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EDITORIAL OPINION

At the "Y" in the road, the city changes course

By Tommy Acosta | Sedona-Verde Valley Times

Sedona, AZ - June 14, 2008 - To the casual observer, the 5-2 June 10 vote by the Sedona City Council to support the recommendations of the 89A Pedestrian Safety Committee might appear to simply be the result of council members looking at the pros and cons of the options presented and voting according to their understanding, experience and conscience.

Some, more cynical, might view the decision to be the result of new council members voting the way some special interests who helped elect them wanted them to vote.

To still other observers, the way the new council members voted that evening is a signal there has been a shift in direction, from the old way of seeing things to the new.

The June 10 council meeting was a defining moment for Sedona, whose future and fate literally rest in the hands of the council. Their decisions will have a profound affect on growth, the environment, the budget, the character and nature of Sedona and the zoning of projects.

What had been a mostly-assured majority 4-3 vote for the old administration and its supporters, quite suddenly inverted to a 5-2 vote for those in the community opposed to such things as 76 lights and poles along the 89A corridor.

The vote was also a possible precursor, a shot across the bow, to those who are against an NSA designation for Sedona, and an alternate route at Red Rock Crossing.

For years, prior to this last election, those who recently lost the reigns had clear sailing. They had little to worry about with but one media outlet available to the community.

New media outlets in Sedona provided additional perspectives and coverage.

Consider how close the mayoral contest was. Four votes determined the outcome.

What prompted four individuals to vote the way they did? What was the variable this time around? One contributing factor was expanded-media coverage.

There will be derision and criticism of the new council members who changed the direction of the previous council; who chose the other path at the "Y" in the road.

There will also be pressure on the new media outlets as the impact they have on the public becomes more apparent.

The result will be a lively discussion between all shareholders, a better informed public and a better Sedona.
 

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