Opinion

Beyond the driving test: Helping Arizona teens become safer drivers

OPINION — Getting a driver’s license means freedom for teenagers, but for parents, it can bring fear and anxiety. In 2024, 2,320 teen drivers ages 15 to 18 died in auto crashes and more than 80,000 were injured.

Question of the Week: Does your family participate in Halloween traditions and fun?

There was a time when nothing signaled the onset of autumn like Halloween, the annual cultural celebration observed on Oct. 31, which features trick-or-treating, wearing costumes and carving …

Opinion

What Valley parents may be missing about bullying today

OPINION — When parents think about bullying, they may picture a confrontation in a school hallway or a cruel comment at lunch. Those situations still happen, but social media and messaging apps have extended bullying well beyond the school day. A child can be home, sitting beside a parent, while classmates target them on their phone.

Opinion

Peoria reader: My values align with Rep. Hamadeh’s

OPINION — My most cherished freedom is the freedom to openly serve my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. Next is my freedom to vote, a right that gives each of us a voice in the direction of our nation. This election requires each of us to exercise that freedom and choose leaders who will stand for the principles we believe in.

Opinion

Glendale needs a citywide accountability shift

OPINION — Glendale residents deserve a municipal government that operates with true accountability. What we have instead is a culture of complete silence and disregard for the people who live here.

Opinion

Fighting hunger also means prioritizing nutrition

OPINION — When most people think about hunger, they picture an empty pantry or fridge. Yet, for families struggling to make ends meet, the challenge is often more complicated than simply having enough food to eat.

Opinion

Four years of tax hikes and one new cop; our community colleges need new priorities

OPINION — Most voters never reach the bottom of their ballot. This year, the Maricopa County Community College District board race deserves the trip.

Opinion

Congress should pass the Major Richard Star Act to keep its promise to combat-injured veterans

OPINION — When Americans are injured in combat, we have a responsibility to make sure they receive the benefits they earned through their service and sacrifice. For tens of thousands of veterans, we are falling short of that promise.

Opinion

Senior thanks Rep. Hamadeh for tax relief

OPINION — After working and paying taxes for many years, seniors deserve a break on taxation of their retirement financial resources. Many live on fixed incomes that are affected by rising costs. Tax relief can provide the extra cushion to make the “golden years” a little more stress-free.

Opinion

Military widow: Rep. Hamadeh’s office solved my problem

OPINION — I’m not really into opinions. Facts and actions are what count. My experience as a 40-year military widow was mightily reaffirmed recently. I must share.

Question of the Week: Should the Pentagon livestream the execution of former U.S. Army Maj. Nidal Hasan?

Former Army Medical Corps psychiatrist Nidal Hasan is scheduled to be executed by firing squad Dec. 3 at Fort Hood, Texas, for the 2009 mass shooting that claimed the lives of 13 soldiers and wounded …

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Your Community Your Voice

Surprise reader: Hamadeh understands importance of water security

OPINION — I am a lifelong Arizonan. Arizona’s water future is among the most urgent issues facing our state, and Congressman Abe Hamadeh has shown he understands that.  

Jobs are coming to the West Valley; our community colleges need to be ready

OPINION — The West Valley is in a period of tremendous growth. TSMC is producing advanced semiconductors in north Phoenix. Amkor is building a major semiconductor packaging and testing campus in Peoria. VAI Resort is taking shape in Glendale. Hospitals and medical facilities are expanding along with our population.

Hamadeh fights for West Valley

OPINION — As a West Valley resident, I support U.S. Rep. Abe Hamadeh’s reelection because he has focused on results here at home.

Glendale reader favors Howard for House in LD 27, but urges ‘just vote’

OPINION — I feel a need for pom-poms to get this message across. Had you seen me try out for cheer in 1970, you’d know that I have the voice but not the moves. I am an optimist, one who honestly gets excited by the prospect of voting. I have voted in every general election since 1972.

When did MAGA become the price of being Republican?

OPINION — Steve Grogan’s recent letter, Trump, GOP don’t embody the Cowboy Code, struck a chord. He wrote that he once voted Republican and supported Ronald Reagan, but no longer recognizes what the party has become. He isn’t alone.

Greene-Placentia’s campaign finance issues raise serious questions

OPINION — We expect our representatives to handle the big picture. That doesn’t mean they get a free pass on the basics. Bernadette Greene-Placentia’s campaign-finance mess raises serious questions about her potential as a representative for Arizona’s 8th Congressional District.

Why Arizonans must take charge of their health as they age

OPINION — Maintaining your health is a lifelong commitment. It’s always crucial but becomes increasingly important as we age and our health needs naturally evolve. And a big part of keeping up with these evolving needs can be more-frequent visits with your doctor.

What a 100th birthday taught me about caring for seniors

OPINION — When one of my patients recently reached the remarkable milestone of turning 100, our care team invited him in for a special celebration. As is his nature, he expressed appreciation, but truth be told, we were the grateful ones.

Rep. Hamadeh supports the SAVE America Act; I don’t support him

OPINION — This is in response to the writer enthralled with the One Big Beautiful Bill. I didn’t get a penny off my taxes; I checked with my accountant. And, it is temporary, as the reduction ends in two years.

I’m voting again for Abe Hamadeh; here’s why

OPINION — I wanted to meet with Congressional District 8’s Rep. Abe Hamadeh to form my own opinion and ask some questions which I felt were important before I could give this man my vote.

Dysart families deserve collaborative leadership

OPINION — Leadership on a school governing board should be about collaboration, transparency and respect for the community. In my view, Dysart Unified School District Governing Board President Steve Skvara is falling short of that standard.

Question of the Week: Are you voting by mail this year or going to the polls Nov. 3?

There has been plenty of bluster about mail-in voting, some of the negative coming from President Trump — who votes by mail himself. Do you believe in the integrity of voting by mail through …

Peoria teacher urges yes vote on Prop. 428

OPINION — For 17 years, I’ve worked in education because I wanted to do work that mattered. I found my purpose in helping children discover curiosity, potential and a love of lifelong learning.

10 things I’m not thanking Rep. Hamadeh for right now

OPINION — In response to the recent letter thanking Abe Hamadeh for his support of the One Big Beautiful Bill, I’m not thanking him for these 10 things:

U.S. vs. Mexico: ‘War’ that ends at final whistle in Glendale

OPINION — On Saturday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m., the United States’ men’s soccer team will play Mexico at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. On paper, it is a friendly. Nobody in my family has ever used that word for this game. Mexico can lose to the United States in almost any sport and take it well. Basketball, baseball, a bad night in the ring. We shake hands and go to dinner. Soccer is different.

Horrified at Dysart’s minimum passing grade for sports

OPINION — I honestly read in disbelief that the pass-to-play athletic-eligibility floor at Dysart Unified School District is a D grade. Is that really what we want to communicate to our children and students?

Trump, GOP don’t embody the Cowboy Code

OPINION — I used to be a Republican. I voted for Ronald Reagan. To me, Reagan embodied the Cowboy Code of actor singer Gene Autry. The code included that the cowboy must never shoot first, hit a smaller man or take unfair advantage. He must always tell the truth. He must help people in distress.

Why I’m voting Scianna over Montenegro for LD 29 House

OPINION — Legislative District 29’s Steve Montenegro has used his power as speaker of the state House to promote the nation’s most expensive voucher system at the same time Arizona is second-to-lowest in support of education.

Howard, Clayton are my choices for LD 27

OPINION — “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing!” Or is it “Knowledge is power?” It’s a bit of both. I felt uneasy telling people what I did for a living. At parties, “What do you do?” Me: “I am a public high school English teacher.” Reaction: “Oh … I hated English.” “Really?”

Unhappy with Hamadeh despite support for veterans, responders

OPINION — I read with great interest the recent letter extolling the virtues of Congressman Abe Hamadeh’s many services to the constituents of Congressional District 8.

Why I’m voting Coniam over Densmore for DUSD board

OPINION — I agree with Bob Doyle that Bill Coniam’s national political views are unwanted. He is running for a local office and should stick to the issues confronting the Dysart Unified School District.

Question of the Week: How are you observing Hispanic Heritage Month?

Arizona’s population of Hispanic or Latino heritage is 32.5% — nearly one-third, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. President Lyndon B. Johnson established Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 and …

Finding hope within heartbreak

OPINION — Our daughter Collyns Belle — “Colly” — was born in 2021 after an uneventful pregnancy. She joined her two brothers and sister, and when she arrived, our family felt complete. Her first year was very typical. She did everything her three older siblings did. She rolled, sat, smiled, babbled and even crawled. Colly was overflowing with life, and her personality sparkled.

Reader: Rep. Hamadeh should follow Charlie Kirk’s example

OPINION — In a recent newsletter, Rep. Abe Hamadeh memorialized Charlie Kirk, writing, “Charlie was murdered on September 10, 2025, while doing precisely what he had done throughout his public life: peacefully engaging Americans in a discussion about the future of our country. He did not hide from people who disagreed with him. He invited them to the front of the line, handed them a microphone and listened.”

Arizona lawmakers should kill the legislative subpoena

OPINION — According to Arizona law, a subpoena can be issued by the president of the Senate, the speaker of the House and the chairman of any committee. The Legislature has over 30 committees.

LD 27 challenger Howard: Fink shows she is an extremist

OPINION — Rep. Lisa Fink’s recent op-ed touting Andy Biggs as the gubernatorial candidate Arizonans should support was appalling, yet unsurprising. Fink has shown herself to be an out-of-touch extremist more interested in ideology than good governance.

Big Beautiful Bill letter praising Hamadeh doesn’t tell full story

OPINION — I’d like to offer a rebuttal to a recent letter-writer’s effusive praise for Rep. Abe Hamadeh’s support/vote for the One Big Beautiful Bill — OBBB.

Dysart candidate should set a better example for students, reader says

OPINION — I recently saw a photo that appeared to show Dysart Governing Board candidate William Coniam wearing a “No Kings” shirt.

Closed doors fueled Hamadeh protests

OPINION — Abe Hamadeh has built the largest protest movement in the history of Arizona’s 8th Congressional District. He did it by refusing to let constituents in the room.

LD 27 Rep. Lisa Fink: Vote Andy Biggs for governor

OPINION — Arizona has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to elect a conservative governor who will fight for our values in the West Valley and deliver results for our entire state. Andy Biggs has shown he has the experience, the character and the vision to Restore the American Dream in our state and help Arizona reach its full potential.

Question of the Week: Are Valley communities planning wisely?

Metro Phoenix remains among the fast-growing areas in the country. But are its communities doing the best job of regulating growth and development? Are they planning wisely for housing, schools, …

Reader agrees Congress must fund defense innovation

OPINION — I recently read Todd Jackson’s letter to the editor, Don’t forget local Army Reservists after 9/11 remembrances. I have to say I had no idea about many of our modern defenses such as the Integrated Battle Command System that are being built and designed to protect not only our nation, but our service members as well.

How we can expand support paths in suicide prevention

OPINION — For many people, suicide is not a distant issue. More than 2 in 5 U.S. adults report personally knowing someone who died by suicide, so it’s important to foster more open conversations about mental health and to make supportive resources easier to access.

Retired educator backs Deborah Howard for LD 27 House

OPINION — For me, the Arizona Legislative District 27 races are very vital to the future of my neighborhood and state. I’m a retired public-school educator (high school English teacher and guidance counselor. I have a vested interest in education due to my grandkids, but also considering the effect public schools has on our community and quality of life.

Surprise reader: Hamadeh’s office failed us

OPINION — We submitted, for a nice refund, our e-file on April 2. In May, the IRS asked us to be verified. We did. Online it shows that they received our forms. It does not progress past received.

Data center incentive moratorium risking one of Arizona’s labor success stories

OPINION — Arizona earned its title as a national leader in data center development through smart, innovation-focused policies, a highly skilled workforce and union members who have proven they can build some of the most advanced infrastructure in the world. However, the Legislature’s three-year moratorium on data center tax incentives now risks the very momentum making Arizona one of the country’s greatest labor success stories.

ESA voucher decisions could cost Arizona GOP lawmakers political control

OPINION — I’ve seen this before. When the main character, Neo, sees the same black cat walk by twice in the original movie “The Matrix,” he asks his colleagues, “Do you ever have déjà vu?” His partners instantly know something is wrong. Déjà vu is usually not a good thing. In the political world, we see it all the time.