By Steve Segner
Sedona, AZ — Tuesday, the citizens of Sedona came together to elect a new mayor, three city council members, and to approve Home Rule. As is often the case in Sedona, the election was closely contested. Throughout our history, some races have been decided by only a handful of votes, demonstrating that every vote truly matters.
Our new Mayor, Brian Fultz, was elected after serving on the City Council. Incumbent Melissa Dunn was reelected to another four-year term. Longtime residents Jean Billett and Tony Hauserman, who bring distinctly different perspectives, were also elected to four-year terms. Together with the remaining council members, these seven individuals—each with different backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints—will make decisions on behalf of our community.
Sedona’s government is not a direct democracy but a representative form of government. We elect individuals whom we believe will make thoughtful decisions that serve the long-term interests of Sedona’s residents, businesses, and visitors. The responsibility of the City Council is to listen to all voices in the community while balancing competing interests and considering what is best for the city as a whole.
We often hear the criticism that “the Council isn’t listening to the people.” But who are “the people”? Is it the approximately 8,000 residents, the thousands of visitors who support our economy, the local businesses that depend on tourism, or the many community organizations with differing priorities? Effective leadership requires listening to all of them, not just the loudest voices.
The election results demonstrate that Sedona voters have confidence in the city’s current direction. While every resident has the right to express an opinion, elected officials must make decisions based on what they believe will best serve the community over the long term, even when those decisions are not universally popular.
Representative government is not about reacting to every demand or special interest. It is about thoughtful leadership guided by Sedona’s Community Plan, with the City Council establishing policy and the City Manager carrying out those policies professionally and efficiently.
Sedona is fortunate to benefit from a strong tourism economy that provides significant revenue. Our responsibility as a community is to invest those resources wisely—improving public services, maintaining infrastructure, protecting our natural beauty, and preserving the exceptional quality of life that makes Sedona such a special place.
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Steve Segner