Pete Furman

Without a doubt, irresponsible ATV/OHV operators are negatively impacting quality of life in Sedona. The environmental destruction west of our city brings tears to one’s eyes. So do the dust clouds. Many are concerned about health, livability, and safety for those who live in and visit these areas. There’s also potential damage to cultural artifacts. In town, Sedona residents suffer from noise, traffic, and safety issues. Our Broken Arrow residents are particularly impacted by overuse problems.

After speaking with many affected residents and giving comment at the Council sessions, I believe controlling vehicle speed is important. Lower speed reduces noise, dust, and damage. It also increases safety and livability. However, reducing speed requires deliberate road design, education, and enforcement. Limiting access to sensitive locations also has merit.

Awareness is growing about these issues. Sedona has proposed an environmental study. The Red Rock Ranger District has started a study of Broken Arrow, another will evaluate recreation demands and impacts district wide. The State of Arizona committed to a statewide study of ATV impacts. Unfortunately, these processes take time.

Public policy solutions require participation and collaboration from stakeholders: residents, ATV owners, City of Sedona, Red Rock Ranger District, the Arizona Legislature, ATV businesses, State and Federal agencies, manufacturers, and others. I wish it were easier, but that’s how we govern. We listen, learn, collaborate, and come up with workable, effective, and affordable solutions.

In the meantime, it’s ok that residents push for interim actions. State laws bind our hands, but not our minds. Let’s stay creative, positive, and reasonable. Awareness and education are key.

I’m running for City Council to improve our Quality of Life. Learn more at SedonaPete.com.

Sedona is a financially healthy city, with a balanced budget as required by state law.

Home Rule has been approved by Sedona voters since 1996. Home Rule allows budget decisions to be made “at home”, under “local control”.

Home Rule allows the City to set spending limits based upon local priorities and actual revenues.

Without Home Rule the city budget would fall to an artificially low state-imposed formula that doesn’t recognize the needs or realities of Sedona. Without Home Rule the City would be prevented from fully spending revenues it already receives, most of which come from tourism. This money is used to provide resident services and to reduce the impacts of over-tourism.

Home Rule does NOT increase or decrease revenues. Home Rule does NOT allow Sedona to spend more than it receives or saves. Home Rule has NO impact on taxes or tax rates.

In 2019, we and four other Sedona residents were appointed by the City to deeply study Home Rule and its alternatives. The Committee unanimously recommended that City Council continue to seek Home Rule approval from voters. It’s the best option.

Vote YES on Home Rule.
Pete Furman, Charlotte Hosseini, Shaeri Richards, Lynn Zonakis