all I indicated was that after Sandy M. takes oath of mayor’s office in mid November, maybe at the end of her two year term Rob Adams won’t look like such a bad guy. After all it took him six years to help create the monster you accurately describe. Let us see how quickly SM can make claim to such fame.

As for people who do not vote, whether sleepy-eyed seniors or anyone else, we are in agreement that they add to the problem and not the solution.

BTW, the road has been costly and bumpy with the current Mayor and Council. They had meetings on GO-Bonds, City Property Taxes, and Special Improvement Districts last year, but a potential increase in the sales tax is also an option in the wind. ALL exiting Council persons promised to follow the will of the people. Look how that worked out.

So great the current City Budget states on Page 1 – 8 that in three year’s time there will be no reserves left to fund [non-sewer] capital projects. Also great that although the recession ended in June 2009, commercial closings are still extremely numerous and ongoing. In four years time, the City budget has increased by $11 Million Today current-year total budgeted expenditures are $10.6 Million in excess of projected Revenues. Economists tell us as a City’s budget increases, so do its future taxes and fees. Residents, low-wage workers, and small businesses in town have already seen plenty of that.

And in case you weren’t aware S. Moriarity together with Jessica Williamson (then a city employee) championed the Housing Commission’s ADU campaign which resulted in city code approval in spite of overwhelming public opposition.

Moriarity, Williamson, and Barbara Litrell (soon to be replaced by Angela LeFevre) never met an “entitlement” proposal they didn’t embrace. Just one more will make a solid council quorum of four in case it doesn’t already exist. Could that missing link be Scott Jablow? Ask those who received phone solicitations from him indicating he sways with the tree branches in the direction the wind blows them in order to get elected. Ask Steve Segner and the Chamber of Commerce.

Brace yourself, Girl. The road ahead will be bumpy and costly but the fact remains the voters spoke (small turnout) and we, the “vocal minority” as identified by newly council member elect Jon Thomspon have our comeuppance and unfortunately will again be silenced when it comes to footing the bill for the grandiose visionaries that continue to control our dismal destiny.

Of course, just another opinion and really, what do any of us know that disagrees with Sedona’s version of the “almighty seven?” That, too, most likely according to them is a politically incorrect statement.

Increased fees and costs were imposed on Sedona’s population. According to Sperling’s BEST PLACES (To Live), Sedona’s cost of living is now 29.20% higher than the average for US cities.

The spending of City savings/rainy day funds became in vogue. According to this year’s budget, Estimated Revenues are $27.79 million, yet Budgeted Expenditures are a whopping $38.97 million. A look at the City’s Schedules A and C (estimated) reveals last year’s Actual Expenditures exceeded Actual Revenues by $5.11 million.

The City’s bond rating has been downgraded twice under Mayor Adams.

Already refinances themselves, the existing Series 2004 Bonds–remaining average life of a little over 2 years–and a portion of the Series 1998 Bonds were again refinanced within the last two years (the latter refi balloon maturity). Annual Debt Service Payments run around $6 million.

At $1.3 million this year, the amount of pork for the Chamber of Commerce more than doubled over last year, with NO competitive bidding.

Although the 2008 recession ended in June 2009, there are still an undue number of commercial vacancies in town. Currently, Thrifty Mountain Supply and the car wash are closing, or have closed. According to New Frontiers, they couldn’t compete. So, now we have Whole Foods.

Already the highest in our area, aggressive annual sewer rate increases were imposed on sewer users. Bodacious Burgers and Studio Live both attributed sewer fees to their demise.

Offensive pre-meetings with last-minute information/disclosure and odd hours make it more difficult for citizens to attend Council meetings and participate.

Many Commissions were hurriedly disbanded without offering alternatives to the City Engagement Program, which program doesn’t require complying with AZ’s Open Meeting Law. But it does require a new City staffer.

70% of the electorate voted against taking ownership of Hwy 89A in West Sedona from ADOT.

Turning to the November runoff between Rio Robson and Scott Jablow,, please do not vote for Scott Jablow for the open City Council seat. IMO, he is not for the residents.

The newly elected council and mayor don’t give a crap about our town……..they just care about their personal agendas!!!

@Tina T – finally someone finally come out to say how happy you are that the City pays to advertise you!

@Tom G: get a grip and for once – just please understand that their are people in our community who have more heart and respect for Sedona than You do!

@Dan: Oh holly Hell I do expect the lame duck Mayor to have some respect and not continue to try to play his cards at this time = he is no longer accountable to the voters as his time is just a gone!

@Just Sayin’: Let the guy ” let the guy bow out gracefully without nit picking every word?” Well wouldn’t that be like saying He has NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ALL THE SCREW UPS?

What you all don’t get is that Warren is correct: “The city manager received compensation 30% more than his predecessor. Then there was also the creation of the “Assistant to the City Manager” position (not to be confused with the Assistant City Manager) so that someone who was redundant at the Community Development Dept. would still have a job.”

Come up out of your want lists and your dreams and get real to the facts!

Our little town has been taken over by the likes of a bunch of none vested people only in order for them to have a new hobby……..a hobby that has nothing to do with the sustainability or profitability or respect of anyone – let alone the guts of those who superseded THEM to actually put this town on the World Map!

It’s good to know you’re still around. Enjoy your moment in the sun. It ain’t over til the Fat Lady sings. No honesty among thieves is alive and well in Sedona. What goes around comes around and that’s the truth.

As for “Just Saying”: You are correct. No need to nit pick. Too time consuming. Future events might better serve to reveal major boo-boos yet to be discovered. Just a thought.