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Time for City and Chamber to Talk Terms

SedonaEye.com columnist Eddie Maddock dons private citizen cap

SedonaEye.com columnist Eddie Maddock dons private citizen cap

Sedona AZ (August 10, 2014) – SedonaEye.com columnist Eddie Maddock puts on her City of Sedona taxpayer hat in this letter to the SedonaEye.com editor:

——-Original Message——-

From: Eddie Maddock
Date: 8/9/2014 6:10:49 AM
To: Barbara Litrell
Cc: John Martinez; Jessica Williamson; MDinunzio@ci.sedona.az.us
Subject: Re: SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING 7/13

Hi Barbara:

Thank you for responding. Since I also had replies from John Martinez, Jessica Williamson, and Mark DiNunzio, I’ve taken the liberty of cc’ing them with what I’m writing here.

Officious activities from timeshare pushers is not new in Sedona. Probably about mid-90’s it was terrible uptown. We had many friends visit during those days and so I have first hand knowledge of practically being attacked by pushy hawkers. As a result, former councilman and well known city activist, George Tice, was appointed as city ombudsman to patrol uptown and the result was effective.

Therefore concurring this has been a problem which evidently has resurfaced, no doubt it’s a blight on the reputation of Sedona.

However, disputing the complaints were made to the city, then why didn’t the forms they were submitted on reflect that? Clearly they say Chamber of Commerce. The complaints certainly did involve the C of C, otherwise they would have been submitted on some form of city letterhead.

The C of C takes liberty to use the city logo on their web site. May I remind you all that the Chamber of Commerce is NOT a branch of city government and it’s way past time for you to stand up and appropriately identify that visitor’s center uptown as being the City of Sedona, and NOT the Chamber of Commerce. Either do that or discontinue the contract with the Chamber and allow other places to bid on managing the Visitor’s Center, or city to appropriately take it on.

Don’t bring up “cost” because for the amount you continue to throw at the Chamber mutes that noise to a whisper. How about City purchasing the former Sedona Floral, conveniently located by City Hall and the Western Gateway to City of Sedona?

Or another alternative would be to offer the bidding process to operations advertising “tourist information” such as the former KFC at Coffee Pot & W89A or the corner location by King’s Ransom on SR179.

Anything short of appropriately identifying the contracted uptown location will not remove the Chamber’s affiliation with being the controlling entity of most things pertaining to the City of Sedona. Unwillingness to change this image obviously remains a priority with the majority of the City Council. Like it or not, the complaints came from the Chamber of Commerce and that is why your Special Council Meeting has been agendized. Period.

Same old story. This City Council clearly has allowed too much power to be given to the Chamber of Commerce, a special interest member driven organization with the primary responsibility to serve their membership, including those outside City Limits who do not directly collect city taxes.

Hostility is growing although the perception apparently remains it is within a small vocal minority. Who is to that say that evaluation is incorrect? However a final push over the edge might serve as the driving force for the real numbers to surface, for that “vocal minority” to stand up and say “Enough.” Please do not forget the proposed city ownership of W89A.

And so, do what you must, but for Heaven’s Sake don’t cover up the Chamber’s involvement. In my opinion they have become as officious as timeshare hawkers.

Have a great weekend.

Sincerely,

(Ms.) Eddie S. Maddock
Resident & Legitimate Registered Voter
City of Sedona

For the best Arizona news and views, read www.SedonaEye.com daily!

For the best Arizona news and views, read www.SedonaEye.com daily!

16 Comments

  1. Dana Varney says:

    Appreciated this article!

  2. Tony Tonsich says:

    Being a vocal ACTUAL Sedona resident and registered voter. I am NOT in favor of more traffic, I am not in favor of city funds being given to the Chamber of Commerce, or Sedona Film Festival or other groups to increase the tourist count at the expense of the residents.

    We shall see when the tally on ” Home Rule” , is completed, if it is only a minority or the actual MAJORITY of Sedona voters who have had enough.

    Should you present a differing view I welcome it, as long as you use your real name and address. I tire of Sedona City employees who live in the Village of Oak creek or other places outside of the actual City offering their biased views.

    Regards

    Tony Tonsich

  3. blah……..blah……blah
    Move already……

  4. James Poole says:

    The chamber is controlling signage now.

    Control of the mighty dollar at work. Ad in red Rock news by “lodging Council” chamber. You better vote No on home rule.

    Anything they want is only going to give them more money and control. It will hurt the rest of us.

    In town lodging, what’s a matter with you? Why would you agree to spend your bed tax to promote your competition? By being a part you are hurting your industry. Stand up, do the right thing.

  5. Is any Chamber of Commerce worth investing in?

    Businesses have a choice as to belong or not.

    One of the many goals of Folksville USA has been to convince residents and businesses how powerful their voices and pocket books are. If these businesses and residents vote, voice their opinions and use their pocket books wisely, we will all be better off, including the Chamber of Commerce organizations.

    To my knowledge, the “Folksville USA” and ADOT Adopt-A-Highway group effort has never been recognized by any Verde Valley Chamber of Commerce and when you consider what these active and engaged Adopt-A-Highway groups do to enhance our community image and economy, you have to wonder if any Verde Valley Chamber of Commerce organizations even appreciate the efforts of these anti-litter groups?

    I’ve always found it curious, for as disengaged as the Chamber of Commerce’s have been on this topic, there has been much support by the actual businesses in our Verde Valley community.

    Just wondering?

    Gary Chamberlain FVUSA
    “America the Beautiful & BagReadyJobs”
    Empowering our nation’s youth

    These businesses can’t be thanked often enough for their support of the “America the Beautiful & BagReadyJobs” empowering our nation’s youth effort!

    Supporters Phase 1

    Camp Verde, AZ
    Tire Pro Automotive and Verde Solaire Services.

    Cornville, AZ
    Bill & Mary Harrison, Biker Mike and Highlands Resort.

    Cottonwood, AZ
    Reese & Son’s Tire, Tire Pro Automotive, CTS Printing, United Uniforms, Road Runner Recycling, Larry Green Chevrolet (7 veterans), Lewis Rice Accounting, Allegra Design, Randall’s Restaurant,Tri-City Computers-Sedona, AZ, Heartline Café-Sedona, AZ, Rokzoo Screen Printers, Robertson Center PC, Dr. Bill Guth DDS & Mary Guth, Pawn Palace, George Boddy Insurance and Zoomer’s Bike & Gear.

    Sedona, AZ
    Sedona Pines LLC, AZ, Moon Dogs Pizza, Tri-City Computers, Heartline Café, Sedona Healing Vortex and Biddle’s Nursery.

    Miscellaneous Arizona
    High Gear Bike-Prescott and Pawn Palace-Prescott.

    National
    Dave Bell-Farmington, UT, Unger Quality Tools-Bridgeport, CT, BOB Trailer Inc.-Boise, ID, Barry Chapman-Portland, Or, Phil Behrends-Carlsbad, CA and Ritchey Design-San Carlos, CA.

    Supporters Phase 2

    Camp Verde, AZ
    Energy Roofers, The Horn Saloon, Thanks a Latte, High Desert Cycle and ATV Services LLC, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6739, Ming House, Wells Fargo Bank, La Fonda Mexican Restaurant, Tax Preparation-E-File Valley Accounting, Camp Verde Auto Parts, Inc., Old World Guns LLC, Yavapai Title Agency, Camp Verde Realty, Arizona Central Land and Home, Ron’s Signs, Camp Verde Feeds & Country Store, Lori’s Lookin’ Good, The Valley View Restaurant, Tierra Verde Builders, The UPS Store, Tire Pro Automotive, Harris Garage Door, Snap Fitness, The Joshua Tree & Landscape Co. and Camp Verde Cycle & Small Engine.

    Cornville, AZ
    Axel’s Auto Repair, Reiner & Yolan Kreuzer, Highlands Resort, Northern Arizona Pump, Graham Robertson, Cornville Pet Clinic, Lois Kellenbenz, Windmill Gardens, Verde Solar Power, Northern Arizona Therapeutic & Medical Massage Center, Red Rock Masonry, Verde Valley Stoneyard & Materials, Wild West Equine, Breakthrough Medicine, Harry’s Hideaway Restaurant and Mr. Rooter.

    Cottonwood, AZ
    My Styles Boutique, The Mattress Center, Sherwood Jewelers, Reese & Sons Tire, Wells Fargo Bank, Nature’s Pantry Café, Caldwell Banker-Mabery Real Estate, The Picture Window Inc., Shadow Mountain Property Management, Larry Amis-veteran, K.A. Cycles & Service, The UPS Store, Brandi’s Kitchen, Hooked On Books, Courtesy Auto Sales-Matt Kightlinger, Main Place Floor and Window Fashions, Solar Works LLC, Gresham Painting & Remodeling, Maria’s Dulceria, Carla’s Pet Grooming, Art Glitter, A Scoop Above, Mr. B’s Music & Electronics, Papa Murphy’s, Home Depot, Mingus Self Storage, Selina & Associates, Tire Pro Automotive, Randall’s Restaurant, Rokzoo Screen Painters & Embroidery, Smoke-N-Guns, T&T Refrigeration Inc., Rockin B Saloon, Suzy Q Designs, Allegra Printing, Tae Kwon Do Unlimited, CTS Office Supply and Verde Events & Tents.

    Flagstaff, AZ
    The Joshua Tree & Landscape Co.

    Sedona, AZ
    Sedona Pines Resort, Sedona Pines LLC, Wells Fargo Bank, Tire Pro Automotive, The Joshua Tree & Landscape Co. and Point of Sedona Gallery.

    Prescott Valley, AZ
    Wells Fargo Banks (2) and Home Depot.

    Prescott, AZ
    Wells Fargo Banks (4) and Errol Sebastien Jr.-Prescott Honda and Home Depot.

    McGuireville, AZ
    Creek Side Grill, Stone Design, Inc., Candy’s Creekside Cottage, Rimrock Resales, McGuireville Tavern, Stone Design, Inc., El Patio Bar & Grille and Reliable Roadside Repair.

    Rimrock, AZ
    Bill Cowan and Allen Reynolds.

    National
    GarboGrabber-Stratford CT, Unger Enterprises, Inc.-Bridgeport,CT, Bob Crockett-Menlo Park,CA and Appraisal Services Co.-Andrews, NC.

    Supporters Phase 3

    Camp Verde AZ
    Sweet Grace Restaurant, Sweet Grace Emporium, Camp Verde Promotions, Energy Roofers, Verde Solair, The UPS Store, Camp Verde Reality and Camp Verde Thrift Store

    Cornville AZ
    Grasshopper Grill.

    Cottonwood AZ
    Randall’s Restaurant, Graham’s Auto Sales, Reese’s Tire & Automotive, Pawn Palace, Smoke-N-Gun, Sherwood Jeweler, Allegra Design-Print-Signs, CTS Office Supply and Road Runner Recycling.

  6. Marty says:

    To Gary Chamberlain. It seems to me the answer to your question lies within the question itself: There is no $$$$ value to the Chamber of Commerce or their affinity groups (at least in Sedona) to lower themselves to do something menial. Really. They are in it for the dollars. And the money that has been spent through lobbying efforts of Mr. Wesselhoff (husband to Chamber CEO and noted Sedona realtor) and Steve Segner, Chair of the Sedona Lodging Council (Chamber affinity group) is becoming staggering. Full, half, quarter page ads for Sandy Moriarty for Mayor (I received not one but two of her mailed publicity cards.) More trash for organizations like what you represent to figure out how to dispose of. It’s good business for the Red Rock News and it will continue until the run-off election in November ….. at least for council members although Mayor will be decided on August 26th.

    Really Mr. Chamberlain, your touching dedication to what you do is so admirable. In my opinion you are untouchable for the likes of the greedy that are doing their level best to hammer the final nail in the coffin of lowly Sedona residents and businesses who are not on “their” team. And worse yet, we have a majority on City Council that is allowing it to happen.

  7. dh says:

    Please stick to post.

    Thank you Tony Tonsich and Jim Poole for doing so.

    Let your neighbors know. VOTERS VOTE Be heard. No on Home Rule

  8. With upfront apologies for the length.
    In order of receipt:

    FROM JESSICA WILLIAMSON:

    Eddie
    Actually, this issue arose within the city Council itself, not from the Chamber. While I understand you are no fan of the Chamber, they are not always behind everything. In this case, the Council was. I feel that the sigs used by timeshare companies are misleading, and was interested to see that many tourists feel the same way. That has nothing to do with the Chamber. All I’m looking for is clarity so that people who are visiting our town don’t feel they are deceived. While you don’t like the Chamber, tourists are not subject to high-pressure sales tactics when they enter the Visitor’s Center, nor are they treated rudely.

    Jessica
    **********

    RESPONSE FROM E. MADDOCK:

    Hi Jessica:
    You are wrong when you continue to accuse me of not liking the Chamber. As a matter of fact not too long ago I would occasionally attend one of their mixers, and years ago my late husband together with his partner and local attorney Fred Esser were instrumental in reviving the Chamber’s monthly mixers.

    Of course that was back in the day when residents rallied to support the Chamber because they didn’t constantly whine at council meetings for money. Worse yet is that they remain unaccountable for the money they are receiving and do not support non-member businesses collecting city taxes, the source of their funding in addition to bed tax. But of course you already know this and find it acceptable.

    At any rate, my objections have nothing to do with liking or disliking the Chamber. Actually it’s the members of the city council that continue to enable questionable activities that are the root of the problem IMO.

    It really is unfortunate that this council refused to pursue RFP’s in the first place for the destination marketing contract and this bad blood might never have occurred.

    Sincerely,
    Eddie
    **********

    FROM MIKE WARD:

    Eddie,

    You are again pretty close to the mark on this issue. Whenever I encounter tourists on the trails, I mention the Forest Service visitor center as the only place to get information on what to do and see around Sedona without being sold a timeshere. In addition to clear signage reflecting the sponsorship of the ‘visitor center’ by a time share entity, maybe licensing like many city control taxi cabs would be an answer.

    The CofC activism in the current city council race is pretty good evidence of their desire to control the town for their further financial benefit. Everything is about money.

    Mike

    **********

    RESPONSE FROM E. MADDOCK:

    Thank you Mike, and Amen . . . especially to your last sentence.

    Eddie
    **********

    FROM MARK DiNUNZIO:

    Eddie, is everything for you about money? I think not. You use the
    biblical ‘amen’.

    I also know people involved with the chamber who are more driven by
    principle than monetary concerns. we are not that much different. all
    of us.

    best,

    mark
    **********

    RESPONSE FROM E. MADDOCK:

    Hi Mark:

    Your two e-mails came in simultaneously, this being the second I received and so I’ll respond to it first.

    No Mark, everything to me is NOT about money. However I’m quite capable of observing those who obviously consider it top priority and, in my opinion, Mike Ward has “seen the light” with his reference to the attempted smear campaign against Cliff Hamilton, candidate for Sedona Mayor in the August 26th election, led by Steve Segner on behalf of his Lodging Council and the Chamber of Commerce & Bureau of Tourism (one and the same).

    Segner’s e-mails and now paid advertisement in the Sedona Red Rock News is a pathetic attempt to do damage control for his sleazy proposed mud-slinging tactics which, in fact, clearly indicated were for the purpose of having Sandy Moriarty elected as Mayor because she will continue to fund the Chamber in the manner to which they’ve become accustomed. If by chance you didn’t have access to the communication about which I write, perhaps you are the only person in the City of Sedona and Greater Sedona (area) to have missed it.

    My term “Amen” in response to Mike Ward’s observation was, indeed, an acknowledgement to a “higher power,” giving thanks that at least one member of our City Council has the ability to acknowledge reality without making flimsy excuses and call a situation as it is. The Chamber/Lodging/Tourism is a special interest group obligated to serve their members, with or without funding from the City of Sedona. However, since this particular council has so graciously given them a pass on the gravy train, clearly they do not want to lose it. Therefore the desperation to seek and support only those candidates who will continue to sate their glut and appetite to remain in control of City Hall purse strings.

    For the record, as a long time resident of Sedona (March 1977) my late husband and I were avid supporters of the Chamber of Commerce. We had the distinct pleasure of attending a community event at Poco Diablo celebrating the “burning of the Chamber mortgage.” However, in those days we had no city and greedy outsiders, some of whom have managed to latch onto control of City Hall and Council Chambers, manipulate without commitment of return on investment (if any), continue to snatch more public funds time and time again, do not represent city based businesses unless they are members of the C of C, and all primarily based on a “trust us” commitment with never a blink from council members except more recently Mike Ward.

    The Chamber which you describe is of days gone by and, although a few illusionists apparently still remain, what we have now is the single most controlling “device” Sedona has ever known which, of course, is my opinion but I take comfort in knowing I am not alone. Amen to that, too.

    Thanks for your response(s). Will get to addressing the other one ASAP.

    Eddie
    **********

    There is one other exchange with Councilman Mark DiNunzio which for the time being I will spare you, primarily because this series of comments is already lengthy.

    However, I will conclude with the following.

    At the Special City Council Meeting yesterday (August 13th) during which time the subject was the discussion of “OPC’s” (Off-Premise Canvassing), Council Woman Barbara Litrell clearly and distinctly made reference to the uptown Visitor’s Center, financed by the City of Sedona, as being the Chamber of Commerce “Official” Visitor’s Center.

    Other discussion occurred relating to placing additional signage at entrances to City Limits. How about signs reflecting the true meaning of incorporated Sedona? That being, “Welcome to Official Kingdom of the Regional Chamber of Commerce?”

    Submitted by:

    Eddie S. Maddock
    August 14, 2014

  9. Since everyone (except those pulling the city purse strings) seems clueless how Destination Marketing funds are being spent by the Chamber/Tourism/Lodging Council, how do we know it isn’t the financial source for recent negative, campaign attack ads in the Red Rock News which indicate they are the product of and paid for by Steve Segner, Chair of the Sedona Lodging Council? Isn’t he the same gent that appeared before the City Council last year pleading “Just trust us?”

    Unless newly elected “replacements” for this pathetic display of a “City Council” wake up and demand a legitimate audit and thorough accountability from the Chamber etal of public funds, none of them will be worth the trouble of filling in a blank on the ballot.

    Who said “Crime doesn’t pay?” Or maybe “no honor among thieves is appropriate?” It really doesn’t matter. The buck stops with the members of the City Council who remain determined to look the other way and ignore questions that should never have been necessary to materialize in the first place.

    There will be a day of reckoning. There always is.

  10. @ Vice Mayor Mark DiNunzio,

    You asked Eddie “is everything for you about money? I think not.” From where you sit, it damned well better be. It appears you’ve been hangin’ with the DORR crowd a bit too much. But neither you or any one else in City government will answer your own question and you’re in no position to put it to Eddie either. I will assure you, however, that the economy will. At that time, I’m sure your purpose in asking the question will come back to haunt you.

  11. @Just Stick to Posts – Better open your EyE’s,

    Not certain if your comment was directed at me but my intent is to point to success of “the folks – residents” getting things done that are important to them and their businesses and not most city and town leaders, Mayor and Managers and Chamber of Commerce organizations.

    The politics and results of you “scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours” for those mentioned generally doesn’t seem to serve the folks or residents.

    One example is that your Mayor Adams and Council have only once, in six years, publically offered any thanks to the ADOT Adopt-A-Highway groups between Cottonwood and Sedona for their efforts ……. The Verde Valley Chamber of Commerce organizations are batting 1000 meaning, “they have never publically thanked these groups”.

    The Verde Valley businesses (people who care) have been very generous by providing raffle prizes to ADOT Adopt-A-Highway groups in 2009-2010 and cash for the “America the Beautiful & BagReadyJobs” Empowering our nation’s youth effort.

    Sedona and the Verde Valley better wake up and recognize the groups that have their names on those ADOT Adopt-A-Highway signs.

    If you haven’t noticed, the trash is building up and ADOT isn’t mowing or cutting back the brush very often ….. you should all wonder why your highways are reverting back to the un-groomed trash ridden 2009 conditions but I guess this would be too much work for those that just like to complain or are “too special” to be bothered with recognizing those that make their highways look good!

    Gary Chamberlain FVUSA
    “America the Beautiful & BagReadyJobs”
    Empowering our nation’s youth
    FolksvilleUSA@gmail.com

  12. Mary S. says:

    Thank you Mr. Chamberlain for clarifying your previous comment. You make a good deal of sense and I agree more attention should be given to “America the Beautiful & BagReadyJobs” from various incorporated areas.

  13. Dear Mary S.,

    There is a story soon coming out in the SedonaEyE.com about the leaders of a town government that is going to get even more (they’re already involved) involved in working along the side of and with local ADOT Adopt-A-Highway groups.

    This town will continue to annually recognize these ADOT Adopt-A-Highway groups for their efforts, based on the frequency of their anti-litter efforts per year.

    Those that live in “one” of these communities, Sedona, Cottonwood, Clarkdale, Jerome and Camp Verde will be very proud of their town leaders and the other leaders of other towns-cities may want to join in their efforts and follow their lead for the benefit of the Verde Valley, Yavapai County and Arizona.

    Gary Chamberlain FVUSA
    “America the Beautiful & BagReadyJobs”
    Empowering our nation’s youth
    FolksvilleUSA@gmail.com

  14. Reading the responses from council members and their unexplainable defense for the chamber of commerce makes no sense. For B. Litrell to call the city funded Visitor’s Center the “official” Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Center is arrogant, obnoxious, and indecent. In fact, given the fact that city based businesses, the source of funding for this questionable “visitor’s center” must join the C of C in order to “earn” referrals is more than a slap in the face to the hardworking businesses who collect sales tax. What’s even worse is that six members of that city council sat there and didn’t make a peep when Litrell made reference to the city financed “official Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Center.”

    Didn’t that event occur either the day before or the day after the city council voted to approve, against the recommendation of the City Manager, the $10,000 grant for the Chamber’s marathon? City Manager at the idiotic “pre-meeting” suggested for the Chamber to take that funding from their million dollar Destination Marketing fund. But oh no, city council again ignored good advice in order to administer their own personal agendas (or whatever) to give more, more, more to the C of C.

    If you haven’t already voted and vote for nothing else, vote NO on HOME RULE which is probably the only chance we have to put a stop to this (depending on who fills the seats of the disgusting dead beats leaving the council.)

  15. Do you have time to send an email and make a phone call in an effort to invest in the image and economy of the Verde Valley and Arizona?

    Will Sedona, Cottonwood, Clarkdale and Jerome Leaders join Camp Verde?

    For the benefit of Verde Valley businesses (including Chamber of Commerce organizations), residents and youth groups, I the article currently posted with the SedonaEye.com “Camp Verde Salutes Arizona Anti Litter Groups”, I hope that all of you get your City and Town leaders (Mayors, Managers and Council members) to replicate and join the Town of Camp Verde effort.

    A few phone calls to everyone mentioned could yield great results ….. Do you have time to forward the “Camp Verde Salutes Arizona Anti Litter Groups” story and make a phone call to those that could make a difference in the image and economy of our communities and Arizona?

    Please ask those in POWER to recognize all of the ADOT Adopt-A-Highway groups on our highways and youth groups that help them, as the Town of Camp Verde is doing.

    Gary Chamberlain FVUSA
    “America the Beautiful & BagReadyJobs”
    Empowering our nation’s youth
    FolksvilleUSA@gmail.com

  16. Exchanges on important topics? Cottonwood could benefit.

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