Both candidates, however, got their jabs in.
At one point, Colquitt
accused Adams of using "scare tactics" when
discussing the state of the city budget; and Adams
implied that Ms. Colquitt lacks a
comprehensive vision for the city.
To be fair, Ms. Colquitt has long been an outspoken
proponent of long range planning for Sedona;
particularly how existing commercial and
residential areas should be redeveloped.
For his part, Mr. Adams showing concern that the
city has incurred many capital commitments relating
to wastewater, storm drainage, the SR179
construction, and the Uptown enhancement project, in
the face of an economic slowdown, might be
considered realistic.
In a previous Sedona.biz article entitled, "A
detailed look at Sedona's finances," we noted
that the city's finances are currently solid "but
an economic downturn and rising
expenses pose risks."
One area of difference between the candidates is
lighting on 89A, specifically the Arizona Department of
Transportation's (ADOT) previous proposal to place
76 light poles along the 89A corridor in West
Sedona. The proposal has since been
re-evaluated, thanks in large part to Mr. Adams, and
the new proposal is to install far fewer lights.
However, even now Mr. Adams thinks the proposal
may have too many lights. Said Mr.
Adams, "I'm just worried that without a
comprehensive plan for what we want 89A to look like
in the future, we may just end up tearing out what
we install now."
For Ms. Colquitt, the issue is safety. Said
Ms. Colquitt, "If I had a choice, I wouldn't want
lights, but making the city safe for all of our
citizens is a top priority...When safety is the
issue, we don't have time to conduct a three year
study."
Another area of difference is the Sedona Roadrunner
trolley that circulates tourists from Uptown to
Hillside. Colquitt considers it a success
while Adams believes it is not benefiting the entire
community. Mr. Adams said he would like to see
the Roadrunner circulate through West Sedona.
Ms. Colquitt noted that while that is a nice idea,
the practical reality is that matching grant funding was only
available for the existing circulator route and
branching out into West Sedona would be difficult
and
costly.
Another difference between the candidates is their personal styles.
Mr. Adams is a strong proponent of consensus
building and creating public forums to communicate
effectively with the community, both regionally and
in Sedona. His style is more laid back and
inclusive.
Ms. Colquitt is no nonsense and direct. Her
easy going southern charm can quickly turn to
impatience when she's made up her mind, and she makes
no apologies. "Some say I'm too direct, and
that may be true, but I always tell the truth...I
offer leadership."
There is no doubt, however, that both candidates care
deeply about this city and Sedona is lucky to have
them.
Video links:
Colquitt opening remarks
Adams opening remarks
Adams closing remarks
Colquitt closing remarks
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