By Cliff Hamilton
Sedona AZ (March 21, 2014) – A depth of experience, facilitative leadership, a researched and reasoned approach to problems and a strong commitment to our community are essential to the people elected to guide our city. I believe I applied those qualities in the time I served on the Sedona City Council, as Sedona’s Vice Mayor and on a variety of boards, committees and community-focused projects in the twelve years we have lived here. I hope to continue to do so.
That is why, today, I am announcing I will be a candidate for the office Sedona Mayor in the election process that begins late next month. This is a natural step in serving Sedona and one that is consistent with my demonstrated leadership experience and reasoned approach to the opportunities and challenges we face.
Many supporters have asked me about running over the past year, and while my actual campaign cannot begin until the city provides necessary documents next month, I wanted to make this decision well in advance to end the suspense for Katie and me as well as for the community. I know full well this decision involves a major commitment of time and energy to the community. It’s one I’m prepared to make. I know from my service on the Council and as Vice Mayor just what is involved and firmly believing that I can make a difference and help lead Sedona in a positive direction.
This election will be a different experience for both candidates and voters alike.
In previous city elections, the process has begun in November and ended with a Primary election in March or a General Election in May; a time when most voters are at home. Due to changes made by the 2012 Arizona Legislature, the election process will now begin in late April for an August 26th Primary Election. That means campaigns will run in the heat of the summer and during a time when many voters may be gone on vacations or away to cooler climates for extended periods. Traditional candidate forums and other events will likely have to be altered to fit the new circumstances since even candidates may be away for previously-planned summer commitments as well.
Taking office will involve different circumstances as well. Previously, new Council members took office in late May or early June in time to put their final stamp of approval on the annual city budget they would administer. Under the new system, election winners will take office in early January and arrive in the middle of the budget year with little to say about funding for their priorities until the next year. New office-holders will, however, be able to participate in the full development of the next annual budget that starts July 1st which is something outgoing Council members formerly did under the old election process.
My previous experience on the City Council and the resulting understanding of these dynamics will allow me to be immediately effective in the Mayor’s role. That’s a real advantage. Most Council members acknowledge that it takes a year or more to grasp all the nuances of the office. With the Mayor’s term being only two years, that’s half or more of the service time just to get up to speed.
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12 Comments
Thank you, Cliff, for once again stepping forward to lead our community.
In my opinion, there is no better qualified individual, nor anyone with greater personal integrity, open-mindedness, and dedication to the Sedona community. Frankly, it does not matter who else may choose to run for the Mayor’s office, my support will be behind Cliff for all the reasons he mentioned in his announcement.
Best wishes for a successful campaign, Cliff.
Ernie Strauch
We can’t think of anyone better qualified to be our mayor than Cliff Hamilton. He has the skills and experience to bring our council and community together on the issues facing us. Cliff knows what it takes in time, dedication and moral fiber to be the mayor of Sedona. The fact that he’s willing to step forward and take on this challenge says a lot about his character. He’s right about the difficulties facing us now that the AZ Legislature has once again stepped in to screw things up for communities. It’s lucky that Cliff has the background to overcome that handicap and skip the learning curve that others would face as mayor. Thanks for running, Cliff.
Cliff will be a great mayor. I’m sure glad he’s willing to step up and serve the community again.
I don’t know of anyone else who has his experience or could do a better job.
Sincerely,
Gene Lemmon
What a positive move for Sedona to have someone of such high quality willing to take on the issues and concerns our beloved city faces in these challenging times. Cliff Hamilton is an exceptional leader with a depth of experience and skills. His steady and studied approach to all facets of city government has already been more sharply honed in his previous work on City Council. Now, as a caring and exemplary mayor, he can provide positive leadership to move Sedona forward through whatever the future may hold.
Cliff will be an exceptional mayor. In fact we cannot think of a better qualified candidate. He thoroughly vets and researches all the facts before making rational decisions. We are thrilled that he is taking on this commitment and completely support his candidacy.
Laurie and Dick Dawe
We completely support Cliff’s candidacy. He is very qualified and thoroughly researches all issues before stating his position. We can’t think of a better qualified person for this position.
Cliff, thank you for your decision to run for mayor. I know you will have the energy, extensive experience, leadership and commitment to really make a difference for the City of Sedona.
Best wishes for a very successful campaign.
We agree with all comments. Cliff will be an excellent Mayor having the interests of the people of Sedona at heart and concerned about retaining the small town atmosphere.
Annette and Bryan Hubble
Every time I drive past the Water Treatment Plant Facility preserve on my way to and back from Cottonwood I mentally thank Cliff for making this beautiful sanctuary a reality.
He is seasoned and ready to take the helm.
Stan and I are delighted that Cliff announced his candidacy for mayor. He has demonstrated that he has qualities that are unfortunately rare in public servants. He is analytical. He exercises sound judgment. He is highly principled and has strong views, but respects the rights of others to differ. He works effectively with all constituents. He also takes the needs of Sedona and his responsibilities seriously but doesn’t take himself so seriously that he can’t have fun even if the joke is at his expense. What more could we want in our next mayor?
Great news for Sedona! Cliff Hamilton will make a terrific mayor. He is experienced with City Council, the cities staff, various city organizations, and has a wealth of experiences before moving to Sedona. Having served with him on council, I know he is a man of integrity, knowledgeable about city issues, and deeply concerned about its future. His vision for the future as I know it encompasses all its residents, visitors, cultural institutions, and natural environment. I support him enthusiasticlly and wish him and his wife Katie the best, Dennis and Marlene.
This is great news! It will be a privilege to have you as our mayor. Thanks so much for continuing your long history of commitment to serve Sedona. Your experience and leadership as a long-term Sedona city councilman and former Vice Mayor have demonstrated your unequaled qualification to be our next mayor. We have always admired both you and Katie for your many many hours of volunteer work for Sedona.