By Tommy Acosta —
In the Blue Corner stands Scott Jablow and in the Red Corner of the ring stands Samaire Armstrong, ready to rumble to the bitter end in their fight to become the next Sedona mayor.
Jablow weighs in with 1,137 primary election votes (36.13%) under his belt, having wielded his advantage as sitting Sedona City Council vice-mayor to his favor.
He brings his years of serving in that capacity into the fray and waged a solid fight in his campaign to make it to the run-off.
Armstrong,made it to the final bout with 967 votes under her belt (30.73%), an amazing feat for a political newcomer.
Unfortunately, for the other two candidates, Kurt Gehlbach and sitting mayor Sandy Moriarty, neither made it to the championship bout.
So here we have Armstrong and Jablow standing toe-to-toe, neither blinking, preparing to wage political war in their quest to win the mayoral title.
Astute Sedona observers were amazed how well Armstrong fared in the primary bouts. With absolutely no political experience, the former Hollywood actress and Sedona Red Rock High School alumni, came out of her corner swinging like a seasoned political pro.
She wasted no time in creating a platform and garnering the support, financial and physical, of disenchanted Sedona citizens who say they are fed up with the direction the City has taken, blaming the City for high-volume traffic and the uncontrolled proliferation of Airbnbs.
Bringing the energy of youth into the fight, she assembled a small army of followers sporting tee-shirts emblazoned with her campaign photo, that spread out through the community in support of her ambition.
She held and participated in numerous community events, getting her message across to as many people she could reach, listening and learning from the public what it is they want and answering questions as well as she could.
In the community forums she conducted herself with confidence and stood by her guns on controversial issues like the City’s Climate Action Plan.
Despite the efforts of her opponents to link her in a negative way to her past support of certain controversial political figures, she prevailed, dodging and letting the punches slip off her shoulders.
She stood her ground and prevailed.
No doubt, she is a warrior.
Jablow is no light-weight puppy. A former New York City Port Authority cop who knows how to listen to people, he is not apolitical novice.
His campaign leading to the primary election last night has been solid and effective. He conducted himself well during the candidate forums leading up to the election and has proven himself to be an effective and considerate leader.
He is passionate about Sedona and his experience in politics adds to the arsenal he will need to employ as he steps into the ring with Armstrong.
He has promised a clean fight although there could be Jablow supporters who will fight as dirty as dirty gets to defeat Armstrong.
Being a sitting member of the council works both ways, for or against him and it will be a tightrope he will have to walk as he has been campaigning for change, while representing the very thing he wants to change.
Armstrong has the advantage of youth and exuberance, and Jablow has the advantage of age and experience.
Jablow will need to get the support of the public that voted for Moriarty and Gehlbach and Armstrong will have to find a way to get them over to her side.
Will there be head butts and low blows in their title match?
We will just have to wait and see.
For sure this is going to be one heck of a prize fight.
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30 Comments
Scot Jablow
is completely passe, out-of-touch with the realities of soon 2023 and beyond. His experience was fitting the 20th century, not the 21st. The world is changing fast. We need new blood, a sharp brain, eloquence, vision, protection of the environment, understanding of the new technologies and their risks, daring decisions, understanding of Sedona’s place within the 2030 sinister Agenda, understanding the sacredness of Sedona, and to take Sedona into a brand new, different direction.
Samaire has it. She will learn fast.A very important point is to recover Sedona independence and get Sedona out of the ICLEI,International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives itself under the iron hand of the World Economic Forum and its sinister global Agenda. The real target are our natural resources and absolute control of the people. The present City has supported this Agenda without the residents being informed about it. It is a paramount aspect of Sedona politics that is avoided. Why? Because so many people, the Moriarty clique, is benefiting so much from it, without any regard for Sedona or its residents.
Sedona will not survive another 4 years at the hands of these poorly functioning, self-serving and questionably intentioned people stuck in a 1970’s twilight zone.
Can you give some examples of how Scott is “completely out of touch”? That kind of bombastic statement has to be backed up with facts or I think we should discount its value to zero. Nobody can be completely out of touch. Are leveling a mental illness charge here? Back this up please.
The mayor is just one vote on a council, and whoever is mayor will be limited by the fact that Sedona has a weak mayor system (city is run by a city manager). I appreciate fire and passion, hopefully with sold vision. I just hope if Samaire wins that it doesn’t translate into long diatribes on the dias platform.
Oh Jeez. Just what we need. Another conspiracy theorist to get our government on the right track.
The Moriarity clique is benefiting from what?? Control of our natural resources and people? Really?
I would love to see more youth and diversity on our Council. Fresh and divergent ideas are essential in the debate of government business.
That being said, if you are advocating for change, give some specific examples of the strategies for change. Listening to people is great. But true leaders offer strategies for achieving change. If you are going to tear something down, tell me how you propose to rebuild it.
It also helps to have some of the foundation for leadership in government. Being able to read and understand financial statements. Being familiar with the decision making process to move ideas to reality. How to bring your fellow councilors and constituents together to support legislation. Being a forward thinker with a pathway to implement ideas. The proven ability to run meetings and be familiar with Roberts Rules of Order.
Even though the Mayor is only one vote on the Council, they need to step into that position with a foundation of knowledge and experience. They run the meetings. They work with the City Manager to set the agenda. They meet with other Mayors and leaders within and outside of our community. They have the bully pulpit.
If you want to be the Mayor, put in the time to learn the process before you step into that seat. Prove yourself worthy of the job before you apply.
Many of the worst politicians — federal, state & local — are experienced, having what Rob Adams calls “a foundation of knowledge and experience.”
If you want the status quo, vote for Status Quo Jablow. After all, he helped create it.
Thank you Rob!
Just a small addition to your writings, how about be on a few boards to understand how small government works and live in town for a few years before you pretend to have all the answers…( its not that simple)
I would like to take this opportunity to clarify a statement I made in the above article. Mayor Sandy Moriarty ran a clean campaign and I did not make that clear in the editorial. She did not run a smear campaign, as could be construed from what I wrote. She is to be commended for her service to Sedona and her wisdom, clarity and leadership. My apologies to Sandy and anyone whom I upset because of my failure to make that distinction..
If you like Joe Biden as president you will love Scott Jablow as mayor. As Jablow says, “tempered by years of leadership and experience and guided by a sincere love of the people of Sedona, its institutions, businesses and visitors.” In my opinion Jablow and the recent Sedona City councils have focused on institutions, businesses and visitors at the expense of residents. If you consider the overstaffed and richly paid “professional” city management as an institution, perhaps it is an institution we could do without. The lavish city funding of The Sedona Chamber of Commerce, whose president chose to leave Sedona for greener pastures. Could it be even she found living in the once pleasant Sedona uncomfortable? The previous Sedona City manager, even though lavishly compensated , chose to leave also. It is my understanding the present city manager commutes to a Prescott suburb. I would say actions speak quite loud when even those feeding off the taxes of Sedona choose to vote with their feet and leave town. To be honest I left also, I could no longer stand being trapped by traffic on weekends. I did not care for being cooked by the EMF and microwaves coming off the giant cell tower across from the uptown fire station.
I doubt anyone could quickly right the tourist trap Sedona has become, but I honor the effort of anyone who would try.
It’s time for change.
Tony, as you said, you left so keep your opinions to yourself. This discussion is about and between SEDONA residents.
Wonda Jones, funny I could not find a Wonda Jones listed in Whitepages in Sedona. No Wonda Jones on LinkedIn in Sedona. Could it be an imaginary Sedona resident, or more likely an alias not want me stating facts?
I regret the idiots in my opinion that have been running Sedona for years negatively affect my quality of life as I still live in the Verde Valley. Perhaps I need to move farther away like the Sedona city manager. Personally I think Sedona city staff should live in the city so they have to live with their decisions. After all they are the “professionals”.
Stating facts, I remember an interaction I had with Scott Jablow where he said he went over the Sedona budget “with a fine tooth comb.” I wonder if he noticed the Sedona staff going to a 4 star resort for “Team building exercises”, or the Sedona city manager having a generous car and phone allowance? I haven’t looked at the Sedona city accounts payable in years, but as the budget grew over 30% over the past 4 years I doubt it got more frugal.
Do you want me to state more facts “Wonda”? I wonda.
I bet it would be entertaining to get a current copy of the Sedona City accounts payable under a freedom of information request. Accounts payable shows so much more than the Sedona City budget.
Hey Tony
Crawl back under that Cornville rock that you just Emerged from…
Nobody cared what you said before you moved to Cornville(that’s why you woefully lost your Sedona mayoral election by HUGE defeat numbers) and certainly no one cares now! I figured you’d have Cornville “straightened out” by now
Let’s see some of you previous Sedona complaint lists
Sedona Fire
Sedona police
Sedona council
C of C
Humane society
Sedona Library
…..I could go on but I won’t.
Somethings never change.
Awww Richard, or whoever. At least you’re not Richard Sanders anymore, I doubt Colonel Sanders of Kentucky Fired Chicken fame wants to claim you as a relative. The original Richard Saunders was Ben Franklin’s alias, I seriously doubt you are related to wise Ben. You couldn’t even think of an original alias. Oh well.
It’s so nice to know you still care about what I was trying to achieve! I’d forgotten all about you ! I’d forgotten about those issues also, I bet nothing has changed. I don’t care to look. For me to still occupy a place in your mind with all the details after 4 years, you must not have much to think about. Try a hobby !
Birdwatching? No I have it, rock collecting! A box or rocks should be so familiar to what’s in your head !
I doubt I will engage you much at this time. A battle of whits with an unarmed person has little appeal unless I am trying to make a point.
I do promise you this, I will laugh at your juvenile reply as always !
Tony,
This isn’t about me, but since you asked.
1) Yes, I was the Mayor when the Council increased funding to the Chamber. If you will recall, the Great Recession started in 2008. Businesses were getting decimated. Chamber funding is reviewed each year. It can be increased or decreased according to the need for marketing.
2) We also cut the budget by 30% in 18 months after I was elected.
3) Regarding experience, I have owned 7 different businesses. I know how to read a financial statement and make strategic decisions. I was also on numerous boards before I was appointed to Council. I served two years as a Councilor before I ran for Mayor.
My record of accomplishments for the benefit of the residents and the environment speaks for itself.
I don’t believe that a former actress has the business, financial or strategic background to step into the Mayor’s seat. I also have some major concerns about many of her political stances.
That is my opinion A lot of people might agree with me.
Rob,
There is a town that has an International Festival of Cinema, has had many movies filmed and movie stars living there. It is a resort town. It’s a lot like Sedona. It also has a Golden Retriever as Mayor and one as Vice Mayor. One big difference it is not incorporated with a quickly expanding 100 million budget like Sedona.
Look up Idyllwild, California.
I personally think we would do better with an actress or a Golden Retriever than the present city council.
We would also do better without an incorporated city in my opinion.
If the people want change, they should vote for someone new. I’d vote for a Golden Retriever rather than most long serving politicians every election, but I don’t have the choice this year. I bet a lot of voters would vote for a Golden Retriever to replace most politicians.
Jablow had been on the government payroll virtually his entire life, just like Joe Biden, we can see how that is working out.
The voters get to choose, a long in office politician or change. Choose wisely.
That’s my opinion.
And what is it the you have done for the good of our community Mr. L??
It is easy to criticize without disclosing who you are. Tell me about your accomplishments.
This whole conversation started with a comparison between Jablow and Armstrong. It has devolved into a personal attack on me. I don’t have any problem defending myself, but lets stay on track with the original comparison, shall we?
Regarding your comment Mudguts, I believe that if you are going to express your opinion or disagree with something that is going on in your government, you should be willing to offer a viable alternative or solution. You may have an idea that nobody has considered.
Apparently, the strategy of Armstrong supporters is to attack anyone that supports Jablow with vitriolic language, conspiracy theories and misconstruing the truth.
I am not going to bother to respond to you, Mike W. It would be wasting my time.
Interesting how “run away Rob” is the only one that doesn’t write under a pseudo name.”
Since you keep pushing this, Mike W, I walked out of a Council meeting in protest over the disbanding of Citizen Commissions by the Council. It was a slap in the face of all the hard working people that had selflessly served on these commissions. Simple as that. I think that it has been evident that the ensuing Citizen Engagement Groups have been much more time consuming by city staff.
Your name calling is immature and you need to get your facts straight. Come out of the shadows and let me know who you are.
Ha! I know who Mike W is. Writing styles never lie.
What Scott Jablow and the old guard represent makes my stomach turn.. In their hands we will have more secret contracts, rampant spending, re-zoning for ultra wealthy at the expense of local residents, ridiculous climate initiatives based on false data from the UN, more destruction of our land, more traffic, more confusion and more disempowerment of residents. The old guard loves to use labels like “conspiracy theorist” against those who don’t fall in line with their agendas to protect the status quo. Thanks to Jablow, who’s been Sandy’s YES man on nearly every vote in his time in office, we can’t even drive to our own trailheads most days of the week. It will only get worse for all of us if he gets elected (with mail in ballots from short term renters that don’t even live in town and other voter integrity issues). I don’t trust we have accurate numbers from Aug 2nd. We need to stop the madness. If you value truth and transparency, then Samaire Armstrong is the only candidate to consider.
Right on, Laura M! Well said!
I would like to see the next mayor have experience! …Be on a few boards, be on council a few years. Live in the town for 5 or more years…Yes its cute and nice that Samaire grew up here….What does that help with knowledge? Understanding how small government works? The giant problems that face the city? If she gets in she is lucky enough to have Home Rule in place, without it, everyones hands would of been tied to solve any problems in town.
Ive always wondered for people who want change. Do you go to a mechanic to get your car fixed? Dr. if your sick? Or are unqualified people the only ones you trust with day to day problems?
Best of luck to the young woman, if you dont win, get on some boards, be active in making our community a better place. And dont post loony things on Facebook.
Poor No Laura !
Like I replied to Rob Adams: “Many of the worst politicians — federal, state & local — are experienced, having what Rob Adams calls “a foundation of knowledge and experience.”
Also, your analogy to mechanics and doctors fails big time. Anyone who keeps going to a lousy mechanic or doctor (and, like politicians, they do exist, regardless of their “qualifications” or “experience”) is not very bright.
Again, “If you want the status quo, vote for Status Quo Jablow. After all, he helped create it.”
Let’s look at your point that “Samarie grew up here” she did not! She did not go to Big Park, she did not go to West Sedona, she went to our high school graduated and a year later at age 18 she LEFT TO GREENER PASTURES OF HOLLYWOOD. She grew up in Hollywood she didn’t grow up here. Just another smoke and mirror job.
The personal attacks on people that are as nasty as these are, make my stomach sick.
People hiding behind no name and spewing hate at people who are good and have done good things is pretty disgusting.
There are ways to express that require intelligence, not just disgusting remarks.
I am disappointed you would even entertain such garbage… however I guess it’s just entertainment. My bad. I thought it was legit news. Why not have these cowards make themselves known? What are they so afraid of?
You have given people a platform to be nasty on. Great going.
The question on whether to allow people to post in The Biz without having to use their real name has been raised numerous times.
For me, what matters is whether to comment is articulate, funny, entertaining or not, regardless of who posted it.
Those who have been in Sedona for a while know this is a vindictive town of sorts and if one makes a comment using their real name, they can become subject to harassment and ostracization.
Allowing people to post anonymously gives individuals an opportunity to express their views without fear of reprisal.
The commentary section in The Biz is the most read and referred to section in the news site. People are engaged, get to let their frustrations out and blow off steam.
I try to stay on top of the commentators to edit any really nasty things they might say. Most of the fights occur between those who enjoy the palaver. I recognize there are people commenting under different made-up names.
I don’t care if they have more personalities than Sybil. As long as they are funny, witty, entertaining and reasonably polite I embrace them.
The Biz is not just a news site. It’s a forum, a place where those ignored by the other media outlet in town have a place to be heard and let their hair hang out.
People love reading the comments because they embody a quality Bruce Lee once said is what creates the energy to make things interesting, powerful and poignant. That quality is Emotional Content!
Our comment sections bristle with emotion. People wake up in the morning to go to their computers to read the latest comments and engage in them themselves.
The Biz will remain a haven where those with no voice can be heard.
Tommy,
I agree with your policies !
The comments frequently make me laugh and smile !
I guess I didn’t realize the tone of your publication.
You can label it whatever you want.
The ones you speak of, who have no voice…. They aren’t nice. They only make these nasty comments and then hide behind their initials. Maybe if they were less acidic they might have a voice. Maybe if they weren’t so angry they could express themselves and maybe get a voice. I didn’t find anything humorous in what I read.
My opinion. Your publication, your point of view and your prerogative.
From: 4merCouncilor
I found two of Tommy Acosta’s recent comments interesting:
1. A justification for anonymous or pseudonym posting. I’ve never done so in my life until now. “…what matters is whether a comment is articulate, funny, entertaining or not, regardless of who posted it. “
2. “The Biz is not just a news site. It’s a forum, a place where those ignored by the other media outlet in town have a place to be heard and let their hair hang out.
Therefore, I must say that I have found the Platform of one of our candidates for Mayor of Sedona quite incredible and devoid of reality., So, I shall let my “hair hang out” and report her misconceptions, one after the other.
First, the basics. There are 91 cities/towns in Arizona. 19 of them are “Charter Cities”. 18 of those 19 operate under a Council-Manager form of government. The other 72 incorporated cities and towns also operate under a Council-Manager form of government. Notice that there is no mention of a mayor. Why? The mayor is merely a MEMBER of the Council, with no more individual power to make anything happen than any other Councilor, (unless having declared an authorized emergency). He or she cannot hire or fire anyone. He or she cannot change a penny of the city budget. Any idea that a mayor holds sway over other Councilors is patently incorrect! All one needs to do is observe the penetrating questions asked by individual councilors to address their individual concerns.
The AZ Open Meeting Law prohibits any councilor from discussing any potential city issue with a majority of other councilors between meetings.
With a Council of 7 members, it takes the votes of 4 Councilors to achieve or CHANGE anything! It is interesting that one candidate has done her best to denigrate current members of Council and disregard their HOURS OF STUDY and meetings in honest efforts to improve Sedona. Council packets prepared by city professionals are typically over 150 pages of detailed information. Sneering at claimed “politicians” and “bureaucrats” before asking for their cooperation is akin to dropping an anvil on your foot before beginning a marathon. The psychology of this approach baffles me. Change requires collaboration within the confines of a public meeting. That is the very essence of the job as mayor/councilor. I’ve never received cooperation from someone after telling them they’re incompetent and unworthy.
Now looking at the candidate for mayor’s Platform, and those looking for CHANGE.
MY PLATFORM IS TO FIGHT FOR YOU:
• TO STOP THE RECKLESS SPENDING BY OUR CITY COUNCIL AND PREPARE SEDONA FOR A FISCALLY SOUND FUTURE.
• The mayor alone cannot legally do that!
• TO MANAGE OUR TOURISM WITH BALANCE AND INTEGRITY.
• The mayor alone is not empowered to do that!
• TO STOP THE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN IN SEDONA AND REPLACE IT WITH A TRUE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PLAN THAT IS MEASURABLE.
• The mayor alone cannot change any plan!
• TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR LOCAL BUSINESS TO OPERATE AND GROW BY STOPPING THE PAINFUL CITY BUREAUCRACY.
• The mayor alone cannot change staff levels!
• TO PROTECT OUR RURAL COMMUNITY FROM URBANIZATION, KEEPING ITS SMALL TOWN CHARACTER.
• That’s what the Community Plan with Community Input is designed for!
• FOR EMPLOYEES TO BE ABLE TO FIND AFFORDABLE HOUSING WITH NEW AND CREATIVE SOLUTIONS.
• Dozens of residents have worked for over 20 years on this – You have a Magic Wand?
• TO FULLY SUPPORT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT HAVING WHAT THEY NEED FOR STAFFING, TOOLS & TRAINING TO KEEP US SAFE.
• The mayor is but one voice in budget discussions.
• TO SUNSET THE “TEMPORARY” .5% SALES TAX THAT WAS VOTED IN BUT NEVER CANCELED BY CITY COUNCIL.
• The mayor alone has no legal power to do that!
• TO PROTECT YOUR FREEDOMS ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR CHILDREN, YOUR HEALTH, AND YOUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS.
• WOW! EVEN THE PRESIDENT CAN’T DO THAT!
Promises made without the legal authority to fulfill them is at the very least disingenuous.
@4mercouncilor
Too bad you were not more for positive change while you were a councilor, from comments above it seems like you favorite terms is “not”, “cannot”, “no legal power”. If you had any courage you would state your name.
You are right about the power of the mayor as an individual on the city council. At least Armstrong is for change. With Jablow you are virtually assured of the continuation of the status quo.
The question for the voters is , do you want change and the platform Armstrong says she will support even if she will need help to accomplish it or do you want more of the same? She, or anyone, can’t do it herself. You will need to impress on the other “councilors” you want her programs supported.
Perhaps with her passion Armstrong will be able to convince other “councilors” to make changes. I sure have not seen much desire for change or to over ride the excesses of the” professional staff” from most recent “councilors”.
From Dictionary.com:
councilor:
“an assistant at a children’s camp, often a high school or college student, who supervises a group of children or directs a particular activity, as nature study or a sport.”
Perhaps Sedona needs a mayor who is a leader not a “councilor”.
Vote for change.
Bye Tony!!!!!!