Opinion

Before you vote, consider the recent past

OPINION — It’s time to vote. Too bad most campaign promises come out of expediency, not honesty. One party attempts to serve and protect the American public; while the opposition’s sole …

Opinion

Arizona GOP’s path to victory runs through older voters

OPINION — In Arizona, as across the country, the most reliable voting bloc is hiding in plain sight: voters 50 and older. If Republicans are smart, they won’t hand Democrats an easy win by ignoring them.

Opinion

Enough of GOP from Gilbert, time for legislative change

OPINION — I’ve been a Gilbert resident for 16 years, and I’ve watched our state government go from bad to really bad. Our legislature has been controlled by Republicans for the whole time I’ve lived here, and what do we have to show for it?

Opinion

Feeling safe again can take time after domestic violence

Safety can change in a moment, but feeling safe again can take much longer. This is something I have come to understand through my work as a therapist in Arizona with individuals who have experienced domestic violence and other forms of trauma.

Opinion

Pain at Valley pumps, profit at the refineries

OPINION — While crude oil gets most of the blame for today’s sky-high gas and diesel prices, the refiners that turn crude into fuel have quietly been making a killing and driving up costs.

Opinion

Why isn't the U.S. protecting Arizona airline consumers?

OPINION — As other countries strengthen air passenger rights, the U.S. Transportation Department is dismantling its rules and forgiving airline fines.

Opinion

Are Gingrich, McConnell and Roberts king-makers?

OPINION — What would a dairy farmer do with a stool that had one or more broken legs? The Constitution established our Democratic Republic like a three-legged stool: Executive, Legislative and Judicial legs to provide a strong foundation for the freedom of all Americans.

Opinion

Thoughts on a godless heaven

OPINION — New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani recently promised to replace the “frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism.” Warmth certainly sounds inviting on a cold day …

Opinion

Property owners: Get to know Arizona’s new anti-squatter law

OPINION — Imagine returning home from vacation to discover that the locks have been changed and an unauthorized occupant is living inside your property. For Arizona property owners, removing that occupant has not necessarily been as immediate or straightforward as many people would expect.

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.

Opinion

Washington shouldn’t stand between Arizona families and their financial security

OPINION — Most parents aren’t spending their evenings reading legislation moving through Congress. They’re helping with homework, packing lunches, juggling work schedules and trying to make smart financial decisions for their families.

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Your Community Your Voice

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 …

Patriarchy and machismo are fighting to hang on in an outdated world

OPINION — “They’re bringing drugs, they’re bringing crime. They’re rapists and some, I assume, are good people.” In 2015, then-presidential candidate Donald Trump infamously launched his first campaign with this attack on Mexican immigrants.

Can’t we all come together as Americans?

OPINION — Paul Cahill’s recent letter in the Independent left me feeling sad. I think we want the same things, but I feel like we live in two different worlds.

Holy cow! History — The president’s stuff is missing!

OPINION — Somewhere in America right now, someone may be walking around with LBJ’s class ring on his finger, Abe Lincoln’s telegrams in his pocket, Harry Truman’s swords in one hand and FDR’s portrait in the other. Those items, plus other presidential oddities, are missing. And there’s no clue where they might be.

Arizonans with dementia shouldn’t be driving

OPINION — I’ve lived in Sun City West for 17 years. I recently had a strange encounter at the Post Office. The drive-thru drop box for mail has one entrance and one exit. I was in it when suddenly there was a woman in a large sedan facing me.

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.

The socialist revival, why it appeals and why we should say no

OPINION — Socialism is attracting renewed attention in American politics, particularly among younger voters struggling with housing costs, medical expenses, student debt and economic uncertainty. Their concerns are real, and promises of expanded government benefits have found a receptive audience.

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.

Surprise reader: 2026 isn’t the year for person over party

OPINION — This year, registered legal voters have a choice between two opposing forms of government. They can either vote for common sense and capitalism or socialism. This is not the cycle to vote for the person over party.

Arizonans should vote out Republicans who failed us

OPINION — I think most will agree that it's time for a change. I come from a family where most, but not all, leaned Republican. I am an independent and believe that our leaders should work to benefit the people they represent over large contributors who try to buy their votes. I miss true bipartisanship, where both sides would meet and try to resolve issues together, even by compromise when needed.

Bridging the gap between breast cancer awareness and action

OPINION — New American Cancer Society research reveals a gap between breast-cancer awareness and action that can save lives. In Arizona, approximately 900 women died from breast cancer in 2024, …

Are things worse now than under Biden? I think not

OPINION — Jeff Hostetler’s recent letter regarding the state of the country argues that most things are now worse than during the previous administration. These statements require some objective review.

Why I must vote Republican

OPINION — I believe in God, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. I also believe in capitalism, where hard working people can get ahead. Most people of the world don’t have that choice. Many want to come here for that reason.

Peoria wife on edge about mail-in ballot security, hubby gives her reassurance

OPINION — My wife and I were having a conversation about the upcoming elections and she stated that she was afraid of mailing her ballot because of the administration's bluster regarding the U.S. Postal Service and mail-in ballot handling. She was afraid that her vote would be lost or worse, so she wanted me to hand carry the ballot to a polling place.

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.

Valley readers speak up about Pentagon’s now-shelved plan to livestream military execution

Our Oct. 12 Question of the Week asked readers to share their thoughts on the Pentagon’s plan to livestream the execution of former Army Medical Corps psychiatrist Nidal Hasan, who is scheduled to die by firing squad Dec. 3 at Fort Hood, Texas, for the 2009 mass shooting that claimed the lives of 13 soldiers and wounded 32 others, including civilians.

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.

Honor Arizona heroes on I-17

OPINION — Arizona has a long and proud history of answering the nation's call, and few stories embody that sacrifice more than those of Kayla Jean Mueller and Navy SEAL Charles H. Keating IV.

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.

Urging voters to vote out MAGA Trump loyalists

OPINION — To vote is the greatest privilege and responsibility that goes with living in a democracy. I am perplexed by the fact that many Americans will sit on their hands in the face of the greatest threat to our democracy: President Trump’s willingness to break rules to hold power.

Fears new federal rule will harm seniors who get prescriptions by mail

OPINION — U.S. Customs and Border Protection has a dangerous new rule with an Oct. 22 compliance date that will threaten the healthcare of millions of Americans. The rule, “Indefinite Suspension of the De Minimis Exemption for Mail Shipments,” will effectively end Americans’ ability to personally import their prescription medicines.

Arizona business leaders: Skip the boring icebreakers at company functions

OPINION — Phoenix is having a moment as a meeting destination, recently ranking No. 4 in U.S. News & World Report’s inaugural list of the nation’s best conference cities. But filling a ballroom is only half the job. With Gallup reporting that 51% of remote-capable U.S. employees work in hybrid roles, the more important question is what happens once everyone gets together?

What has become of the Republican party?

OPINION — Cancer spreads, as do many diseases, and certainly this is the case with the Republican party. The days when integrity went along with conservative values is gone with Trump. Now, you …

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.

Prop. 144 analysis: What Arizonans should know about proposed constitutional amendment that would change how we vote

OPINION — Your vote matters. Voting is one of the rituals and privileges of our democracy. When changes are being proposed to how Arizonans vote, they should know what they’re voting for. Proposition 144, if approved, would make constitutional changes to voting in Arizona, but leaves many details to be determined by the state Legislature.

LD 14 Senate choice is crystal clear: Stephanie Walsh

OPINION — As a 16-year Gilbert resident, I’m quite concerned about the cost of, and access to, water and energy, as I’m sure many of my neighbors are. The status of the Colorado River is getting dire, and I’ve seen it with my own eyes while driving to San Diego. Energy and water costs continue to escalate, hurting middle-class Arizonans.

Paper water should equal wet water

OPINION — I have written 100 essays about Arizona water, runaway growth, sprawl, wildcat development, the Colorado River and the relentless destruction of the desert we keep claiming we want to …

Will you vote in your own self-interest this year?

OPINION — Why do we continue to vote against our own self-interest? Is it because we are from a family of life-long Republicans or Democrats, or do we pay attention to political commercials that are fabricated and paid for by billionaires? Are we pouring all of our attention into media that manufactures outrage dividing us as a nation?

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.

EPCOR consolidation, rate hike aren’t a done deal; let’s fight

OPINION — I don’t blame Sun City and Sun City West residents who are ticked off because EPCOR is pushing to raise our water costs by roughly 30%, or maybe I do!

It’s everyone’s responsibility to protect pets, wildlife

OPINION — I found Jason Stone’s article on coyotes easy reading and interesting. We live west of 303 toward the White Tank Mountains and have seen a few coyotes. Seems we forget they were …

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 …

Contract negotiations between unions, school boards bolster education

OPINION — I am writing in response to Joe Pasta’s recent letter citing his opposition to labor unions in Arizona, specifically in the area of education. He alleges that the nation’s second-largest education union “has done little to promote better education practices or better classroom conditions,” but he offers no proof for that claim.

Walsh supports increased accountability for ESAs

OPINION — Education is foundational to our community and economy, which is why I am voting for Stephanie Walsh for State Senate to represent Legislative District 14. She will provide a strong and consistent voice supporting our public schools.

Crossroads: Where does America go from here?

OPINION — The liberal American democracy we all grew up in is under severe strain. The America of strong middle class, stable jobs, predictable two big-tent party politics and national confidence has been seriously compromised. The economic and political choices of the past 40-plus years reshaped American life, and those choices are now being questioned.

Trump the only threat to mail-in voting

OPINION — When I became eligible to vote by mail, I did it. Voting by mail originally was restricted to active-duty military personnel, the disabled and elderly, election workers and voters who were temporarily out of town.

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.  

AI companies want to self-regulate, but they’ve already proven themselves unfit

OPINION — Concerns about possible dangers of artificial intelligence are everywhere — from fear of costly data centers, to chatbots that devastate users’ mental health, to the industrial-scale theft of creative works that made these products possible. What’s less clear is how to address them.

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.

Conserving Arizona’s water one drop and one major initiative at a time

OPINION — Water is always top of mind for Arizonans, and that has never been truer than now. Our state stands to lose 760,000 acre-feet of water each year beginning in 2027 due to mandatory cuts to the Colorado River water supply under a plan from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

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