Opinions with Civility
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Stratton: Hedge funds work for Arizona

In a state as big as Arizona, it’s no surprise that our communities have different needs. But there are some constants. No matter where we live, we’re all concerned about our …

Knudsen: Why legislators owe children sanitizing tech they’ve enjoyed for decades

Many of the recommendations from the CDC to stop the spread of diseases and viruses in schools come from an “everyday preventative measure” approach with chemical cleaners, frequent …
SueAnn Brown teaches children etiquette for social media, dating, dining and more at St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church, 10755 N. 124 St. in Scottsdale.

Brown: Mastering back-to-school manners

Where did the summer go? Many of our children have started school or will be starting soon. Because they spend over a third of their day at school, manners are of great importance. Talking to …

Bornhofen: Asylum protests not about race

According to Webster Dictionary, racist: prejudice or discrimination based on race; Illegal: forbidden by law, forbidden by official rules.

Brown: Defund the police or redirect resources?  

By now, most of you know that I worked for 20 years as a police officer in Santa Monica, California.  I didn't begin my career in law enforcement until after my 33rd birthday.  My first 11 …

Cantor: Sustainability element missing from Scottsdale's development

I get a bit perturbed at those who sit in judgement when residents question the rapid rate of infill development. They don’t address the questions that keep arising. Their response is to …

Greenburg: Scottsdale Schools end-of-the-year report

Since starting my term as Scottsdale Unified School District’s Governing Board president, it has been my goal to improve communication between our district and our broader community. In …

Cochill: A response to Kurland’s view on Scottsdale’s asylum seekers

I am responding to Mr. Eric Kurland’s “Point Of View” regarding his position on the asylum seekers in Scottsdale. He asked for people to speak up and I am doing just that. Do …

Pool rules: Taking care of your hair after a Scottsdale pool day

It’s summer in Arizona, it’s hot, and most Arizonans are spending their time lounging by or in the pool to stay cool. A day laying out soaking in the sun or swimming in the pool is …

Junion: NIMBY nearsightedness and Greenbelt 88

The June 9, Scottsdale Planning Commission meeting displayed a serious case of NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) nearsightedness regarding the Greenbelt 88 project. While this is nothing to stop the …

Reagan: June 27 is PTSD Awareness Day and this is one soldier’s experience

Sunday, June 27, is National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Injury Awareness Day. It is a day dedicated to raising awareness around the signs, symptoms and stigma associated with PTSD.

Kenny: Life’s simple 7 to help achieve optimal heart health

Sadly, we are seeing deaths from heart disease and stroke on the rise. The good news is that heart disease and stroke can be prevented 80% of the time by making healthy choices. The American …

Norton: June 22 will be a glimpse into future of Scottsdale politics

Within an hour of each other on Tuesday, our City Council and our SUSD Governing Board will both meet. Both will open up the meeting for in-person attendance, the first time since mid-2020 that has …

Alexander: What’s going on at Scottsdale Planning Commission?

The Scottsdale Planning Commission has been a focus for Mayor Ortega during his first semester in office. The mayor has taken a strong stance on conflicts of interest, and prefers commissioners …

Haskell: What part of ‘no’ don’t you understand?

To mask up or go “naked” and risk the wrath of your fellow Walmart shoppers. Moderna, Pfizer or should I gamble and go for the J&J? Get a vaccination and continue to wear a mask? …
Scottsdale resident Eric Kurland recognizes his unsuccessful run for Legislative District 23 state representative but maintains his interests in "basic common decency," he states.

Kurland: Asylum seekers in Scottsdale should be embraced

Brown people staying in a hotel for up to three consecutive days? What will ever become of our beloved Scottsdale? Sounds pretty ridiculous right?

Chase: The rare occurrence of surviving colorectal cancer as a woman

Being diagnosed with any type of cancer is life-changing and as a 29-year-old, healthy, female with no history of cancer in my family — being diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer was …
Franciscan Renewal Center Hunger Action volunteers at the Saint Vincent De Paul (SVDP) Urban Farm where all of the fruits and vegetables go straight to the SVDP central kitchen to be incorporated into daily meals.

Murphy: From farm to food bank to fork

As a lifelong gardener, I realize how important fresh fruit and vegetables are to staying healthy and so I devote my time to growing tomatoes, lettuce, broccoli and cauliflower. Gardening has …

Henninger: Scottsdale government becoming cohesive unit through elected leadership

“Governing is different than opposing … We all are getting used to the idea that we are governing.” That quote in a national report was from a member of Congress from …

Richard: Money ought not to talk at Scottsdale Unified

Editor's note: This commentary was edited due to libel in accordance with Independent Newsroom Guidelines. If you live in Scottsdale’s middle class, you find a school board that does not …
Photo by Arianna Grainey

Janik: Short-term rentals, our problem child

Most of us are aware of the STR “Party House Gone Wild” problem facing Scottsdale. This disruptive force is impacting and seriously disturbing many of our residential neighborhoods. …
Jann-Michael Greenburg, Scottsdale Unified School District board member, encourages the community to be responsible during holiday breaks to keep down COVID-19 counts.

Greenburg: Give Scottsdale students the education they deserve

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” or so countless generations of students have been told by family members, teachers and professors, and pundits on …
Photo by Arianna Grainey

Ortega: Scottsdale’s general plan update moves forward

I am proud of Scottsdale’s General Plan 2035. On June 8 my council colleagues and I will be asked to formally adopt this document that begins: “Scottsdale will continue to be an …

Borenstein: A new Chompie’s era begins amid Paradise Valley mall closure

Dear Chompie’s Paradise Valley customers and friends, We are at the end of an era! Along with the closing of Paradise Valley Mall, our Phoenix location within the mall will be closing its …

Cantor: Response to Liebner’s take on SUSD, Phoenix Rising meeting

I take issue with Mr. Liebner’s comment re: how the meeting was handled by Mr. Collinsworth. The microphone was passed around and folks were allowed to comment and question. I was given the …

Hunter: Short-term rentals have very few violations, that’s the problem

Scottsdale recently established a working group to “examine existing laws and tools available to the city of Scottsdale regarding short-term rentals.” Basically, since the state …

Wessel: Better, safer financial services for Arizona’s expanding marijuana industry

Federal banking laws have created more than just an isolated crisis for Arizona’s multi-billion-dollar marijuana industry. They’ve created a dangerous problem for the state of Arizona. …

Liebner: Takeaways, impressions following Phoenix Rising, SUSD meeting

To the Tonalea community: Having attended the most recent May 13 SUSD community meeting, and having reviewed the publicly available video replay of the event, I wish to share my impressions of …
Scottsdale For All Photo Shoot 2 - No text

Frost: Morning in the McDowells

Early morning sun shafts spike through mountain peaks lighting up the haloed prickly pear and stately saguaro, while wisps of pink clouds on a blue backdrop angle away and south to where the sky is …

Tidwell: Announcing Scottsdale initiative ‘Super Fund Our Police’

I am writing to you to make you aware of a grass roots movement taking place called “Super Fund Our Police.” This movement is being initiated by six Scottsdale residents who are …

Kush: A simple solution to downtown Scottsdale’s parking debate

For several years, the so-called parking problem in downtown Scottsdale has been the Cause Celebre among many downtown business owners, especially by a certain galley owner. The cry has been that …

Kern: Scottsdale is right to sue the FAA

Kevin Maxwell’s opinion article is half right in his assessment of aircraft noise in Scottsdale, but totally misses the mark on the FAA’s Sky Harbor NextGen process and the havoc it has …

Patel: The ABCs of IBS

IBS, which refers to irritable bowel syndrome, is commonly and sometimes carelessly used to describe gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms of abdominal pain and bloating. Many do not understand the …

Katz: How Arizona naturopathic doctors are improving coverage, care

May 16-22 is Naturopathic Medicine Week and therefore the perfect time to shine a light on the important role naturopathic medicine practitioners play in the health and wellbeing of Arizonans. …

Opinion: We must continue to push for sensible STR solutions, not bans

Last month, Arizona lawmakers had an opportunity to support legislation that would have made it easier for local cities to address nuisance short-term rental properties that have been the cause of …

Kush: Soaring lumber prices impacting Scottsdale buyers, renters

It is difficult to pick up a newspaper and not see an article on sky rocketing Scottsdale home prices. Additionally, Scottsdale has the highest average apartment rental rates in the metro area. …

Bloch: Response to Maxwell, Scottsdale Airport noise

Well said Kevin, but more than likely of no use. The City Council, as well as the past one does not give a damn about the noise coming out of the Scottsdale Airport, why should they, none of them …

Cooney: Great nurses prove compassion is the right Rx

When nurse Gina Day showed up at Golden Heritage Assisted Living in Scottsdale to care for Joan Cullen, she noticed right away that her sweet patient’s hair had been set and styled for a …

Maxwell: Sky Harbor is not all to blame for Scottsdale aircraft noise

Scottsdale City Council has delivered some big wins for its citizens in the past few weeks. A surprising vote for historical preservation and a 7-0 passing of a non-discrimination ordinance are feel …

Norton: ‘Proximity Preservation Rule’ is Scottsdale’s worst idea since DDC

Debates over and objections to the proposed amendments to the General Plan have largely focused on the ill-designed Desert Rural land designation. That debate overlooks an even worse problem. …

Henninger: A pat on the back for Scottsdale

For those who like to bellyache about our city, this column is not for you. It can be a struggle to escape the negative quicksand embedded in today’s media where unhappy people make it their …

Toth: Keep MCDOT workers safe, recognize ‘Work Zone Awareness Week’

Maricopa County is one of the fastest growing counties, which means having to constantly navigate safely around work zones and orange cones. Maricopa County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) …
Photo by Arianna Grainey

Rep. Schweikert: The best plan for our workforce

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, our economy saw record-breaking growth. In 2018 and 2019 we saw wages, our unemployment rate, and revenues hit record-breaking levels. This record growth came …

Lyons: An open letter to Scottsdale officials about 5G, smart city

Dear Scottsdale City Council, Are you sleeping well at night? Unfortunately, many of your constituents aren’t, because you, our council, are not upholding your oaths of office to protect our …

Owen: How to skip the diet, get your body results it needs

Keto. Low Carb. Eating programs based on a point system. You name it, the “diet” most likely exists. And while these programs offer the promise of a healthier lifestyle, touting huge …

Klapp: American Rescue Plan is first step to lessen out-of-pocket health care costs

A recent survey from ALG-POS found that 80% of Americans agree that their health care costs keep going up every year, and more than 70% are struggling with the unpredictability of out-of-pocket …
Photo by Arianna Grainey

Whitehead: The Kimsey has earned my support

When over 100 local business owners join forces in support a development that will protect their livelihoods and the vitality of Scottsdale’s downtown, City Council needs to listen up. …

Crawford: Camelback Road, downtown Scottsdale sidewalks desperately needed

How much longer does Scottsdale have to wait before our most heavily traveled pedestrian corridor gets decent ADA complaint walkable rollable pathways? I would like to bring awareness to the …
Don Henninger, executive director of SCOTT

Henninger: It’s time for Scottsdale to pass anti-discrimination ordinance

Scottsdale’s leaders are proud to proclaim that we are a Golden Rule City. We’ve been one for a couple years now. The city adopted the One Community Unity Pledge a few years before …

Mason: SB1379 does not protect the integrity of homeownership

SB1379 could protect the integrity of homeownership, and could be so much more, if fixed to place more trust of STR zoning decisions to local control and/or to provide stronger and more effective …

Norton: State weighs in on Scottsdale’s ‘desert rural’ land use suggestion

Let there be no mistake. The desert rural designation and the onerous super-majority requirements created by the proposed general plan will crush land values. Our state relies on high land values …

Anderson: The 411 on dental deductions in 2021

This year, while the federal tax deadline has been extended, Arizona state taxes must still be filed by April 15, unless you’ve filed an extension, in which case they are due Oct. 15, 2021. …

Blaney: SBA shares resources to support deaf, hard of hearing entrepreneurs

Recently, I read an article about two entrepreneurs who were opening a new restaurant and they laughed at themselves for picking this time to go into business but, in reality, it is a great time to …

Eskildson: SUSD leaders ignore declining student achievement

SUSD proudly declares it provides “Education Excellence” because its “average scores exceed Arizona standards at all levels.” However, they fail to also point out that …
Photo by Arianna Grainey

Mayor Ortega: Scottsdale City Council must have higher standards to move forward

The Office of the Auditor regularly reports performance pertaining to all city boards and commissions. Such is the case for Planning Commission, which includes reporting total caseload, membership, …
Photo by Arianna Grainey

Milhaven: Scottsdale volunteers beware

Mayor Ortega is using his seat to bully citizens and fire a warning shot. In his first few months in office, Mayor Ortega has decided one of his biggest priorities is to oust a Planning …

Littlefield: Three lies told about Scottsdale development

The good news for Scottsdale citizens is the Lane-Korte-Milhaven-Klapp regime, which saddled Scottsdale residents with so much bad development over the last eight years, is gone. The even better …

Norton: The repeating consequences of Scottsdale's new ‘rural land use’ proposal

The “don’t call us no-growthers” contingent of our City Council proposes to impose a multi-billion-dollar penalty on the City of Scottsdale as they pursue their …

Caputi: Can the General Plan help Scottsdale’s social divide?

The top priority of your City Council is preparing a 2035 General Plan, to be put before the voters this November. Scottsdale hasn’t had an updated plan since 2001. It’s a complex …

Heath: Two wrongs don’t make a right

Heads up. Scottsdale’s newly seated City Council’s first order of business is to agonize over proposed updates to the city’s General Plan via a series of work study sessions …

Salas: Five common plumbing issues for Phoenix homeowners

Few things are more frustrating for a homeowner than dripping faucets, weak water pressure, or a running toilet. Not only does a faulty plumbing system serve as an inconvenience to you and your …

Marks: Protect Arizona’s short-term rentals

Responsible tourism is critical to our state’s economy, and in the wake of COVID-19, we can’t afford to enact policies that would cripple recovery efforts. But Rep. Kavanagh has proposed …

Williams: Teacher's perspective as Scottsdale Schools plans full re-open

If anything has shaped a theme for this school year, aside from the obvious of teaching and keeping school safe in a pandemic, it’s the phrase “the only constant is change.” All …

Hunter: Response to Hildebrand's short-term rental opinion

Mr. Hildebrand: What can I say but “There are none so blind as those who will not see.” The willful ignorance on the part of the short-term rental industry about the very real …

Mason: Short-term rental industry is in trouble

The STR industry is in trouble. People are rising up to save their neighborhoods and are demanding meaningful restrictions on STRs. State and local governments are responding to peoples’ …

Hildebrand: A response to PR attacks on short-term rentals

Watch out for the big lies being told about small businesses. I’m talking about opponents of vacation rentals. They’re happy to blame these properties for everything from crime to COVID-19 to the rising price of housing.

Dickman: Short-term rental report is powerful warning against current practices

A nearly 40-page study publicly released on March 1 by well-known and highly respected Arizona economic and real estate analysis firm Elliott Pollack and Co. (“Pollack”) explains that …

Noble: Women need to pay attention to their heart health, even during the pandemic

COVID-19 has dominated the medical space for the last year. As we continued to learn more about the coronavirus, we learned that people with underlying conditions like diabetes and obesity are more …

Henninger: Scottsdale heritage preserved in potential Kimsey project

Once in a while an opportunity occurs where two issues that seem to be on divergent tracts instead find themselves perfectly aligned. Scottsdale has one such issue right now, a project in its …

Alexander: Kimsey project hits all the right boxes

Mayor Ortega and City Councilors, I strongly support the Kimsey project at 71st and Indian School, and hope you will support it too. All four members of my family support this project. I work …
Leonard Kirschner poses near the canyon during a pre-pandemic visit to Grand Canyon National Park.

Kirschner: America’s national parks are calling, and you must go post-COVID-19

It was a year ago when COVID-19 struck and our world changed.

Ostrom: Colorectal cancer screenings must remain a priority

Did you know that one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers in the United States is colorectal cancer? In fact, colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and is the …

Mason: SB1379 needs fixing to address short-term rental issues

Dear Senator Mesnard: Reference: SB1379 — I would like to meet with either you or your staff on SB1379 the important short term rental issue, and fixes to make SB1379 a better bill. As a …

Opinion: What are the intentions of Scottsdale’s City Council?

Good intentions or bad? Three separate issues – all tied to one main issue. (1) Canal Micro-Parklets, (2) the Kimsey Project and Triangle Building and (3) The General Plan and …
Scottsdale City Councilwoman Solange Whitehead

Whitehead: Go time for Scottsdale general plan

It’s go time for the general plan in Scottsdale. Last week the City Council made fundamental changes to better reflect community values and protect our city’s character, quality of …

Curtin: How vitamins, supplements may help defend against negative COVID-19 outcomes

As we continue to face the challenges of COVID-19, we are also learning more about the virus itself, and new ways to defend ourselves from its detrimental and sometimes lingering side effects. …

Kurland: Scottsdale voters love voting by mail, so why is Ugenti-Rita threatening it?

There are so many reasons to be proud to live in the Grand Canyon State — from the “five c’s” I taught to my grade school students to the awe-inspiring scenery that makes us a …

Dr. Matthews: Brush for your heart

Many know there is a direct connection between what we put into our mouths and our heart health. But did you know that the health of your mouth itself is directly connected to heart health? …

Messina: Show employees the love, especially during uncertain times

We often associate the month of February with acts of love. Cards, dinners, flowers and chocolates are given to those we value. As leaders, it’s important to show the love by demonstrating …

Henninger: An opportunity to reunite Scottsdale residents

Scottsdale enters a new year, with new leaders and a unique opportunity to bring the city together and work toward a unified vision. This is entirely possible and if you listen to most citizens it …

Maxwell: Balancing citizen rights with advancing law enforcement technology

This past week I was reading a new book by Jon Fasman, the digital editor of the Economist. His book, We See It All, is a review of surveillance and local police departments. While reading I …

Levin: Loneliness within elderly people, tips for comfort

During the past year, so many individuals have felt isolated and extremely lonely due to the pandemic. According to the National Academics of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, more than …

Shapiro: Personal attention is worth its weight in gold

Thank you for calling ABC Realty. For English, press 1. For Spanish, press 2. If you’re a Californian, press 3 for an expedited response. We understand why you want to move here. If …

Burns: Scottsdale General Plan 2035 back in the political game

The Scottsdale General Plan 2035 update is again gaining political attention and the city has again engaged a study group to revise and comment on the draft document generated by the General Plan …

Gau: Gov. Ducey’s tax cut proposal is out of step with Arizona voters

Governor Ducey’s new budget proposal includes a $1.2 billion tax cut spread over the next three years. This idea, especially when added to the loss of revenue from Prop. 123 expiring soon, …

Rhinehart: The hidden tourist attractions found off Arizona highways

Arizona’s highways can seem pretty desolate at times, miles upon miles of emptiness. Then, in the distance, you see it, a much-needed spot to pull over, gas up and perk up before hitting …
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