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Opinion

When Arizona temps rise, it’s time to check on older family, neighbors

As Arizona’s triple-digit temperatures rise, it's more important than ever to check in on the older adults in your life — whether it’s a neighbor, friend or family member. A quick visit can help ensure their safety and well-being.
Opinion

Reader reminds people of their Constitutional rights

While many recent letters to the editor have been about the autism school, our country is suffering an onslaught of our rights as Americans, and most here in Sun City West, Sun City, Grand, etc. don’t notice, don’t care or don’t have the full story.
OPINIONS

Reader wants more information on Medicaid cuts

I read the article twice, looking for specifics on how proposed changes to Medicaid will affect seniors living in Sun City. Two of your resource people discussed Medicare and the third briefly mentioned one major change... but it was not made pertinent to seniors.
OPINIONS

Reader feels misinformed about Medicaid cuts

Once again those who live off the governmental money trough are spewing their misinformation about the cuts to Medicaid as stated in the June 11th Sun City Independent.
OPINION

Sun City golfer thinks move to foursomes was right move

This opinion is in response to Tony Nunziato's opinion, "Resident happy to see elimination of fivesomes at golf courses." The move to foursomes, while allowing up to 3 carts, is a move in the right direction.
OPINION

Sun City Fire board says treatment fee necessary as calls increase

As members of the Board of Directors of the Sun City Fire District, we are proud to serve our community with a firm commitment to public safety and fiscal responsibility.  We recognize that most of us are on a fixed income and, as such, we work diligently to keep costs low.  However, as a district, we face some significant challenges. 
OPINIONS

Reader responds to ‘Resident upset about drivers in Sun Cities’

Not sure about Sun City, I live in Sun City West, but the writer of this article is "right-on."
Opinions

Reader reacts to church's labyrinth cross

I read with curiosity the article about the labyrinth at the church of the Palms. Apparently they are taking bits and pieces of whatever interests they have and mixing them into some kind of …
OPINIONS

Resident happy to see elimination of fivesomes at golf courses

As a resident of Sun City since 2007 and from working in the Pro Shop at the Legend of Arrowhead’s Golf Course in Glendale for 14 years, I am extremely happy that we are trying to eliminate the scheduling of fivesomes on our community golf courses.
OPINIONS

Reader speaks out on upcoming golfing foursomes trial

This opinion is in response to Harry Emerson of the Golf Advisory Committee published in the May 28, 2025 Independent.
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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
Paula Pedene, ARS

Honoring all who carried the weight this Memorial Day

Each Memorial Day, we pause to remember those who gave their lives in service to our country. Often, our thoughts focus on those who died on distant battlefields, and rightly so. However, I’ve …
Michael Graham

How old is too old? Biden’s cancer news highlights need to confront age issue

Remember when the rent was too damn high? Today, America’s politicians are too damn old. President Joe Biden’s greatest (unintended) legacy may be getting America’s …

Reader upset about drivers in Sun Cities

In response to Glenn Richards' letter about “Poor Driving in Sun Cities,” I agree that some drivers are rude and reckless.

Women’s Watch rebuttal: DEI isn’t a solution

In response to the Women’s Watch opinion, How the loss of DEI will impact women and what we can do to meet rising challenges : Loss of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is a gain. Finding root …
Bonnie Boyce-Wilson

How the loss of DEI will impact women and what we can do to meet rising challenges

Diversity, equity and inclusion promotes the fair treatment and full participation of everyone, particularly groups that have been historically underrepresented or subject to discrimination based on …
Tomás León

What happens to AHCCCS, Arizona's health care lifeline, if Congress cuts Medicaid?

In the vast landscape of Arizona, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, AHCCCS, provides critical support for over 2 million residents. Medicaid, which primarily serves low-income …

Reasoning behind trial of golfing foursomes

This letter is in response to Mr. Biderman’ s somewhat disparaging comments regarding the trial of golf foursomes from June through September of this year. He also postulates that the current policy of three carts will be changed to two carts, which is patently false.

Bernie Sanders is no communist, as one letter writer claims

Bernie Sanders was elected to Congress from Vermont, I think, eight times before being elected to the Senate in 2006, “becoming the first non-Republican elected to Vermont's Class 1 seat since …

Sun City pharmacist weighs in on recent Trump order

President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order May 12 aimed at significantly reducing the cost of prescription medications across the U.S. The policy could deliver major savings to Sun …
Tami Bohannon

The bond between older adults, pets is a lifeline that needs extra support

“They’re the reason to get up in the morning … they are my entire life when there’s not others around.”   These heartfelt words, shared by one of 85 …

President earns failing grade on 10 leadership characteristics

Prior to the 2024 election, I looked at 10 characteristics I want my leaders to have to help in my decision process. The characteristics that guide me are truthful, ethical, compassionate, …

Reader prefers original Medicare to Medicare Advantage

A recent opinion, Some answers for Arizona seniors who have questions about Medicare , sounded like the ads on TV for Medicare Advantage. What it doesn’t say is that Advantage plans …

Golf changing to foursomes from fivesomes

How many of you members, especially those winter visitors that have already left, have heard that effective June 1 fivesomes will no longer be allowed?
Jerry Brown

Community can help food bank Stamp Out Hunger

The number of families who have turned to St. Mary’s Food Bank for help has steadily risen along with inflation numbers that have gone from an imposition to an over-the-edge emergency in the …
Susan Anable

Small Business Week puts digital innovation front and center

Small Business Week, May 4 to 10, is the perfect opportunity to highlight how small businesses across Greater Phoenix are turning technology challenges into growth opportunities. Whether it’s a …
Alicia Toedter

Essentials every Arizonan should have in their disaster go-bag

Living in Arizona means living with extremes. One day, it’s a sweltering 115 degrees, and the next, a monsoon sweeps through the Valley. When you factor in potential wildfires and mid-summer …
Tom Marlowe

How scam-savvy are you? Arizona educator unpacks age-based fraud

From investment schemes to job offer scams, fraud affects every generation — but the methods scammers use and the money victims lose varies widely by age. We often think of younger adults …
Mitch Messer

Some answers for Arizona seniors who have questions about Medicare

Navigating health care is no easy task for many seniors, who want stability in their health plan and doctor’s office to ensure they can afford necessary medical care and have access to quality …
Joe Smyth

Social Security is going broke — here are 3 simple ways to save it

Throughout history, great nations eventually fail because of debt. And that's exactly where America is heading. Our national debt now tops $35 trillion — $106,000 for every man, woman and …

Reflecting on love and how it makes the world better

The apostle John lays it out clearly: “Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:8). According to this standard, the reason today’s world is in such …
Julie Dunnigan

Arizonans supporting Arizonans: What every man should know about testicular cancer

April marks Testicular Cancer Awareness Month. According to The American Cancer Society, 1 in 250 men will develop testicular cancer in their lifetime. This month serves as a reminder of the …

Letter questioning retirees’ support of Trump sparks agreement

I read and agree with John Nelson’s letter about our investments and the current stock market losses.  I remember reading in the Independent letters from people complaining about …
Maria Wojtczak

Do you know how to cross the street safely?

Arizona has one of the highest pedestrian death rates in the country. Cities across the Valley are investing in innovative technologies like HAWK signals to make crosswalks safer, but we need to …
Mike Blachut

Some suggestions on hiring RCSC’s next general manager

We, the 34,000 people of Sun City, should hire the next Recreation Centers of Sun City general manager. First, we must put together the job description. Here are my suggestions for what should be …
Co-mingled recyclables waiting to be picked up by a waste hauler in Sun City.

Single-stream recycling — how Arizonans’ choices can make it better

Every week, millions of Americans toss their recyclables into a single bin, trusting that their plastic bottles, aluminum cans and cardboard boxes will be given a new life. But what …
Kelly Schultz, DNP, AGNP-C

Safeguarding geriatric health in Arizona: Concierge medicine’s role in addressing primary care

In today’s health care landscape, geriatric primary care faces significant challenges. Aging populations require more complex, personalized care, yet the current system often struggles to …
Ignacio Herrera Jr.

A fun guide to teaching Arizonans money smarts at any age

Talking about financial literacy is never more important than during a time of economic uncertainty. With so many finance topics in the news lately — from inflation to tariffs to trade wars …

Fan wishes he was wrong about Phoenix Suns

When the Phoenix Suns fired Coach Monty Williams a few years, and a few head coaches ago, I wrote that in my experience watching pro sports for the past half century teams who fire a coach because …
Sharon Phelps

Health care news is alarming — what Arizonans can do for their physicians

Recently, I have been reading about the staggering number of medical professionals leaving their profession because of all the pressure and burnout being placed on them due to significant staff …

Bell pool’s temp perfect for fitness swimming

I’m puzzled by the complaint that the Bell Recreation Center pool is “so cold” in winter. It’s the only outdoor pool that is designed for fitness lap swimming with a …
Latest regional, state and national issues
Michael Kleven, DO

Why it’s critical that men make physical, mental health a priority

June is Men’s National Health Month — a perfect reminder for men to make wellness a priority. Many men take care of their health, but additional work is needed to keep more men healthy. 

Why I am attending the ‘No Kings’ march

I am so angry. My fellow citizens knew what would happen. We lived through Trump’s first presidency. We were told what was coming over and over, by everyone from the most left-leaning …
Lindsay Koshgarian

Americans have a choice: Weapons and war, or food and health care?

For weeks, Congress has been wrapped up in passing President Trump’s big, brutal budget — the one that pays for tax cuts for the wealthy and a trillion-dollar Pentagon budget by taking …

Speak Up: Three Scottsdale city council members call for criminal investigation of mayor

J. Graber's  article on the rancor among the ranks of the Scottsdale City Council and a request by three council members that the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office investigate the mayor …
Cara Christ, MD, MS

Why I advise Arizonans to get their free annual checkups, shots and screenings

It’s June, do you know what that means? We’re halfway through the year. This is your friendly reminder to schedule your preventive care!
Heather Menzer, MD

How to keep young athletes healthy and competitive

Participation in sports offers myriad benefits for children and teens, from cardiovascular health and reduced risk of chronic diseases to enhanced cognitive function, increased self-confidence and better social skills.

Progress will come to Wittmann with BNSF, and residents should be ready

It’s hard not to feel sorry for Wittman residences who will see their quiet, rural area be transformed by the BNSF rail yard and logistic development. But I have lived in the Valley since 1952 …
Mark Lawrence

How we can better support our seniors

The population of Arizona is aging, with over 18 percent of residents being 65 years or older, according to research by PRB. As our state’s population continues to age, an increasing number of …

Homeland Security operation near Danelle Plaza concerns reader

It is extremely disappointing and frightening for those whose skin happens to be Brown that a visit to a plaza could result in a kidnapping. It is further disappointing and difficult to believe …
Dee Stewart

A conservative case for protecting Medicaid

With our national debt in excess of $36 trillion and rising, there can be little doubt that putting America’s fiscal house in order should be our priority. As budget discussions continue, …
Thomas L. Knapp

Occupied LA: Don’t riot — boycott and shun

President Donald Trump,  Axios reports , “ is edging closer than ever to invoking the Insurrection Act, driven by a vision of executive power free from the guardrails, governors and …
Doug O'Brien

Co-ops are a cornerstone of economic security and a force for stability in migration policy

Across the U.S. and around the world, cooperatives stand as a powerful model of democratic ownership, local economic resilience and inclusive prosperity. From rural electric co-ops that power …
Nadia Kharoufeh

My Girl Scouts experiences are why I think young Arizonans should attend summer camp

The average summer break for students in the United States is roughly 12 weeks. Whether students spend their time hanging out with friends, going on vacations or simply unwinding from the school year, there’s one activity I love most: going to Girl Scout Summer Camp.
Peoria Mayor Jason Beck.

New budget continues Peoria's commitment to economic development, public safety, water future

In June, Peoria’s City Council unanimously approved the fiscal year 2026 budget.
Mike Litt

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau cuts hurt service members, veterans

For too many consumers, navigating the marketplace for financial services can feel like a nightmare — a minefield of rip-off artists, usurious lenders, unresponsive credit reporting agencies …

Make America Sick Again

What do you do when you get really sick? Me, I go to my doctor. I rely on science, which dictates diagnosis and prescription for medical treatment. But this has not always been the way in the …
Robert Robb

Biggs, Musk and the ‘disgusting abomination’

After Elon Musk described the federal budget reconciliation bill as “a disgusting abomination,” Arizona U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs tweeted: “He’s not wrong. This sentiment would have been much more impactful before the vote, when my @freedomcaucus colleagues and I were catching flack for fighting tooth and nail for more spending reductions. As it was, we voted to advance President Trump’s agenda.”

Speak Up: Homelessness on the rise in Scottsdale

Scottsdale’s unsheltered population rose in 2025 for the third year in a row, according to the Point-in-Time count recently released by the Maricopa Association of Governments.
Joy Seitz

Monsoon season is almost here — is your roof ready?

A recent long-range forecast from the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center states that Arizona is slated to experience “above normal” rainfall this summer. Monsoon …
Tom Patterson

Making the case for equal rights, responsibilities for America’s indigenous populations

Suppose you were an evil genius who decided to create a permanent underclass out of a particular race. What provisions would you make to ensure that they remained permanently poor and outcast? …
Diane M. Douglas was the Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction 2015-2019, and Peoria Unified board member, 2005-2012, President 2008, 2009.

New arrangement at Peoria Unified dais protects dignity of office

Nothing was “amiss” at the May 29 meeting of the Peoria Unified School District Governing Board.
Brian VanDeMark

From Kent State to Los Angeles, using armed forces to police civilians is a high-risk strategy

Responding to street protests in Los Angeles against federal immigration enforcement raids, President Donald Trump ordered 2,000 soldiers from the California National Guard into the city on June 7, 2025, to protect agents carrying out the raids. Trump also authorized the Pentagon to dispatch regular U.S. troops “as necessary” to support the California National Guard.

Trump sending combat troops to L.A. should worry everyone, reader says

Our president is at it again. I believe our “leader” has decided that it is in his best interest to start an insurrection where none existed prior. Trump called up 2,000 troops from …
Heavy winds from a microburst that hit the West Valley in January 2021 ripped a picnic shade structure’s heavy metal plates out of the ground at Scout Park in Litchfield Park.

Americans don’t actually know their severe weather risks, and likely won’t — here’s why

On Jan. 5, 2025, at about 2:35 in the afternoon, the first severe hailstorm of the season dropped quarter-size hail in Chatham, Mississippi. According to the federal storm events database, there were no injuries, but it caused $10,000 in property damage.
Kristin Struble, MD, FAAP

The healing power of the arts: Why creativity is medicine we can’t ignore

As a pediatrician, I’ve spent years in medicine witnessing the toll that stress, anxiety and isolation take on our minds and bodies. One thing that can help with these issues is exposure to …
Sonya Engle

I’m still here to observe National Cancer Survivors Month because early detection saves lives

As a survivor of cervical and breast cancer, I know firsthand the importance of early detection and treatment. June is National Cancer Survivors Month — a time to increase awareness about …
Donald Anderson, father of Joshua Anderson, stands by his son's casket. In addition to his parents and other family members, the 33-year-old left behind a twin brother.

Grieving mom is grateful fentanyl seized, suspects charged

Regarding the Independent’s article, Pair charged after fentanyl seizure in Phoenix, thanks for reporting this; it makes a difference to me. 
Farrah Hassen, J.D.

Criminalizing homelessness doesn’t work; housing people does

In the largest eviction of a homeless encampment in recent history, around 100 unhoused people were recently forced to vacate Oregon’s Deschutes National Forest — or else face a $5,000 fine and up to one year in jail.
Pvt. Lyons Wakeman of Company H, 153rd New York Volunteer Infantry, is shown in this undated image by an unknown photographer.

Holy cow! History — A soldier’s big Civil War secret

At first glance, there was nothing unusual about Pvt. Lyons Wakeman. The service record in the National Archives is similar to countless other Civil War soldiers: