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Evander: Texas migrant law could be trouble

There is a lot of angst in the news about Texas’s SB 4 law that would allow law enforcers in Texas to arrest suspected migrants on a misdemeanor charge if they are in the U.S. illegally. The …

Krinsky: Sun City Players thank residents

Sun City Players would like to thank the entire community for their patronage during the 2023-24 season. Through your loyalty and support, we had a tremendously successful run. We are very proud to …

Gabriel: Duffeeland is a social park

I debated about writing this, but thought again. I remember ten years ago when we moved here, I was so excited to join the dog club! I went to the first open meeting I could and tried to give …

Minder: Righteousness of Democrats questionable

In response to Hechos, you were correct Neilla died in a car accident. It was Jill who cheated on her husband and committed adultery with Joe Biden then divorced her husband and married Joe. …

Novess: Rickabaugh wrong on many counts

In response to Robert Rickabaugh in the Sun City independent of March 20, it is not questionable about a woman’s right to her body and her choice. I stand by a woman’s right to choose. …

Klatt: No card means no entry

I’ve lived in Sun City for 20 years. All this time, if you forgot your rec card, misplaced it or lost it, you could tell them and they would let you in the facility as long as you give your …

Rotter: Trump did nothing positive while in office

A lady who is supposed to know the truth concerning the Trump administration is either forgetful or completely confused on the March 12 opinion page. Mr. Trump came into the presidency at the …

Stidd: Be on lookout for Sun City scammers

I am an elderly resident in Sun City and am usually able to recognize a scammer.

Rickabaugh: Liberal kool-aid spreading

It seems that the kool-aid has spread to more Sun City homes. So, let’s address the latest two Trump bashers. I’ll start with Doug Novess, He said that he’s proud to be a Democrat …

Hendrix: Time will be great equalizer

I love the way Tom Marone and Robert Rickabaugh defend our former traitor in chief. The opinion that he hasn’t been convicted of anything yet should make everyone chuckle. Time will be the …
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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

Cohen: Reconsider ceiling fan decision

I would like to challenge any board member, including the general manager, to get on an eliptical machine for 30 minutes minimum, at 6 plus mph, with the ceiling fan on low and see if you can handle …

Benbow: Fan control an issue

It is so typical of a group of people who have given themselves unfettered power to make poor decisions and expect those who will be affected to just deal with it. Such is the case with the RCSC …

Malkowski: Civil communication necessary to address issues

I commend General Manager (Matthew) D’Luzansky for his efforts to align actions with the RCSC’s “Mission, Vision, and Values” as highlighted in the March issue of the Sun City …

Gant: Don't be fooled by fake calls

Several days ago, I received a phone call that went like this: “Hello, grandpa. It’s me your grandson.”

Hechos: Fact checking in presidential election

Whoa! There sure were a lot of fast and loose claims, opinions and assumptions tossed around by a few contributors to this forum in the March 6 edition.

Rolph: Time for a cool change?

The RCSC members constant bickering between each other on gym floors over ceiling fans, complaining to staff members and remote control vandalism created the problem

Prichard: RCSC believes residents should pay to pay

I am dismayed that our community is so broke that in addition to raising our rec fees by a larger and larger margin each year,  we are now going to be charged for paying our bills. The …

Hendrix: Buzz words don’t make it true

In this weeks version of Trump is good, Tom Marone takes up the battle to defend our former traitorous President using all the cute buzz words that we come to expect from the GOP accomplices: left, …

Tomich: RCSC board not listening to residents

A word to the wise in Sun City: Don’t bother attending the RCSC Member Exchange meetings anymore because apparently nothing you say is listened to by the new management regime. A perfect …

Graves: Everyone entitled to own opinions

Mr. Hendrix, we are entitled to our opinions. Mine are not based on “fake” news. I’m not forgetting 91 lawsuits and felony counts. These accusations are lame! Stormy Daniels, …

Fimmel: A look back going forward

This past year has proved quite challenging. It began by including members in helping develop the annual budget. Members participated in meetings about the corporation’s finances, asked …

Rickabaugh: Trump-bashing gets the country nowhere

I try not to write anything about politics because people will believe what they have been trained to think, no matter what the facts prove. Ward Hendrix is just one of the people who refuses to look …

Marone: MAGA not exclusively Republicans

To Ward Hendrix, the person who’s not looking at the facts! First of all, the only people who died on Jan. 6 were the MAGA supporters. And no, Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick was not …

Sada: Lesko’s natural gas efforts deserve recognition

Representative Debbie Lesko deserves a round of applause for ensuring that the Northwest Valley and the rest of the country will continue to have access to gas stoves. Nearly 100% of gas stove models …

Lybolt: Theater was primarily goal of original plan

I have been following the non-progress of the Mountain View (Recreation Center) issue for the past two years. Many of you know I was on the Long Range Planning Committee while we researched and …

Hendrix: Reader not looking at facts

Once again in the Feb. 7 edition, Beverley Graves proves that she is a victim of the big lie perpetuated by a traitor and his cohorts of wannabe revolutionaries. She espouses good things while …

Kvaran: Government should not dictate education

“‘The time has come,’ the Walrus said, ‘To talk of many things.’” This quote from Lewis Carroll is the gist of this offering. That is to say, how many different …

Chapin: PAC more important than pickleball

In response to the Jan. 31 newspaper front page story, I, yet again, saw the pickleball club monopolizing Mountain View Recreation Center news. I’ve lived here six years and tried to stand …

Broekemeier: Coyote nuisance is growing

Thank you for bringing an important topic to light addressing the Sun City issues with coyotes. While not feeding the coyotes helps in controlling coyotes within Sun City, it is also important to …

Pride: RCSC complaint factually incorrect

In Jan. 24 opinions section, Mr. Rolph condemns the Recreation Centers of Sun City board with false and misguided statements. First, I’m not a board member or an employee of RCSC. However, I …

Vosburg: Sunshine Service good for community

Who needs Sunshine Service? The answer apparently is that many of our fellow Sun City residents do. Sunshine Service is a 501(c)3 charitable organization serving the geographic community of Sun …

Grateful: Residents should be grateful of RCSC

The Recreation Centers of Sun City Board delivered the “elements” of the Mountain View Recreation Center project presentation on Jan. 18. They did a very good job of sorting out the …

Fimmel: RCSC moving forward into 2024

The new year brings a sense of renewal and an exuberance for better and brighter times. The 2024 Recreation Centers of Sun City board is looking forward to both the opportunities, and challenges, …

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 …
Latest regional, state and national issues
Dan Leonard

Leonard: Protect American patients by eliminating the pill penalty

Life-science researchers are thrilled about the advances made with “small-molecule” medicines.

Unkefer: The Paradise Valley sound ordinance is sufficient

I own a pickleball court. It is for our personal use with friends and family. We do not play after 10 p.m. Our court is far from neighboring homes. We don't hold any "leagues or tournaments." …

Nussbaum: Legislation strips away petitioning power

I recently learned of a complaint filed to Secretary of State Adrian Fontes by Third Way, a national think tank that champions modern center-left ideas.

Fanguen: Schweikert pioneered same legislation as anti-abortion groups in front of Supreme Court

As the U.S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments that could “pave the way toward a national abortion ban” by severely restricting access to the medication mifepristone, David Schweikert and …

Downing: Fountain Hills Theater puts out another triumph

Our local Fountain Hills Theater is often amazing. The world premiere production of “The Great Gatsby – The Musical,” is its latest triumph. This musical adaptation of F. Scott …

Dime: Unconstitutional edicts are redefining America

Federal government manipulations have been confusing and confounding since 2021. In 2022 David Mamet wrote this elucidation: “My question, watching my beloved American democracy and culture …

Shinkoskey: Figuring out meaning of MAGA

Court proceedings of late have helped me figure out the meaning of MAGA.
Chandler City Councilmember Mark Stewart.

Stewart: Standing against human trafficking

Chandler has joined forces with other cities, police departments and nonprofits across the Valley to take a stand against human trafficking. We’re using state funding that equips police …

Williams: Banning TikTok not the answer

The House recently passed a ban on TikTok and now the decision will rest in the hands of Senator Kyrsten Sinema, Mark Kelly, and the rest of the U.S. Senate.

Telepak: Backyard casitas make multigenerational living possible

A few years ago, we read Marie Kondo's book, "The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up," and watched her show and others, like "The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning" and "Queer Eye" — all …
Jeff Ferry

Ferry: U.S. faces a solar panel apocalypse

America’s solar manufacturing industry is heading for disaster, even though installations of solar panels are growing.

Evander: Will law have an effect?

There is a lot of angst in the news about Texas’s SB 4 law that would allow law enforcers in Texas to arrest suspected migrants on a misdemeanor charge if they are in the U.S. illegally.
Adam Brake

Brake: Long-term care staffing mandate not the answer

Long term care is an essential part of our health care system, but access to this care is in jeopardy because of a proposal from the Biden administration to impose a federal staffing mandate on nursing homes.

Daniels: FIND Act will help patients

There are not many issues in Congress that are as important as life or death, but there is one that might be.

Dime: When hate turns evil

Hate-filled bureaucrats spinning disinformation is an amoral political strategy – lying is evil. The media regurgitating misinformation is deceitful – collusion is evil. Watching evil in …
Mia Vega

Vega: Helping bright futures shine during spring state assessments

As Arizonans welcome the Spring sunshine, we also usher in the season of standardized testing for our schoolchildren.

Melendez: Join the Diplomatic Corps of Arizona in celebrating our country

It is my honor and privilege to announce as Ambassador at Large of the Diplomatic Corps of Arizona (39 nations) that this November 16, our organization will dedicate our annual Ambassadors’ …
Sun Cities 4 Paws Thrift Boutique is having its annual Spring Kitten Shower, March 24.

Heise: 4 Paws Thrift Boutique is having its spring kitten shower

It's the time of year that starts "kitten season" here in Arizona, and Sun Cities 4 Paws Thrift Boutique holds its annual spring kitten shower.

Lynch: Defending the Bayh-Dole Act from revision

Arizona State University recent accomplishments in innovation, where it ranked in the top 10 worldwide U.S. patents is a good reminder that there are tremendous benefits to public/private partnerships when it comes to patent development.

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 …

Drozd: Was Biden out of line on SOTU?

When critiquing President Biden’s state of the union address, please note that I am not a fan of either Presidents Biden or Trump.
Rachel Sacco (Submitted image)

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 …

Stelter: Independent voter chooses incumbent

As an independent, I have decided to vote for Joe Biden for President, not because I fully endorse his policies. It is that Donald Trump does not deserve support.

Lundin: Ignore the noise and decide based on policy

Senator Sinema has dropped out of the Senate race. But we know American politics does not reward those who take a middle road. After the SOTU speech, it is clear that our main party …
Edwin Sayres

Sayres: Animal groups are leaving local pet shelters behind

The most high-profile decision of my four-decade career in animal welfare was in 2007.
Robert Robb

Robb: Biden keeps making it tougher for swing voters

President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address represented a strategic choice and, in my view, a strategic mistake.

Zientek: A message of thanks to George, the good Samaritan

I hope that a very kind and generous gentleman named George from Fountain Hills sees this letter. My bike chain slipped off its sprocket as I was riding along the McCormick Ranch path on Friday …
The Trailhead recently announced two tenants, but some Peoria residents aren't necessarily happy.

Peoria resident airs grievances over city decisions

A little less than a year ago myself and fellow neighbors witnessed a huge amount of truck traffic on Beardsley Road in violation of city code.
Llewellyn King

King: Summer isn't the only great time to visit Europe

The people of the world are planning to descend on Europe this summer. Not, I hasten to say, as migrants but as tourists.

Hendrix: Prefers Biden over Trump for president

I love the way others defend our Former Traitor in Chief.