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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 …
Opinions

Starr McLeod: Supreme Court botches Trump ballot decision

Clearly there are no Constitutional Scholars on the Supreme Court.
Opinion

Reinhardt: Pinal County’s water resources must be managed carefully

An Arizona Department of Water Resources report found all of Pinal County’s groundwater is spoken for. Yet over 700 rental homes have been approved in Casa Grande which circumvent water laws. …
Opinion

Melvin: There should be no partisanship when voting for a Pinal County sheriff

Whether Republican, Independent or Democrat — R.I.D. — there should be no partisanship in public safety. Our law-enforcement professionals need our support by ensuring they receive the …
Opinion

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 …
Opinion

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 …
Opinion

Wheatley, Goodman: Hobbs must restore SR 24 funds

On Jan. 12, Gov. Hobbs released her Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Executive Budget proposal. While we recognize the state is facing a budgetary shortfall this year, we didn’t expect to see a proposed …
Opinion

$2,173 raised for Community Alliance Against Family Abuse charity with 50-horse challenge

The numbers are in. With the help of the community we were able to raise a total of $2,173 for the Community Alliance Against Family Abuse here in Apache …
Opinion

Reveles: Is AJUSD board making politically motivated decisions?

The following was a statement made at the Jan. 23 meeting of the Apache Junction Unified School District Governing Board: Board President Kimble and board members: Over the past year I’ve …
Opinion

Coon: Foster success through mentorships

As January unfolds, so does the spotlight on mentors and the profound impact they, whether formal or informal, can have on your personal and professional development. This month marks National …
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
Marc Lamber

Lamber: Let’s get behind Tempe’s Operation Slow Down

As a dedicated advocate for public safety, I’m profoundly conscious of the dangers lurking on our roads. Initiatives like Tempe’s Operation Slow Down strike a particularly resonant chord …

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 …
Opinions with Civility