Statement from Selene Anema, RN, from West Sedona

 

It is not surprising that the issue of weed control is again on the plate of the City Council. You cannot apply the same mindset to nontoxic weed control as you do to spraying toxic herbicides.

 

A nontoxic solution to the problem of weed control involves a more complex and comprehensive approach. It involves more time to consider the alternatives. It involves more time to implement the alternatives. It will probably cost more, at least initially, to address the problem. And I would venture to say that it also involves a team approach, especially since the City of Sedona currently does not employ any one person with expertise in the area of nontoxic weed control, let alone a horticultural expert. It would also involve documentation of what works and doesn't work, trial and error.

 

We hope that the City Council will understand that this entails a different mindset, not only to address the immediate weed problem, but also to consider long-term solutions. You could call it a holistic approach to weed control. It is necessary to consider the broad context.

 

It also raises many questions:

 

Are the landscaping methods being used actually creating more weed control problems?

 

Who identifies the problem areas?

 

Who decides what plan to take?

 

Who implements the plan?

 

Is there enough manpower to implement the plan?

 

Who evaluates the results?

 

Who is accountable for the results?

 

What is the budget for this process?

 

The concern over the toxic effects of chemicals such as herbicides is not going to go away. Sedona is a Mecca for those seeking healing of the body and mind. We who are here for our health have nowhere else to go, and so we must create an environment that is safe for all of us. Thank you for your time and consideration of this issue.