Sedona City Council censures Mayor Jablow and requests he resign

The Sedona City Council voted to censure Mayor Jablow and requested that he resign after a public meeting that followed an executive session. Councilor Kinsella moved the censure, citing repeated violations of council rules; the motion passed by voice vote.

Councilor Kinsella, who introduced the motion, summarized the council's findings and read the text that the council adopted. Kinsella said the council concluded the mayor “has lost the confidence of the council, staff, and the public,” and listed allegations including interference with city staff and departments, creating a hostile work environment, breaking attorney–client confidentiality, circumventing council process, acting beyond the authority of the office of mayor, acting unilaterally, and violating principles of ethical conduct for elected officials. Kinsella also said the mayor had previously received two private reprimands for similar conduct.

The motion asked the council to formally censure Mayor Jablow and requested that, “for the good of the community, the mayor resign his office.” The censure motion was moved by Councilor Kinsella and seconded (name not specified in the record). The council voted on the motion by voice; the meeting record states the motion carried.

Several council members spoke in support of the motion. One council member said, “Rules and procedures are essential elements of a well functioning government,” and urged that norms and written rules be followed. Another supporting speaker said the documentation the council reviewed was “compelling” and that they would vote yes on the motion. One council member said the public is right to expect accountability and encouraged residents to hold elected officials to a higher standard.

Not all council members supported the motion. A council member identified in the record as Derek said, “I don't think it's up to council to decide whether the mayor finishes his term. It's up to the voters,” and said he would not support the motion. Mayor Jablow addressed the council, apologized for “overstepping in different ways,” and said he would not resign, adding that he would “leave it to the voters” and would participate in any recall process.

The meeting began with the council voting to enter an executive session that the record said was held pursuant to a cited statute and to discuss legal advice and the discipline of a public officer; the executive-session authorization in the record references “ARS 30 eight-four 31.03 A 1 and 3.” The censure motion was introduced in open session after the council returned from that executive session.

The council's action was limited to censure and a public request that the mayor resign; the council did not remove the mayor from office. Council members noted that further action by the public, such as a recall, would be a separate process under state law.

Votes at a glance: The censure motion carried by voice vote; the record does not list a roll-call tally by name. The meeting record shows at least two council members explicitly opposing the motion and multiple members expressing support. The mayor declined to resign.