Category Archives: Local Politics

Keene Interview – Podcast October 18, 2021

Posted on October 20, 2021 by Gary LaMaster

The Complexities And Frustrations Of City Management. Steve and Guest host Karen McClelland welcome Sedona’s Deputy City Manager, Joanne Keene, to discuss what the city can and can’t do to address common complaints and the city’s most pressing issues. They … Continue reading →

Posted in Arizona Politics, Community, Education, Environment, Federal Lands, Government, Housing, Infrastructure, Interviews, Jobs and Employment, Local Politics, Public Policy, Tourism | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Segner Interview – Podcast September 20, 2021

Posted on September 20, 2021 by Gary LaMaster

Replacing Misinformation And Fighting With Dialogue. Democratic Perspective host Steve Williamson welcomes Steve Segner, hotel owner and president of Sedona Lodging Council, to discuss changes in the City of Sedona. Segner begins by announcing an upcoming panel discussion on short-term … Continue reading →

Posted in Capitalism, Civil Society, Class Conflict, Community, Community Activism, Cultural Diversity, Disinformation, Domestic Extremism, Government, Housing, Interviews, LIberals and Conservatives, Local Politics, Political Polarization, Public Policy, Social Media, Tourism | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Segner Interview – Podcast September 20, 2021

Martinez, Williamson interview – Podcast September 13, 2021

Posted on September 13, 2021 by Gary LaMaster

Workers Priced Out Of Sedona. Steve Williamson welcomes Linda Martinez and City Council member Jessica Williamson to discuss a long-standing problem for Sedona – affordable housing. According to Williamson, affordable housing is defined by income based on a household spending … Continue reading →

Posted in Civic Renewal, Class Conflict, Community, Cultural Diversity, Development, Disinformation, Government, Growth, Housing, Income Inequality, Interviews, Jobs and Employment, Labor Shortages, LIberals and Conservatives, Local Politics, Political Lies, Public Policy | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Martinez, Williamson interview – Podcast September 13, 2021

Ruby, Lutes Interview – Podcast September 6, 2021

Posted on September 6, 2021 by Gary LaMaster

Fighting The Good Fight. Back from an extended vacation, Steve Williamson welcomes John Lutes and Jay Ruby to the show. Lutes is chair of the Yavapai Democratic Party, a business owner and manager who ran for Yavapai County Supervisor against … Continue reading →

Posted in Arizona Politics, Civil Liberties, Civil Rights, Community Activism, Corruption, Dark Money, Democratic Governance, Government, Interviews, Labor Movement, Labor Unions, Local Politics, Paul Gosar, Political Clubs, Political Polarization, Public Education, Tax Law, Taxation, Voter Suppression, Voting, Water Policy | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Ruby, Lutes Interview – Podcast September 6, 2021

Hoffman, Constabile Interview – Podcast, August 16, 2021

Posted on August 16, 2021 by Gary LaMaster

All Things Elections. Guest host Kathy Kinsella welcomes Yavapai County Recorder, Leslie Hoffman, and Elections Director, Lynn Constabile, to discuss election procedures and election security in Arizona. In a few minutes, these experienced professionals explain everything you need to know … Continue reading →

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Michaels Interview – Podcast August 9, 2021

Posted on August 9, 2021 by Gary LaMaster

The Importance Of Stewardship. Democratic Perspective co-host Hava welcomes Donna Michaels to discuss her first six months in office as a Yavapai County supervisor. She begins by noting that stewardship is the key to a healthy community. To that end, … Continue reading →

Posted in Civic Renewal, Community, Community Activism, Environment, Environmental Issues, Federal Lands, Government, Housing, Interviews, Local Politics, Policing, Public Accountability, Public Lands, Public Policy, Public Service, Tourism, U.S. Forest Service, Wilderness Preservation | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Michaels Interview – Podcast August 9, 2021

Comello, Segner Interview – Podcast May 31, 2021

Posted on May 31, 2021 by Gary LaMaster

Troubled Sedona: Rumors, Conflicts And Social Media. Democratic Perspective host Steve Williamson welcomes Al Comello and Steve Segner back to the show to discuss the many issues facing Sedona, one of the world’s premier tourist spots. Comello is Vice Chairman … Continue reading →

Posted in Civil Society, Community, Community Activism, Conservative Paranoia, Democratic Governance, Demographic Trends, Development, Disinformation, Government, Growth, Housing, Interviews, Jobs and Employment, Local Politics, Public Accountability, Scandal Mongering, Social Media, Sustainable Development, Tourism | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on Comello, Segner Interview – Podcast May 31, 2021

Derby, Williamson Interview – Podcast May 24, 2021

Posted on May 24, 2021 by Gary LaMaster

Hava And Steve One On One. The co-hosts spend some time chatting with one another to explain their differing approaches to politics and community. As the founder Democratic Perspective, Steve has been involved in politics for many years, while Hava … Continue reading →

Posted in Civic Renewal, Civil Society, Community, Community Activism, Criminal Justice Reform, Cultural Change, Government, Interviews, Justice System, Local Politics, Policing, Political Polarization, Public Accountability, Social Contract | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Derby, Williamson Interview – Podcast May 24, 2021

Ploog, Williamson Interview – Podcast May 10, 2021

Posted on May 24, 2021 by Gary LaMaster

Cities In Chains. Democratic Perspective co-host, Steve Williamson welcomes Sedona City Council Members, Holli Ploog and Jessica Williamson, to discuss the Arizona legislature’s attack on the ability of cities to control themselves. As an example, Ploog notes that the Arizona … Continue reading →

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Comello, Segner Interview – Podcast April 5, 2021

Posted on April 5, 2021 by Gary LaMaster

The Future Of Real Estate Development In Arizona’s Verde Valley. Democratic Perspective co-hosts Steve Williamson and Hava Derby engage in a lively discussion with guests, Al Comello and Steve Segner, over some of the area’s proposed developments. Segner is owner … Continue reading →

Posted in Arizona Politics, Community, Community Activism, Development, Environment, Government, Interviews, Labor Shortages, Local Politics, Public Lands, Public Policy, Regulatory Agencies, Sustainable Development, Tourism, Water Policy, Wilderness Preservation | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on Comello, Segner Interview – Podcast April 5, 2021