There’s a new yet familiar face coming to the Sedona City Council.
On Tuesday, May 12, Tom Lamkin was unanimously approved by the council to fill a vacancy left when Janice Howes Hudson resigned in March.
He will serve in that position until November 2022.
Lamkin is no stranger to City Council, having been appointed to fill a vacancy in 2016 and then elected to a two-year term later that year.
“I feel honored the current council has chosen to appoint me,” he said after the meeting. “I know there were other very good candidates willing to serve Sedona, and I am humbled to be the final choice. I will not forget the commitment the others were willing to make. I feel my greatest efforts now will not only represent myself, but also the others that applied and drive me to be an even better councilor.”
As to why he applied for Hudson’s vacant position, Lamkin said originally he didn’t give it much thought. Then over a short period of time people, whose opinions he respected, stopped him and told him he should consider applying for the position.
“I thought about it and felt if I could add to the decision process of the council in some way that could benefit Sedona, I should apply,” he said. “I had enjoyed serving before and was a big proponent of choice. I did not know how many people would apply, but I thought the more options City Council had from which to choose, the better.”
Lamkin said he realizes he’s rejoining council in one of the most challenging times the city has ever experienced. He said the Great Recession had its impacts and extended for some time. But, he believes that brought the city to a more fiscally secure position over time.
“Today, we are not as concerned with shutting down city government, although revenues are significantly affected and the budget will need to reflect those changes,” he said. “But, now we have had to shut down the city of Sedona and figure out the best way to reopen it. Everyone is affected, and that can be daunting certainly, but I have great faith in the people of Sedona and the City Council that working together, it will happen as safely as possible.”
Having been away from the council dais for more than a year and a half, Lamkin said he’s confident that he can slide back into the role fairly easily. He said 18 months is not a great time span where government is concerned, and he is familiar with the processes that occur.
“Rather than rust, there may be a little dust I need to brush off, but the other members of council can help me with that,” he joked. “At the same time, the decisions to be made will require much heavier lifting than those in my past experience.
“The next few months will cause all of us to work harder and smarter than we ever have and we have to get it right. There will be nothing easy about that, but I believe this council is up to the task along with city staff. They have already been making the hard decisions and I will need to step up as well.”
Lamkin said during his time away from council he’s missed the interaction with the residents of Sedona. This has included being stopped by a resident to explain their position on an issue and the “friendly and civil exchange” that occurs. He’s also missed the many volunteers who work for various organizations in Sedona.
“I miss the members of City Council and the quality of individuals they and city staff represent,” he said. “I knew when I left the City Council that things would change, but I did not realize the depth to which I would feel it. It is not the rush of power that motivates me — it’s the rush of relationship.”
Mayor Sandy Moriarty said she and her fellow council members feel fortunate to be able to choose Lamkin. She said his experience with all council procedures, and especially with the budget, as well as his record of service were especially important at this critical time.
“I’m grateful that he was willing to serve the community as a council member again,” she said. “His dedication to the community has always been clear. I look forward to working with him again. He has my utmost respect as a very thoughtful decision-maker who always studies the issues from all sides.”
