In particular, and as a former Secretary of KSB, I specifically was curious about their position on the city’s current deviation from the sign code which will permit across-road banners because in former years opposing excessive signage was almost a bigger thing with KSB than just “Keeping it Clean” (for which I say God Bless KSB.)

Please understand that because of my past active affiliation with KSB I am aware of their non-profit corporate restrictions to engage in anything which might be linked to political implications.

Previously I’ve been advised that KSB will be closely monitoring the revision of the Sedona Community Plan.

However, at this juncture of time and with KSB’s direct connection to former and current members on the KSB Board of Directors/Trustees(?) and who are presently members of the Citizens Steering Committee for the new Community Plan, it raises questions.

Has the direction of KSB drastically changed? How impartial will their future evaluations be insofar as declarations relating to anything even remotely considered “Keeping Sedona Beautiful.” Without a response to my inquiry, who knows?

I couldn’t agree more with you that the City of Sedona is part of the Chamber of Commerce, and if I implied otherwise I apologize and appreciate that you alerted me to my unintentional misrepresentation.

For a very long time it’s been my suggestion to move the Chamber of Commerce headquarters to City Hall and let the elected folks and their staff man the Visitor’s Center as volunteers which would appropriately eliminate the facade that our local government is being run in any other manner. It might be a more efficient way to facilitate choking the charm out of what was once known as Beautiful Sedona.

Prior to incorporation the Chamber of Commerce was a well-respected entity which provided local events that also captivated visitors. One example was the summer “Meller Dramas,” quaint old time skits performed in a former uptown location during the summer months whereby members of the Chamber acted in corny skits and a steak-salad-corn on cob meal was provided at a reasonable cost. Great for locals – great for tourists – and most assuredly maintained the original “small town atmosphere” upon which the original Community Plan was centered.

As the Chamber now stands, it’s become a sweetheart deal for businesses outside City Limits to become members. Just a few years ago the Chamber of Commerce held their annual Holiday party out at Enchantment. Not being within official Sedona of course resulted in the City losing out on much needed revenue. However, when I questioned that decision I was told there wasn’t a facility large enough in Sedona (Poco, Los Abragados wouldn’t work?) and, exactly as I wrote in my article, that “tourists staying at lodging facilities outside City Limits will spend money shopping within Sedona.” Well, not paying bed taxes they should be able to afford to do so but do they?

Fact is that except for perhaps organizing their dues-paying members, what value is the Chamber? Of course to those who now serve as “executives” that’s a dumb question since their salaries are . . . well . . . a lot. Implying that Sedona has nothing to offer without the Chamber of Commerce promoting the place is a bit of a slap in the face to those who once travelled here on an annual basis because they thought it was rather a scenic and attractive place to visit. What happened to that concept which is what put Sedona on the map in travel agencies across the country long before incorporation?

Sorry to rant, but in case you didn’t know I’m rather passionate at the dissolution of Sedona environment for egotistical alterations by greed mongers who think they are the responsible for making Sedona famous. I agree with you that the appropriate dissolution would be incorporation and city government.

More than you know, Mr. Saunders, I appreciate your comments and thank you for having taken the time to comment which afforded me the opportunity to express my own opinions.

Sincerely,
Eddie Maddock

I think the City of Sedona could disappear and the citizens of Sedona would be better off. We Should try it. It could always be restored, it any one was silly enough.

Time to end a failed experiment. End the ” City” of Sedona.