Your Valley

Opinions with Civility

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Kraft: Mother Earth needs a tax break

Tax season is here and we must all pay taxes. This is an unavoidable truth. Unfortunately, another unavoidable truth is Mother Earth is overtaxed. Her current rate is way too high. We can’t …

Harding: Visiting the site of the Granite Mountain Hotshots? Honor them by doing it safely

Planning to visit Granite Mountain Hotshots Memorial State Park in Yarnell? Make sure you do it by not parking illegally along State Route 89, putting yourself and others at risk.

Sahlberg: Sun City banner needs to be replaced

I’m sending you another plea for a new Sun City flag at the corner of Grand and 107th avenues. You put hard work into trying to draw people to our community by putting any and all kinds of …

Leak: Are money issues ruining your relationship?

The COVID-19 pandemic has played havoc with families’ finances through lost jobs, squeezed budgets, increased debt and missed payments.

Axelson: Golf course recycle bins are unsightly

We are concerned about the unsightly trash at the recycling bins at Pebblecreek Golf Course, 18838 N. 128th Ave. It is an eyesore. People are discarding too much trash there and the bins need to …

Simon: Women face myriad of injustices; can a better world emerge?

What does it say about our culture when moms and their children are facing unbearable pain and trauma during the pandemic? This crisis has simply amplified the way women in the U.S. are undervalued, or not valued at all.

Miller: What guns do I really need?

In the ongoing debate over gun control you often hear statements like “no one really needs an AK-47 or an AR-15” (these are usually mislabeled “assault weapons”) or “no …

Ramsey: Here’s one key to continued vaccination progress

As more and more of America gets vaccinated, proof of vaccination could be the ticket to the new normalcy.

The Arizona Department of Transportation recommends making special preparations whenever traveling in Arizona during hot weather. [Courtesy of ADOT]

Nintzel: Prepare for highway trips as Arizona transitions to warmer weather

The annual transition is underway. As April arrives, many Arizonans start to deal with the reality that winter weather is long gone and pleasant spring temperatures will make way for the “hot stuff.”

Gates: Vaccinations ongoing; we must continue prevention efforts

March was another milestone month with nearly 1.2 million Maricopa County residents receiving at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Di Giacinto: Help save the planet while protecting your oral health this Earth Day

As Earth Day approaches on April 22, it’s worth looking at a few easy ways to add a little green to our dental routine. But where should one start?

U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., speaks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) Friday, Feb. 26, 2021 in Orlando, Fla. [The Associated Press]

Pickering: Says Gaetz guilty, ‘lock him up’

Matt Gaetz, the reactionary Republican representative from the western portion of Florida’s panhandle region, is the subject of an ongoing federal criminal investigation by the U.S. Justice …

Surprise resident Ken Money is an advocate for his son and other autistic children. [Submitted photo]

Money: To parents of children who have autism — you are not alone

I knew being a father wasn’t going to be easy. But I was up for the challenge.

Boyles: Reflecting on impotent society

I was on hold for 45 minutes before a gruff customer service representative snapped, “Can I help you?” I was on hold for so long that I forgot what I was calling about. As I sprung to …

Boucher: Preventing next public health crisis can define Biden’s legacy

The Biden administration’s plan to defeat the coronavirus is underway — and notably includes intentions to “build better preparedness for future threats.”

Bohline: Resident objects to inverted U.S. banner

As one of those other “people” (quotes are his) referenced in George Aschendorf’s letter (“People can hang flags on property”) a couple weeks ago, I take issue with his …

Beienburg: Lawmakers crack code to K-12 funding in Arizona

Arizona lawmakers just cracked the code for education funding in Arizona. But perhaps not in the way they intended.

Gosar: Don’t close the Apache Junction Social Security office

The Social Security Administration has made its intention known that it is considering shuttering the Apache Junction Social Security office and moving more than 20 miles away, to the town of Gilbert.

Sellers: 2020 election was run with integrity

I understand the Arizona Senate has moved forward with selecting and contracting with firms to complete their review of the November 2020 General Election results. I am not familiar with any of the firms listed in the Senate press release.

Feess: Ideas on immigration, gun control

I, like most Americans, am frustrated by Congress’s inabilities to do anything toward solving pressing current problems. I would like to suggest two remedies here on which members of both …

Arizona Department of Transportation crews work on the Meteor Crater and Two Guns bridge deck replacement and rehabilitation project on Interstate 40 east of Flagstaff. [Courtesy of ADOT]

Merrill: Zipper merge eases traffic — and your dilemmas

Does merging on the highway pose a dilemma for you?

Burhop: Should care about health, not nationality

As a Republican, I am puzzled at Rep. Debbie Lesko’s stance on who should get the COVID vaccine. I believe the concept of “herd immunity” was first mentioned by former President …

Goldwater’s plan to unleash innovation in American health care

While the COVID-19 pandemic has created unforeseen challenges for the American health care system, it has also created innovative opportunities for long-overdue health care reform.

Coward: Follow the Constitution for redistricting

Some are advancing the argument that the 2010 process was flawed because it emphasized “competitiveness.” This is a false argument used to undermine the integrity of the work of the 2011 …

Goncalves: VP elected, says racism is no more

Vice President Kamala Harris stated that America is racist and has always been racist. Her father was from Jamaica and her mother from India. She was elected in the United States of …

Carpenter: Get creative with the ADOT Safety Message Contest

Remember when your teachers would tell you to “put your thinking caps on” before an activity?

Griswold: Rescue plan does not help most in SC

The recently enacted American Rescue Plan does not provide help directly to Sun City, because we are unincorporated. Funds are allocated to Maricopa County and surrounding cities based on …

Boland: What can I do after my COVID-19 vaccination?

We have a vaccine! In fact, we have three — with more on the way.

Spears: Teams administered 132,239 doses of COVID-19 vaccines in Pinal County

Pinal County community vaccine teams have administered 132,239 doses of COVID-19 vaccines. A friendly reminder that the state-run COVID19 vaccine sites and some federal pharmacy programs are …

Ryon: Time to ditch ‘silly’ face masks?

I am really irritated when I look at the “Independent” and see photos of students who have achieved, but they are all wearing masks. That is so silly. Can we not see the faces of these …

Braun: Tax filing time a good time to look ahead

With tax time upon us, one message we keep hearing is that you should file as early as possible.

Miller: Says that Snowden a ‘martyr’

Edward Snowden is a martyr. I have recently learned that misdeeds of government officials are nearly impossible to expose. I learned this by reading Edward Snowden’s book “Permanent …

Whitlock: Local park restroom gets facelift from artistic teens

This past weekend, several of Surprise’s teens came together to give the Surprise Bicentennial Park’s Restroom a fresh painting of an old mural from 9 years ago.

Leahy: April is National Donate Life Month and marks COTA’s 35th anniversary

The Children’s Organ Transplant Association has been removing the financial barriers for families facing transplants for 35 years.

A portion of the Bush fire burns through the Tonto National Forest on Tuesday, June 16, 2020, as seen from Apache Junction. [The Associated Press]

Cline: This year let’s give firefighters a break

Fire season may be getting an early start this year.

Chucri: It’s time reevaluate county’s mask policy

The mask policy was not something I took lightly.

Barto: We can protect most vulnerable, make women’s safety a priority

Remember when the abortion industry grieved the deaths of women performing their own abortions in back alleys? It was a battle cry for legal abortion throughout the country that eventually led to the U.S. Supreme Court decision, Roe v. Wade.

Eamon and Pat Treanor spot familiar landmarks in his hometown of Monaghan, Ireland as Hospice of the Valley social worker Callie Dettinger shares the video from Flight to Remember, which takes hospice patients on virtual memory tours. [Courtesy of Hospice of the Valley]

Cooney: Local Irishman took virtual visit to boyhood home

Alzheimer’s disease has robbed 82-year-old Brendan “Eamon” Treanor of day-to-day memories. Yet he can vividly recall his childhood in tiny Monaghan, Ireland, where he went to school, played soccer and lived on a street called St. Patrick’s Terrace.

Connors: Face your fears to grow, develop

I first became aware, well, vaguely aware, that fear lurked in the background of my behavior when, as a pre-teen, my mom chided me for being “too timid.”

Troop: AZ Merit test season calls for tips, best practices

Standardized testing season can be a stressful time for students even under normal circumstances. But, during a pandemic? Students will need every edge they can get. Just as schools have had to …

Fairall: Kidney disease continues increase in seniors

National Kidney Month started in 2006. Its purpose is to raise awareness of the importance of your kidneys and lower risk factors with education.

Hochschartner: Churchill, cultured meat linked in history

Way back in 1931, Winston Churchill predicted the rise of cultured meat. For those who don’t know, this revolutionary protein is grown from animal cells without slaughter. It has only …

Siegel: Congress must work on immigration issues

We need to establish the standard for immigration into this country under federal law if we are to understand the severe detrimental impact we have suffered due to this abrogation of responsibility by Congress regarding this issue for the past 40 years.

Pratt: Short-term rentals bring in problems

I live in Sun City near 99th Avenue and Royal Oak. We say no to short-term rentals. The reason is because we bought homes in Sun City to retire and relax in a quite, clean, maintained …

Hogan: Biden preaches unity, but Democrats ignore it

‘To restore the soul and to secure the future of America requires more than words. It requires that most elusive of things in a democracy: Unity.”

Depasquale: Volunteers get thanks for work

A big thank you for all the AARP tax volunteers for your time and patience in getting the seniors’ returns done. There were a few inpatient people wanting to know why their returns were not …

MacDonald: Lessons learned and preparing for the next pandemic

It was only a matter of time before Americans would find themselves wearing face masks. I manufacture face masks and understand that while not everyone wants to wear them, they are a necessity in a pandemic.

Cauoette: Short-term rentals are appropriate

Short-term rentals (aka Airbnb or vrbo) are businesses and don’t belong in residential zones (“Short-term rentals on hot seat”). This shouldn’t be complicated, it is a zoning …

White: National infrastructure package will be a moment of truth

Over the last few months, Washington has seen major legislation travel along two wildly different paths.

Harmer: Vehicles at some homes out of hand

This is my first time taking action like this but as a Sun City homeowner I have concerns as well. We are for the time being winter visitors in Sun City. We bought our home at market value about …

McMurry-Heath: What Biden can do now for a healthy tomorrow

President Joe Biden is acting fast to tackle the health and economic crises that greeted him on inauguration day. The first 100 days of any new presidency are critical, all the more so when facing a …

Nelson/Jensen: Don’t put community cancer care centers out of business

There are more than 2,100 community cancer centers just like Ruth’s across the country — many located outside of urban centers. For decades, these centers — and their multidisciplinary staff — have played an integral role in helping Americans fight cancer. Unfortunately, fulfilling their mission is about to get harder — as is life for patients.

Christ: CDC issues encouraging guidance for vaccinated individuals

Over the past few months, you may have heard me call COVID-19 vaccines the light at the end of the tunnel.

Hammit: Driving safety home — how to prepare for your next road trip

Spring break is coming up for students across Arizona, and while it’s certainly going to be different than in recent years, many Arizona residents may still be planning to travel on our state’s highways.

Pandey: Preventive care is essential care — don’t skip your screening

Your health can’t wait, diagnostic screenings are medically necessary procedures.

Lieberman: The Bible’s wisdom about addressing our political tribalism

It is time to move beyond asking what responsibility former President Trump bears for the attacks on our Capitol building on Jan. 6. That question has now been answered.

Merrill: Two Guns bridge connects outlaw past to new engineering

If ever a name conjured up stories of former times and dastardly deeds, it’s Two Guns, an abandoned town on Interstate 40 with more tales of the Wild West than a saguaro cactus has needles. …

Patrons watch simulcast horse racing at Turf Paradise Jan. 29, 2016, in Phoenix.

Fales: Historic horse racing could be a winner for Arizona

There has been a lot of recent attention on the expansion of gaming through sports betting and other mechanisms. I am genuinely concerned that in this rush to expand gaming, our leaders are …

Zoukis: What Biden can do about reducing repeat offenders

When the U.S. government initiated efforts in 2018 to reduce recidivism in federal prisons, the aim was to end the cycle that makes many inmates repeat offenders. To achieve that goal, inmates would …

Kampert: Who are the Oath Keepers, Three Percenters?

A lot have been written about both organizations, most of it wrong. Let’s start with the Oath Keepers. If you believe the media, they are a “right-wing, white supremacist, anti-government …

Kehaly: Vaccine delivers hope in Arizona every 10 seconds

By all accounts, Arizona has had a rough time through the COVID-19 pandemic. A staggering loss of more than 15,000 Arizonans, punctuated by devastating economic and mental health impacts, left our …

Jacobson: Senators should know precisely what they’re voting on

Weighing, debating and voting on proposed legislation is the most important thing Congress does. It’s serious business, and should be treated as such.

Lamberth: Telehealth gives more patients access to primary care, mental health services

It’s hard to believe that we have been navigating the coronavirus for more than a year. Much has changed since then. Many of us are working remotely, our kids are learning virtually, and we are …

Kasten: Watch out for phishing phone calls

This morning there was a message on my landline phone from someone who was obviously very upset about getting phone calls, perhaps multiple times from the same number. After listening to this …

Kelmar: Tips to protect yourself from a surprise medical bill

Imagine you go to a hospital for a routine procedure. You’ve made sure your hospital and doctor are covered by your insurance.

Cravens: Searching for definition of impeachment

I would like to correct Carolyn Copeland’s letter (“Reader says Trump was never impeached”) in which she continues to assert that Donald Trump was never impeached. In the first …

Spears: Initial shipments of Janssen COVID vaccine will be limited

Community partner and public health vaccine teams are continuing to vaccinate with shipments received this week. A new site is available on the ADHS dashboard that indicates how many people have been …

Lopez: Two cheers for COVID-19 vaccines

The U.S could — and should — be doing more to get medical innovations to the public more quickly.

Leonard Kirschner poses near the precipice during a pre-pandemic visit to Grand Canyon National Park. [Courtesy of the Kirschner family]

Kirschner: America’s national parks beckon ... and you must go!

It was a year ago when COVID-19 struck and our world changed. Social isolation, masks and hand-washing became the norm. Travel stopped.

Hospice of the Valley social worker Erin Butler worked with Valley Metro to help her patient, Tressie Jennings, ride a train — virtually. [Courtesy of Hospice of the Valley]

Social workers are essential — especially at Hospice of the Valley

It’s only fitting that the theme of the upcoming Social Work Month in March is: “Social Workers Are Essential.”

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.

Elliott: Says Senate’s audit subpoenas ‘sound fair’

I just read on the internet that, “A judge will determine whether the Arizona Senate has the authority to subpoena ballots, tabulation machines and other equipment and data from Maricopa County …

Kurland: Voters love voting by mail, so why are they threatening it?

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

Hochschartner: Calls for more research into cultured meat

Democrats should include federal funding for cultured-meat research in their coronavirus relief bill. For readers who aren’t aware, cultured meat is grown from cells, without slaughter. …

Dunham: New water line benefits customers, supports local farmers

EPCOR has received a $250,000 grant from the Water Management Assistance Program at the Arizona Department of Water Resources.

Hick: More positives to Sun City than written

Having lived in Sun City since 2004, I have seen and heard much that is good and some not so good. I have noticed the last few months that we seem to have a lot of WCBM going on. Also, that the …

Abraham: Stimulating economy impacts stocks but watch portfolio

The stock market is one of the benchmarks for every U.S. presidency. Voters often look at how stocks performed during a president’s four-year term as one of the criteria for reelection.

Chandler: NVC reeling after vehicle vandalism

I am appealing for your help. On Feb. 5, the yard that houses Northwest Valley Connect vehicles along with vehicles belonging to Transdev was broken into and vandalized. We lost the operations of …

Dean: 'March In’ is not the answer

All Democrats and many Republicans are committed to making prescription drugs more affordable.

Miller: Thoughts on gaming in Arizona

House Bill 2772 would expand off-reservation gambling but would turn over control to the Arizona State Department of Gaming. Bad idea. If we are to expand legal gambling, it should be regulated by …

White: It’s time to put ‘unity’ talk into action

Political acrimony makes easy, familiar headlines. But a confluence of events is presenting a real chance for meaningful bipartisan accomplishments. It will be a tragedy if we — as a nation, as a society — let it pass.

EPCOR: We’re here to help you

With many people still facing financial difficulties related to the coronavirus pandemic, it’s good to know there are programs available to help in 2021.

In this May 28, 2019 file photo Arizona Republican Sen. Paul Boyer, at the podium, is seen with Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey during a news conference in Phoenix. [The Associated Press]

Copeland: Says AZ GOP should accept defeat

In response to the recent article (“County Supervisors still facing threats,” Daily Independent, Feb. 15, 2020), I cannot believe what is going on in our Arizona Senate. Why are the …

Merrill: Measuring slopes to prevent landslides in rural Arizona

Arizona’s mountainous terrain is as beautiful to look at as it is to drive through, but keeping dirt from those slopes off roadways can pose a technical challenge.

Miller: Says that conscription is slavery

By continuing to make Selective Service registration and draft eligibility apply only to men, the Coalition for Men is arguing that the system is violating Constitutional rights of men by sex …

Vijay: Learn the signs, treatment of heart failure

Heart failure is the No. 1 cause of hospitalizations in Medicare-age individuals in the U.S., according to the Heart Failure Society of America.

Wiegand: Vaccine center is efficient

This is a case of tax dollars well spent. My wife and I recently made three trips to State Farm Stadium for her first and my pair of COVID-19 vaccine shots. The entire experience goes against the …

Beienburg: Schools ought to be teaching founding principles

Tens of millions of children watched last month as Joe Biden swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. Yet more and more of America’s schools are grooming their students to do just the opposite.

Heller: A positive experience at VA center

The Phoenix VA hospital is doing a good job. Dennis Fossey is a Vietnam veteran and a member of the American Legion Post 94 in Sun City West. He serves as their financial officer and is a member …

O'Brien: Make the most of your health plan in 2021

Last year was a difficult year as the COVID-19 pandemic swept through our country, impacting families and communities nationwide. The health challenges of the pandemic also provided a crucial reminder about the importance of health care

‘C’ is for new cameras along Loop 303

Being the transportation geeks that we are, we get excited about a lot of things: Box culverts, Bid-Wells, bridge girders, etc. And that’s just the Bs! But if we moved down into the Cs, we find something else that makes us excited that we think you will like too: cameras.

Richer: Independent audit will ensure voter confidence

In partnership with the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, I’ve directed Recorder’s Office staff to provide the two independent auditors everything needed to complete a thorough review of the tabulation software and hardware used in the 2020 elections.

Sen. Gray: County board must stop ‘stonewalling’

There has been a lot in the news about the State Senate’s efforts to audit the 2020 general election. But the recent filing in Superior Court by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors seems like one more effort to win not in court, but in the court of public opinion.

ADOT: Join today’s meeting on future of L-101/75th Avenue interchange

I’m familiar with the 75th Avenue interchange along Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) in the northwest Valley. Not because I live in the area. I have a friend who did and he always roped me into hauling off junk because I owned a pickup truck.

Gallardo: Arizona GOP Senate’s subpoena is ‘sham’

This is really simple. Arizona GOP senators have been complicit in a big lie about the election for three months now. This sham subpoena to get access to people’s private ballots is all in service of the big lie.

Gerhart: How important is vitamin D in staying well with flu and COVID-19?

Staying well requires a strong, balanced immune system combined with reducing exposure to pathogens. Vitamin D is critical to each step of our immune response.

Blessing: Upside down banner signals distress

This letter is in response to a letter (“Resident upset with inverted U.S. Flag”) relating to our flag being flown upside down. It very well may be that the resident was in compliance …

Dozier: Cost, public opinion support plan to end death penalty

More people are asking: Is it worth it?

Grim: Churches play major role in community

I’ve seen a lot of comments on social media concerning churches. A lot of the comments center around the desire to tax churches. One of the main reasons churches aren’t taxed is …

Nolan: Do women have equal voice in virtual finance conversations?

The new social media platform Clubhouse has been making waves in recent weeks. Some industry experts are saying it might be the next major social media platform. So, I was eager to accept my invitation to join and see what all the fuss is about.

Kampert: Know your rights or lose them

Believe it or not, your rights listed in the Bill of Rights are absolute. I know, you have been told otherwise. The government has no Constitutional authority to touch our rights ... none. The …

Gates: We will protect law, voters’ rights

On Wednesday, the Arizona State Senate Judiciary Chairman Warren Petersen, with the blessing of Senate President Karen Fann, crafted a floor resolution to hold the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in contempt of the Senate for not turning over the 2.1 million ballots cast in Maricopa County during the 2020 election.

Hess: Don’t let your Super Bowl party be a super spreader event

Doctors from Abrazo hospitals are reminding everyone to use caution when planning those Big Game watch parties this weekend — don’t let it become a super spreader event.

Sellers: What Senate wants is illegal

I find it frustrating that the Senate would even consider bringing forward a motion of contempt towards the Board of Supervisors.

Practice hope, faith and patience while you ‘stop the spread’

I hope our future will get better now that vaccines are available; it’ll take time for the distribution to reach all parts of the country, which means we’ll need some patience.

Innovate today while solving for tomorrow

Innovation today for a post-COVID future is not an opportunity, but rather a necessity. Everything has changed from the way we socialize, shop and work to how we enjoy entertainment and receive health care.

Dunham: New water line benefits customers

EPCOR has received a $250,000 grant from the Water Management Assistance Program at the Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR), important funding that will help a group of agricultural and …

How to keep kids safe and smiling during pandemic

COVID-19 has disrupted multiple aspects of daily life, including how people access dental care. That’s in part because many dental offices closed during the early part of the pandemic, and some people have stayed away since.

Mathie: There are testing sites in Sun City

Chris Tracy wrote to the editor (“Why no COVID tests, shots in Sun City?”) complaining there was no place in Sun City to get a COVID test. Banner and Safeway were not the designated …

Zoukis: Prison for some Capitol rioters; are they ready for that?

Some were model citizens — until they weren’t.

Bagnato: Accusation about resident was wrong

In her letter (“Resident upset with inverted U.S. flag,”), Sun City West resident Mary Arnot comes across as if the world has ended because a neighbor decided they want to express their …

Lopez: Educational choice is educational opportunity

This time last year, I was already monitoring the COVID-19 virus.

West Valley is competing, attracting smart people

Westmarc is focusing on reaching California’s brokerage and young talent communities. Californians have always been moving to Arizona. This is not new to our state. But increasingly, people and companies are making the value-based decision to relocate to Arizona.

Kaplan: Domestic violence and Valentine’s Day — Love shouldn’t hurt

As we approach Valentine’s Day, I’m prompted to ask: Are all romantic relationships love? Where did we discover our conceptualizations of romantic love? I grew up on tales of Prince Charming and Cinderella, which shaped my view of romantic love.

Richer: We aim to inspire confidence in elections

It was my great honor that voters in November elected me to serve as the 30th Maricopa County Recorder.

Snow falls on a roadway near Flagstaff in this webcam image. [Courtesy of ADOT]

Harding: If you’re planning on playing in the snow, leave prepared

One of the great things about Arizona is snow is just an hour or two away by vehicle. But it’s important to resist the urge to just jump in the car and go instead of leaving prepared.

In this Jan. 6, 2021, file photo with the White House in the background, President Donald Trump speaks at a rally in Washington. [The Associated Press]

Mandel: Ex-president should pay for his crimes

I strongly disagree with the opinions Debby Phillips expressed in her recent Letter to the Editor (“Resident not happy with impeach banner,” Daily Independent, Jan. 16, 2021). I can …

Wheat: What does future bring for politics?

I have to ask the question that many people have asked in the past about Pelosi and Schumer, and that is when are these two going represent their constituents? They have spent the last four years …

Hogan/Lieberman: We must bring democracy back from the brink

There are a handful of days in our history that reverberate across generations, defining the story of America. Jan. 6, 2021 — the date insurrectionists attacked the heart of our democracy to stop the orderly peaceful transfer of power — will be one of those days.

Somerville: Impeachment necessary to send message

In a letter to the editor (“Resident not happy with impeach banner”) Ms. Debby Phillips expressed displeasure at seeing a banner that read, “Impeach Trump, Make America Great …

Hart: How to make the best of extra retirement time

Singer Jim Croce longed to put time in a bottle. Retirees aren’t always certain what it is they long to do with time, but one day they stop working and find they have a barrelful of it.

Arnot: Resident upset with inverted U.S. flag

On Jan. 19, 2021, on the eve of what we all hoped will be a peaceful transition of power to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, I walked in my neighborhood in Sun City West. This …

Orestis: What the Biden presidency means for older Americans

In his run for the presidency, Joe Biden laid out a “Plan for Older Americans” that reflected the Democratic party philosophy that health care and living with dignity after retirement are an inalienable right for all.

Miller: Calls for new leadership for state GOP

As a result of President Trump’s recent controversial statements and — especially since the riots at the US Capitol — there have been many concerns expressed in the media, such as …

Seetharam: Don’t forget about your liver health in 2021

2020 taught us a lot, and as the clock struck midnight New Year’s Eve, perhaps we all gave thanks we made it to 2021 with our health intact and with a renewed focus on maintaining it.

Blanton: We must prioritize those with developmental disabilities for vaccination

With the hope of a new start at a new year, it seems clear that the coronavirus has also made a New Year’s resolution to persevere with a vengeance and stick around and mutate.

Duncan: Here’s what I see for the future of Arizona education

What do you think Arizona’s K-12 schools will look like in 2031? Does the prospect excite or dishearten you? After a year of countless hardships for families, we could use some positivity.

Alexander: 6 things to know about PPP loans and your taxes

Last year was monumental to say the least. Life as we once knew it became a thing of the past, for individuals and businesses alike.

Doctor: FAQs and tips regarding COVID-19 vaccination

The advent of COVID-19 vaccinations is a positive step in the pandemic fight. While more vaccination sites are opening and eligibility for receiving the vaccine is increasing, below are a few basics to know during the vaccine rollout.

Sandefur: Supreme Court decides to follow different constitution

In a 4-3 decision with important consequences for online privacy in Arizona, the state’s highest court ruled Jan. 11 that the Arizona Constitution’s “private affairs” clause does not protect individual rights any more than the federal Constitution.

Arizona legislature introduces first-in-nation resolution to protect against Democrat 'court packing'

The United States Supreme Court isn't merely one of America's most important institutions, it is also one of the most important elements of our constitutional system of checks and balances, not to …

Enroth: Diverse culture brings new phrases, outlooks

This is in response to Norman Webb’s letter (“Do not force your opinions on others"). I read your response to a previous letter about the use of the term Happy Holidays. As I read it, …

Halikowski: Extending driver license renewals for older adults

For many of us, thinking about renewing our driver license rarely crosses our mind. Sure, we update it with a new address when we move, and some change their name after getting married, but the first time most of us will actually renew our driver license is when we turn 65 years old.

Hogan: It’s time to work together to solve America’s problems

Anyone who wants to build a better American future has to recognize that our problems cannot be solved by partisan politics. Washington today is completely out of whack.

Iganian: We must unite against racial injustice

Last year was a harrowing time in America’s rich and complicated history. Our great nation was faced with a novel coronavirus and an old, deeply ingrained racial disease aching for healing and remedy.

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