned and asked 5 people here if they’d ride a bus around or to city and everyone said NO
Count us a contribution to City poll
One reason seemed universal and that was they don’t go for one thing but several errands like hair salon or business meetings or getting groceries or lunch or dinner out