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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

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 …
Opinion

Rains: East Valley real estate market ready for a bountiful spring

Last winter, the East Valley real estate market was in a state of limbo. Relatively high interest rates remained in effect, meaning fewer prospective buyers could enter the market. Despite the higher …
Opinion

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 …
Call for submissions

Winslett: Putting more ‘community’ back in community journalism

Here at the Town of Paradise Valley Independent, we strive to be the community’s number one source of information. But, despite our best efforts, there will always be more news than we’re …
Opinion

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 …
Opinion

Rogers: Council looks for suggestions for sales tax to maintain preserve and parks

Wonderful, contrived by the city, mayors and councils for a better Scottsdale. Of course, like everything else, not in a vacuum, the land that could have been single-family homes from the McDowells …
Opinions

Howell: Scottsdale should not tolerate with Axon's proposal

The following information was submitted to the letter to the editor information form on www.yourvalley.net: ipFormInput: 174.74.171.167 first name: Gayl last name: Howell city: …
Opinion

Goldberg: The difference a smile can make

As we wind down from February, the month of kindness, we move into March and spring full of sunshine and happiness. Who needs your attention now the most? The babies. Who else is part of this …
Opinion

Nair: Asking City of Scottsdale to reject Axon development

Axon has been saying how they want to "develop" here in Scottsdale by having five apartment buildings, one hotel and one shopping center on their small piece of land, which is zoned for commercial …
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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. 

Your Community Your Voice

Switzenberg: The city should just say no to Axon

I am frustrated with Axon and its request to rezone land it purchased under restrictions from the state a couple of years ago. What will this do to other land restrictions? Will Axon be the …

Clemens: In support of Conor O’Callaghan for Arizona Legislature

I’m writing in support of Conor O’Callaghan to be our next Representative in the Arizona Legislature, a seat currently held by David Schweikert. Conor was born in Ireland and moved …

Olic: The Axon development proposal does not benefit the people of Scottsdale

I moved here from New York City because I appreciated the lifestyle and character of the city of Scottsdale, which spoke to the responsible planning that has allowed the city to grow in a measured …

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 …
Amber Carfield

Carfield: Ways to help East Valley homeowners maximize kitchen storage space

A tough aspect of moving into a new kitchen is learning how to maximize the storage space. It requires a lot of planning to store the plethora of pots, pans, cutting boards, cleaning supplies and …

Heath: The time is ripe for downtown Scottsdale’s rebirth

Downtowns die for two reasons. They fail to replace functionally obsolete real estate with a modern, sales-tax-inducing streetscape, or they die from depopulation.    U-Haul’s …

Handley: Scottsdale is indeed biker friendly

I enjoyed reading (“Scottsdale named a bicycle friendly community”) in the Feb. 14 paper and, well, this is anything but a surprise to me! I ride my bicycle just about every day, as …
Dr. Kiera Smialek

Smialek: 4 Superfoods to strengthen your immune system this cold, flu season

As we find ourselves in the midst of the cold and flu season, strengthening our immune system becomes paramount in maintaining optimal health and well-being for the entire family. While practicing …

Baker: Hoping for compromise between the city, Axom and residents

The battle between the residents of Stonebrook and Axon typifies the hundreds of battles occurring in Arizona and sunbelt states across the nation. On one side, we see the established pillars of …

Sholtis: Rezoning request does not align with Scottsdale’s vision

I am against rezoning from industrial to residential use. It does not align with Scottsdale's vision in the airport area zoned for industrial use. It seems to me that Axon seeks …

Sharpe: Questions on Axon development

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

Wuestemann: Culture and creativity are at the core of today’s successful communities

Scottsdale is a remarkable city: gifted with natural beauty, fabulous amenities, a humming economy and a strong reputation as a luxury destination. Scottsdale is also a manageable city – …

Catroppa: Residents against the requested Axon re-zoning

I am writing to draw attention to the plight of the many concerned homeowners of the 174 single-family community of Scottsdale Stonebrook ll. We are raising our voices and standing firmly …

Dickinson: Rebuttal to Klapp’s take on PBMs

Responding to former Scottsdale Councilwoman Suzanne Klapp’s recent editorial criticizing proposed legislation to “de-link” PBM profits from the rebates they negotiate with drug …

Patchen: Schweikert has forgotten his constituents

Representative David Schweikert proudly boasts of being fiscally responsible. He routinely emphasizes the need to cut down expenses in order to get the U.S. economy back on track and stabilize …

Goldberg: Building self-esteem in our children is important

February, the month of love, is everyone’s favorite. It provides that special opportunity to express kindness and compassion all month long. Where to start? With our children? By providing …
Larry Heath (Submitted photo)

Heath: Scottsdale weighing surprising water conservation measures

I responded to a survey recently involving water conservation measures being considered by the City of Scottsdale. I came away from it wondering if our municipal officials are contemplating …

Crowell: Ideas for handling the noise issue along Shea

Graber did a great job of telling the truth about the noise on Shea Boulevard and west of 96th Street. Unfortunately, Mr. Graber didn’t delve deep enough into solutions. I believe …

Haskell: Going over some pet peeves of mine

Here are a few things I am pondering. Perhaps you can relate. Caffeine is something most of us crave, but minus the stress that goes with placing your overpriced, high-octane order. So many …

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 …

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 …
Latest regional, state and national issues
Dan Leonard

Leonard: Protect American patients by eliminating the pill penalty

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

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.

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 …

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.
Chandler City Councilmember Mark Stewart.

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.

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 …
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.