The Verde Connect is a waste of money.

I have lived on 89A since before the roundabouts and called it the bypass road since it was built for the cement trucks and I understand with financial aid from the cement plant so the cement trucks could avoid downtown Clarkdale and Cottonwood. NOTE: Bypass and for the cement trucks.

For those of us who are truly concerned about the economic future of our Village (ie. property values, tax revenue), we should consider positive change rather than immediately oppose it.

I find that current reporting seems to hold the Catholic Church to a higher standard than what Protestant churches are held to or is it because people believe the Catholic Church has deep pockets. Let’s be fair. Report all abuse.

There is an informative publication on the FAA website that speaks to the city’s right, obligation even, to charge user fees to help make the airport financially self-sustaining.

The fact that this road never had public support as seen by the fact that Jerome, Camp Verde and most recently the Beaver Creek communities have publicly come out against it.

All the opinions seen on Verde Connect seem to be from Camp Verde residents. How about an opinion from a Cornvillian?

Many mistakes have been made throughout the Verde Connect process by both those for and against the project.

I am proud that the Town of Camp Verde Council had the wisdom and courage to recognize this proposed project for what it is: A poorly conceived, waste of taxpayer’s dollars that does nothing to deal with the very real traffic issues that exist in Yavapai County today.

I would like to comment on a couple points in the June 9th editorial regarding the “high cost” of public safety retirement pensions.

As many of my Cottonwood neighbors do, I walk most mornings. I have been very disturbed by the increased litter of plastic bags stuck to cacti, trees and throughout our beautiful desert.

The results of the Verde Valley Master Transportation Plan 2015 public participation of only 45 people from three towns should not have been accepted as credibly representative.

This project has to have a connector road from the bridge on the Verde River to Middle Verde Road. It is the main requirement of the bridge grant from the Federal Government.

We came through Sedona for the first time in late August 1969. It looked like a gorgeous place that was almost empty. We have come back to Sedona ever since and finally moved to VOC in 2012.

It is very unfair to lump the Arizona State Retirement System in with this editorial about the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System.

So let’s stop calling people names and actually talk to people as opposed to talking down to people with the idea “I’ve been here longer and know better. so shut up”.

Now, if in 2011 I had planted an Obama banner in the back of my truck and led a one-man parade, many, many, many times through our fine city, it would have been fair and balanced, and quite accurate to refer to me as a nincompoop.

President Trump has been successful with his promises and actions and has stolen the thunder in advance from Democrat hopefuls.

I just got through reading another letter from a probably newbie who thinks the best solution to our traffic problems is to rebuild the bridge across Oak Creek at Red Rock Crossing.

Mr. Fairchild’s comment to “put the bridge back at Red Rock Crossing…” has one problem- there never was a bridge at Red Rock Crossing.

On behalf of Sedona Public Library, I would like to thank the entire community for support of library services and programs. There are too many people to name individually, so I will highlight groups and organizations: Big Park Regional Coordinating Council, Church of the Nazarene, Sedona Car Club, Sedona Winds Retirement Community and the Village Business Association.

Those of you who moved here, to the beautiful Village of Oak Creek, found a peaceful town with a high-rated school for our children. What happened? The Big Park Regional Coordinating Council has been trying to do what’s good for the people of the Village, with our zoning and community input.

“The American Republic, especially after the Constitution of 1787 was ratified, was a federal union. Thus a national criminal system was piled on top of the state systems. To be sure, the states -- then and now -- had the lion’s share of the crime and punishment business.

I want to thank Mr. Walter Cobler Jr. for a very heart-felt letter. I feel his dilemma. He has identified a few very important issues with the current administration, and I agree with his assessment. I have some questions for him, however.

Not all Republicans are Trumpers. Even some of his loyal base are not totally enthralled with their president. I have heard many state certain displeasures regarding his style and tweets and misrepresentations. None the less, his base seems loyal to him.

Once again Republican lawmakers want to make it more difficult for voters to have a choice on issues like the minimum wage, renewable energy, marijuana legislation, and school vouchers.

I wish to thank the seven volunteers who participated in the Verde Village section of Highway 260 on May 19. These volunteers were Gene Carrigan, Jayloy Thorkelson, Charles Mackay, David Nelson, Beth Cady, Kathleen Dusek, David Nauman, and this letter writer.

I am hearing about the many states that are initiating anti abortion laws. All I hear is about these anti-abortion sentiments and wonder where are the pro-life sentiments.

I’m a retired certified Arborist and I was horrified to pull up to my mobile home park the other day and see that our wonderful conifers across the front had been topped.

I’ve been a hard core Republican my entire life but I can’t hold back anymore and I must speak my truth. First; I will never vote for a Democrat, but I gave Trump more than a chance. Can’t I be a hard core Republican and question what’s happening with Trump?

I could go on and on with objections to the appearance and health concerns of an APS substation in our neighborhood but I think the issue is for the residents of Clarkdale to know what the town is planning and to have the opportunity for input.

Each year hundreds of birders descend on Dead Horse Ranch State Park for the Verde Valley Birding and Nature Festival.

We were very disappointed by the cartoon in last week’s paper, insinuating that people who don’t vaccinate their kids are stupid. And then again, in Sunay’s paper, there is an article indicating that the school system is so proud that they have achieved their goal of high vaccination rates to support “herd immunity.”

May is Bicycle Awareness Month throughout the United States. Cottonwood has been a participant for 12 years.

After reading all the comments about traffic, it seems the only thing they all agree on is to route the traffic through someone else’s neighborhood.

The Mountain Bike Club at Oak Creek School is an awesome program. I have two children who participate in the club and both absolutely love it.

I have read the new proposed amended application for re-zoning by developer Chandrika Patel.

The traffic problem in the Village of Oak Creek and Sedona is a very serious problem.

This fee is common with many cities around the United States, it helps pay for things that this city needs like Emergency Services, and local infrastructure.

I grew up across the road from an airport in Southern California that had 10 times the traffic Cottonwood Airport does and never once did I hear a single person ever complain it was too noisy.

Manzanita Outreach held its Saturday food-sharing event Saturday, April 20, in the parking lot of the Verde Valley Christian Church, located at 406 S. 6th Street in Cottonwood.

When are the whiners going to stop whining? I have worked in aviation my whole adult life, lived in many different states, worked at many different airports. If you think Cottonwood airport is noisy, go and spend some time at Deer Valley airport, Scottsdale, and Falcon Field in Mesa. I think your outlook would change.

Before starting another costly go-nowhere project, let’s fix the problems we have.

All are invited to Yavapai College District Governing Board meeting to be held next Tuesday, April 23, at the Verde campus, 601 Black Hills Drive, Clarkdale, room M 137 starting at 1 p.m. This is one of only two times the board actually meets in the Verde Valley.

Since 1999, AZ law has required all Az Realtors to disclose vicinity of airports on their pre-purchase disclosure forms. Did not these people know there was an airport nearby?

It will probably come as no surprise to most Cottonwood residents that our city owned airport does not produce enough revenues to cover its operating costs.

Saturday’s community information meeting hosted by our newest councilwoman, Jackie Nairn, was attended by 50 or so residents of the Vertie Valley. We applaud her efforts to hear the voices of her constituents.

Airplanes and helicopters refuel all day and into the night. What kind of fire suppression systems are available at the Cottonwood Airport to deal with a gas or aviation fuel spill or catastrophic fire? Do you have any CO2 tanks or foam systems to deal with an “out of control” fire?

I live in Clarkdale and have read all the letters to the editor of the Verde Independent re the increased noise from flights to and from the Cottonwood airport.

We have owned a business in the Town of Clarkdale for the past 21 years; it has been a wonderful home for our business. They welcomed us in Clarkdale. We have had multiple reasons for enjoying our location, from the beautiful views looking out the windows and doors of our building, to the many services we enjoy.

The traffic problem in the Village of Oak Creek and Sedona is a very serious problem. When one of the City of Sedona surveys, done in January, 2017, showed that 4,300 daily trips are made between the Village of Oak Creek and Sedona, again, nothing was done to alleviate the situation.

As a 18 year resident living near the Cottonwood airport, I have a few thoughts about the recent airport controversy:

I wish to thank Editor Dan Engler and the Verde Independent reporting staff for bringing to light Council Member Michael Mathews’ private views and his behind the scenes actions regarding the airport.

I attended the March 12, Cottonwood City Council meeting to hear the unveiling of the 5-year strategic plan by the new City Manager, Ron Corbin. Following the presentation, I and several other residents within the city spoke regarding the Strategic Plan’s intent to expand the Airport as an economic driver.

Cottonwood City Council approved its strategic plan (April 2) . On Sunday, Cottonwood residents learned exactly what is going on behind the scenes with our elected officials, their strategic plan and the lengths they will go to see it succeed.

As more and more people migrate to the wonderful climate, people, and place that is Arizona, remember that there are those who came here before you.

If I am not mistaken, Cottonwood started out as a ranching and farming community in support of Jerome’s mining industry.

Mr. David Leibforth, unfortunately, in his March 5 guest editorial,, doesn’t perceive the value of teaching the Bible for credit in high schools.

As someone who lives near the airport I have become very concerned that the City of Cottonwood is looking to increase future tourism and business by encouraging increased use of our airport.

For most of our nation’s history the Bible was taught in public education. We are not wiser than our forefathers in this regard. We owe it to our youth to let them achieve their potential by providing them the tools of knowledge and the historical context of our culture.

I belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; the most progressive denomination of Lutherans. We ordain men and women, gay and straight, to pastor our churches. We believe in inclusivity, in unity within diversity. We cherish every human being as loved by God without any superiority, inferiority, or labeling.

More jets, helicopters and training exercises? If we don’t now is the time to make our views known to the mayor and city council members as they consider their draft strategic plan for Cottonwood.

Kudos to the clean-up crew who tackled the big job of cleaning Windmill Park in Cornville after the flood.

Mr. Gosar, who previously was a practicing dentist, did not display any type of clear thoughts, thought organization, respect for others, or any type of ability to get information from the witness, which, of course, would be meaningful to the voters of District 4.

Consider the consequences if your own mother had sided with the Senate Democrats and chosen this option.

My concerns about teaching the Bible in public schools outweigh my enthusiasm for such a task.

I wish I had something important to report but I have to say that someone who was raised in central California cannot believe that the Verde Valley was shut down by snow.

Too many fall victim to substances, legal and illegal. Commonly prescribed drugs are debilitating families and leading people to the street. Kids are over-prescribed and set up for a lifetime of drug consumption.

Much debate rages over illegal immigration, border security, and “Trump’s Wall.” The issue has become highly politicized and, yes, on both sides.

Rep. Kelly Townsend is to be applauded for sounding the alarm over cellphone spying. However, such snooping is only the tip of the proverbial spyberg.

I wish to thank all of the volunteers who helped on the Highway 260 cleanup in the VVPOA section of the highway.

Though 91 percent of Republicans, 92 percent of Independents and 98 percent of Democrats favor the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), the Arizona legislature is once again holding it up.

Thank you for giving us readers the commentaries by Byron York. His recent commentary on ‘co-equal’ was interesting, informative, and factual.

It is a very out-of-the-way bypass, if you can call it that. Anyone who is going to stop at Hamburger Junction is going to stop there, whether Verde Connect is built or not, as it is the only gas station/food area and everyone will have to go by there anyway, Verde Connect or not.

Tuesday, January 15th, the Cottonwood City Council ended the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) process with a 5-2 vote in support of the Parks and Recreation Riverfront Park Master Plan.

At this writing, there are two lamp posts laying on the ground and are the same ones that were knocked over less than a year ago.

My experience Wednesday afternoon on January 9 suggests an appropriate slogan for the Verde Valley would be “Land of Good Samaritans.”

Hopefully our next civil war will not last 30 years, but if we do not find middle ground I fear that this is where we are heading.

rump and the Republicans have taken our country backwards another several hundred years. Come on White House, get the government open, then work on your wall.

There is already a 200-unit senior mobile home park in place, Sedona Shadows.

I have to give grudging respect to Donald Trump and his art of the deal. Trump is very good at baiting people into his web.

I hear the talking heads claiming that the American people looked at Jim Mattis as a stabilizing influence on the president. Nah. For all the good the Press and Media do, they don’t give me that intimate a look at the workings of my government.

I’m heartened that a concerted regional effort was made to obtain this grant, but am left wondering why funds couldn’t be used for our more pressing transportation problems.

I do not need a half a page to contradict Mr. Michael Westlund. What he needs is a little common sense.

Despite any policy differences we may have, we hope we can agree that racism should find no safe harbor in the Arizona House of Representatives.

Little by little, new gods, growth, convenience, and more growth assert themselves in the Verde Valley, and soon no sacrifice is unthinkable on their behalf.

That was quite a turkey dinner that the Clarkdale Moose Lodge (No. 1449) put on for the seniors in our community last Sunday afternoon.

For 14 years, our four adult Golden Retrievers (Slim, Nancy, Joy, and Kudo) worked as Pet Therapy Dogs at Verde Valley Medical Center.

I am contacting you in reference to the amount of traffic on Pelia/Rancho Vista Way.

The family of Adelina Regina Razo-Gomez extend our most heartfelt thanks to the family and friends that have shown us love and support by joining in our celebration of life and laying to eternal rest our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother.

My point is, maybe it would behoove next year’s parade organizers to consider the safety of onlookers more seriously and to provide volunteers and/or police officers to mitigate crowds and traffic, so as to avoid having a very serious accident. It may be as simple as having signs posted along certain congested streets on the parade route to keep people back, or tape off certain residential streets, to block people from parking on those streets.

During this season of giving, we need to remember those who take care of our daily/weekly needs and are often taken for granted.

The Cottonwood Society of St. Vincent de Paul recently held our annual “Turkey Tuesday” food drive at Food City.

Every holiday season thousands of seniors are poverty stricken financially and emotionally as they sit at home alone … feeling forgotten.

As a 6th generation native Arizonan I can relate to Patti Hughes Letter on the decline of Sedona. I feel the same way about the whole state and especially the state government.

Why has Cottonwood torn up 12th Street again? Two years ago, they took a long time to rebuild it and now it is a mess again with no bike lanes and a rough surface to drive on.

A short while ago this morning I was tooling down 89A toward Cottonwood, maintaining normally a steady speed of 45 mph per the posted limit.

My first visit to Sedona was in 1986. There wasn’t much here. The Rainbow Room and the Art Barn provided nightlife and culture in that order.

I am now one of your elected representatives on the MUHS school board. You overwhelmingly voted me into this position.

Following the 2016 election of Trump we saw a surge in membership in the League of Women Voters locally and nationally

I am concerned with the cars traveling down our road. For one we have no sidewalks and people use our street as a short cut to the hospital, college, cement plant or wherever they go when accessing the Willard extension.

Even though our hearts are aching at the loss of our beloved “Lefty Ortiz”, his wife, children and siblings want to extend a grateful thank you to so many people involved in Lefty’s care.

It’s rumored that in the Cold War environment of the 60s, Soviet Premier, Nikita Kruschev, said some things that add up to this paraphrase: “We will destroy the United States from within. We will introduce little bits of socialism to the American people over time and one day you will wake up, and you will already have communism.”

My concern is that on Sept. 24, I observed a gentleman come into the rec center carrying a large machete-type knife in a sheath.

The front page of The Villager on November 1, 2018 had the “Verde Valley/Sedona School Report Cards” which shows how bad the school ratings are (except for our previous neighborhood school which received an A).

In her October 21 letter to the Verde Independent regarding Proposition 445, Jai Hurst informs us Clarkdale received an average of $299,434 annually in Highway User Revenue Fund (HURF) monies during the last decade. That may be a fact, but it is not the whole story.

For 10 years the Arizona State Legislature “swept” money collected for municipal streets in Arizona to pay other statewide expenses. In fiscal year 2018 alone, $90,000 was taken from the Town of Clarkdale that would have been used to maintain our roads.

A senseless act of violence took place at a Jewish place of worship. An evil man ended lives during a service celebrating life.

Thank you, thank you, thank you again VVMC for the gift of life.

As the mayor stated, the need for a city hall large enough to house all departments has been discussed for years. The opportunity has been brought before Council that would be an excellent opportunity to move forward, and it would be the best opportunity financially. The facility would cost a lot less that finding property and building a facility.

In response to Chip Davis’ letter. I am all for considering all the facts. Facts Mr. Davis should already know as the former Yavapai County Supervisor, but the regular Clarkdale voter would not be aware of unless they did their research.

Journalists, in general, are not enemies of the American people, but they are not saintly watchdogs keeping government honest, either. Few can put aside prejudices or a desire to remain employed.

Michael C. Westlund recently wrote a letter to the world apologizing for the “despicable, detestable, degrading spectacle “of the nomination process for now justice Brett Kavanaugh.

New rules on the use of public spaces proposed by the Trump administration and Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke pose a grave danger to this country’s most precious free speech rights and must be stopped.

In response to Mr. Stack’s latest missive of October 11th.

The Verde Independent reported September 22 that Tom Steyer-financed Proposition 127 would be rendered ineffective by legislation signed by Governor Ducey. While this may be true, it does not mean 127’s passage could not have negative effects, particularly as regards the Verde River.

We just can’t escape it, in the mailbox, on the television, or on our car radio, politics is everywhere. It seems every television and radio political advertisement we hear has twisted some slightly factual information into a totally different message to make us love or hate someone or some movement. For Clarkdale residents we will be voting on Proposition 445, a 10 year bond for public roads.

Prop. 445 is the Clarkdale Road Maintenance bond with a principal of 6 million dollars and bond interest and service of 1.3 million dollars for a total of $7,304,538.)

This is a historic moment for the county but in particular for the Verde Valley voter as we get to vote for our Yavapai Community College board member to represent us.

For examples of socialism that contradicts Mr. Foreman, there is Spain’s Mondragon Cooperative, Israel, & England. The Mondragon Cooperative, where workers are also owners, is the most successful socialist (or quasi-socialist) enterprise in the world. It’s not perfect, but it has not resulted in an abundance of dead.

This is a VERY delayed response to an editorial by Editor Dan Engler on June 13, 2017.