As we begin a new year, I wanted to acknowledge the outstanding way you report on matters of importance to Surprise residents.

I relocated to Surprise from Newport Beach, California, and moved into this city almost two years ago.

When considering moving to Arizona in 2020, I began subscribing to the Independent to get a feel for the area. I was impressed by the factual reporting that wasn’t driven by a political agenda and contained various points of view from different sides of the issue.

I have become quite involved with the city since moving here. I currently serve as a library commissioner, I am on the advisory board of the AZ TechCelerator, and I am active in the Surprise Youth Foundation and several other volunteer organizations, such as A New Leaf. As a result, I can meet with many city officials and attend city meetings, so I have first-hand knowledge of the truthful and honest way the Independent reports the facts.

The “old school” reporting style of yourself and others at the paper is so refreshing to this reader — put facts in news articles and keep opinions in the editorial pages. (I canceled my subscription to the Arizona Republic because many news stories seem to have a political bias or advocacy tone that is not balanced and also minimal local reporting.).

I apologize for such a long letter, and I hope it starts the New Year for you with a smile and a heartfelt pat on the back for your hard work.