My first term as your mayor has gone by in the blink of an eye, and working with this council, we have achieved many accomplishments to better Sedona. I have built relationships where none existed for many years. These include connections with ADOT, Northern Arizona Healthcare CEO Dave Chaney [sic], and mayors from across the state, such as those from Lake Havasu and Scottsdale, to work on short-term rental changes at the State Capitol. For the first time, the mayor of Sedona has a solid working relationship with our Arizona State Senator and Representative, Bennet [sic] and Bliss. This bond has led to their active involvement in short-term rental legislation for Sedona, the Verde Valley, and the state, with Bliss sponsoring and Bennet supporting 11 bills to return local control to cities and towns. Building relationships is key.

Thanks to a strong new relationship with the director of ADOT, we now have our own liaison assigned to our city. We receive timely information on upcoming road closures and urgent traffic advisories on SR 17 [sic]. In the past, DPS would shut SR 17 northbound without advising Sedona PD. Through our relationship, ADOT has agreed to install a state-of-the-art lighting system at the “Y” during high traffic periods.

This system will prevent traffic from blocking the roundabouts and reduce traffic buildup for Cooks Hill eastbound and SR 179 northbound.

I have spent considerable time listening to and sharing concerns with our residents. I supported changes to our tourism and marketing strategies by backing the creation of an 11-member Citizens Advisory Board. This board provides a community perspective for responsible tourism, fostering harmony between residents, businesses, and visitors.

I also supported the creation of our All-Hazards Evacuation and Re-entry Plan, the first of its kind in Arizona, designed to evolve over time.

I have dedicated many hours meeting with or taking calls from residents seven days a week and staying available on social media with city notifications and advisories. As your mayor, i have supported unique initiatives such as the trailhead shuttles and the upcoming micro-transit service, which will offer Uber-like service for local stops.

Responding to residents’ requests for more local amenities, I supported the Ranger Station Park on Brewer Road, which is 99% complete, awaiting unique play structures for children. We have already completed the bocce ball court and expanded the dog park with a sunshade. We expect the long-awaited eight pickleball courts to break ground on June 17. Addressing traffic complaints at Tlaquepaque, the underpass is expected to be completed before summer’s end. We also expect the Forest Road Extension to be open mid-year 2025. In response to businesses’ concerns about the loss of workers due to the lack of affordable housing, we aim to break ground on new housing by mid-summer.

As you can see, my first two-year term has been very productive. I am asking for your vote in the July primary for my second term.

Editor’s Note:

This is an essay written by the candidate with only minimal edits to punctuation and capitalization. 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.