Age: 68

Time in Sedona: 14 years

Background: Law enforcement, 31 years

Q: How do you propose to amend, alter or repeal Sedona’s building codes to help solve the housing shortage?

A: “Building codes in the city are designed to keep people safe and ensure that both residential and commercial structures remain durable for many years. For instance, the electrical code sets standards for wiring to prevent fires. The fire code, overseen by Sedona Fire rather than the city of Sedona, mandates that certain houses have sprinklers, especially those far from fire hydrants or stations. Structural codes ensure that wood frames are strong enough to support the building’s weight, preventing collapse.

“Additionally, there are specific codes for constructing in-ground swimming pools, ensuring they are built to last and don’t deteriorate. These codes also include requirements for fencing around pools to prevent children from entering without adult supervision, reducing the risk of accidents.

“While these regulations may sometimes seem complicated, inconvenient or expensive, they play a crucial role in protecting us. They address a wide range of safety concerns, from fire prevention to structural integrity and child safety around pools. Overall, building codes are necessary to ensure our safety and the longevity of the buildings we live and work in, making them an essential part of city planning and construction.”

Q: Council has committed to the future use of the Sedona Cultural Park being decided by the public. What is your view on how that process should be conducted? Do you support or oppose the restoration of the amphitheater?

A: “To clarify, the council has never stated that the land use would be decided by the public. The decision will ultimately be in the hands of the City Council. The council has directed city staff to hire a company to conduct extensive public outreach, similar to the 10-year Community Plan project. This public input is necessary for the City Council to make an informed decision on the ultimate master planning of the Western Gateway and Cultural Park. I am excited for this outreach to take place so that I can hear the public’s vision.

“I am running against a competitor who believes that none of this planning process should occur and that the city should agree with those who want to revive the defunct entertainment venue. Rebuilding the 5,000-seat amphitheater for concerts would require parking for about 2,500 automobiles. In my outreach to residents, they have told me they do not want a Disneyland-type attraction in our city. They support the master planning process for multi-use, including housing on portions of the 40 acres. They don’t want an attraction that would bring thousands of tourists daily, compounding our traffic and overcrowding conditions.”

Q: Council has said short-term rentals are an obstacle to affordable housing in Sedona. What can council do to reduce STRs? What can council bring the median home price down to where it’s affordable for median-income residents?

“Until Arizona permits a statewide cap on short-term rentals, cities and towns cannot limit their numbers. Even if a cap is eventually allowed, existing short-term rentals would be grandfathered in. The belief that the City Council can lower home prices to make them affordable for everyone is unrealistic, as the lack of affordable housing is a nationwide issue.

“Nonetheless, we have implemented strategies such as Downpayment Assistance and Rent Local programs to incentivize the conversion of short-term rentals into long-term rentals. We are developing several plans for affordable rentals, including new apartments that will begin construction on Shelby Road this summer. The acquisition of the 40-acre Western Gateway and Cultural Park offers the city an opportunity to pursue innovative rental housing solutions and other creative projects to benefit residents.”

Q: How do you suggest the city act to increase home ownership among workers?

A: “Given the wages that many of our workers earn in Sedona, home ownership is unrealistic. That is why I support workforce rental housing, which will offer reduced rents for those who work within our city limits.”

Q: The English town of High Wycombe has had the custom since 1678 of annually weighing the mayor in public to see if he’s growing fat off the public purse. What are your thoughts on the introduction of such a tradition in Sedona?

A: “I think that we have come a long way in local government since 1932 and while it may seem fun to some, I would rather spend my time encouraging healthy community engagement.”

Editor’s Note:

Sedona Mayor Scott Jablow is running for reelection. He faces challenger John Martinez, a former councilman and vice mayor. Election day is Tuesday, July 30.