By Al Comello
Sedona, AZ — For most of my 28 years in Sedona, I have focused on serving this community rather than telling people how to vote.
Many of you know me as a photographer, map publisher, nonprofit volunteer, former Fire District trustee, event organizer, or from my work supporting Meals on Wheels and other local organizations.
But there are times when remaining silent does not feel responsible.
This is one of those times. So, this is why and how I will vote in the July 21, 2026 Primary Election.
Over the years, I have watched Sedona grow, face challenges, and create opportunities. I have learned something important: Sedona succeeds when we plan ahead, work together, and focus on the long-term health of our community.
And let’s be honest. Something is wrong.
A handful of groups and activists are making extreme claims about how “broken” Sedona is and pushing disruption in the name of “change.”
Sedona is not broken.
Sure, it can improve. But it does not need major surgery to “reset” its priorities and purpose. It needs focus and stability. We cannot allow negativity to overtake common sense.
That is why I support Home Rule, Proposition 400, support candidates who publicly support Home Rule, and oppose Proposition 403.
Why I Support Home Rule
Home Rule is not about politics. It is about preserving Sedona’s ability to make local decisions and provide the services our community depends on.
A “No” vote on Proposition 400 would not lower taxes. It would simply prevent Sedona from spending revenue it already collects on public safety, roads, parks, transit, infrastructure, and community programs.
Why would Sedona voters tell the city it cannot spend up to $70 million it already has? That makes no sense!
This is a time when stability matters. A No vote on Home Rule would create uncertainty and send a message that Sedona no longer trusts its ability to govern itself.
Don’t listen to the “No on Home Rule” ads, postcards, and signs. They are selling snake oil, not medicine.
Sedona may have only 10,000 full-time residents, but we are not a typical small town. Every day, thousands of residents, visitors and workers rely on our roads, parks, public safety services, transit systems, and infrastructure.
During busy visitor periods, Sedona functions more like a community of 30,000 people than a town of 10,000. That reality matters. Sedona isn’t “Mayberry” – This is not a 1950’s TV show.
A vote against Home Rule based solely on dissatisfaction with city spending ignores the unique demands placed on a world-famous destination.
Visitor-generated revenue covers the majority of the costs for police protection, infrastructure, parks, recreation programs, and many of the services residents value. Forcing the city not to use these funds makes no sense!
Without Home Rule, Sedona would also lose flexibility to support community organizations such as the Library, Meals on Wheels, the Film Festival, arts programs, Sedona Recycles, and many others. The city supports these organizations to the tune of millions of dollars every year. Cut that off. Why? That makes no sense!
For those reasons, I will vote YES on Proposition 400.
I also hope Sedona begins pursuing a Permanent Base Adjustment (PBA) so voters no longer have to revisit this issue every four years. More than half of Arizona’s cities have already made that change.
Why I Oppose Proposition 403
I respect the citizens who worked hard to place Proposition 403 on the ballot. Reasonable people can disagree about the future of the Western Gateway property.
But don’t be fooled into thinking Proposition 403 is about creating a park. Western Gateway is already a park and a community asset. With thoughtful planning, it could include a recreation center facility, community gathering spaces, playgrounds, outdoor event open space, and even some housing.
And, it should primarily serve local residents, not tourists.
We have responsible representative government, professional staff, public input, and established planning processes. Using the initiative process as a backdoor way to dictate the future use of these 40 acres is not appropriate. It makes no sense!
And using that process to permanently outlaw housing, especially rental housing on this property, is cruel, selfish, and elitist. That is not the Sedona way.
We all know Sedona has a SEVERE shortage of rental housing for seniors, workers, and valued residents of all ages. Sedona should be a balanced community for a diverse array of citizens, not just the well-to-do or those who were lucky enough to purchase when housing costs in Sedona were reasonable.
Communities change. Needs change. Opportunities change.
Future residents and future City Councils should have the flexibility to make decisions based on the circumstances they face, not assumptions we make today.
For that reason, I will vote NO on Proposition 403.
Thank you for considering my perspective and for caring about the future of our remarkable community.
Sincerely,
Al Comello
Sedona Resident Since 1998
How I will vote in the July 21 Primary Election
YES on Proposition 400 — Home Rule
NO on Proposition 403 — Anti-Housing, Anti-Renter & Pro-Tourism Initiative
And I am voting for these candidates
who publicly SUPPORT HOME RULE!
- Brian Fultz for Mayor
- Melissa Dunn for City Council
- ”Coach” Tony Hauserman for City Council
And I will only be voting for two for the city council. I won’t be choosing a third candidate. I will let fate decide who “wins” a third seat on the Sedona City Council.
• Paid For By Al Comello