Perspectives

News Release: Statement on ATVs

Pete Furman · May 3, 2022 ·

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.

Vote YES on the Alternative Expenditure Limitation Option (Home Rule)

Pete Furman · April 27, 2022 ·

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

KAZM Democratic Perspective Interview

Pete Furman · March 7, 2022 ·

Fultz, Furman, Thompson Interview – Podcast March 7, 2022

Identifying And Addressing The Issues Facing Sedona. Steve Williamson welcomes three candidates for Sedona City Council: Brian Fultz, Pete Furman, and incumbent John (JT) Thompson. Steve leads the candidates in a wide-ranging discussion that addresses many of the most important issues facing the city. All three offer their takes on the need for workforce housing, traffic, off-road vehicles, short-term rentals, water supply, fire risks, the area’s fragile environment, and more – almost all of the issues created by the city’s status as one of the world’s premier tourist destinations.

See the full interview here: https://verdevalleyindependentdemocrats.org/2022/03/07/fultz-furman-thompson-interview-podcast-march-7-2022/

Letter to the Red Rock News Editor

Pete Furman · February 16, 2022 ·

There’s concern in our community about taxpayer funding for the Chamber of Commerce. Some call to defund the Chamber, while others rally to its defense. The city budget process is the proper venue for this discussion. Thoughtful, fact-based arguments are needed to help us avoid unintended outcomes like increased problems with over-tourism, expanded city government, or pitting residents against local businesses they support.

As background, each year the City contracts with the Chamber to provide tourism related services. In past years, spending was focused on marketing Sedona as a ‘must see’ destination and for operating the Uptown Visitor’s Center. In recent years, the funding has shifted away from ‘destination marketing’ to mitigating the impacts of tourism (like providing trailhead restrooms, educating tourists to better care for Sedona, and directing them to lesser-used trails). Paid-for marketing doesn’t seem necessary to attract visitors anymore. Social media, travel websites and magazines, and every photo ever taken of Sedona has revealed us to the world. We’ve been ‘discovered.’

Many tourism-driven mountain towns face similar problems with over-tourism. Tourism bureaus are fast becoming tourism mitigation bureaus. Mitigation efforts are needed, and somebody must do them. Chambers bring important connections to business communities and a can-do attitude. Defunding the Chamber could be short-sighted if mitigation tasks are neglected. Other unintended outcomes could arise if tourism mitigation falls to an expanded city government. And nobody wins a battle that pits residents against local businesses.

There are reasonable questions being asked about how and why taxpayer dollars are allocated and spent, and how efficient and effective the spending is. Clarity is a good thing; our overwhelmed residents deserve it. The annual city budget process is the place to work these issues out, and to focus on improving our residents’ experience.