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 …
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.
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 …
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.
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 …
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.
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 …
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 …
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, …
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.
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.
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.
There is an early warning sign that high-demand jobs may be hard to fill when the labor market fully reopens, even with millions of Americans looking for work.
If President-elect Joe Biden is serious about addressing climate change, preventing future outbreaks of zoonotic disease, or minimizing animal cruelty on factory farms, he should support the nascent …
When I was being interviewed for my current job (I’m the pastor of a Sun City West church) the call committee chairman told me, “The most dangerous place to drive is the parking lot at …
For 23 years, the Town of Paradise Valley has had a tradition of honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with an in-person celebration and luncheon, and this year, while dramatically different in some …
It’s tempting these days to believe that once COVID-19 is contained, the U.S. economy will bounce back quickly, replenishing jobs and incomes lost in the pandemic. Yet there is an early warning …
At the recent Pinal County Board of Supervisors meeting, the head of public health gave a presentation on the COVID-19 vaccination program.
The facts presented: 10,000 doses allocated by the end …
I’m always thinking about the future and attempt to glean from the ethers what will happen next. It’s easier to predict the future when you create it, so the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce has taken new action to make sure the future of our community is bright.
How do you pick a single theme for beautifying the 22-mile Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway? That was the question facing the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Roadside Development Section once work began on the new $2 billion freeway.
Never in my lifetime have we lived during a more consequential and threatening challenge than today in both our civic and our personal lives.
Your federal-legislator counterparts in Washington are …
Alleged irregularities surrounding the 2020 election have many deeply skeptical of the reported results. This skepticism is unhealthy for our republic and if not checked will further erode trust in our government institutions.
In response to the letter from the reader who made election and voting claims, thank you, Daily Independent, for printing the correct facts at the end of her letter.
There is so much …
I know that the Sun Cities lean Republican, and Kevin Payne ran an uncontested race for the state senate so he feels that he can ignore Democratic residents in District 21 with impunity.
Still, I …
Women are the majority of Americans as well as the majority of voters. What does that mean in practical terms? How did that play out in the November 2020 elections? A record-breaking number of women …
Mr. Barry Spinka (“Resident not happy to hear driveway music”), you really are the Grinch of Sun City.
I can’t even believe that you wrote this letter about our driveway concert …
COVID-19 took a heavy toll on the U.S. economy in 2020, causing millions of job losses and forcing many businesses to close. It also affected lots of retirement plans in the process.
Regarding your recent letter, (“In response to complaints in Sun City,” Daily Independent, De, 23, 2020), I was born and raised in Glendale, Mr. Foulke. Been in Sun City 15 years. …
As vice president of philanthropic services for Jewish Family & Children’s Service, I have the rare privilege of working with individuals and families who transform others’ lives.
I met Jesse Ramirez, Valley View Community Food Bank founder and director, a year ago and am constantly amazed at how much he does with so little.
I have a suggestion for all of us that can make …
Nicaragua, Panama, Belize, Sri Lanka, Ukraine, Pakistan, Egypt, Cambodia, Burma, etc. received several billions in the new COVID “relief” bill and the American people get …
Beginning January 1, 2021 the use of portable communication devices while driving will become a violation of civil traffic statutes for which law enforcement officers may issue a citation.
Pinal County is a county where people need to wear masks.
I had the COVID-19 virus. I am still recovering.
You guys are not following the rules. These people need to wear a mask.
I got the …
The idea of maintaining civil discourse when debating public issues of the day is more than lip-service at Independent Newsmedia.
At Yourvalley.net, which is powered by the work of local …
The Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 today to direct its attorneys to respond to the subpoenas issued by the Arizona Legislature by filing a complaint in Superior Court.
The two subpoenas …
This building in Washington, D.C., houses all documents of our history, both the good and the bad.
Our founding documents are on protected display inside the main entrance area: The Declaration of …
We are all excited about the COVID-19 vaccines and the daily updates on the effort to get it to us.
However, what is missing is how we will actually sit in a chair and have it administered. All I …
The Independent reported recently that our Southwest Valley friends claim a proposed solar energy facility will block their view of an ancient cinder-cone volcano (“Southwest Valley residents …
Throughout the COVID-19 response, the Arizona Department of Health Services has continually reevaluated how we are collecting, analyzing and presenting COVID-19 data for cases, hospitalizations, and …
Mark Carlisle wrote a recent article (“Spend it or lose it: Phoenix doles out remaining $43 million in coronavirus relief before Dec. 30 deadline,” Daily Independent, Dec. 12, 2020). In …
As a founding member of the Arizona Human Rights Fund, which has now morphed into Equality Arizona, I have always worked on the issues that have been at the forefront of the LGBTQ …
I just spoke with Rep. Lesko’s D.C. office after receiving a non-response email to my simple election inquiry. I posed a simple yes-or-no question as to whether Joe Biden is our president …
The most magical thing about the holidays is the way we so joyfully give to others. Not just our friends and families — but to complete strangers who are in need.
I respectfully request that Congress pass the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act, H.R. 5434/S. 2602, in 2020.
The bipartisan RPM Act protects the right to convert an automobile or …
On R.H. Johnson Boulevard driving home from the store at about 4:30 p.m. with my son the other day, we noticed a pickup sitting half on the sidewalk with its flashers blinking.
As we got closer we …
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s latest research finds drivers who have been in at least one crash in the past two years are significantly more likely to engage in risky behaviors like speeding or texting, even when they think the police may catch them.
The 2020-21 flu season is on track to be one of the worst in years, and with COVID-19 still running rampant in Arizona, being infected with both could be dangerous.
I know, I know ... you are sick and tired of hearing about, talking about or being afraid of the COVID virus and I agree with you. But, there are real solutions to this, if you can give me a few …
With the proliferation of clinics that offer vein treatment, how do you choose the one that is right for you? And, do you really know what condition your veins are in?
Why haven’t the top U.S. health officials been educating the American populace that our immune systems are the first source of protection from viruses and COVID?
A huge number of us are …
There are many impacts that the holidays can have on COVID-19 in Arizona. With people traveling and gathering with loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving, we anticipate the cases and the need for hospitalizations to continue to increase over the next few weeks.
I have an idea for an addition to your weekly newspapers that would make it more enjoyable and would make more people read it.
In my neighborhood magazine, they always feature someone who has done …
Over the years, we have delved into our archives to bring you photographs from a lot of times and places. From grading a road with mules to the Highway Hawk’s appearances at events to a …
If you receive a benefit verification letter, sometimes called a “budget letter,” a “benefits letter,” a “proof of income letter,” or a “proof of award letter,” we have good news for you.
The recent passing of Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek has sparked a flood of tributes for him and the game show itself.
Former contestants and celebrities who’ve competed there have shared …
With millions unemployed and numerous industries struggling because of the coronavirus pandemic, some people who are out of work are considering a new career.
Every business in the country has been impacted by COVID-19 in one way or another.
But few sectors have been as hard hit, or face a longer road to recovery, than the travel agency industry. …
After reading your letter in the Independent on Nov. 28, 2020, I just have one thing to say — ”Mr. Megee, mind your own business.”
There is no reason whatsoever to wear a mask …
Thank you for your article (“Street racers invade Sun City”) regarding street racers.
I have not seen or heard the racers but am struck by another part of the article. Specifically, …
You may have seen this message on our digital message boards statewide: “Fender Bender? Save your rear, Quickly clear.” It was a reminder to move your vehicle safely onto a shoulder or exit and stay out of travel lanes if involved in a minor crash.
About Rita Venice’s recent letter (“Calls fraud allegations ‘clap-trap’”, Daily Independent, Nov. 24, 2020): many of the “down ballots” voting turned a …
America is dealing with an unprecedented shortage of skilled labor. The Department of Labor reports while there are 7.6 million unfilled jobs, only 6.5 million people were looking for work. This is …
Jack Hawn in his letter (“Says it’s over, Trump lost election,” Nov. 19, 2020) wants the Trump supporters to take down our signs and flags — really Jack? The election has not, …
In recent days, constituents of District 2, candidates for office, state lawmakers and congressmen have asked questions and made statements regarding Maricopa County’s voting system, hand counts, recounts and legal challenges.
This is a response to Roy Miller’s recent letter (“Says voting a privilege, not a right,” Nov. 19, 2020). I didn’t wish to respond, but there is need to correct his statement …
In response to the letter written by someone from the Surprise Chamber of Commerce, the headline reads the “Chamber wants politicians to focus on relief.” The letter then lists several …
During the fall months, drivers face an increased risk of animal-related crashes as deer and other wildlife begin to migrate and find their way onto highways and into suburban neighborhoods.
Members of the Board of Supervisors continue to hear from government leaders and the public about the integrity of Maricopa County elections. We want to assure you that proper steps have been taken to ensure a full and accurate count of all votes.
A few weeks ago I received a picture of a bird. The caption read: It doesn’t make any difference whether it is a left wing or a right wing, it is the same bird!
Put this in another …
It’s a question as old as transportation itself: How are we going to get across that? Whether it be a river, creek, wash, arroyo, canyon or crevice, getting a vehicle from one side to the other is a prime concern when it comes to building roads.
The Northwest Valley Connect Mobility Program continues to go forward with a ride solution for many seniors, people experiencing disabilities, and veterans residing independently in West Valley communities who lack access to public transportation.
If Sens. Kyrsten Sinema and Martha McSally care about the environment, they should support federal funding for cultured-meat research.
For those who don’t know, cultured meat is grown from …
The familiar joke, “Why did the chicken cross the road?,” has been around for many years. It really wasn’t meant to be funny, but it did provide the answer, “To get to the …
As a lifelong Republican, I praised President Trump’s court appointments, deregulation, and tax cuts; but I also criticized him when he was wrong on issues like tariffs and the national debt. …
The holidays can be challenging for anyone — but that’s especially true if you are grieving the loss of a loved one. Sadness can magnify the stress of the season. Instead of excitement …
I can only hope that the powers that be will make sure that first to receive the vaccine will be our first responders, EMTs, firemen, police and all medical front-line people, doctors, nurses and all …
According to the media, Joe Biden has been elected president of the U.S. I guess I wasn’t paying attention in school because I don’t remember being taught that is the way our country …
The story of Phoenix, Arizona is the story of sprawl. After World War II, when cars, air conditioning, and home loans became affordable for the middle class, Phoenix’s population boomed.
In …
The agave and yucca are not cactus (“Fallen cacti in Sun Cities leaves residents concerned”); they are from the asparagaceae family, which include the lily family and also onions, leeks …
Let me start out by saying that even in the veterans community there seems to be some confusion as to what makes someone a veteran.
Some say you have to have completed a contract of service. Most …
When you drive by a highway or interstate marker, there is comforting uniformity to them, no matter if you are driving Interstate 8, Interstate 15, State Route 92, State Route 377, U.S. 60 or U.S. 191.
James Kepler asked several questions (“Republicans don’t want responsibility,” Daily Independent, Nov. 2, 2020), who and what can be answered in one word: Democrats!
Reason you …
I started in early April stating I needed a new plate as nine years had taken the paint off my old one. As they don’t read emails, they sent the tag only.
After several more unanswered …
Arizona voters have two historic choices to make this November. The presidential election is the marquee event. But the U.S. Senate race is equally important. We need to think strategically, because …
I’m new to Arizona and was pleased to find a park about one-fourth mile away, the Surprise Community Park near City Hall.
The park overall is well taken care of. However, when the water is …
As a mom of young kids attending in-person learning, nothing is more important to me than the health of our kids and the safety of our schools. Close coordination across the public health system and …
I believe Jayne Smith forgot to disclose that Biden will cancel President Trump’s tax cuts for middle-income wage earners via payroll taxes (“Calls out falsehoods in TV ads,” Daily …
Rich Andrews’ latest letter to the editor (“Hopes for close election, more division,” Daily Independent, Oct. 22, 2020) was horrifying to me. Not only does Andrews clearly feel that …
Following her continuous string of nationally embarrassing comments, former Gov. Jan Brewer has decided to weigh in on the Maricopa County Attorney’s race — I wear her non-endorsement as a badge of pride.
My entire career, I have been committed to the safety and well-being of our children. It is critical that we have leaders at every level of government who are committed to the rule of law and …
I recently received a mass mailing paid for by the Arizona Republican Party. It stated, “Under Biden’s tax plan, 82% or Americans would face higher taxes.”
I went to …
When it comes to health care, most Arizonans want the same thing: lower costs, improved access and higher quality. That’s why I cannot understand how anyone could support a …
Medicare’s annual Open Enrollment season is underway, and I want to encourage all people with Medicare to review their current health and prescription drug coverage.
I’m just curious if anyone has looked into why the city of Surprise does not use solar panels in their businesses?
The schools have them, but we all know why.
Why not the businesses? For …
Mail voting is a popular mechanism for casting a ballot in the western U.S. Prior to 2020, of the states that mailed ballots directly to voters who had not requested them, many were Arizona’s …
In response to Rich Andrews letter (“Calls for confirmation for Barrett,” Daily Independent, Oct. 22, 2020), you believe Congress electing, or more accurately placing, Judge Barrett on …
We’re seeing millions of dollars flow into Arizona campaigns from California in an effort to change our Legislature and state policies to mirror California’s. Given California’s …
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a nation as divided as ours, which only benefits our adversaries and enemy nations alike. This has become an “uncivil” war, with President Trump …
Arizonans are already casting their ballots, and voters in Arizona’s 6th Congressional District have a special opportunity this election cycle to send a fresh voice — Hiral …
I hope we soon see Amy Coney Barrett confirmed as an associate justice on our nation’s highest court. She then will be the third justice placed on the court of last resort by our president. …
Dear Northwest Valley neighbor: My name is Wendy Garcia. I am an experienced radio news director and the mother of two.
I founded Indivisible Surprise and helped organize Save Our Schools locally. …
I spent most of my life in California and never thought I would leave. But I left for good in 2016 simply because the liberal, one-party state government drove me out. If you have never lived in a …
In reply to the comment by Paul Playford (“Too many ignore mask mandates,” Daily Independent, Oct. 12, 2020), we have to agree with him and his wife regarding the lack of people wearing …
Arizona’s Congressional District 8 has a unique historical opportunity to elect a congressman born and raised in this district. This isn’t an election between a Republican and a Democrat; it’s an election between a career politician and one of our own.
In response to Pam Kirby’s recent commentary (“We must reopen schools to protect our children’s future,” Daily Independent, Oct. 14, 2020), I’d like to offer a few …
I just returned from the Sun City West Post Office where I was attacked verbally because I have a Trump 2020 magnet on my car.
As I was about to get into my car, a woman stopped her car in back of …
While Democrats favor political games over the education of children across the nation, President Trump has unapologetically fought for the well-being of our students to safely return to school.
Herman Cain caught the virus at Trump’s Tulsa rally and died. Four people from Trump’s Minnesota rally caught the virus, three are in the hospital, one on a ventilator. And Trump’s …
I see all the signs opposing the legalization of marijuana, mostly misleading. Colorado has shown that teen use was down, impaired driving was down and state coffers up after legalization. Facts are: …
I am running for State Senator to bring these desperately needed values to our Legislature to forge bipartisan solutions to the issues our state is facing and help the working families of Arizona.
I am writing to you today to save our American wild horses and burros.
The American wild horses and burros are on public land where they belong. The welfare rancher’s cattle belong on their …
I am writing in support of Florence Copper and with that I am also advocating for a change in town mayoral leadership.
I am a geological engineer and have been involved in the mining industry …
My fellow Americans,
Amazon has a product that zaps the COVID-19 virus, the cold virus, and even the flu virus!
It keeps the virus that floats in the air like dust from entering your body, and …
In the “A”-rated Litchfield Elementary School District, we rely on strong partnerships to offer academic rigor in a caring environment to more than 12,000 students.
On Friday, while waiting to make a left turn off of Brookside onto Del Webb, I witnessed a guy on his golf car park at the center divider, who got out and grabbed the Biden-Harris sign that was there …
President Trump, you have had almost four years to lead the United States and have failed us by your own choosing. Whether it be in foreign policy and domestic policy, you have not protected the …
Gilead Sciences’ novel drug remdesivir has shown immense promise for treating coronavirus. Yet every time a company develops a promising drug, some policymakers call for the government to take control of the compound in question.
As a Sun City West resident for 29 years, I’m deeply troubled by the direction we’re heading and it’s getting worse with each day’s front-page headline.
We’ve become …
We have quite the talented group of shutterbugs here at ADOT, as evidenced by the quantity and quality of the highway construction photos you can easily find online.
The recent debate was disgraceful.
Moderator Chris Wallace was not able to control Trump’s interruptions. I like Chris Wallace and watch his show every Sunday, but he did the public a …
In response to Coralyn Collins article regarding Don Scott’s letter, you’ve listed the Democratic platform and said it was the Republican platform (Calls support for candidate …
A special thanks to the GOP-led investigation into the 2016 presidential election and Russian interference. It was a bipartisan investigation whose sole purpose was to state the evidence found by the …
Rolling back mask and distancing mandates now will reverse gains in slowing the spread. Banner Health, Arizona’s largest health care system, is strongly opposed to any decision or consideration …
To Bob and Lois King: Thank you so much for acknowledging my husband’s poem re: our son (“Grateful for poet’s shared words on loss,” Daily Independent, Sept. 23, 2020). …
As I turned on the evening news, I learned that tragically two more law enforcement officers were shot today in the line of duty — this time in Louisville.
Anyone in law enforcement today …
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought on many stressors, including emotional hardships that can impact the overall health and mental well-being of Arizonans.
Who approved the “Beachfront Resort” in Glendale? Eleven-acre man-made lagoon with sandy beaches! Where is this water coming from?
We live in a desert, man. Look around at the fires, …
President Trump, you have had almost four years to lead the United States and have failed us by your own choosing. Whether it be in foreign policy or domestic policy, you have not protected the …
This year marked the third in a call to action for Adopt a Highway group participation on National CleanUp Day on Sept. 19, and more than 60 volunteer groups and hundreds of volunteers in 13 Arizona counties displayed community pride by caring for their adopted segments.
Health care is once again top of mind for voters, especially as Election Day approaches.
Like many of us, I have lost loved ones to COVID-19. As a union member, I understand how important this …
Constitution Week is celebrated each year Sept. 17-23. This year our Constitution is 233 years old. It has been in effect longer than any other and is the shortest in the world.
Reading the recent article on making the gyms safer, (“Making gyms safer a constant challenge,” Daily Independent, Sept. 16, 2020). I think you missed the obvious.
Like not being ready …
For decades, only people who have been accepted by the American Bar Association were allowed to offer legal advice, no matter how qualified they were to give that guidance.
We moved to Arizona from New York’s Long Island in the summer of 2019 for all the standard reasons. Lower taxes, nicer climate and extremely better “bang for your buck” with respect …
Along Interstate 40, nestled between Flagstaff and Winslow, is the ghost town of Two Guns. As you drive by, you may see the remnants of an old gas station, now nothing more than a repository of …
Well, not everyone is moving faster. Parents continue to juggle work and home-schooling responsibilities, many people are without jobs, too many business owners are struggling and the list goes on, …
An open letter to the person or persons who are stealing Trump lawn signs: I would like to know — what are you afraid of?
Is the thought of President Donald Trump being reelected …
Do you know a safe person when you see one? Do you know the signs of an unsafe person? Do you know someone in your life who is always telling you what you should or shouldn’t do?
I would like the opportunity to respond to recent the letter by Kathleen O’Brien-Lawrence (“Merchants, masks, money madness,” Daily Independent, Sept. 14, 2020).
First, there …
I serve the Gold Canyon community as a volunteer for several organizations and events — Gold Canyon Business Association, Gold Canyon Lions, Gold Canyon Republican Chairman, Gold Canyon …
Could we ask for a favor? We promise it’s easier than giving a ride to the airport or house sitting a cat. You see, we were pretty enthused last month when we learned that three ADOT projects …
I was pleased to learn the National Science Foundation recently awarded a $3.5 million grant to researchers studying cultured meat at the University of California, Davis.
In case you don’t …
The Great Hand Sanitizer and Toilet Paper Shortage of 2020 — our great grandkids are sure to read about it in their history books. COVID-19 has turned the world on its head more times than we …
As we all know during these trying times with the virus, the upcoming presidential election and all the other issues, our country is now facing more bureaucracy. The latest one in the financial world …
In his recent article (“Mask up to protect lives, protect economy,” Daily Independent, Sept. 8, 2020), Dr. Richard Strand quoted a estimate of 30,000 to 40,000 lives that could be saved …
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide among young adults ages 15 to 24 has become the second-leading cause of death in the United States.
While I wholeheartedly agree with Howie Verrille’s recent commentary (“Resident calls for reform of campaign, election laws,” Daily Independent, Aug. 26, 2020), in which he argues …
I’m a single parent struggling to maintain my household while Congress is on vacation after our stimulus unemployment benefits expired.
Every business in the country has been impacted by …
To achieve comparable economic success this century, and to prepare make our worker community ready to participate in the knowledge economy, mirroring last century’s IQ surge is a must.
This pertains to dog owners picking up their dog waste.
As long as dogs have been a part of urban life, cities have issued attempts to control them with anti-excrement campaigns going back to the …
World Honey Bee Day came and went, but it wasn’t a celebration: over 40% of insect species are threatened with extinction. Thanks to science, we know exactly why: habitat loss, pollution from …
Who benefits? One of the most fundamental questions to ask when attempting to solve a crime is, “What is the motive?” Money, power, love? Who benefits?
Now, ask yourself, who benefits …
While government officials, academic leaders and public health authorities are scrutinizing whether it is safe for children to return to campus for in-person learning, many employers are grappling with the related question of what this means for them and their workforce.
Since its earliest days, the labor movement has sought to improve the quality of work life, create workplace democracy and participate in employer-employee decision-making. The many benefits and …
Arizona businesses continue to be affected by the economic impact of COVID-19. Particularly hard-hit are those individuals whose business is the ownership and management of rental homes throughout the state.
Never in my long life could I ever have imagined, after serving my country in two capacities over 30 years, that expressing peacefully a political opinion could endanger my life and safety.
So …
In the Opinions section, Jean Goncalves wrote a rebuttal stating that there is a difference in mail-in ballots and absentee ballots (“Reader responds to Lux,” Daily Independent, Aug. 29, …
As America grapples with the challenges of COVID-19 and the need for flexible models of K-12 education, two new enterprises are quietly rolling out of the Grand Canyon State — specifically, …
There have been several recent letters about palms.
Opinions vary, as do the reasons for the opinions. Many have some truth to them. Yes, young and full palm trees are beautiful. Yes, a lot of …
In response to Howie Verrill’s recent guest commentary (“Resident calls for reform of campaign, election laws,” Daily Independent, Aug. 26, 2020), he had a good idea in reform of …
An old and dear friend of ours is in serious, in fact, life-threatening trouble. This friend predates the Constitution and was born before the Declaration of Independence was signed by our founding fathers.
September is Suicide Prevention Month, and it’s important that we are there for each other and take steps to prevent suicide.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s theme …
As we all know we are in election season. Every day I receive numerous letters in the mail asking for more and am forced to watch dozens of negative ads over and over again. I would think we all hate this by now. I think there is a better way.
I was somewhat disappointed to read Erick Hernandez’s recent letter (“Decries calls for universal health care,” Daily Independent, Aug. 20, 2020), in which he seems to argue against …
![Amber Kovarik enlisted the help of her daughters Jade (left), 5, and Tatum, 7, and father, Dave, to deliver almost 100 meals to Hospice of the Valley patients on Thanksgiving eve. [Courtesy of Hospice of the Valley]](https://cdn4.creativecirclemedia.com/yourvalley/medium/20201215-132439-121520%20op%20Lin%20Sue%20Cooney%20HOV%20commentary.jpg)
![ADOT officials seek the public’s help figuring out where this photo was taken. [ADOT photo]](https://cdn4.creativecirclemedia.com/yourvalley/medium/20201204-120551-120420%20op%20Rookhuyzen%20commentary%20Highway.jpg)
![Arizona Department of Transportation officials film a traffic incident management training video. [Courtesy of ADOT]](https://cdn4.creativecirclemedia.com/yourvalley/medium/20201127-100636-112720%20op%20John%20Halikowski%20ADOT%20commentary.tif.jpg)
![A deer has its eyes and ears on a passerby while foraging for food near a public park in Hillsborough, N.C., Wednesday, July 8, 2020. [AP Photo/Gerry Broome]](https://cdn4.creativecirclemedia.com/yourvalley/medium/20201120-112043-112020%20op%20AAA%20Arizona%20commentary.jpg)
![The original bridge over Queen Creek along U.S. 60 on the east side of Superior (foreground) served Arizona motorists for 30 years before it was replaced in 1953. [Courtesy of ADOT]](https://cdn4.creativecirclemedia.com/yourvalley/medium/20201118-123408-111820%20op%20David%20Rookhuyzen%20ADOT%20commentary.jpg)
![Thanks to a generous donation, Northwest Valley Connect was recently able to complete the decorative wrap on its newest transport van. [Courtesy of Northwest Valley Connect]](https://cdn4.creativecirclemedia.com/yourvalley/medium/20201117-125708-111720%20op%20Kathy%20Chandler%20commentary.jpg)
![Community education program manager Sulie Richardson of Desert Financial Credit Union teaches a class at St. Vincent de Paul. [Courtesy of Desert Financial Credit Union]](https://cdn4.creativecirclemedia.com/yourvalley/medium/20201105-125936-100520%20op%20Sulie%20Richardson%20commentary.jpg)
![Aspens in fall colors attract leaf peepers at Aspen Corner on the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff. [Steve Chernek/Independent Newsmedia]](https://cdn4.creativecirclemedia.com/yourvalley/medium/20201027-131006-102720%20op%20Doug%20Nick%20ADOT%20commentary.tif.jpg)
![In this Feb. 26, 1934 file photo, state officials oversee a paving project along Thomas Road in the Phoenix area. [Courtesy of ADOT]](https://cdn4.creativecirclemedia.com/yourvalley/medium/20201002-111359-100220%20op%20David%20Rookhuyzen%20ADOT%20commentary.jpg)
![Chaplain Cristiano Artigas answers a family’s call to baptize a hospice patient during the pandemic. [Courtesy of Hospice of the Valley]](https://cdn4.creativecirclemedia.com/yourvalley/medium/20200930-125136-093020%20op%20Lin%20Sue%20Cooney%20commentary.jpg)
![The first bridge over the Little Colorado River was built in 1912. [Courtesy of ADOT]](https://cdn4.creativecirclemedia.com/yourvalley/medium/20200911-114844-091120%20op%20Laurie%20Merrill%20ADOT%20commentary.jpg)
