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Eye to Eye in Sedona

Eddie S. Maddock, Sedona Eye Columnist

Sedona Mayor Adams

 
Sedonan Eddie S. Maddock emailed Mayor Rob Adams on January 8, 2011 with the following comment and question:
 
 Certainly there’s a degree of validity in the sampling approach; however, in an instance involving not only another of Sedona’s major contentious issues, the future impact of the outcome will be monumental.

In such a case, why would you not mail a questionnaire to all residents of Sedona, as has been done in the past, thus allowing those who wish to respond fair opportunity to do so? In that manner, nothing will occur as perceived secrecy to leave questions or doubt about the context of the questions or whether or not a selective calling list had been procured.

Those who choose to opt out of responding to such a questionnaire will do so of their own volition and not because of having been denied the opportunity.

Respectfully I prevail upon you to pursue a fair evaluation which, in my opinion, will only be recognized as such if all citizens are given equal opportunity.

The Mayor of Sedona, Rob Adams, responded on January 9, 2011:

I am sure that no matter how the poll is conducted, how the questions are formated [sic], or what the outcome is, there will be criticism from one side or another.

The City has spent a considerable amount of money, research, time and effort on this divisive issue.  At some point, we have to say enough is enough and make a decision.

Want to go Eye to Eye with Sedona Eye Columnist, Eddie Maddock? Send your comments or questions to Editor@SedonaEye.com.

Read Eye to Eye with SedonaEye.com today!

11 Comments

  1. Liz Smith, Save Sedona Now says:

    Let’s take a moment and really think about the significance of our Mayor’s reply to Eddie. First, the council ignored the sage advice of a citywide
    survey regarding their opinion regarding the city of Sedona taking over ownership of Hwy. 89-A. Second, Mayor Adams clearly states “The City has spent a considerable amount of money, research, time and effort on this divisive issue.”

    One has to ask that if the research, money and time was well spent then why the heck did 4 councilmember’s reject the research of their own paid
    professional survey? Why? Because the survey did not agree with the councilmember’s opinions and desire to own Hwy. 89A! They’d rather buy a state
    highway and the multi-million dollars of endless costs to Sedona for the rest of time than allow dark sky compliant lights at almost no cost to the city.

    Mayor Adams and councilors Dinunzio and McIlroy understood and accepted the results of the survey and honored the “will of the people” with a NO
    vote. What is to be done with Hamilton, Litrell, Rayner and Ward? When will they stop playing political games with the future of Sedona?

    What new ploy will Litrell, Hamilton and Rayner use to subvert the will of the people? They already threaten and name call any resident that disagrees with them (and petition carriers). Their next stunt will be to rack up lots of expensive attorney fees and threats of litigation while vice Mayor Hamilton and councilor Litrell try their best to force ADOT into turning ownership of Hwy 89A over to the city of Sedona. They did not honor or respect the wishes of the residents during the survey or community outreach and they sure are not going to respect the process of allowing a Vote of the People.

    We have a crisis in leadership in Sedona. These people do not know what it means to ‘govern.’ They only know how to ‘rule.’ At the very least it is time for
    Litrell, Hamilton, Raynor and Ward to be replaced at the next election but maybe it is time for a RECALL.

  2. Eddie Maddock says:

    Point of clarification: My e-mail, subject of above column, was sent to Mayor Adams and also cc’d to the other six members of the Sedona City Council. In addition to the response from Mayor Adams, I received replies from Vice Mayor Cliff Hamilton and Councilors Barbara Litrell, Mark DiNunzio, and Mike Ward.
    At the discretion of the Publisher of Sedona Eye I will be pleased to make the other comments available in addition to those from Mayor Adams.

    The reason this has surfaced is because I received an e-mail from the publisher of another online production advising me of her intention to use my e-mail and response from Mayor Adams as it appears above.

    For me, however, it’s important to let our readers know that four other members of the Sedona City Council took time to address my inquiry for which I was and remain extremely appreciative for their input and consideration.

    Thank you,
    Eddie Maddock

  3. N. Baer says:

    “. . . If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.” [R. Scheer, Eldridge Cleaver (1969) 32)]

    The crisis is that certain “leaders” in our midst are not leading. In fact, they are actively working against the majority of residents’ will (70% who reside in West Sedona) by trying to ramrod 108 35′ tall continuous roadway lighting from Airport to Dry Creek roads down our throats.

    Since LTPV has put the City at risk of losing some $15.4 million in Federal funds, relinquishing the city’s control to a state agency and destroying the ambiance (if one can call it that) on West SR 89A thereby diminishing its chances of encouraging the establishment of businesses there that compliment the City’s mission, what exactly is this group’s solution to solving the dilemma that they will have created? As a resident that will be affected by this group’s action, I want to know what they are planning beyond a vote!

    The 2010 Sedona election results demonstrated the “will of the people.” Please remember that all of the “new four” Council members were dedicated to negotiating with ADOT to receive nonobtrustive lighting where needed and daytime safety measures.

  4. Sick of LTPV lies says:

    Eddie, I mean Liz, the only lies come from You.

  5. Eye on Eye in Sedona says:

    From: BLitrell on 01/11/11 02:22:13 in response to my email to city Councilors:
    Subject: Re: PROPOSED POLL RELATING TO W89A TURNBACK

    (in the reply, Barbara did a cut and paste of my email and answered…) In such a case, why would you not mail a questionnaire to all residents of Sedona, as has been done in the past…(highlighted text cut/paste in response)…”I am going to propose this tomorrow night if I have the right opportunity. BL”

    From: Mike Ward Date: 1/10/2011 12:59:12 PM
    Subject: Re: PROPOSED POLL RELATING TO W89A TURNBACK

    Eddie,

    Thank you for having taken the time to write me regarding your thoughts on the SR89A transfer issue and the survey sampling process. As you might imagine I and the other Council members have received many communications on this issue.

    I feel that a valid statistical sample when done correctly should accurately reflect the views of the larger population. Although I have a person opinion on the matter, my vote on the issue on February 22 will be based upon a position that gives equal weight to the majority opinion expressed by the members of our community and factual information regarding the fiscal prudence of taking responsibility for this major portion of public infrastructure.

    Please be assured that I and the other members of the City Council will exercise due diligence before making a decision on the transfer of this major public infrastructure.

    Mike Ward,
    Sedona City Councilor

    From: Cliff Hamilton Date: 1/8/2011 6:38:26 PM in reply to my email:
    Subject: Re: PROPOSED POLL RELATING TO W89A TURNBACK

    Hi Eddie,

    I have a growing discomfort with a telephone poll given the problem of unlisted numbers, those who use only cell phones and don’t even have a land line, and those who move into Sedona but keep their Cottonwood, Cornville, etc. phone numbers.

    I do like your thoughts on a mail process, and wonder how you feel about a mailing to only registered voters since that could potentially mimic an actual election process?

    Thanks for continuing to think of how to make Sedona work better.

    Cliff

    From: Mark DiNunzio Date: 1/9/2011 11:11:27 AM in reply to my email:
    Subject: Re: PROPOSED POLL RELATING TO W89A TURNBACK

    Edie, thank you for your input and concern.

    I believe that the answer to your question about selection is a yes. Enough phone calls will be made to reach a sampling size that is large enough and diverse enough to be statistically representative.

    In my opinion, the city has selected a survey firm that has impeccable credentials based on a long, significant history of conducting surveys in Arizona. I can verify their excellence through personal experience.

    Please be assured that the survey results will represent a large enough portion of the population to be statistically sound. The margin of error in the survey report will be known as will the demographics of the respondents (age, etc.) and the size of the survey.

    I trust the expertise and the impartiality of the process that has been selected.

    respectfully,

    mark d.

  6. Eddie S. Maddock says:

    FYI, the above four comments (Eye to Eye) are the ones to which I referred in my previous statement. For those who may not be aware, City Hall correspondence becomes public information, therefore I welcomed the opportunity to produce to the full extent all responses to my e-mail, subject of above column.

    I wish to thank C. Bently Hill, Publisher/Editor of the Sedona Eye, for considering the four additional comments I sent to her worthy of appearing in her publication.

    Incidentally, to “Sick of LTPV Lies,” if you are implying that I and Liz Smith are one and the same, you are wrong. Should you take time to check the list of names provided on the Save Sedona Now web site, you will not find mine among them. Also for the record, I’m unaware except for Sheri Graham, the Chair of LTPV, of the identity of the other members of that committee. Please, if at all possible, refrain from pointing fingers unless you have conclusive proof of your implied allegations.

    Sincerely,

    Eddie S. Maddock

  7. N. Baer says:

    If your suggestion by reprinting emails you obtained from councilor Litrell, Hamilton, Ward and DiNunzio regarding the City survey is to suggest these people were not being truthful in their responses to you, it didn’t work.

    In fact, councilors Litrell, Hamilton and Ward specifically were not permitted to have their input accepted because somehow it was decided that the survey had to go out even before the completion of the public education process.

  8. Liz Smith says:

    Reply to Eddie and “Sick”

    Eddie – Name calling and demonizing are both old tricks of “sick” and gang. When anyone disagrees with their point of view they start making allegations and conspiracy theories including the newest one that we (Liz and Eddie) are one and the same.

    What can be expected when an elected councilmember refers to her constituents as “scammers” Wow! Talk about east coast politics!

    Eddie, I have appreciated your articles and research.

  9. Jason L. says:

    these malcontents oughtta be duking it out in front of city hall or serge wright’s office

    the people said they wanted no lights!!! dark skies !!!!! if owning a stretch of that road 89a gives us what we want then screw the cost !!!!

    the bucks will show up OR give it back in 20 years if we go bankrupt !!!! the city council needs to stand up & back these blowhards in a closet !!!!

    made sure that you got my email address today

  10. Our Gang in Sedona says:

    We are sending this to remember: Barbara Littrell wrote this and it should be read if you missed it the first time.

    I believe Sedonans have just been scammed by the organization called Let the People Vote (LTPV) on 89A! LTPV doesn’t seem to really care about letting the people vote. I attended the ADOT Board meeting May 20 where Councilor Mike Ward, on behalf of City Council, requested ADOT’s Board to extend the deadline on the 89A Route Transfer deal from June 30 until December 15 so the referendum election on November 8 will have meaning and citizens’ votes will actually decide the issue.

    Councilor Ward affirmed the current council’s respect for the citizens’ right to vote. When I saw former Mayor Colquitt there representing Let the People Vote on 89A I thought maybe, just maybe, Sedona was united on this issue — to let the people vote and decide if we take back the road or not. Instead the former Mayor urged ADOT to go ahead and put in the 108 lights as soon as possible and said she was sure in November the results of the election would overturn council’s decision. I couldn’t believe my ears.

    Was she really NOT asking ADOT to hold off until the election? Was she really telling ADOT to go forward to install the lights and her group would deliver the votes afterwards in a meaningless election in November?

    I realized then that the goal of the referendum petition is not really to let the people decide. Let the People Vote on 89A seems to have already, before the vote, decided that the majority don’t want the route transfer. Where is the democracy the petition carriers talked about when they urged people to sign? Where is the statement on the petition they carried that says the purpose of the referendum is to overturn the council vote?

    On my copy of the petition it requests that the motion of the Council on Feb 22 to take over the highway “shall be referred to a vote of the qualified electors of the City of Sedona for their approval or reject…” Ms Colquitt must be forgetting that some people signed the petition requesting the right to vote on the issue but would vote in favor of the route transfer. It seems that for her and LTPV group, since she was speaking for them, the peoples’ votes don’t really count.

    Colquitt admitted that the goal of LTPV is “apublic vote to overturn the decision of the Sedona City Council to take ownership of 89A.” While we know that is the LTPV steering committee’s goal, they had, at least until now, couched it in the cloak of actually letting the people decide in a vote.

    This echoes Councilor Dinunzio’s comment at the May 10 Council meeting that the initiative for the referendum “was not to let the people vote,” but to stop the route transfer.Councilor Dinunzio, who signed the petition, further stated, “They’re probably doing cartwheels that there doesn’t need to be a vote.”

    On the contrary, they should also have asked ADOT to wait until after the vote. Hey Sedona, we’ve been had.

    In my opinion, that referendum should be declared null and void and just as it says on the petition that, “It is a Class 1 misdeameanor for any person to knowingly sign an initiative or referendum petition with a name other than his own,” maybe it should also be a misdemeanor to misrepresent the purpose of the referendum to the petition signers. By not urging ADOT to hold off any action on 89A until after the referendum, the group known as Let the People Vote on 89A showed their true colors.

    Submitted by Barbara Litrell, Sedona City Councilor with the disclaimer “the opinions above are my own and do not express those of City Council or City staff. ”

    Sedona, We want to show our support for council Litrell, Ward, Hamilton and Dennis. The ones clearly on the side of the people. Say no to LTPV89 and SaveSedoannow. Good for Sedona is the Sedona Times. Keep up the hard work. Respectfully in your corners from Bill, Jim, Mike, Flip, Nina, Linda, Don, Karen and Holly (didn’t like reading Chief left the fire department.. big loss) (Sign us as our gang) Sedona

  11. Eddie S. Maddock says:

    Response to Nancy Baer: Please keep in mind, Nancy, that the reason my e-mail surfaced in the first place is because Lin Ennis, publisher of another on-line production, sent me an e-mail informing me she intended to use it in her own publication but only to include the response from Mayor Adams. Therefore, Ms. Ennis is the responsible party for now making public what I thought at the time was a fairly insignificant e-mail to our elected officials last January.

    Also, Nancy, was it not the City Council who voted to approve the professional survey? That being the case, was is not the City Council who approved also of the timing, questions, and other details relating to that expense borne by the citizens of Sedona, which professional poll was subsequently deemed invalid because the results weren’t what they wanted? Sorry, you can’t can’t swing the pendulum both ways at the same time.

    Bottom line, we wouldn’t be having this chit-chat if it weren’t for Lin Ennis.

    I believe I addressed this in my first comment. If you have a problem with any of this, kindly contact Lin Ennis and I’m quite certain you know how to do that. If you wish to know exactly what my response was to Lin Ennis, check City Hall because it was cc’d to all members of the Sedona City Council and therefore is public information. Period, end of report.

    Eddie S. Maddock

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