Dick Ellis remembers

By Rita Livingston | Sedona Verde Valley Times

Sedona, AZ - Former Sedona Mayor Dick Ellis still cares.

Retired, living in his beautiful home, watching the glorious Sedona sunsets with his wife Jo, he reflects upon the past, present and future of his beloved community.

His service spans three years on Sedona’s Planning and Zoning Commission, 1998-2001; two years as mayor, 2002-2004; and a city council member, 2004-2006.

During his tenure, Sedona experienced an unprecedented period of community activism and major challenges.

His greatest success was the committed involvement of the community in crucial issues.

“We had a City Council that illustrated citizens can have a say in city government,” he said. “There was an average of 60-70 people attending council meetings. Our council encouraged community participation and made it easy for people to speak. There was a 50-percent improvement in attendance.”

Before becoming mayor, Mr. Ellis was part of Voice of Choice, a citizen’s organization formed in response to a proposal by Arizona Department of Transportation to turn HWY 179 into a five-lane road.

“In 2001, a Flagstaff district engineer from ADOT proposed a five-lane road for 179,” he said. “VOC stopped it. We had many meetings to inform the public, and they were very well attended. Later we voted against plan presented by ADOT, voting for an alternative that was consistent with the environment. Roundabouts and safety lights were approved. Council listened to the voice of the people.”

He said fiscal responsibility was paramount in the council he presided over.

“We were fiscally responsible and interested in having development situated in the right areas,” he said. “Our Council turned down an 150-room hotel, adhering to the Community Plan. Thirty motels were already planned. The Cliff Proposal, which we debated in council, wanted 195 double-lockout units, which equates 585 single units.”

He said his council was ever vigilant over growth and always ready to support worthwhile organizations.

“We helped Community organizations like the Art Center, the Historical Society and the Youth Commission,” he said. “We revised the building heights and codes. I was a representative of the Water Consortium and Advisory Commission. We established the registration of business licensing, resulting in a lower fees. I only wish I could have done more to benefit the citizens of Sedona, economically and in quality of life issues.”

Former Mayor Ellis believes the current council is not reaching out and informing the community as his council once did.

“The current council is not making wisely-considered decisions,” he said. “Not enough information is available to the citizens. Some council members have a conflict of interest adversely affecting our future. We must encourage our city government to give information to our citizens on council deliberations as well as giving people information on issues. People need to feel welcome at city council meetings and have a say in decisions.”

He said council members need to better understand the issues at hand.

“The Council needs to do their homework,” he said. “They are not dedicated to reading the material. They are biased, avoiding anything that could be perceived as conflict of interest.”

Quality of life is still important to him.

“We need to protect the quality of life of our citizens,” Mr. Ellis said. “We need to get a handle on our rentals, and tax our time shares. Houses that are rentals should have a property tax. Rentals should be on a monthly basis. There should be a tax break for people who own homes. Some residents sell time-shares in their homes. They should be taxed as well.”

His future involvement in Sedona affairs now depends on how much time he is willing to give.

“I’m very supportive of Sedona and will do whatever I can to help,” he said cryptically. “But with no more having to work a 90-hour work being on the council, I can do a lot of traveling now.”

We shall see.