Sedona Elections: The following is a Sedona.biz interview with Sedona City Council candidate Samaire Armstrong. All candidates have been invited to share their platforms with Sedona.biz by answering election-specific questions. The following are the questions and responses:
- What office are you running for?
I am running for Mayor.
- Why are you running?
I want all residents, including families and local merchants, to thrive and live a nurturing lifestyle in Sedona.
As with many locals in Sedona, I see a need for representation within the local government for the voice of the community that is not being heard. Over the last decade, the changes that have been made have too often left the residents out of the loop.
When I became aware that the position of Mayor was open, like many others, I was hoping that a strong candidate with a shared vision for Sedona would step forward.
Being of service to others is a fundamental principle that has been steering me over the last decade and a half. It is a natural progression for me to be of service to my community. However, the ultimate ethos in my choice is pretty simple, I am here to represent and be of service to my community because we are being ignored.
There is major discontent and distrust between our community and local government. It is the elephant in the room that gets ignored at lodging and council meetings. The residents do not trust the leadership here. People were ready for change in 2020, and they are even more ready now.
We need to shake things up. We need, one of us.
- How long have you lived in Sedona?
In the summer when I was 13-years old and just graduated eighth grade in Waimea Hawaii, my father and I went on a road trip through the West. My family fell in love with the beauty of Sedona.
We learned that there was a brand-new high school that was being developed just in time for my freshman year in high school.
We welcomed a strong educational experience and were excited to be a part of the new chapter in Sedona. I graduated in 1998 and left for UOA for a year and then was off to Hollywood.
My family has been here in the community for twenty-eight years.
Having a son myself, I, too, was seeking the quality life and educational experience that I was given. I permanently returned home to Sedona a year and a half ago.
- When did you decide to get involved politically?
I got involved in the community right away when I moved back. I heard so many people complaining about their quality of life and I was concerned with where Sedona was. I had to find out for myself exactly what was going on by participating in multiple community groups.
- What do you believe are your qualifications for office?
We are in a system of governance that is far out of balance. There are the political good old boys (and girls) who would like you to believe that only they could possibly understand how to lead on council. Collectively we are tired of that mentality. It is very clear that there needs to be a change.
In other words, this election cycle, the definition of being qualified actually means not having been a part of the problems that got us here.
I am empathetic to the needs of our community. I have a natural desire to bring people together. I am motivated to reach out to leaders and would-be leaders in our community and enthusiastic about developing partnerships that are necessary to build for our future.
- What have you accomplished in serving the community?
By stepping up to run, I see the community coming together in a way that has not been done in a significant amount of time. I see hope in people’s eyes and enthusiasm in their hearts.
We need to work together for the future of our community.
- What do you think is better? Electing people who have served for years in office, committees, etc.? Or electing a candidate that may be politically inexperienced but brings new ideas to the table?
If people have been in office and have done wonderful things for the community, then it would make sense to vote in their experience.
If people have been in office and the residents are experiencing and seeing a significant loss of quality of life, then we should not continue to vote those people in.
Incumbents with many years in office have a voting record that they cannot deny.
In this election, political experience is not what will save the soul of Sedona.
- What are the main challenges you see Sedona facing and how would you address them? Please include the issue of homelessness and panhandling at shopping centers, etc.
There has been a noticeable increase of panhandling at shopping centers and at the corners of major intersections. It can be perhaps unnerving to see people begging for money in front of Bashas while there is a job fair sign right behind them. There are some people in legitimate need. Let’s partner with the community groups and work to pair those in need with opportunities. If that cannot occur, then let’s pair the individual with the proper social agencies to be of assistance.
We need to fully fund the police department with an appropriate pay scale and staffing levels to make sure they are well taken care of and so they don’t experience burn out from having to cover shifts. Community Policing is an effort that Chief Husted was working towards and will succeed, but requires an adequate amount of well-trained officers who are able to be assigned to neighborhoods. They would be able to engage, develop trust through building relationships, to thoroughly understand and see the perspectives and needs of the community.
Many people who work in town have been kicked out of their places when their homes were turned into short term rentals. We should, obviously, work towards long-term solutions. In the meantime, people shouldn’t have to be concerned about moving their vehicles every two weeks or risk fines or their safety. We must create safe solutions. While the City should not get involved in the development of long-term RV or other rental spaces, it can help create partnerships in the private sector or with nonprofits to develop a safe and sustainable solution.
A concern is the shortage of general health practitioners due to NAH operations. Quality of Life experiences depend on quality health care service, and this will be a priority for me as Mayor to partner with all organizations who care for our people.
We need to subsidize enriching before and after school programs so that workers can be assured of a safe and enriching environment for their children while they’re working.
- Are Short Term Rentals (Airbnb type rentals) beneficial or detrimental to the community? Should they be licensed, limited or eliminated? As a member of the city council how would you address the issue?
Not all STRs are detrimental. Balance is key. The STR that are owner occupied, or locally owned or managed are an excellent way to create income. The issue is restricting out of state individuals or corporations that buy multiple homes and by doing so, take away the value of our community.
The City can do more to regulate STRs with existing statutes on public health, security and water/sewer requirements. As Mayor, I will take a stronger look at our options.
- Do you support the city’s current SIM (Sedona in Motion) initiatives and plans for infrastructure improvements? Why or why not?
The “free” federally funded transit system has added a new burden of expenses on the City. In the short time it has been operational it has drawn more vehicles into the center of town and increased usage on the trails. From an ecological standpoint the damages caused by so many people trampling the trails has not been given sufficient consideration. As Mayor I would conduct a review of the entire system. Additionally, the visitors should pay a fare.
When I grew up here, the motto was “leave no trace.” It appears that the shuttles have the capability to deliver more people to trailheads than is sustainable.
- What should the city do to address the issue of affordable housing, especially for people working in businesses in Sedona?
Business owners need as many tools as possible to advocate for their employees.
No one moved here to live in a 4-story apartment building, which is what the council voted to accept. Making exceptions for building up is a slippery slope. I would rather see the building codes be amended for more creative means; i.e. tiny homes, sustainable design and materials, and retrofit existing living space.
- What is the role of the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau in the community?
The residents do not elect the Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Bureau. The Chamber is too close to the function of our city and has been even more involved in the management of the City operations in the past 10 years of this current City Council. With such a large and unaccountable operation pushing for tourism, the balance of influence is off when it comes to the quality of life experience for residents in our community.
The Chamber should operate as it traditionally would for merchants and commerce. The Tourist Bureau should be separate from the Chamber of Commerce and run as its own marketing organization.
- Sedona’s economy is primarily based on tourism. How should it be managed to benefit both residents and visitors?
My philosophy is attraction for residents, not promotion for tourists. Create a balanced environment for both commerce/tourism and residential quality of life.
- What approach can the city take in mitigating the impact of ATV’s and OHV’s on city streets and forest roads?
Sedona needs better partnerships with State and Federal Leadership who can actually fight for us. Obviously, what has been done hasn’t worked, and the destruction of our federal land has gotten out of control.
As Mayor I will pursue all options to regulate ATV activity on city streets, including noise reduction through new technology mufflers.
- Do you support the city’s Sustainable Tourism Plan? Why or why not?
The Chamber’s Sustainability Tourism plan is well written and seemingly well intended. Elements of the plan reflect the sentiment of my own platform when they speak of the needs of quality of life for residents and saying “goodbye to the idea of our visitor as a mass consumer.” Why hasn’t the City Council followed it?
When things aren’t working, new people need to be brought in to reevaluate the issues with fresh eyes.
- Do you support the city’s Climate Action Plan? Why or why not?
I would prefer that the city focus on Sedona’s land and environment versus Climate Change, and wish they had developed an “Environment Action Plan”. Direct environmental impacts are something we see and experience here daily.
Our priority should be on the direct environmental impact that visitors have on our infrastructure and sacred land.
We must create ongoing adaptable solutions to give back resources when we take them away.
- Do you oppose or support voter approval of the Alternative Limitation Expenditure (Home Rule) which is also on the ballot for renewal August 2nd. Why or why not?
Home Rule in the wrong hands could be bad, and in the right hands it could be good. This one is up to the people.”
- There are a few parcels of land remaining in Sedona suited for high-end resorts and/or hotels. Do you believe the city should oppose any being built or permit them to be built with limitations on size, design, etc.?
We must be cautious not to build for the sake of building or to promote more tourism. Anything that is developed on our land must be sustainable within the infrastructure of Sedona, to not over burden water and septic demands or improperly impact the city further.
Allow competitive bids for quaint and minimal impact land developments for long term housing. Dwellings should truly fit within the footprint of the land.
The intention should be regenerative versus “sustainable.” No greenwashing
Work with people who truly understand the authentic functions of the land.
The goal should not be to reflect an urban or smart city. The goal should be to fit well within the resources and nature of the land.
- Where do you see Sedona and the Verde Valley ten years from now?
More people will be leaving the big cities and coastal states. More people will come to Arizona seeking refuge.
It is important that we have a strong hand in the type of growth that occurs here. We must keep Sedona sacred, which means higher density is not an option. Space is imperative to mobility.
We need to establish Sedona as a destination for families and young people, entrepreneurs, and retirees to call home. Attracting and retaining people who care about maintaining our pristine land, and small-town charm, while also providing multifaceted enriching opportunities for our youth and residents is essential.
We must make sure that Sedona is safe, and our residents and visitors are well cared for.
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12 Comments
Let’s see what the candidates running for Mayor have to say regarding Home Rule in the upcoming election.
Home rule, lets the Sedona government manage and spend its tax dollars. A no vote on Home rules takes away the power of the citizens to spend tax dollars in the amount of almost $60,000,00.or more.
Last year’s budget was in the area of $80,000,000.
Interview With Sedona Mayoral Candidate and Samaire Armstrong
Question. Samaire:
• Do you oppose or support voter approval of the Alternative Limitation Expenditure (Home Rule), which is also on the ballot for renewal on August 2nd? Why or why not?
• Home Rule in the wrong hands could be harmful, and in the right hands, it could be good. This one is up to the people.”
Her statement is not an answer, but a talking point, a nonanswer.
Interview With Sedona Mayoral Candidate Sandy Moriarty
Question Sandy:
Do you oppose or support voter approval of the Alternative Limitation Expenditure (Home Rule), which is also on the ballot for renewal on August 2nd. Why or why not?
I fully support the Home Rule option, which allows the city to spend the funds we have available to benefit the town. It is one of the few instances we have of deciding for ourselves to keep local control, in this case, of our budget. Following the 2018 election, the city manager convened a task force to investigate the diverse options available under state law and make a recommendation. Putting Home Rule to a vote every four years was the option recommended, and we are following that recommendation. Home Rule does not raise taxes or change the way we vote. Unless we choose an alternative, state spending limitations mandate a 2% growth rate regardless of how much our revenues increase and how much we have in the bank. They do not consider the growth that naturally occurs over time and varies significantly from city to city, or even within a town over the years. One size does not fit all. The town has a history of balanced budgets, higher than average reserves, and financial stability under Home Rule; let’s keep it that way.
Sandys, answered the question in detail and in a way people can understand the funding of Sedona, Facts.
Armstrong filled us in with three bullet points.
I like Samaire’s position. She states it like it is. Plain and simple. It’s good in the right hands and bad in the wrong ones. It’s up to the voters and let the will of the people rule. Moriarty sounds like a typical politician.
Love what Samaire is standing for. Locals are going to be overjoyed to have a true representative of their needs.
Mr. Segner’s position on YES for Home rule is interesting. In 2018 he led the AZ Election 18 PAC PAC that supported HOME RULE. The majority of the donations were from business and hotels, to the tune of $46,815. A tidy sum “for the residents”. The email begging for money came form Mr. Segner, who personally donated $9,200 (Owner of a hotel).
Sounds like he seems to be defending STRs a bit also. in 2018, the budget was $49 million, and the average expenditures for the city for the previous 5 years was about $38 million.
Now it’s what, $60 million plus? And the “pitch”is that the citizens are not allowed to spend the money that is collected via taxes? Well, not really. The citizen’s have no say now. In fact, we are now under 9700 citizens. Did the citizens have any say on the .5% sales tax “temporary increase”? Did the citizens have any say on the .5% tax when it was made permanent? Or, does the council love it’s money for their pet projects.
Where is the oversight? Actually, a NO vote on HOME RULE puts the citizens back in charge, something Mr. Segner does not want you to know. The council, has the ability every May to do a annual override of the budget limitation. BUT…and here is the catch, they have to bring it to the CITIZENS to vote on in May – and can do that every May. Transparency – they do not like transparency.
It is called accountability. Staff does not want accountability. Existing council does not want accountability.
Now ask yourself why do the same people want you to approve HOME RULE which has to be voted on every 4 years. $49 million budget in 2018 to almost $70 million now – with LESS population? For the citizens?
Maybe the citizens should start looking at the $100s of thousands of dollars adding up to millions in “sustainability”, CAP, and a staff that is blown up. Start comparing to other tourist towns with substantially larger populations. You will be surprised. (And funding of local Chamber of Commerce organizations does not happen either.)
Mr Citizen, it is up to you. Here are the real rules as outlined by the Arizona Auditor General:
https://www.azauditor.gov/reports-publications/cities-and-towns/faqs/voter-approved-expenditure-limitations
You can have a say in your government should you choose. Tired of the way things are run? Options are now available.
Well said, Michael Schroeder.
“First of all, it’s a representative government” .. seven people elected by the registered voters. They make policies for the city to operate under. The City Manager and staff do the work. That’s how America works.
If you have all the answers why aren’t you running? You support a 41-year-old ex-Hollywood actor that’s been here one year to do your job. Almost 80% of the money this city is spending comes from tourists in the first place. Property owners pay no property tax to the city. Locals pay very little to support the city..just 3.5% in sales tax inside the city including online purchases. And this .5% increase you speak of is mostly paid by tourists and is being used to fund the SIM projects. (Here is the most recent update to the council https://sedonaaz.swagit.com/play/05122022-704 )
So, when you complain the city is spending too much money on projects you feel are for the tourists, ask yourself, are they to just sit on their hands and not try to mitigate the effects of too many cars on the roads, too many people at popular trailheads, etc. Even you have benefited from the trailhead transit and the green shirts stopping people from driving into Back O’Beyond to reach Cathedral Rock and creating havoc.
The city spends the money they have. Enough money to pave roads, buy police cars, hire and support police personnel, invigorate the Parks Department with new personnel and projects, build sidewalks, bridges, and roads needed for a safer community, millions on storm sewers to prevent flooding, etc. And projects like the Forest Road extension.. would it be done if its main purpose wasn’t to benefit residents of Uptown. I doubt it. The 89A improvements in Uptown substantially reduced the backups of vehicles in the canyon coming into Uptown, which benefits emergency vehicles, and all who use the road including locals who hated the long backups. The parking garage in Uptown is purposed to get cars out of the neighborhoods and improve the flow of traffic, locals, and visitors. All the money to be spent on improvements in the Ranger/Brewer Road areas and a new roundabout where the Forest Road extension exits onto 89A is designed to improve the movement of vehicles from West Sedona down Cooks Hill and ST179 traffic thru the Y past Tlaquepaque. Would it be pursued if the core benefit wasn’t for locals who seek easier access to areas of their town? I doubt it.
Let’s address another “gorilla in the room”.. residents have no special privileges or access to trailheads, roads, restaurants, grocery stores, trails, parks, or galleries, over a tourist. In many ways, we locals are just “tourists that never left.” We have to get in line with everyone as equals. So, I suggest before you recruit too many people to support your way of thinking and candidates you like, you should be honest with them and admit we live in a “tourist town” and “tourists” pay most of the bills and “tourists are the reason we have 60+ restaurants and five grocery stores since the majority of their income is from tourists. Do you think we have Whole Foods because of the 9,500 residents? Nope! You should thank the tourists you meet in the aisles at Whole Foods and Safeway.
We are not a retirement town like Sun City. We are not Sun City North. We are a resort town which attracted us as residents as it attracts visitors. Retirees can bathe in the sunlight for benefit of tourists and stop complaining that tourists are the problem. Nope, the problem is us. We have expectations that are unrealistic and won’t be accomplished by political types who promise magical solutions to complex issues. We have to trust we have hired and hired experts to help us reduce the impact of tourists. The city can’t listen to every resident who thinks their answers are the right answers overriding expert judgments. Listening to residents is a good idea, but not if we think councilors should alter the cities’ researched planning and projects because a resident has a “better idea.” I think Ms. Armstrong is a nice person, with lots of potentials, but she is totally unqualified to be mayor, much less any elected position. Maybe someday she will be, but not now. Mike, thank god the city government is not run like big business, It is meant to serve and supply services, not profits for investors or management. In times of high inflation, the city money should be putting its excess revenue derived from visitors to work ASAP for savings and service to locals.
In my opinion, Sandy Moriarty is clearly the most qualified of the mayoral candidates. At this time, we need a mayor who has a long track record and experience in city government. I am sure Samaire Armstrong is well meaning and a nice person, but we do not need a mayor who has absolutely no city government experience. I would suggest Samaire first get her feet wet on a City of Sedona committee or commission and learn how city government works before running for mayor.
I totally disagree with you John.
The long track record of Sandy has gotten us into this mess. She is too old, doesn’t listen and assumes she knows better.
Sandy is same old story and is only going the direction of Steve. Remember San is his gal.
Time for new fresh faces and change. Bring in those that can think it through and create a fair and balanced community.
Totally agree,Mrs Mayor has destroyed Sedona. Give her a watch and say goodbye.
Samaire is exactly what Sedona needs. Enough with these old fossilized council members.We need fresh blood and fresh ideas. Out with the old and in with the new. If we keep going in the direction the old guard is taking us Sedona will become extinct.
I won’t put ANY stock into Segner’s opinion. He has an agenda that will work best for him if the Mayor and Council remain as is.
I, on the other hand, have an agenda to save Sedona from over inflated tourism, money filtered through the CoC and the threat to our quality of life.
I’d like to discard “Business As Usual” and start thinking outside the box. We are an unusual city with needs that differ from big city corporations and destructive mechanical locusts. We simply want to see where the money is going and redirect it if needed, protect our desert environment from destruction and over use and focus on the resident’s needs over the demands of “big business” and corporations.
Everyone in my house, most of my neighbors and all of my friends are voting for SAMAIRE ARMSTRONG.
Don’t know her?? Email her, text her, telephone her, FB her…whatever it takes…ask her questions and tell her YOUR needs and wants for Sedona. Then YOU decide what kind of quality life you’d like to have here.
Did you move to Sedona to promote big business and corporations?
OR, did you leave that behind to live in peace and tranquility?
I have a load of experience working for government at the federal level. And, I worked in the Hollywood film industry for over a decade (mostly stunt work and raising big cats for feature films, but also some acting). I am already sick of hearing some people disparrage Ms. Armstrong for her work experience in Hollywood. Working in Hollywood–and succeeding–is no cakewalk and was far more challenging and difficult than any work I did in government. And the networking and people skills you learn and must be extremely good at to succeed in Hollywood will be invaluable for her when she becomes mayor of this town. Those in control now have largely destroyed this town and will continue doing so. They are rude and insulting to residents at town meetings–to the point where most won’t even attend anymore. We need young, fresh, intelligent and wide open eyes and ideas, and Ms. Armstrong has my vote (and those of everyone I know personally).