Q & A - "Coach" Tony Hauserman for Sedona City Council
Tony, why are you running for the Sedona City Council?
I’m running because I believe in service to the community where I live. After many years in Sedona, and now being retired, I have the time, energy, and commitment to serve responsibly and thoughtfully.
I believe Sedona is making real progress, especially in transportation and mobility. The Sedona in Motion (SIM) projects have already reduced congestion in key areas, and planned improvements will continue to help traffic flow and safety. These projects are not always easy during construction, so it’s important that the city listens closely to affected residents and businesses and works to reduce disruption wherever possible. Progress should be precise and careful — more like using a scalpel than swinging an axe.
I strongly support the continued expansion of shared-use pathways. Safe routes for pedestrians and cyclists improve quality of life and reduce road conflicts. I also support the continued expansion of the shuttle system to efficiently move visitors between trailheads, business areas, and attractions. Encouraging more visitors to leave their cars and take shuttles reduces congestion for everyone.
In short, I’m running to help keep Sedona moving forward — with practical solutions, fiscal responsibility, community input, and steady leadership.
Tony, What are your thoughts on housing and short-term rentals (STRs)?
Sedona’s housing shortage is one of our most important challenges because it directly affects our workforce, our families, and the long-term health of our community. Teachers, first responders, service workers, and small-business employees need realistic options to live near their workplaces.
Short-term rentals are currently governed largely by state law, which limits what cities like Sedona can do. I support restoring more local control so our community can shape policies that reflect our needs and priorities.
If the local authority is expanded, I would support setting a reasonable cap on the percentage of homes used as STRs. Within that cap, I favor a fair, tiered permitting system that prioritizes owner-occupied properties and local residents while gradually reducing the share held by absentee and corporate owners. I would also support a transition period to allow current owners time to adjust, convert to long-term rentals, or comply with updated rules.
At the same time, STR policy alone will not solve the housing shortage. We need active public-private partnerships to create a workforce and attainable housing. Private markets alone have not fully addressed the problem; therefore, collaboration among the city, responsible developers, and community stakeholders is essential. Ongoing city housing initiatives should continue, and additional suitable locations should be carefully evaluated.
My goal is balance: protect neighborhood character, support local workers, respect property rights, and expand housing supply in practical ways.
Tony, What is your position on development at the Western Gateway?
The Western Gateway is one of the most important planning opportunities in Sedona, and decisions there should be made carefully, transparently, and based on solid analysis.
I am open to multiple concepts — including cultural, economic, and housing uses — but I would not commit to a single plan until proposals are fully developed and independently evaluated. Key questions must be answered first: total project cost, funding sources, long-term operating expenses, traffic impact, parking capacity, neighborhood effects, and realistic return on investment for the community.
One concept worth serious review is revitalizing the Cultural Park as a high-quality performance and event venue. If financially viable, it could attract visitors during slower seasons, support local businesses, and expand cultural opportunities for residents. However, this would only make sense with a workable traffic and parking plan and a clear financial model.
Workforce housing has been discussed by many as an appropriate use of the city's land at the Cultural Park. Given the strong opposition from the neighboring community, we need to carefully consider the best location for new housing. While we strive to help our “missing middle” find housing, we cannot be tone-deaf to the inputs from those most affected.
This is not a place for rushed decisions — but it is not a place for endless delay. My approach is disciplined due diligence followed by timely action.
Tony, what is your view of the city staff and city management?
Strong, professional city staff and capable management are essential to delivering reliable services and carrying out the policies set by the City Council. My view is that staff should be respected for their expertise, held accountable for results, and supported with clear direction from elected leadership.
The Council’s proper role is to set policy, priorities, and budget direction—not to micromanage day-to-day operations. When council and staff work within their roles, the city runs more efficiently and with less conflict. I support a culture of professionalism, transparency, and measurable performance standards so residents can see how well programs are working.
I also believe staff should feel safe providing candid, fact-based recommendations—even when those recommendations are not politically convenient. Good decisions depend on honest analysis. At the same time, final decisions rest with elected officials accountable to voters.
Where performance is strong, it should be recognized. Where improvements are needed, they should be addressed constructively and promptly. My approach is straightforward: respect the professionals, expect results, insist on transparency, and keep the focus on serving the public.
Tony, What is your position on Home Rule which is also on the ballot on July 21
I believe that we have to pass Home Rule in this election.
I also believe that we should strongly consider voting to raise our PBA (permanent base
adjustment) in the election cycle two years from now. We should follow suit with other Arizona cities that have raised their PBA to levels that allow for growth and inflation, so they don’t have to vote on Home Rule every 4 years.
Raising the PBA to a level that allows us to grow gives us the flexibility to use sound budgeting without worrying about whether we will pass Home Rule. We would still use our normal budgeting process, so it would not be an open checkbook; we would have all the checks and balances we have now, without the Sword of Damocles hanging over our heads.
Tony, what is your viewpoint on tourism as our Lifeblood and our Challenge
Like many of you, I love Sedona not just for its beauty, but for the community we share here.
Sedona is a special place. About 9,500 people call it home, yet several million visitors come each year to experience our red rocks, our weather, our trails, Oak Creek, our restaurants, galleries, resorts, and spas. Tourism is a major part of our economy, and many of the businesses that serve visitors are the same places we as residents enjoy every day.
Because of that, the relationship between the City of Sedona and our business community is important. Organizations like the Chamber of Commerce play a valuable role in representing local businesses, and those businesses help generate the revenue that supports many of the services our residents rely on—from roads and transit to parks and public safety.
But our responsibility as a city council is also clear: Sedona must remain a wonderful place to live for the people who live here. That means maintaining balance—supporting a healthy tourism economy while protecting the livability, beauty, and character of our community.
I believe the best path forward is partnership. The city, the business community, and residents working together—with mutual respect and common sense—to ensure Sedona remains both a great place to visit and an even better place to call home.
That’s the balance I will work to protect as your city council member. Thank you.
Tony, should improving Sedona’s appearance be a city priority?
Sedona is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. People come from around the world to see what we see every day. But when you drive along our main corridors—State Route 89A and State Route 179—you notice something: some planters are empty, some are just rock, and others are overgrown with weeds.
For a place as special as Sedona, we can do better.
I believe we should create a bold, citywide beautification effort along our main roads. Imagine thoughtfully landscaped medians with flowering trees, native desert plants, and crushed red rock accents that reflect the natural beauty around us. Instead of patchwork maintenance, Sedona could create a consistent, welcoming look along our main boulevards.
The city could work with the Arizona Department of Transportation to take responsibility for the planters, medians, and dirt areas within the road easements along these highways. Those areas aren’t really part of the adjacent properties, and business owners shouldn’t be expected to maintain them.
Sedona has the resources to do this, thanks largely to visitor spending. Over time, with a phased approach, we can transform these corridors into streets that truly reflect the pride we have in our community.
Beautification isn’t just about plants—it’s about pride in the place we call home.
Sedona's Closing Statement
I believe the City Council should include someone who understands our schools, our neighborhoods, our workforce, and the delicate balance between being a world-class destination and a livable community.
- I understand the needs of our high school.
- I understand the concerns of long-time residents.
- I understand the importance of local businesses.
- Most importantly, I understand that Sedona only works when we get that balance right and we work together.
- I have lived here for 26 years and want to use my love of Sedona as my guiding light as your councilor.
That’s why I’m running.
Donate to Tony's Campaign
I’m running for Sedona City Council because this community has given me so much, and I feel a deep responsibility to give back through service.
As a coach, a pilot, and a neighbor, I’ve always believed in showing up, doing the work, and putting people first. Running a grassroots campaign takes resources, and your donation—of any size—will help me reach more voters and share my vision for thoughtful, steady leadership that protects Sedona’s character and future.
I would be honored to have your support and your trust.