Background and Vision Statement

Participation in community service through volunteerism and active involvement in local issues has been my avocation since my retirement in 2002.  It is my belief that democracy by the people and for the people requires our constant attention and participation.  It is my reason for running for City Council as an independent candidate.

 My educational background and experience will be useful on City Council.  After obtaining a B.A. in chemistry (SUNY Buffalo, 1964), I earned a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Princeton University (1967).  My post-doctoral studies at UCLA were followed by 32 years employment at the DuPont Company in Wilmington, DE.  During that time I carried out basic research and supervised a large group of scientists and technicians.  I have the ability to analyze complex issues and keep an open mind to new ideas, which is essential in research.  My career also gave me valuable experience listening to and working with diverse groups of people, including scientists, engineers, executives, marketers, customers, and representatives of international companies and delegations. 

 In Sedona, I volunteer as a teacher of a weekly chess club for grades 3-8 at West Sedona Elementary School.  This fall I began teaching a class on toxic chemicals found in our food, air, water, and various consumer products through OLLI (Oscher Life Long Learning) at Yavapai College.  I have also participated in our citizens’ quest for improved safety on West Sedona’s 89A without compromising our majestic dark skies.  As Education Chair for the local Sierra Club I helped create an “Earth Steward Award” for deserving K-12 students in the Verde Valley region.  I am a long-time painter and a member of both Sedona Arts Center and Sedona Visual Artist’s Coalition.

 Reaching consensus with City Council, city staff, business interests, and residents in these changing time is essential for our city to flourish.  I believe my experience will help with this goal.  Solving our current city budgetary problems is of paramount importance to Sedona’s future.  I support reducing both short and long term costs through cutting waste and increasing revenue via a broader business model.

 I know Sedona can prosper without destroying our incredible scenic beauty, clean air, and dark skies, which are important to residents and visitors alike.  To this end I support the designation of a National Scenic Area for the National Forests within and surrounding Sedona.  I also support implementation of the West 89A Safety Committee recommendations and oppose the two miles of continuous streetlights.

 Attracting visitors to Sedona should be further stimulated by the Chamber of Commerce and the City through expansion of small business and technical conferences, tournaments, and sports events.  Sedona should also do everything it can to maintain our distinct Southwest heritage and culture, which are our foremost attractions to American and international visitors.

 As an elected City Council member, I pledge to work with all stakeholders to achieve fiscal responsibility, listen to and carry out the will of the people, and preserve our incredible scenic beauty.