“Candidates event at Elks Lodge, sponsored by the local Republican group; Sedona Residents Unite (SRU). The Domino’s pizzas and store-branded cookies set the tone for an interesting evening.
The audience, mainly comprised of long-time residents, expressed concerns about Sedona’s status as a tourist town and its frustration with the council /city manager/representative form of government. The agenda and talking points asked of each candidate had been created by SRU and included questions that started with a conclusion that they wanted confirmation from the candidates, such as citizen involvement in actual operations of the city.
Most candidates pushed back on over involvement of citizens in the city operations, and understood that government works best when you trust the professionals that are hired, the counselors that are elected, and an open, transparent citizen input process, not a direct partnership with citizens to function as unpaid staff and unelected leaders. We are reminded of the fallacy of looking to a committee to come to good conclusions.
Most candidates presented a clear vision for the city’s future, demonstrating an understanding of its history, challenges, and how local government works. However,
Katherine Todd, a 2 year newcomer to Sedona, stood out with her proposals.
Ms. Todd suggested that residents should have preferential parking at federal parking lots near trailheads. While this idea resonated with the audience, it disregards state law prohibiting preferential treatment based on residency. It also demonstrated her lack of understanding of the primacy of federal and state laws and procedures involving forest land, state highways, and airspace.
Despite her lack of knowledge about local regulations, her enthusiasm for community development is evident.
Ms. Todd’s ambitious vision for the Cultural Park as a new outdoor community space envisions it as a gathering place with amenities like playgrounds, pickleball courts, gardens, and paved walking paths. However, her proposal to replicate Posse Grounds Park in West Sedona raises questions about the need for such duplication. She seems to be oblivious that the city council purchased the Cultural Park primarily to be a place for housing, workforce, and market rate, as well as mixed-use assets to make it a real community for the benefit of its residents and Sedona residents. And that a master planning process was to proceed before the 40 acres is to be developed (except some 4-acre portion of land currently designated for a workforce apartment project)
In contrast, candidates like Mayor Scott Jablow, Vice Mayor Holli Ploog, Councilor Kathy Kinsella, former Vice Mayor former vice Mayor John Martinez, and former Councilor Mike Ward, all long-time residents, appear to have a more nuanced understanding of residents’ wants and needs and a clear picture of how Sedona government works. And 7-year resident, Derek Pfaff also demonstrated his grounded understanding of the city and the challenges it faces. Mike Ward a long time Sedona resident and past city council person spoke of a older Sedona one many years in the past, I would like to hear more from Mike regarding this thoughts on Sedona In Motion “SIM”. and his position on the future of the Dells, the 200 acres owned by the city.
While Ms. Todd’s ideas are commendable, she could benefit from a deeper understanding of local government issues and a more tailored approach to Sedona’s unique character rather than replicating ideas from her previous hometown.
It’s difficult to understand how a resident of two years can be trusted with the job and position as a member of the City Council of 10,000 residents, 3 million visitors, and $100 million budget city. Sedona needs leaders who are educated, aware, and informed on all the subtle nuances of its operations to be successful.
Steve Segner
Resident Sedona for over 25 years
Member Transportation commission, HPC, and housing work group.