Sedona, meet Tony. He is ready to serve. He wants your vote in the July 21 Sedona City Council election.
Sedona, AZ — Friends and neighbors,
My name is Tony Hauserman — many of you know me as “Coach Tony.” I’m running for Sedona City Council because service has shaped my entire life… and this will be a new chapter in giving back to the community that has given me so much.
I’ve been part of this community for 26 years. I raised my kids here, and I have contributed to the betterment of our town by volunteering for the police department, serving on city project committees, serving as a 16-year Rotarian, serving as president of the West Sedona School PTSA, and coaching youth football and soccer. I’ve coached your kids, stood on the sidelines with them, watched them grow, struggle, succeed, and become stronger people. And what I’ve learned through coaching is something I believe applies directly to leadership — you show up, you listen, you prepare, and when it’s time to act, you do what’s right for the whole team.
That’s why I’m running, for me, it’s time to act again.
My life has taken me well beyond Sedona, too. I served as a Naval aviator, flying off aircraft carriers, where decisions had real consequences, and teamwork wasn’t optional — it was survival. Later, I spent years as an airline pilot, responsible for the safe operation of multimillion-dollar aircraft worldwide. In both roles, I learned something simple but powerful: systems matter, accountability matters, and leadership means making decisions you can stand behind.
But the truth is — some of my most meaningful service has been right here at home. Whether it was coaching, or even getting a call from the Sedona Police to safely remove a rattlesnake from someone’s yard. I’ve always believed in stepping up when the community needs you.
And today, Sedona needs thoughtful, steady leadership.
We all know our economy depends on tourism — but our quality of life depends on something deeper. It depends on livable neighborhoods, reliable infrastructure, clean water, safe streets, and leadership that tells the truth — even when it’s inconvenient.
That’s the job I’m running to do.
I’m not coming in with all the answers… but to do the work. To listen carefully. To read the fine print. To ask the hard questions. And to make decisions that keep Sedona beautiful, functional, and financially strong.
Because the challenge we face is balance.
We’re a town of about 9,500 people… welcoming millions of visitors every year. Tourism supports our economy — it funds services, supports businesses, and keeps this town running. But at the same time, Sedona has to remain a great place to live for the people who call it home.
That balance isn’t automatic. It takes constant attention, cooperation, and common sense.
Take traffic and transportation — we’ve made real progress. The Sedona in Motion (SIM) projects are helping. Capital improvements, expanding shuttle systems, and shared-use pathways are all helping. But we have to continue forward carefully — making improvements that work, while minimizing disruption to residents and businesses.
Or housing — this is one of the biggest challenges we face.
Our teachers, first responders, service workers — the people who make this town function — need realistic options to live here. It is a sad fact that many have to live in substandard situations or commute long distances just to work here. And while our current short-term rental situation is a sad part of our community equation, this doesn’t have to be the end of that story.
We need balance here, too.
If we can gain more local control via state law changes, I would support reasonable limits and a fair system that prioritizes local ownership. Any changes would require allowing property owners time to adjust to a new paradigm. At the same time, we need real partnerships to create workforce housing. The private market alone hasn’t solved this, and it won’t get solved without public-private cooperation. Through such partnerships, the city already has approximately 200 units in the works. This is a good first step.
And then there are other big decisions ahead — like the Western Gateway.
That’s one of the most important opportunities we have as a city. And it’s not a place for rushed decisions… but it’s also not a place for endless delay.
We need discipline, real analysis, and clear financial understanding, as well as traffic planning and community input. And then, once we’ve done that work, we need to act.
That’s how I approach leadership: do your homework, build consensus then make the decision.
I also believe strongly in how the city government should function.
City staff are professionals — they deserve our respect. They should be held accountable, yes — but also supported with clear direction. The council’s job is to set policy, not micromanage. And the best decisions come when staff feel free to give honest, fact-based recommendations — even when those recommendations aren’t politically convenient.
That’s how you build trust. That’s how you get good outcomes.
I also want to address the upcoming vote on Home Rule.
I will be voting “Yes” on Home Rule. Restricting our ability to spend our own money simply seems foolish. If folks don’t like how the city spends our money, there are many avenues available to make their voices heard. Anyone can run for office, volunteer for a city budget committee, attend city council meetings, offer constructive input, and communicate directly with their city councilors to share how they feel about spending projects.
I also support bringing to a vote in the next round of elections in 2028, a measure to raise our base via a permanent base adjustment (PBA). I would support an option where we take our current budget, project it out over 20 years, adding in historic inflation adjustments, and vote on that. If it passed, it would relieve us of having to vote on Home Rule every four years. Many successful cities in Arizona have proceeded in a similar path. I am opposed to voting on Home Rule and a PBA in the same election because I believe the risk of splitting the vote and getting neither is not worth it.
And finally, I want to talk about something simple… but important: pride in our community.
Sedona is one of the most beautiful places in the world. People travel across the globe to see what we see every day. But when you drive down our main roads, you can also see areas where we’ve let things slide — empty planters, weeds, inconsistent upkeep.
We can do better.
A thoughtful, citywide beautification effort — something consistent, something intentional — would reflect the pride we all feel about living here. And we have the resources to do it, thanks in part to the visitors who come here every year.
Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just about policies.
It’s about stewardship.
It’s about leaving this place better than we found it.
I’m running because I care deeply about this community, I have the time and experience to serve, and I’m willing to do the work.
I have worked with our school district.
I have lived in our neighborhoods for 26 years.
I have seen businesses come and go.
And I understand that Sedona only works when we get the balance right — together.
I would be honored to earn your trust.
Thank you.
“Coach” Tony Hauserman
Learn more about me at: TonyforCouncil.com
