Opinions with Civility
Latest Opinions
I am writing this letter as a person that volunteered for 25 years in K-12 classrooms and who believes that education is one of the three key columns on which a healthy democracy requires support.
PebbleGo is an online, supplemental curriculum leveraged by Scottsdale Unified School District for kindergarten to fifth-grade students. Promoted as an “engaging multimedia” that will …
As Arizona has grown in population over the past decades, we have continued to grow our footprint as a go-to location for travelers in the United States and around the globe.
First of all, I am alive and almost well. Now if you know me you will know I am happy in my little rut. For example, I lived in the same house my parents bought when we moved to Scottsdale for 60 years. Lots of memories some wonderful, some sad, some ridiculous, all with lifelong learning experiences.

Read more

Advocacy

Read more

West Valley Opinions

Read more

East Valley Opinions
Another Valley newspaper reported that City Council candidate Barry Graham has accepted nearly $20,000 in donations from developers. This is shocking, as Graham has run a single-issue campaign …
As graduates of Saguaro and Chaparral respectively, we have lots of friendly rivalry when it comes to who had the best experience in high school — and which football team is better. As …
Why does SUSD keep asking us for money? Let me give it to you straight. Our beautiful state of Arizona is 48th lowest in the nation for funding our public schools. Each of my kiddos receives …
We talk often about what makes Scottsdale special: the beautiful preserve, the wonderful resorts golf courses, Indian Bend Wash, historic Old Town. Less fancy but more important to our quality of …
In a recent opinion piece Amy Carney, candidate for the Scottsdale Unified School Board, wrote “We don’t need anyone representing us who suddenly decided they care about our public …

Read more

Your Community Your Voice

Vanatta: Do your homework: A health insurance guide for families

Open enrollment for the 2023 benefit year is now upon us, giving many people an opportunity to weigh their healthcare options for the year ahead. It’s not a simple process for anyone. Those …

Cieniawski: Support enriching school experiences, vote for SUSD override

This election, we are being asked to support our Scottsdale Unified School District by approving a budgetary increase through a continuation of the District Additional Assistance override. Most …

Letter: You can trust Scottsdale Unified with your override vote

We are public members of the Scottsdale Unified School District Bond and Override Oversight Committee. We have served on the Bond Oversight Committee for six years along with seven other voters in …

LaPorte, Neil: Supporting SUSD override is investment in community, school success

As the largest employer in Scottsdale, HonorHealth values and appreciates the role quality schools play in our community. We know firsthand that our K-12 schools not only educate our students, but …
Raoul Zubia

Zubia: Paying for good schools has many advantages

Customarily, the benefits of public education have been measured over the long-term. As students graduate from high school and enter the workforce or attend college, they contribute back to …

Schafer: Yes on SUSD override is a vote for our future

I should have no skin in the local education game. I didn’t grow up here, and I don’t have kids. But as a quarter-century Arizonan, I’ve built my career here. I’ve formed …

Mathis: Candidate Finchem is a ‘national security threat’

I am not a partisan. I served my country for 35 years, the highlight of which was commanding a Navy destroyer. I’ve made numerous deployments around the world, proudly wearing the uniform while …

Syms: Crime is here to stay until we re-fund the police

Gunshots fired at vehicle with multiple children inside, adult passenger dies. Witnesses report shots fired outside a high school football game in Phoenix. Phoenix police crime lab on pace for …

Werner: Public schools are the heart of America

My American story begins at age 11, as I arrived on a tarmac to Neil Diamond’s “America” playing over the loudspeakers. Three weeks later I walked into a public-school classroom and …

Haskell: Only one Scottsdale candidate will represent all residents

Typically, I do not write letters of support for candidates because No. 1 there are so few I support, and No. 2 I would probably do them more harm than good. When I was a “raging” …

Keck: I show up

In this campaign season for the Scottsdale Unified School District’s governing board there have been numerous forums and questionnaires for all candidates to participate in and/or complete. …

Beckman: Taxpayers’ belief in SUSD supports student success

Our SUSD journey began in kindergarten. Now, my twin daughters are seniors. I often reflect on the past 12 years as I drive past our neighborhood school, Kiva Elementary. My heart is full as I …

Weller: Scottsdale Firefighters’ support for SUSD override

The combination of strong public safety and strong public schools increase property values, support the local economy by attracting good employers with high-paying jobs and are a key contributor to …

Cadwell: The secrets behind the ‘Pumpkin Plump’

Why is pumpkin so good for your health? For one, pumpkin is packed with vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, and zinc. Health experts love to include pumpkin in whole food diets to satisfy taste buds …

Harkins: Scottsdale business community relies on quality schools

No one appreciates the role quality schools play in Scottsdale more than the business community. We know firsthand that Scottsdale Unified School District schools not only educate our children, …

Keck: Who really has a vested interest in Scottsdale schools

Amy Carney, candidate for the Scottsdale Unified school board, repeatedly says “We must elect proven parent leaders to our board who have a vested interest in the success of our …

Claridge: 4 things to consider when renting out your home short-term

Online home-sharing, such as Airbnb, Vrbo and HomeAway, has become increasingly popular for both hosts and guests. According to a recent study by Roofstock, a real estate investment marketplace, …

Janik: My support for Scottsdale school board candidate

I am writing to share my enthusiastic support for Andrea Keck for SUSD School Board. We are fortunate to have a candidate with strong commitment to all students, including those most in need. As …

Bell: Join Redfield PTO in supporting SUSD override

Recently the Redfield Elementary Parent Teacher Organization Board voted unanimously to actively support the upcoming SUSD District Additional Assistance Override (sometimes called the Capitol …

Carney: Survey says? Increased transparency needed in SUSD

Sadly, educators and students alike are counting down the days they have left in the classroom until retirement or graduation sets them free. Free to move on to the next — more enjoyable …

Ertel: What matters in a candidate is experience, character

Many years ago, in my first job after the Army, I was hired by a music recording company to bring in-house the account reconciliation function. The company would ship recordings to distributors and …

Keck: My ballot statement for Scottsdale school board

Apparently the statements written by each candidate for the Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board will not be published in the hard-copy informational booklet mailed to voters about the …
Sam Campana

Campana: Invest in our Scottsdale future

Far down your 2022 ballot arriving in your home next week will be the most important choice you make this year. Vote yes on the Scottsdale Unified School District Override. One of the first …
Photo by Arianna Grainey

Lane: My support for 2 SUSD governing board candidates

One of the most significantly important local campaigns underway in this political election season is the one for the Scottsdale Unified School District’s governing board. School board …

Janik: Support Arizona’s future professionals

To voters in the Scottsdale Unified School District, The greatest gift a community can give their families is a strong public school system dedicated to excellence. This starts with caring parents …

Whitehead: Winning together with strong district schools

“Winning Together” was not simply a campaign slogan for me. It has, is and will remain my touchstone for public service. That is why I support and endorse the Scottsdale Unified, Paradise …

Joffe: What’s driving today’s Phoenix real estate market: Everything

Location. Location. Location. It’s the real estate mantra that drives the industry and in Arizona it still proves to be the case. I’ve been in the residential market for nearly 40 years …

Frenkel: Preserve, improve property values — vote yes on the SUSD DAA

Scottsdale is a great place to live work, and play. These factors unquestionably make it easier to chart a strategic path to navigate the variables that comprise our real estate market. This year …

Kush: Scottsdale’s housing crisis needs to be addressed

One cannot pick up a newspaper without seeing an article covering the severe housing shortage that currently plagues the nation. Scottsdale is not immune to this problem with housing and growth …

Milhaven: Supporting Scottsdale's schools benefits city numerous ways

Vote yes and support the Scottsdale Unified School District’s Additional Assistance Override. Your yes vote continues the previous voter-approved funding to support our schools’ …

See more Opinion stories

Thank You For Supporting Local Journalism