As election season approaches, Pete Furman and the other five Sedona City Council candidates answered questions about their goals in the position and vision for the city. The six candidates are running for three four-year openings on the council.
Q: How long have you lived in Sedona?
I first visited Sedona in 1986 and moved here full-time in March of 2018 with my wife, Lisa Voss.
Q: What do you or did you do for a living?
I began working as a mechanical engineer in Phoenix in 1986. Later, I founded a high-tech manufacturing company. In 2007, I began a second career in local government, serving eight years as chief of staff to the mayor of San Jose, Calif., [Chuck Reed]. I am currently retired.
Q: Where in Sedona do you spend the most time?
I spend most of my time in Sedona biking on our roads and trails, or in meetings at City Hall.
Q: How else are you involved in the Sedona community [other than running for office]?
I’m a Sedona Planning and Zoning commissioner and a member of the Sedona Police Pension Board, the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System. I served on city workgroups that considered the merits of Home Rule and reviewed the city budget. Last year, I received the city of Sedona Commitment Award for “dedication and unparalleled expertise and for advancing the betterment of Sedona.” I also help repair local trails with the Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition.
Q: What do you believe are the most important values to Sedona residents?
I believe residents value community involvement, volunteering, caring for our beautiful environment and enjoying the wealth of artistic and cultural resources we have in Sedona.
Q: What are Sedona’s top three issues right now?
The top three issues for Sedona are traffic congestion, the proliferation of short-term rentals and a lack of workforce housing.
Q: What do you feel is the City Council’s biggest responsibility to the residents?
The biggest responsibilities of the council are to establish both long and short-term objectives and priorities for our city, to hold regular meetings, and to hear requests and concerns from the community.
Q: Why are you running for City Council?
I’m running to improve the quality of life for Sedona residents, protect our environment and maintain local control of our budget process and laws. My governing principles include honesty, fiscal responsibility and open government. I care about our future and have the experience, knowledge and energy to help guide its direction.
