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Latest Opinions

Leonard: Protect American patients by eliminating the pill penalty

Life-science researchers are thrilled about the advances made with “small-molecule” medicines.
Opinion

Unkefer: The Paradise Valley sound ordinance is sufficient

I own a pickleball court. It is for our personal use with friends and family. We do not play after 10 p.m. Our court is far from neighboring homes. We don't hold any "leagues or tournaments." …

Nussbaum: Legislation strips away petitioning power

I recently learned of a complaint filed to Secretary of State Adrian Fontes by Third Way, a national think tank that champions modern center-left ideas.
Opinion

Fanguen: Schweikert pioneered same legislation as anti-abortion groups in front of Supreme Court

As the U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments that could “pave the way toward a national abortion ban” by severely restricting access to the medication mifepristone, David Schweikert and …
Opinion

Downing: Fountain Hills Theater puts out another triumph

Our local Fountain Hills Theater is often amazing. The world premiere production of “The Great Gatsby – The Musical,” is its latest triumph. This musical adaptation of F. Scott …
Opinion

Dime: Unconstitutional edicts are redefining America

Federal government manipulations have been confusing and confounding since 2021. In 2022 David Mamet wrote this elucidation: “My question, watching my beloved American democracy and culture …

Shinkoskey: Figuring out meaning of MAGA

Court proceedings of late have helped me figure out the meaning of MAGA.
opinion

Stewart: Standing against human trafficking

Chandler has joined forces with other cities, police departments and nonprofits across the Valley to take a stand against human trafficking. We’re using state funding that equips police …

Williams: Banning TikTok not the answer

The House recently passed a ban on TikTok and now the decision will rest in the hands of Senator Kyrsten Sinema, Mark Kelly, and the rest of the U.S. Senate.
Opinion

Telepak: Backyard casitas make multigenerational living possible

A few years ago, we read Marie Kondo's book, "The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up," and watched her show and others, like "The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning" and "Queer Eye" — all …
Take the Civility Pledge

Civility Checklist

How to engage in respectful, honest & civil dialogue about public issues.

Checkmark Take the high road.  Respond to the topic — not the person. Refrain from demonizing others for their opinions. Assume those you disagree with are, like you, genuinely interested in improving the community.

Checkmark Be respectful. Bullying, public humiliation, insults, name-calling, harassment, and threats directed at another person — or that person's race, gender, religion, ethnicity, etc. — have no place in civil discussions. Find ways to respectfully disagree without questioning someone's character or motives.

Checkmark Be truthful. Base your opinions/arguments on facts. Value honesty. Make only accurate statements when making your point and avoid exaggeration and stereotypes. When appropriate, cite your sources of information that others may question. 

Checkmark Don't misrepresent. Always identify your opinions as opinions (not stating opinions as facts). Never misrepresent the views of others or falsely claim your opinions represent someone else. If quoting the words of others, identify and credit the source.

Checkmark Listen  & learn. It's both polite and respectful to listen to those we disagree with (as well as those we support) and be genuine in our attempts to understand their point of view. Expand your mind by thoughtfully seeking out views that don't agree with your own.

CheckmarkLook for common ground. When disagreeing with others, look for even small areas of agreement — which can be the gateway to working together for the greater good.

Checkmark Respect privacy. Keep private things private — whether it involves your own information or those with whom you disagree. Revealing private information about someone else is rude, unethical, potentially harmful and, in many cases, illegal.

Checkmark Set a good example. Practice civil behavior online as well as in public and in your interaction with others. Encourage others to practice these civil behaviors. And it's OK to challenge disrespectful behavior — but be courteous, respectful and helpful in your approach.

Now that you've read the checklist, take the Civility Pledge. 

Your Community Your Voice
Jeff Ferry

Ferry: U.S. faces a solar panel apocalypse

America’s solar manufacturing industry is heading for disaster, even though installations of solar panels are growing.

Evander: Will law have an effect?

There is a lot of angst in the news about Texas’s SB 4 law that would allow law enforcers in Texas to arrest suspected migrants on a misdemeanor charge if they are in the U.S. illegally.
Adam Brake

Brake: Long-term care staffing mandate not the answer

Long term care is an essential part of our health care system, but access to this care is in jeopardy because of a proposal from the Biden administration to impose a federal staffing mandate on nursing homes.

Daniels: FIND Act will help patients

There are not many issues in Congress that are as important as life or death, but there is one that might be.

Dime: When hate turns evil

Hate-filled bureaucrats spinning disinformation is an amoral political strategy – lying is evil. The media regurgitating misinformation is deceitful – collusion is evil. Watching evil in …
Mia Vega

Vega: Helping bright futures shine during spring state assessments

As Arizonans welcome the Spring sunshine, we also usher in the season of standardized testing for our schoolchildren.

Melendez: Join the Diplomatic Corps of Arizona in celebrating our country

It is my honor and privilege to announce as Ambassador at Large of the Diplomatic Corps of Arizona (39 nations) that this November 16, our organization will dedicate our annual Ambassadors’ …
Sun Cities 4 Paws Thrift Boutique is having its annual Spring Kitten Shower, March 24.

Heise: 4 Paws Thrift Boutique is having its spring kitten shower

It's the time of year that starts "kitten season" here in Arizona, and Sun Cities 4 Paws Thrift Boutique holds its annual spring kitten shower.

Lynch: Defending the Bayh-Dole Act from revision

Arizona State University recent accomplishments in innovation, where it ranked in the top 10 worldwide U.S. patents is a good reminder that there are tremendous benefits to public/private partnerships when it comes to patent development.

Rose: The importance of investing in education

Arizona’s economy and communities benefit when students continue their education after high school. Whether studying for a four-year degree or a two-year specialized certification, most …

Drozd: Was Biden out of line on SOTU?

When critiquing President Biden’s state of the union address, please note that I am not a fan of either Presidents Biden or Trump.
Rachel Sacco (Submitted image)

Sacco: With new partnership, Scottsdale aims to become accessible tourism destination

As the name implies, at Experience Scottsdale, we want everyone, from all corners and walks of life, to discover the wonders of our Sonoran Desert city. We hope visitors, no matter their background …

Stelter: Independent voter chooses incumbent

As an independent, I have decided to vote for Joe Biden for President, not because I fully endorse his policies. It is that Donald Trump does not deserve support.

Stidd: Be on lookout for Sun City scammers

I am an elderly resident in Sun City and am usually able to recognize a scammer.

Lundin: Ignore the noise and decide based on policy

Senator Sinema has dropped out of the Senate race. But we know American politics does not reward those who take a middle road. After the SOTU speech, it is clear that our main party …
Edwin Sayres

Sayres: Animal groups are leaving local pet shelters behind

The most high-profile decision of my four-decade career in animal welfare was in 2007.
Robert Robb

Robb: Biden keeps making it tougher for swing voters

President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address represented a strategic choice and, in my view, a strategic mistake.

Zientek: A message of thanks to George, the good Samaritan

I hope that a very kind and generous gentleman named George from Fountain Hills sees this letter. My bike chain slipped off its sprocket as I was riding along the McCormick Ranch path on Friday …
The Trailhead recently announced two tenants, but some Peoria residents aren't necessarily happy.

Peoria resident airs grievances over city decisions

A little less than a year ago myself and fellow neighbors witnessed a huge amount of truck traffic on Beardsley Road in violation of city code.
Llewellyn King

King: Summer isn't the only great time to visit Europe

The people of the world are planning to descend on Europe this summer. Not, I hasten to say, as migrants but as tourists.

Hendrix: Prefers Biden over Trump for president

I love the way others defend our Former Traitor in Chief.

Smyth: Charles Barkley for U.S. Senate?

Most Arizona voters are reasonably moderate, so I don’t sense a lot of enthusiasm for the presumptive nominees for Kyrsten Sinema’s U.S. Senate seat – far right Republican Kari Lake …

Schweers: How could anyone vote for Trump?

Never have I ever been in such total disbelief over the Republican party. Their chosen candidate told us what he’ll do if re-elected. He’ll take away freedoms for religions other …

Bjerk: Robotic surgery effective

I’ve been the recipient of robotic surgery for a cancerous growth on one of my kidneys awhile ago and would not hesitate to do it again.

Robinson: Thank you to Peoria Independent

All I can say is thank you to the Peoria Independent!
Amy McSheffrey

McSheffrey: What's on this mom's vision board? Clean buses, less pollution

If you’ve created a vision board for 2024, perhaps you included images of a dreamy vacation, fitness goals, or a resort-style pool.

Gant: Don't be fooled by fake calls

Several days ago, I received a phone call that went like this: “Hello, grandpa. It’s me your grandson.”
Jaime Roberts

Roberts/Voepel: Long-term care profession at critical junction

Many of the long-standing challenges that have faced our sector have been magnified as a result of the pandemic, particularly as it pertains to our workforce.

Hechos: Fact checking in presidential election

Whoa! There sure were a lot of fast and loose claims, opinions and assumptions tossed around by a few contributors to this forum in the March 6 edition.
Dr. Sushil Pandey

Abrazo Health: Early detection helps prevent colon cancer

The month of March is recognized as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. It’s a reminder that proactive screenings can detect polyps or early cancers in the colon, which can be life-saving.
Latest regional, state and national issues

Svendsen: Trump vote a step in Putin's direction?

Where were all of you on January 6? Like me, were you glued to your TV the entire time, watching with horror as men and women wearing red hats and carrying Trump flags laid waste to our Capitol Building?

Cantrell: Resident encourages yes vote

Vote yes to retain safe streets as we all know them today during the upcoming Sun City West election of March 25, 2024.

Starr McLeod: Supreme Court botches Trump ballot decision

Clearly there are no Constitutional Scholars on the Supreme Court.
Karly Matthews

Matthews: Leaders must listen to rural voices on clean energy, environment

I grew up less than a mile from the Mason-Dixon Line in south-central Pennsylvania, where small towns lack stoplights but have an abundance of cows.

Clancy: Can an agreement be reached?

I find somewhat amusing the recent exchange between Graves and Hendricks.
Tom Patterson

Patterson: Bulk mail voting is an open invitation to fraud

Legislative Republicans in Arizona are advancing a bill to terminate your right to vote…well at least from the “comfort of your kitchen table,” according to columnist Laurie Roberts.

Packer: Time change would help club

I belong to the Women’s Club and play on Wednesday.

Rolph: Time for a cool change?

The RCSC members constant bickering between each other on gym floors over ceiling fans, complaining to staff members and remote control vandalism created the problem
Pictured are two urban fishers at Paloma Park. A reader comments on a story about the city's work to have parity in Peoria's park system.

Koch: Graphics derail story about park parity in Peoria

The article ("City looks to achieve parity in Peoria's park system," Independent print edition) was interesting and the graphics on page 22 were well organized and helped in understanding the discussion of park parity by region.

Salazar: Resource to help those who stutter

Your article “Chandler speech therapy business celebrates 5-year anniversary” was highly positive.
Jared Whitley

Whitley: Law firm doubles down on lawsuits targeting tribes

There’s an episode of “Parks and Recreation” where the chief of the local Indian tribe is negotiating with city leaders and jokes, “A native American tribe making a deal with the government. Heh! What could go wrong?”
David Williams

Williams: Postal service focusing on expensive products no one wants

The Postal Service has experienced better days.

Mueller: Regarding airport concerns in Goodyear

Regarding concerns with Goodyear Airport: The opinion writer lives 7.3 miles from the airport, which is not close, at that distance no trainee flies at rooftop altitude.

In Scottsdale, four decades of spring training partnership

It’s been 42 years since the San Francisco Giants became Scottsdale’s Spring Training home team. Four decades of games, sunshine and fun at the intersection of Drinkwater Boulevard and …

Gibson: Thoughts on Broken Window policing

I am a retired Phoenix Police Officer, 1962-1991.
Christian Josi

Josi: Failure to fix Medicare payment system could lead to socialized medicine

The nation’s Medicare physician payment system has been broken for a long time. Don’t believe me? Ask any doctor from any specialty. Every one of them will agree.

Shaw: Response to Marone letter

Writing a brief response to Tom Marone’s recent letter to address major factual inaccuracies regarding the Presidential Records Act.
Dylan Selterman

Selterman: Celebrating terrorism a moral failure

The world has been reeling in the wake of the Oct. 7 terrorist massacre that left more than 1,400 people dead in Israel.

Flathau: Age not free pass for crime

I was puzzled when I read Mr. Frank Bagnato’s opinion, “Be careful what you wish for” in the Feb. 21 edition.
Joe Smyth

Smyth: Is the White House the world's finest assisted living facility?

Are President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump running again because the White House is the finest assisted living facility on earth? That’s a joke that’s going around.

Mikolajczyk: Don't be a 'fellow traveler'

“Fellow Traveler” is a term from the 1950’s. It described Communist sympathizers masquerading as democracy advocates.
Ryan J. Taylor

Taylor: GOP can win by modernizing Broken Windows policing

America is experiencing a resurgence in violence not seen since President Bill Clinton resided in the White House.

Shinkoskey: Authoritarians in their own fraternity

MAGA’s candidate for president is good buddies with Russian president Putin, who exiles, disqualifies, or kills political opponents like Alexei Navalny.

Wheatley/ Goodman: Funding crucial to growth

On Jan. 12, 2024, Governor Hobbs released her Fiscal Year 2024-25 Executive Budget Proposal.
James Whitford

Whitford: HUD's biggest disbursement fails

The headline in my local paper read, “Local Coalition Receives $692,793 Grant to Help Homeless.”

Sada: Thanks to Lesko for work in D.C.

Rep. Debbie Lesko deserves a round of applause for ensuring that the Northwest Valley and the rest of the country will continue to have access to gas stoves.
Tom Patterson

Patterson: Beware those who intentionally use words to lie

The word “liberal” was once considered a compliment. It meant fair, principled and thoughtful.

Sharpe: Questions on Axon development

Scottsdale has been possibly the best place to live in North America, or maybe the history of the world.
Jerry Weiers

Weiers: Military induction ceremony to honor community youth continues to grow

Last may, proud families and friends honored the nearly 350 young men and women from high schools across the Valley who had decided to serve their country.

Bjerk: Is Valley water a bargain?

For the last few years there has been a lot of noise in all local media about the problem of lack of water as the population has grown, and rightly so.