Shifting sands

Sedona City Council factions maneuver for power

By Tommy Acosta | Sedona-Verde Valley Times

Sedona, AZ - July 23, 2008 - A game of chess is never played behind an opponent’s back. Rather, the moves are made on the board for all to see the cunning, prowess and wisdom wielded by the players.

Thus it was at the July 22 Sedona City Council meeting where an application and selection process to fill Councilman Ramon Gomez’s soon-to-be-vacated seat was approved.

Political games of chess aren't played on chess boards.

The importance of who fills that seat to advance the differing political agendas of those on the council can not be overestimated.

That is why watching the factions vie over the selection process and timing was a beautiful thing to behold, especially for those who love a good political-chess game of power and control.

State statutes mandate city councils fill an empty seat by appointment.

The first significant move was made by Councilman Mark Sterling, who stated the seat should be filled by someone with council experience rather than a newcomer, as was the case in the last election where three members with no council experience were elected.  (Pawn takes rook.)

Unbeknownst yet to the public was Mr. Sterling’s intention to recommend that the council choose former mayor Pud Colquitt, who, if appointed, could influence the outcome of future council votes.

Mayor Rob Adams did not allow Councilman Sterling to publicly announce his recommendation, reminding Mr. Sterling that the purpose of the discussion was not to endorse candidates or make an appointment but to develop procedures.  He also said that people would be away during the summer and possible candidates would not be given a chance to apply for the appointment if the council moved too swiftly. (Check.)

Mr. Sterling, during a break in the meeting, at first refused to identify to this reporter who he was going to recommend but then admitted it was the former mayor, after being confronted a second time with the question. Mr. Sterling said he received e-mails prior to the meeting naming additional replacements.

Mayor Adams confirmed it was Ms. Colquitt Mr. Sterling was going to name. The rumor circulating prior to the meeting that the former mayor might be a candidate for Mr. Gomez’s seat turned out to be true.

The move by the mayor makes it possible to bring additional council candidates into the mix.

The council tussled back and forth over the timing issue and eventually settled on a deadline date, Aug. 29, by which all applications must be received so the council can appoint a candidate in time for the September meetings.

The strategy for both factions is simple. They must get a replacement seated amenable to their intentions.

With six council members having a say and vote in the process, we will probably see biased candidates weeded out with 3-3 votes and a compromise candidate finally selected.

Stalemate...for now.