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Elliott, Gonzales, Lambert: 5 ways Arizona can put people back to work, transform higher education

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 …

Independent Newsmedia continues collaborative commenting platform at yourvalley.net

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 …

Buttrick: Is the Arizona Constitution to be taken seriously or for granted?

As an attorney and retired judge I have always considered the Arizona Constitution to be the highest law of the state, not a set of guidelines. That’s why I am a plaintiff, along with a …

Pinderhughes: Taking care of yourself, seeking care safely during COVID-19

As COVID-19 cases climb again around the country, people may be considering skipping visits to the doctor to reduce risk of exposure to the virus. But the decision to delay preventive screenings like …

Rookhuyzen: Gift cards are the worst; consider these presents instead

We don’t want to alarm anyone, but Christmas is a week away. If you still have people to shop for but are running low on ideas, maybe we can help! That may seem weird for a state Department …

Brewer: Arizona seniors deserve a future of economic security

Arizona seniors deserve to enjoy a future of economic security and prosperity for many years to come — and it’s imperative that we elect political leaders who have what it takes to build …

Burks: Vote for Jerry Walker for Central Arizona College Governing Board

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 …

Davis: Story needed on teachers unable to teach because of health concerns

It is noticeable that your article on the Queen Creek schools reopening said nothing about the dozens of experienced certified teachers who had to leave the district because they had medical advice …

Coward: Postal service is an old friend in serious trouble

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 …

Lind: Implementation of tenant/landlord assistance programs is critical

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 …

McClelland: When it comes to mental health, race matters

As a Black man who has worked in the community behavioral health industry for more than 30 years, I’ve seen a lot. I’ve seen the struggles that individuals and family members go …

Bishop: Our bodies are designed to fight off viruses – and they do it every day

Valley residents are continuing to work through the slight declining trend of COVID-19, many are still concerned about the safety of themselves and their families.

Shufelt: 250+ birthdays celebrated each and every month, even in the pandemic

Through the Birthday Dreams program at Arizona Helping Hands, 1,823 children in foster care have had birthdays made special in 2020. More than 250 boys and girls each month have received gifts …

Barney: Everyone counts; have you completed the 2020 Census?

Serving on the Queen Creek Town Council since 2002, I have had the opportunity to grow with the community. From building Mansel Carter Oasis Park, opening the splash pad at Founders’ Park, …

Clancy: Who is on the front line for families facing homelessness?

Temporary grace and an extension of Arizona’s eviction moratorium to Oct. 31 means we have more time to do our literal “home” work, but there’s no free pass or less pressure …

Brewer: West Coast anarchy could happen in Arizona if we don’t stand against it

The insanity we’re seeing in the Pacific Northwest would have free reign to spread to the rest of the country under a prospective Biden administration.

Pineda: Tips to help older adults stay healthy this summer while in quarantine

While most residents in cities around the country look forward to the summer season, Arizonans try their best to stay cool living through the hottest days of the year, with temperatures rising above …

Elisco: Good things happening despite pandemic

The relentless pace of the coronavirus pandemic has challenged hospital and healthcare workers across the Valley and the country. Long days are spent caring for COVID and non-COVID patients. The …

Loflin: Lost your job due to COVID-19? Consider a career as a roofer

Have you been thinking about what career path to take? Have you recently lost your job due to the COVID-19 pandemic? Is college not an option for you? If you answered yes to any of these …

Burks: 'Back the Blue Rally' held in Apache Junction

On July 9 --- 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. --- there was a “Back the Blue Rally,”organized by your District 5 Pinal County supervisor, Todd House, and your Pinal County assessor, Doug Wolf. I …

Lawrence: McSally will fight to protect people like me with pre-existing health conditions

I think everyone can agree that right now, times are tough. Coronavirus has affected millions of Americans --- most people either know someone who has gotten sick, lost a job, or lost a loved …

Verma: Taking action to protect America’s nursing home residents against COVID-19

Nursing homes have become ground zero in the coronavirus disease 2019 COVID-19 pandemic, with outbreaks causing high rates of illness and death among vulnerable residents living together in close …

Rogers: The crisis of the pandemic on individuals who have intellectual disabilities

COVID-19 poses extreme obstacles for people who have intellectual disabilities and thrive on routine, familiar activities, and people, such as family and friends. So, with everything going …

Beveridge: Why we chose to again temporarily close resource center at Empowerment Systems

Once again, we have chosen to make the difficult decision to temporarily close the resource center and have all Empowerment Systems staff work from home. As much as we want to remain open for our …

Shufelt: Never know when you might need a helping hand

When the work van pulled up in front of Arizona Helping Hands, I recognized the company name. I thought my friend Dale was coming to say hi and tour the Arizona Helping Hands facility where we …

Burks: Re-elect Todd House for District 5 supervisor

It is with enthusiasm that I endorse Todd House for re-election as Pinal County supervisor, District 5. There is a choice between leadership. He has proven accomplishments such as: lowering taxes, …

Coward: Pinal County supervisors wrong to only 'recommend' wearing of masks

Dear Chairman Smith and board members, I’m writing in opposition to your revisions to the draft of Resolution No. 061920-LSE-03 concerning the implementation of mitigation measures for …

Vallante: Supporting black-owned small businesses, entrepreneurship

With the COVID-19 pandemic and the unrest that has been taking place in some cities, the impact has been felt in every sector of our economy. There has never been a more challenging time for …

David Sheppard (Photo courtesy Just Leadership USA)

Sheppard: What Juneteenth means to me as a black man in America

This Friday, we celebrate Juneteenth --- a holiday that receives little attention but holds special significance for me as a black man in America this year. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865 …

Rounds: Maricopa County supervisors need to approve project, bring 1,100 jobs to Valley

During difficult economic times like these, nothing is more valuable than a good job. As an economist, I routinely advise community and business leaders on how to recruit and create more of these …

Fassbender: Funds needed for Pinal County Veterans Memorial

The Pinal County Veterans Memorial Foundation is building a memorial in Pinal County to honor all the fallen soldiers who were from Pinal County. The foundation is building this memorial to honor not …

Shufelt: Tragedy befalls an amazing foster family

I met Curtis four years ago. He came to Arizona Helping Hands to receive beds, cribs, clothing, diapers, sports equipment and more to help his family. His daughter’s life had been …

Rhoden: A letter to my kids regarding #BlackLivesMatter

I last wrote a public letter to you six years ago in BKNation. During that time, in 2014, we had just moved to the Phoenix area and I was a recently minted PhD. The world at that time seemed in …

Shields: 'Keep up the great work' on the Queen Creek Independent

After 50 years with newspapers as an editor and publisher, I can speak with some knowledge about community newspapers. Unfortunately, social media and other factors have dramatically impacted …

Taylor: The link between a healthy life and school dollars

In this unparalleled time where our emotional and physical well-being are threatened, staying healthy and maintaining a normalcy has become increasingly challenging. It’s imperative more …

Shufelt: Putting our helping hands together for the dads

I’ve had the honor to meet some amazing dads in my work at Arizona Helping Hands. Foster dads don’t have nine months to wrap their heads around the responsibilities of parenting. They …

Cruz: Learn more about the newest elementary school in Queen Creek USD

The Queen Creek Unified School District is opening its eighth elementary school ahead of the 2020-21 school year. Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary will serve pre-K to sixth-grade students. This …

Schaeffer: Tips on how to return to public life while minimizing health risks

We get it. After a couple months of relative seclusion, you’re probably eager to see friends and extended family, enjoy a favorite meal out of the house, and finally get that haircut …

Barney: We mourn the tragic death of George Floyd

The Town of Queen Creek joins the rest of the country in mourning the tragic death of George Floyd. We value the relationships we have with our community and the safety of all residents and …

Kasunic: Social-distancing can mask elder abuse

In a year with many distractions and stressful events, we must not forget that World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15. Annually, this day highlights the issues of elder abuse and the 10% of …

Chau: Fair funding, representation hinge on an accurate census count

During this pandemic, we’ve seen our communities step up for one another to help flatten the curve. While we continue to practice social distancing, one of the most impactful civic duties that …

Martin: How to stop the protests

I want to explain how to stop the riots, looting and protests since no one seems to know and no one else is saying it. My son from Nigeria and my Russian/Ukrainian daughter from Ukraine thought it …

Chucri: Wishing you a meaningful day of reflection

This weekend, we pause to reflect upon the selfless men and women who have honorably served our nation and state and made the ultimate sacrifice to allow us our freedom. We pay tribute to their …

Verma: Got Medicare? Get a no-cost test for COVID-19

If you have Medicare and want to be tested for coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19, the Trump Administration has good news. Medicare covers tests with no out-of-pocket costs. You can get tested in …

Johnson, Gjersvig: How unemployed Arizonans can navigate health care coverage

The necessity of quality healthcare coverage has become abundantly clear for many Americans over the recent weeks For the one in 10 Americans now unemployed whose health insurance options were …

Shufelt: Even COVID-19 won’t slow down Arizona Helping Hands

The coronavirus has shut down or slowed down many businesses throughout the United States, but the essential services provided to children in foster care by Arizona Helping Hands have continued on …

Lamber: Lawsuits expected as Arizona businesses reopen

Now that commerce is resuming across Arizona, business owners are entering into uncharted territory taking a risk that customers and employees will catch COVID-19 at the business. If that happens, …

Julien: Less lawn equals more wildlife

Here in Phoenix our summer months are not known as gardening weather but there’s important work to do in the yard this year --- remove your lawn. You probably already consider this every …

Verma: Thank you to all on the front lines of the pandemic

On behalf of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, I’d like to thank all those who work in nursing facilities --- doctors, nurses, food preparers, housekeepers and others --- for …

Brewer: President Trump's immigration pause is patriotic

Whenever anyone questions the wisdom of allowing large-scale illegal immigration, the first thing we invariably hear from the open-borders left is that it will outrage Hispanic-Americans. More often …

Amiri: Supreme Court may vote soon on the plight of 'Dreamers'

While the nation’s focus is rightfully on the COVID-19 crisis, another crisis looming for a large group of young people. Dreamers are living a nightmare as they wait for the federal government …

Brown: Council approves proclamation supporting reopening of Queen Creek businesses

About opening Arizona, about opening QC and about Queen Creek businesses and residents, the Town of Queen Creek mayor and council have been working since last week on the attached proclamation. It …

Fann: Why Arizona lawmakers will end session May 8

The Arizona Senate will be returning on Friday, May 8 to sine die. This direction was determined after conversations and communications with members of the Arizona Senate and House. There is a …

Martineau: Time to move forward and open Queen Creek

To Mayor Barney, Town Council and town staff: I know the past several weeks is nothing any of us would have ever predicted. I understand the seriousness of the matter. When this all started, …

Lutes: Arizona Winter Visitors Association ceases operations

It’s a sad day for the Arizona Winter Visitors Association. After 28 years we have shut it down because of the virus. We can’t operate with no income; as of Jan. 1 we have not received …

Allen: Arizona education and the CARES Act

As chair of the Arizona Senate Education Committee, I passionately work toward bettering the education of every child in the state and I fully support Arizona parents and their school choice rights, …

Shufelt: Supporting Arizona's children during Foster Care Awareness Month

Governor Doug Ducey has again issued a proclamation declaring the month of May to be Foster Care Awareness Month. The governor urges “all citizens to do something positive to improve the …

Shaw: Caregivers key to fighting COVID-19

Older adults, with diminished immune systems due to aging and with pre-existing conditions, are much more vulnerable to COVID-19 than the general population. In-home caregivers can help prevent …

Wolfe: Keeping peace at home while everyone is online

Now that most of us are working and learning from home, you may be noticing that some websites may be a bit slow to load, and you may experience intermittent buffering when streaming video. While …

Staub: Virtual tours of homes in Eastmark for health, safety of buyers

Shea Homes Arizona recently "opened" its newest community, Reserves Estates at Eastmark. I say open with a grain of salt, because as you might guess, we’re opening this community differently …

Rhein: State Route 88 no longer closed leading to Apache Lake

As a homeowner in Queen Creek/San Tan Valley, I’ve enjoyed reading the Queen Creek Independent as your paper has articles that can’t be found elsewhere. I always felt I was getting …

Houston: Some questions for Trump fans to consider before the election

Some questions for Trump fans to consider before Nov. 3: Why does Trump fight with everyone? Why does Trump put his knowledge above the experts'? Why does Trump constantly ignore the …

Blocher-Rubin: Potential adverse impact of unemployment claims on self-insured nonprofits

During these uncertain times, the economic impact of coronavirus-driven cancelations, postponements and shutdowns continues mounting. This is especially daunting for many nonprofit organizations …

Benning: Top 3 campaign issues include protecting residents

What are your top three campaign issues and why?: Protect our residents and ensure the town provides excellent service including police, fire, EMS, water, sewer, streets, sidewalks, traffic controls, parks, libraries, community programming, engineering, building safety and environmental planning.