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opinions

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.
opinions

Robinson: Thank you to Peoria Independent

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

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.
opinion

Muha: Are Peoria council members ‘asleep at the switch?’

It was stunning reading, “Peoria loses money on land sale near Peoria Sports complex,” and also watching many on the city council approve this sale. Most did not even ask a question. Are they asleep at the switch?
letters

Shafer: I will not seek reelection in 2024

Serving as your councilmember these past two years has been an honor.
opinions

Dry January and beyond: stop drinking for your health

Millions of people worldwide are participating in the health movement of Dry January, simply choosing not to drink alcohol for the month. 
opinions

Barkley: Helicopter will end up being drain on budget

I am writing in response to the article, "Questioning air support in Peoria."
Opinion

Everything you wanted to know about the World Series … but were afraid to ask

Imagine you’re at an outdoor dinner party (yes, COVID-friendly). It’s October, and the conversation steers towards the World Series. While you are generally culturally literate, you know …
Opinion

Christensen: Health literacy more important than ever for Arizonans in ongoing COVID-19 crisis

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has impacted millions across the country, and Arizona has not been spared. This virus and its resulting economic fallout have put a harsh spotlight on rising health care …
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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. 

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