Unmarked Political Signs Pop Up Across Sedona

Recent findings by the Sedona Red Rock News reveal that two large signs promoting a “yes” vote for Proposition 483 were positioned by Steve Segner, a supporter of a car camp initiative. Despite public sentiment revealing that 91% of participants in a non-scientific poll either ignore or are irritated by roadside political signs, Segner remains undeterred. His investment in these signs, however, may not comply with state election disclosure requirements.

Proposition 483, introduced by the Save the Cultural Park Committee, aims to contest the Sedona City Council’s decision made on March 12 to rezone part of the Sedona Cultural Park for a car camp intended for homeless workers. Voting “yes” on Proposition 483 would validate the council’s zoning change, allowing construction to advance. Conversely, a “no” vote would reverse this change, maintaining the park’s current zoning status. The proposition will appear on ballots in the general election scheduled for November 5.

In early September, Segner displayed the signs strategically in two locations. One sign is situated on Cooks Hill in a right-of-way managed by the Arizona Department of Transportation along State Route 89A, while the other is located at Brewer and Ranger roads within the City of Sedona’s jurisdiction. The Cooks Hill sign states, “Yes on Prop 483: Save Sedona: Vote Yes,” while the other sign promotes, “Yes on Prop 483: Less Traffic: Vote Yes.” Notably, both signs lack any disclosure regarding the funding source for the political advertisement.

State law mandates that certain criteria must be met for political signs to be shielded from removal by officials, including the necessity for disclosure regarding who financed the advertisement. Segner, acknowledging that he isn’t affiliated with a political action committee, claimed he was advised by the city attorney that only his name, placed inconspicuously on the rear of the sign, suffices for compliance. No name had been present on the signs as of the publication date.

Segner also mentioned plans to distribute a political mailer to all Sedona households, which will similarly need to disclose its funding source. According to City Attorney Kurt Christianson, the city staff remains neutral regarding the content of political signs, with code enforcement overseeing the physical placement of these signs. However, queries regarding jurisdiction over sign placement concerning the Arizona Department of Transportation remain unanswered.

Initially, Sedona intended to finance the proposed car camp through state grant funds. Interim Sedona Housing Manager Jeanne Frieder indicated that if the program proceeds, the start date could be adjusted to ensure funding access, although the expenditure deadline remains June 30, 2026. The integrity of city staff’s neutrality was called into question, prompting an inquiry led by Yavapai County Deputy County Attorney Michael Gordon. As of September 26, Gordon stated that the inquiry’s timeline remains uncertain.