With the 2018 election season in full swing, those vying for seats on the Sedona City Council were asked a variety of questions pertaining to issues facing the city — both today and in the future.

Sandy Moriarty

Age: 76

Occupation: Mayor of Sedona, accountant

Number of years in Sedona: 46½

Q: What made you decide to run for mayor?

This is my second re-election campaign. I am running because of the important work we are doing right now on council, which includes implementing the Transportation Master Plan to mitigate traffic congestion, ensuring sound financial management of the city, promoting sustainable tourism, protecting the natural environment, providing options for affordable housing, and working with the state to put in place laws to allow management of short-term rentals.

Q: Which of the city’s Sedona in Motion traffic projects would you prioritize and which do you see as least important?

Right now, Uptown improvements are at the top of the list, and Uptown parking expansion is least important.

Q: The vocal minority is often the loudest voice in terms of city issues. How would you balance their concerns while at the same time doing what’s best for the silent majority?

It is important to listen to all sides of every issue. Negative voices are typically the first to appear, but as discussions continue, others begin to appear. Using a variety of approaches, including focus groups, surveys, open houses and citizen groups where all sides are represented as the conversation is extended, is more likely to result in balanced outcomes which accommodate many. And, of course, I am always listening and having a conversation with people one on-one. I spend many hours communicating with individual residents in person, on the phone and by email, and I always come away with valuable information that helps me make better decisions.

Q: Aside from traffic, what are some of the other top issues facing Sedona?

The Sedona Community Plan called for an underlying theme of sustainability, so that is always an issue. It also calls for a range of housing types, and affordable housing is an issue that has come to the fore following the rapid proliferation of short-term rentals, which has decreased the supply of long-term rentals. The scenic beauty of Sedona has always drawn visitors and residents alike to the area, so overcrowding and environmental protection is an ever-present issue that has always been a priority for me. And I know the question said “aside from traffic,” but let me say it again: I am committed to following through on our Sedona in Motion traffic improvements plan.

Q: If up to you, how would you grow Sedona’s economy?

Sustainable tourism is the best path to effective management of our major economic driver, and we are always seeking economic diversification as a balance and a valuable supplemental economic base. Art and wellness, as well as education, will serve our community as a promising basis for economic growth and expansion. I also think it’s very important for the city to continue our commitment of the past couple of years of helping residents start, grow and expand small businesses.

Q: Why should Home Rule pass or fail?

Home Rule is about local control of city expenditures versus an expenditure limit set by the state. It does not deal with revenues and it does not lower taxes. It only limits expenditures. Without Home Rule, revenues would continue to flow in, but must sit in the bank rather than being spent, while expenditures for resident needs go unmet. The city has a 30-year history of balanced budgets and has continually maintained much higher reserves than most cities in Arizona.

Local control of expenditures has resulted in sound financial management leading to protection of our property values and our spectacular natural environment. It has provided us with cultural and recreational amenities well beyond the scope of most small cities our size. Home Rule means that Sedona residents, nobody else, gets to decide how their tax dollars are spent.

Ron Eland can be reached at 282-7795 ext. 122, or email reland@larsonnewspapers.com