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Opinion

Rose: The importance of investing in education

Arizona’s economy and communities benefit when students continue their education after high school. Whether studying for a four-year degree or a two-year specialized certification, most …
Opinion

Sacco: With new partnership, Scottsdale aims to become accessible tourism destination

As the name implies, at Experience Scottsdale, we want everyone, from all corners and walks of life, to discover the wonders of our Sonoran Desert city. We hope visitors, no matter their background …
Call for submissions

Winslett: Putting more ‘community’ back in community journalism

Here at the Town of Paradise Valley Independent, we strive to be the community’s number one source of information. But, despite our best efforts, there will always be more news than we’re …
Opinion

Smyth: Charles Barkley for U.S. Senate?

Most Arizona voters are reasonably moderate, so I don’t sense a lot of enthusiasm for the presumptive nominees for Kyrsten Sinema’s U.S. Senate seat – far right Republican Kari Lake …
Opinion

Goldberg: The difference a smile can make

As we wind down from February, the month of kindness, we move into March and spring full of sunshine and happiness. Who needs your attention now the most? The babies. Who else is part of this …
Opinion

Inkpen: Not a fan of all the fake grass in PV

Paradise Valley seems to be having a love affair with fake grass. I see more and more homes installing fake grass, including many newbuild spec homes. Why would anyone want a carpet of …
Opinion

LeFlore: 'My Vision for a Better World'

Have you ever pondered what a better world might entail? Well, that very question was posed to several children and teens in foster care programs during community art workshops led by Michael …
Opinion

Dembow: Pace’s actions do not match her words

After having served 12 years on Paradise Valley Town Council, I have perspective that most don’t. I’ve walked in the shoes of elected local government officials, and unfortunately in the …
Opinion

Hamway: Announcing my candidacy for mayor

Twenty years ago I began my journey in public service by running for Town Council. Today, I announce my candidacy for Paradise Valley Mayor. In 2011, as part of Paradise Valley’s 50th …
Opinion

Hawke: Thoughts on the Ritz-Carlton project

I read with interest your Jan. 31 update on the Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley project. I was pleased to read that progress is being made and that we can all expect the resort, and all its accompanying …
Take the Civility Pledge

Civility Checklist

How to engage in respectful, honest & civil dialogue about public issues.

Checkmark Take the high road.  Respond to the topic — not the person. Refrain from demonizing others for their opinions. Assume those you disagree with are, like you, genuinely interested in improving the community.

Checkmark Be respectful. Bullying, public humiliation, insults, name-calling, harassment, and threats directed at another person — or that person's race, gender, religion, ethnicity, etc. — have no place in civil discussions. Find ways to respectfully disagree without questioning someone's character or motives.

Checkmark Be truthful. Base your opinions/arguments on facts. Value honesty. Make only accurate statements when making your point and avoid exaggeration and stereotypes. When appropriate, cite your sources of information that others may question. 

Checkmark Don't misrepresent. Always identify your opinions as opinions (not stating opinions as facts). Never misrepresent the views of others or falsely claim your opinions represent someone else. If quoting the words of others, identify and credit the source.

Checkmark Listen  & learn. It's both polite and respectful to listen to those we disagree with (as well as those we support) and be genuine in our attempts to understand their point of view. Expand your mind by thoughtfully seeking out views that don't agree with your own.

CheckmarkLook for common ground. When disagreeing with others, look for even small areas of agreement — which can be the gateway to working together for the greater good.

Checkmark Respect privacy. Keep private things private — whether it involves your own information or those with whom you disagree. Revealing private information about someone else is rude, unethical, potentially harmful and, in many cases, illegal.

Checkmark Set a good example. Practice civil behavior online as well as in public and in your interaction with others. Encourage others to practice these civil behaviors. And it's OK to challenge disrespectful behavior — but be courteous, respectful and helpful in your approach.

Now that you've read the checklist, take the Civility Pledge. 

Your Community Your Voice
Tom Patterson

Patterson: Beware those who intentionally use words to lie

The word “liberal” was once considered a compliment. It meant fair, principled and thoughtful.

Steinberg: Student art on display starting Feb. 22

It has been my pleasure to serve as a member of the PV Arts Board since 2017. The Board strives to create and sustain a cultural and artistic environment which encourages local artists, collectors …
Mark Stanton (Submitted photo)

Stanton: Announcing my candidacy for mayor

My decision to seek the office of mayor is rooted in my love for the town and belief in public service focusing on protecting the future of Paradise Valley for the generations ahead. My life is …
Anna Thomasson (Submitted photo)

Thomasson: Announcing my run for mayor

Inspired by Mayor Jerry Bien-Willner and past mayors, I filed to be on the Aug. 6 ballot to serve as your next mayor. For 30 years, including six years of volunteer service on Town Council, …

Goldberg: Building self-esteem in our children is important

February, the month of love, is everyone’s favorite. It provides that special opportunity to express kindness and compassion all month long. Where to start? With our children? By providing …

Reichman: Teacher shortage solution unclear, but funding is a good start

At the start of Arizona’s 2023-2024 school year, 30% of teaching positions for schools across the state remained unfilled. With high turnover rates due to lack of resources, low pay, and the …

Keister: Thank you for helping us write a new chapter n Paradise Valley

Our sincere thanks to Paradise Valley’s mayor and council, its Planning Commission, town staff, our new neighbors, and the community at large for allowing the revitalization of the SmokeTree …

Everything you wanted to know about the World Series … but were afraid to ask

Imagine you’re at an outdoor dinner party (yes, COVID-friendly). It’s October, and the conversation steers towards the World Series. While you are generally culturally literate, you know …

Christensen: Health literacy more important than ever for Arizonans in ongoing COVID-19 crisis

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has impacted millions across the country, and Arizona has not been spared. This virus and its resulting economic fallout have put a harsh spotlight on rising health care …
Opinions with Civility