Sedona Civics 101

Arizona’s city government works differently from a direct democracy. Instead of everyone voting on every decision, citizens elect council people to choose for us. This prevents special interest groups from taking over and making decisions that don’t represent the views of the 8000+ Sedona citizens and businesses.

If Ms. Todd wants to run for city council, she must understand that her job is not just listening to people’s ‘wants’ but, more importantly, what the community needs—not what large or small special interest groups dictate. It’s crucial to remember that community ‘ needs’ are defined in the community plan and with other city council members at city work sessions, emphasizing the community’s power and influence in shaping its own future.

The community plan held over 30 public meetings asking for input from residents and businesses. This is in genuine community involvement.

Our city runs smoothly because the city manager and council work together to ensure things get done. They listen to what people say in meetings to ensure everyone’s voice is heard.

But now, with social media like Facebook and Nextdoor, everyone can share their opinions easily. While this is good for sharing ideas, not everything said online represents ” the will of the People.” or what is best for Sedona.

Our elected officials play a pivotal role in our community. They are entrusted with the responsibility of making decisions that shape our future. During elections, we must be vigilant and ensure that those representing us truly understand and prioritize our needs. This underscores the significance of responsible leadership and decision-making in our community, instilling a sense of confidence in the audience about the capabilities of their elected officials.

Take, for example, the debate about rebuilding the old Cultural Park entertainment venue. Many want more housing created instead of rebuilding the bankrupt outdoor venue. The city’s original motive and reason for acquiring the property was never listed as rebuilding the defunct venue; it was primarily land to create housing of all types.

Also, Ms. Todd’s idea of creating a separate government’ citizen involvement’ system outside the standard city management protocol worries us. She wants to change how proposals (RFPs) are made without following the state-mandated process. This could lead to a lack of transparency and accountability, undermining our city’s stability and the ability of the people in charge to function.

Protecting our local government from personal interests is not just a suggestion; it’s a shared responsibility. We must stand together and support leaders committed to our community’s growth and well-being. Let’s not allow the influence of small groups on social media to overshadow our collective decisions. This unity is critical to ensuring responsible leadership and decision-making in our community, inspiring the audience to actively participate in community affairs.

Together, we can ensure that our community grows balanced, focusing on housing and managing traffic rather than just attracting tourists to a seasonal weekend venue. This approach is not about neglecting tourism but ensuring a sustainable and diverse economy for our community. Let’s listen to our elected city council members, not people who just moved to Sedona and want to change everything.