Latest Opinions
letter to the editor

Boontjer: Haldiman's article about Peoria school district is biased

Talk about bias.
opinion

Poe: Tee up for golf season in Peoria

Unless you get on the golf course early in the morning, Arizona is still too toasty to be playing most of the day, but the good news is, there are several ways you can prepare for golf season from the comfort of your home.
opinion

Aqua-Tots: Prevent drowning over the holiday

As Labor Day approaches and many families spend time around water, Aqua-Tots swim schools is calling for water safety awareness to prevent drowning incidents.
opinion

Poe: Conquer golfing in extreme heat

Some golfers may view this weather as some of the worst conditions to golf in, and totally avoid hitting the green in the Arizona heat.
Opinion

Lamber: Ahead of Labor Day, know backyard pool safety

A chilling increase in drowning incidents, including toddlers, has cast a foreboding, yet preventable shadow over the greater Phoenix area this summer.
opinions

Gerton: Freedom From Religion Foundation should be sued

So Heather Rooks will no longer cite from the bible due to violation of the establishment clause of the U.S. Constitution.
opinions

Horne addresses boys, girls restroom policies at schools

Recent questions raised about school policies for the usage of restrooms, locker rooms and shower areas has state schools chief Tom Horne responding to concerns.
opinions

Ramos: Religion does not belong in public office

I'm so glad that the Freedom from Religion Foundation took notice and asked members of the Peoria Unified School District governing board for a reprimand.
opinion

Beck: Ensuring all residents feel safe, secure is top priority

As mayor, ensuring that all residents feel safe and secure is my top priority.
letter from the editor

Haldiman: Our opinions page is back!

The opinions page has long been a staple of all Independent Newsmedia newspapers over the years.
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. 

Opinions with Civility
opinion

Carlson: Here's a new option for home-based businesses

There are well over 4,000 businesses owned and operated right here in Peoria, many of which are led by entrepreneurs trying to bring their next big idea to fruition and to the masses.
opinions

Randall: Your child’s annual physical is the perfect time to talk about mental health

When it comes to your child’s overall health, well-child visits are the perfect time to ensure your child’s holistic development is progressing as it should.
opinion

Lamber: With Lake Pleasant’s deadly toll, stay alert, know the law, save lives

The haunting trend of drowning accidents at Lake Pleasant has taken a distressing turn, with eight tragic deaths already recorded in 2023. Shockingly, five of these fatalities occurred after …
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Your Community Your Voice

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 …