SedonaEye.com columnist Eddie S. Maddock offers Sedona the best of times and the worst of times in the ongoing dispute between the Chamber of Commerce destination marketing program and its local government control in a tale of one city.
Sedona AZ – The following phrase suggesting radical opposites is from the opening paragraph of the famous Charles Dickens’ novel, “A Tale of Two Cities:”
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity …”
Considering the number of ongoing disputes here in Sedona (perhaps beginning, but most assuredly not the ending) was the idea of becoming an incorporated city. Of course that argument was settled by the voters, and the City of Sedona designation became official.
However one ongoing tug of war has existed and continues to this day and it is the extent, if any, to which the Sedona Chamber of Commerce has controlled local government. Logically it stands to reason that a member-driven, non-profit organization should not be playing the role of acting as a tail wagging the dog (City of Sedona)… especially since its primary function is to serve Chamber of Commerce members, many located outside the “city limits” and thus are unauthorized to vote, charge Sedona city sales tax, or allegedly make viable decisions within incorporated Sedona boundaries. Old news? Of course.
However a huge mistake occurred at the time Sedona was seeking a source for a “destination marketing” contract and, instead of following the guidelines set forth to obtain bids by way of RFP (Requests for Proposals) and under intense opposition, a contract was approved with what realistically was the “regional” Chamber of Commerce and war, figuratively speaking, was declared.
This conflict quite possibly has recently been resolved by the Chamber of Commerce giving written notice they would not be renewing its contract as Sedona’s official Designated Management Organization (DMO).
Sedona has newcomers on the City Council. They are smart. They are asking a lot of questions. They are astute. But perhaps best of all, they recognize Sedona residents and respect City Limits as their jurisdiction. They have also expressed interest and intent to cooperate with regards to the spirit of regional communication and indicate willingness to seek and share ideas with other Verde Valley communities, but at the same time always to respect the limitations of their jurisdiction.
At recent meetings, the Sedona City Council has graciously spoken well of the Sedona Chamber of Commerce while at the same time maintaining their position relating to the current differences of opinion existing regarding goals and direction of a DMO (Destination Marketing Organization) under which the Sedona Chamber of Commerce had been under contract. That apparently was the basis by which the C of C made their decision to not renew the contract with Sedona.
Conflicts between Sedona Arizona residents and its city councils began after a council awarded a destination marketing contract to a local non-profit membership-driven organization tasked with promoting its paid members businesses and commercial interests, the Sedona Chamber of Commerce. The contract’s negative impact on city residents quality of life issues before, during and after the pandemic, resulted in contentious local elections and city council meetings. In 2023, after newly elected city council members joined existing, the Chamber program was agendized for discussion, review and action.
Recently the following was on a city council agenda:
3.a. AB 2930 Discussion/possible direction/action regarding next steps towards the development of a municipal destination marketing and management program, including a Resolution designating the City of Sedona as the official Destination Marketing Organization.
Because as it appears the transition of a DMO will revert to where many think it should have been in the first place, City Hall, a great deal of thought and logical strategy is being considered, particularly from the newer faces on City Council beginning, but not ending with hiring a professional consultant for direction.
City Council members display a sincere desire to support the premise that tourism needs to have a positive result. The majority of the city council members favor taking a slower approach, while the mayor stated that he “Can’t support waiting.”
Was expressing the need to work for “all Sedona residents and businesses” in fact a confirmed admission that during years gone by residents have, indeed, been shunned and perceivably treated like irrelevant nuisances? Is it fair to relate the overblown credit bestowed upon the Chamber of Commerce and Lodging Council as being the direct source of Sedona’s tax revenue? Has overextended and, perhaps, unprofessional pursuits actually been the cause resulting in out of control tourism creating overuse and disintegration of our most spectacular attraction, Sedona’s beauty, as well as local quality of life being shunned in the process?
Is it the obligation of Sedona government to promote businesses? No. Tourism should have positive results. Hasn’t too much time already been wasted on a “messy relationship” with the Chamber of Commerce? Yes.
It was suggested and agreed upon that most likely it will be good for the Chamber to do their own thing because, among other reasons, their vision is not the same as that of incorporated Sedona, which as presently stated is to “work for Sedona residents and businesses.” Residents, as stakeholders, should no longer be shunned and treated like second-class citizens or flatlanders.
With the task of tackling the logical decision to relocate the official DMO under the roof at Sedona City Hall, a new focus will be directed on the beauty of the area with a realistic approach and recognition of its capacity and thus indicating the need to include a method of educating our visitors. “Brand Sedona” and allow the Chamber of Commerce to deal with commercialization to benefit its members? The suggestion of an Advisory Board consisting of both residential and business participation to work in conjunction with the proposed hiring of a consultant was well received.
Newer members on the Sedona City Council were prudent in inquiring about return on investments. To-date nothing has been made available to speak to the success or failure of the contract with the Chamber of Commerce. For example, was the end result merely the extensive miles of backed up traffic? Who knows? What about success, failure, return on investment, use and participation of the newly created Sedona Transit System?
But all things considered, it seems logical to accept that certain changes, no matter what they are, will result in perhaps “the best of times” for some while for others they will, from their perspective, complain about suffering through “the worst of times.”
However, when seeking an answer about Sedona’s investment in the transit system, most assuredly not a profit producer, perhaps the answer will not be known unless transparency is practiced.
By establishing an appropriate Sedona City Designated Management Organization and, to include an “official” City of Sedona Visitors Center to rightfully represent ALL Sedona licensed businesses, then . . . at that time . . . won’t the City of Sedona finally revert to being the “dog” who rightfully takes control of wagging its own “tail”?
The best of times?
https://youtube.com/shorts/8mlLg8AlJTQ?si=rw1MT3_UTw5f1W9w (offsite link)
You bought koolade when this is the Trump they love to hate because he calls them a mean name like liar, whose the fake?
Always be yourself unless you suck. – Sen. John Kennedy
@Upside This Border Crisis happened on Ruben Gallego’s watch… don’t let it continue on yours. You’re one step away from becoming next Nazis, Arizonans.
My My… what a drama queen.. Btwthat conservative Senator put out a very strong immigration bill, and Trump Put the word out don’t do the deal.. Blame your MAGA Extreme stop being sheep.
I don’t give a damn what your fake liberal news people of darkness tell you but that bill wasn’t conservative or liberal or a strong or weak immigration bill when it was a sell out bill by Democrats and Republicans to look like they were doing something for the country when they never ever had plans to ever do it.
In life it’s between you and God about something they don’t care less about what you want or think in DC.
DC Democrats expect you to believe (deleted by editor) they give a damn about anything you say or want. They have their news stations do 84s on you. Grow up and remember what they don’t teach us now was because it made us believe in our power to rule them. You failed your kids and then you let yourself down.
@F Okay watching this Wizard of Oz media frenzy starring Harris and Walz being virtually lip synced as Grand Wizards is revolting. They have no credit. Nada. She’s not black or Christian and he’s a communist gender questioning laughingstock. Turn off the cable flying monkeys folks and follow the yellow brick road to the 50% +++ higher grocery stores and 125% higher gas prices and empty shelves at stores forcing online shopping and income taxes doubling and tripling for homes and middle class and poor jobs being taken by illegal immigrants paid in cash under the table collecting benefits citizens don’t get. Ask Harris why she voted against you and your family on every vote she cast in in government in favor of Big Pharma and Pro IRS Taxes Collected by Armed Government Goons and Taking Your Cash and Giving You Credit to Track You in Your Cars and Neighborhoods? She doesn’t trust you. She will rule you and send you to jail like in California. She is Asian not black, the one drop rule doesn’t work for her because she has no history in America – her parents were from Jamaica and India not here, and she was raised in Canada before coming back for college and a nepotism work history.
Some people are groomers and some are groomed. Some are like Joe Biden, Kamala Harris and White Boy Walz offered up as Grand Wizards, but behind the curtain is ?
https://x.com/NEWSMAX/status/1830327270713819171?s=01 (Offsite link)
Why is left wing media covering up that Harris was raised in Canada? You don’t get “raised” anywhere until you get to ages 10-18 says psychiatrists when you begin to observe and treat differences.
@ADS. Bingo! Tales wagging the Harris Biden dogs of stupid and ineptness in government.
Brilliant assessment of waste managers lmao
Just released by government indicating Biden Harris administration faces serious economic challenges:
Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for adult men (4.0 percent), adult women (3.7 percent), teenagers (14.1 percent) showed little or no change in August.
Among the unemployed, the number of people on temporary layoff declined by 190,000 to 872,000 in August, mostly offsetting an increase in the prior month. The number of permanent job losers was essentially unchanged at 1.7 million in August.
The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) was virtually unchanged at 1.5 million in August. The long-term unemployed accounted for 21.3 percent of all unemployed people.
The labor force participation rate remained at 62.7 percent in August and is little changed over the year. The employment-population ratio also was unchanged in August, at 60.0 percent, but is down by 0.4 percentage point over the year.
The number of people employed part time for economic reasons was little changed at 4.8 million in August.
This measure is up from 4.2 million a year earlier.
These individuals would have preferred full-time employment but were working part time because their hours had been reduced or they were unable to find full-time jobs.
More lies from the illiterate Sheepy.. Trump loves you people
Debate? The media is setting her up as Wonder Woman while she has nothing but contempt from 75% of the US. Polls show it. The Democrat party lies to every Democrat and the country over and over and over with the help of the media. Nancy Pelosi called it the Smear and poor Donald Trump has run the country beautifully but been smeared by lying Democrats. Grow up and tell these lunatics we REMEMBER how good it was under Trump and his TERRIBLE it is under Harris.
It’s okay @BB go back to your basement and dial up Joe & let him know you don’t like what his and Kamala’s Bidenomics did this past year for you
Remembering 23 years back when NYC twin towers died with 3000 people. Slavery was abolished in 1865. Someone needs to tell the Dems we can think for ourselves. Vote President Trump and no Democrats get white black brown mixed votes from this day on. Power to people.
I’ve had the honor of meeting Nevadans across our great state at recent campaign events and I can feel the energy. We’re closer than ever to winning this race and flipping the Senate majority for Republicans. Will you please help me down the final stretch?
Denver called my name after years in Sedona and after a visit this week and being nearly physically ill at how Denver is disgusting with homeless and vaping and bad ideas I’m moving to mountains near Helen GA with money to buy second property in Houston TX. Goodbye.
never missed Disney when Direct TV gave them the boot
friends sent (offsite link) to check out in the words of actual man in Cali court case, circumstances ^ legalities. Up to you to go check it out like I did. Shout out Eddie for great article.
(Offsite link) https://x.com/libsoftiktok/status/1834618513870184609
This second attempt to assassinate an American candidate for office is the highest level of anti American propaganda and to be supported by any politician or American should be met with revulsion and demand for resignation from any American elected office. To support this horrid action against us must be treasonable words!
Simple if you’re a true Democrat and not a Biden Harris haters of America like Robert Kennedy Jr and his running mate say to vote for Trump not Harris. I’m with Robert Kennedy Jr because he’s above Biden Harris in integrity and honesty. This Democrat voting for better America and Donald Trump.
Just looked up Robert Kennedy Jr because of comment, was stunned to read national journalists and newspapers labeled him as spreading conspiracy theories and that his family and Democrat powers accused him in headlines and newspapers and articles of conspiring against the vaccines mandated by Dr. Fauci and the government.
Here’s an apology to Robert Kennedy Jr from this voter for questioning for the rest of us global sheeples what the anti government people like Dr. Fauci and others in CDC and government offices and agencies kept the truth hidden from the world that China did release the virus from Wuhan and it wasn’t transmitted by bats or monkeys, but was lab produced. And that following the money leads us to Washington DC and Dr. Fauci and certain universities and grants.
Keep the lines of communication open in Sedona AZ.
@easton. family left Denver four years after Democrats took complete control and opened floodgates to illegals and drugs & look at news revealing state lost control over areas that police and government with no ability or authority to get it back
Spying on one’s country’s military, diplomats, or secret services for a foreign power
Attempting to kill one’s country’s head of state
In the United States, the Constitution states that treason can only be convicted if there is testimony from two witnesses.
Looking it up.
Kari Lake’s campaign to unseat woke radical Ruben Gallego that appears to be like any corrupt career politician needs your attention. Be a positive for change and uncover the truth about corruption in DC and send messages it’s not okay to lie to us about Joe Biden condition and the condition he was in scares good people. Go online and donate to her today. Do your part to elect decent and good people and get rid of bad ones in November.
When dogs tails weight? Time to turn Nancy Pelosi supported smears back on her, and on Democrats and Maxine Waters is a left wing suppressor of black voices and black education and black financial freedom with her support of anti black policies that have kept her black constituents supporting her by keeping them ignorant. Waters needs to be impeached by her peers and replaced by her voters. Blacks want former President Trump to bring them lower grocery prices, cheap cars, cheap utilities, get tax man off their backs and out of their homes, and bring back dignity of work and school choice education. Harris and Waters want to keep their power walking on backs of black population. Harris and Waters brought in 20 million plus illegal immigrants that replaced black citizens power. Bring Mr Trump back and give us happy days again.
@Edyth AURORA CO LOST FOREVER. SPRINGFIELD OH LOST FOREVER. HOWS SEDONA DOING BEFORE LOST.
Hiltons closing in Oakland because of homeless, theft from rooms, destruction of the buildings and furniture and facilities, drugs and fear of employees to work in area. That’s what California is now and that’s a slum of values and morality and ethics. Born there and won’t die there because I’d be buried in Hell.
News segment CBS reporter unable to find Harris supporters for a polled opinion segment. The reporter was black and said she asked everyone and many were of color and ONE said they supported Harris. One. Media, we of color, are awake.
American in Berlin said two German cab drivers refused to take him and other customers to Jewish museum.
Guess the cab drivers “anti semitism” was triggered.
No American workers, you don’t have the right to be “triggered” if you want to work or be a guest in America because it violates our Constitution. Suggest you go work in Germany if you need “trigger freedom.”
SE & ESM good morning.
Long Island turned off by Harris as media reported 107,000 for Trump rally in New Jersey and over 16,000 and growing for today’s I’ve never commented on a blog post before, but I couldn’t resist after reading yours. It was just too good not to!
Yea I don’t know why anyone would go to Oakland to begin with
NYC nears a potential record for subway murders, officials are facing growing pressure to enhance safety and tackle the rising violence in the transit system even while Mayor offices and administration and officials and employees being investigated and dismissed on suspicion of criminal wrongdoing. Avoiding NYC and New York State is a good idea and suggest family and friends not go there. Be smart travelers. Europe dealing with bad issues this year. Get new leadership NY.
The SAVE Act is our last chance at saving our democracy. Republicans in Congress can force passage of the SAVE Act during today’s vote on the Continuing Resolution. Democrats must vote in favor of the SAVE ACT or unelected them.
President Trump needs Democrats and Republicans and NonPartisans now. The Radical Left is coming for us, but President Trump is standing in their way. They want him dead and we need to stand up for this country’s freedoms and liberties. We don’t give a damn if woke people say something and we should be given the same right.
Former First Lady Melania Trump speaks out after the attempts on her husband’s life! “THE SILENCE IS DEAFENING”
She’s right. If you sneered and said try again, you’re an accomplice to murdering people you dislike and you’re the problem and you’re the cause of American civil decline. Own it Democrats.
Save Act should be a given not a giveaway.
Let me tell you what happened to me, a slow realization that a vote for VP Harris is a vote for approved anti semitism at home and approval for her global war against Jews. Please pay attention because women are not one issue voters, and abortion is truly not an issue —— except if you are Planned Parenthood in the inner city and handfuls of disgusting abortion doctors in low income neighborhoods.
The former President as correct, abortion was about federal control of your body, and he returned it from corporate government to each state where you get 50 chances and every 2 years to change your minds and democratic course. One election go pro. One election go no. Each election with women voting changes it from bureaucrats to your neighborhood hospitals, but if VP Harris gets her way, you’ll have no say. Again.
Have you looked who’s funding this abortion issue for the Democratic Party? They aren’t funding your choice, they’re funding keeping your eyes off grocery bills, inflation, soaring healthcare and big Pharma spending on 24-7 advertising on cable and media to get you to take drugs of every kind especially fentanyl? They’ve turned off gas pipelines and depleted oil reserves that make us weaker to enemies they’ve created by giving money to our enemies and a huge Afghanistan stockpiles with billions of dollars of weapons and equipment?
Women say goodbye to your military age sons and daughters, fodder for their global actions. Stop being stupid about abortion, college and professional age women. Take pills including morning after that this government doesn’t want you to have easy access to. . you keep believing in this VP Harris nonsense and watch your children be lost. (Her stepchildren are no winners) This is my story.
@owensurprise canceled trip
I will not bow down to one person or one party.
Meta Platforms is a much talked about US companies according to a source. Russian television channel RT was banned from Facebook and Instagram, after RT accused of foreign interference activity.
Instagram is restricting teen accounts, including changes to content. Instagram is automatically making youth accounts private to deter influences.
Do the same teachers and parents and adults. And turn yours off and try and be a grown up.
There are currently over 20 states that allow legal abortions right up to the moment of birth. Many other states are left in limbo with pending court decisions, bills, or ballot measures.
Ask nurses and doctors how many are terminated after birth? It’s horrific if more than one, and it is. Watch ads and testimonies before Congress of abortion survivors and stop being asses. Enjoy Sedona in spring.
@phillip p. damn right
Socialism is for morons. Unfortunately NEA failed to educate but they did close schools and demanded more money.
Hey tales wagging dog? Slavery was abolished in 1865. Someone needs to tell the Dems who think I can’t think for myself.
The tails that wag dogs were designed by a higher power. Politics is always a lower power.
A person voting for a vagina (which has 53 genders according to new American science) or for someone with or without a drop of the blood from a race or ethnicity they prefer is an uneducated bigot and blatant racist and worthless to a democratic society as the mere reasoning violates basic human rights.
gonna be honest she sounds AI like voting for her wrong & boyfriend like something wrong with her elbows hands always shoved up a fake (deleted by editor) like she just aborted a kid or puppy for she walked in
@peirce ditto
Breaking news and developing story growing on FB and Twitter and Instagram: Kamala and her father apparently lied (misspoke not a word) in their books and on records about his/her Jamaican ancestry.A picture in Kamala’s book she writes being her grandmother holding Kamala on her lap an impossibility as Kamala’s grandmother according to Jamaican authorities died in 1960 – four years before Kamala was born or Kamala’s parents visited Jamaica. (Deleted by editor) her father mistaken about who his mother and father (deleted by editor) are when DNA testing will know for sure if sour truths