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Opinion

Backer: All opinions should be shared

I would like to start by commending Brian Reilly for another well researched and well written factual and civil opinion piece. I look forward to his contributions because it is obvious his sources …
Opinion

Clubs: Sun City West Chartered Club Committee members back Leary

Governing board Director Jack Leary has been under heavy assault by the recall committee for irrational and unsubstantiated reasons, and their accusations have served to bring light to their personal …
Opinion

Bosak: Silent majority needs to speak up on Sun City West recall

A small group of malcontents decide in 2012 to make Sun City West a “better place.” They propose three ill-conceived and destructive amendments to the bylaws. • Make golf …
Opinion

Rhoades: Sun City West recall proponents not delivering facts

This letter to the editor is in part a direct response to the letter in the Nov. 15 edition of the Independent by Dennis Horvath. Mr. Horvath stated that “the president of the board appointed a …
Opinion

Reilly: National issues need discussing

My head is spinning after reading three editorials in the Nov. 15, 2023, edition of the Independent. Bruce Campbell whines about the debate over Trump. National elections have consequences, even at …
Opinion

Schacht: Sun City not a fair comparison for Sun City West

While attending a couple of so-called informational meetings and after several conversations with recall members asking for recall signatures, some constant themes kept repeating themselves: …
Opinion

Reilly: Trump is a true patriot

I’m responding to Linda Johnson’s Nov. 8, 2023, Letter to the Editor, entitled: “Patriots need to think before defending.” Ms. Johnson defines patriots as people who …
Opinion

Miller: No sense in arguing with Sun City West recall proponents

In any community the size of Sun City West there is a distribution of opinion on how well the community is managed that follows the shape of a bell-shaped curve. On one end of the curve are …
Opinion

Hanzel: RCSCW investment policy needs reexamined

On Nov. 7, 2023, Sun City West’s investment adviser Captrust made a presentation to the community. Captrust officials stated the association’s investment of reserve account funds is …
Opinion

Carlson: Library upgrades should be cost- effective

Plans for a redesigned library may cost $4.5 million to $6.5 million. This includes add-on rooms, outdoor courtyards, “quiet spaces,” a study room, classrooms, etc. My questions are, …
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. 

Your Community Your Voice

Grom: PORA Expo offered plenty

The Property Owners Residents Association hosted a wonderful Fall Vendor Expo at the Recreation Centers of Sun City West Social Hall on Tuesday, Nov. 7. It presented a great opportunity for …

Kapic: RCSCW issues need to be examined

As a 10-year resident of Sun City West, I’ve watched and listened to the issues from both sides. I’ve waited for the Recreation Centers of Sun City West board to repair their admitted …

Cheney: Community needs to move past ‘petty’ arguments

Some Sun City West residents have embarked upon a recall for our general manager and three government board members for specious reasons. Our residents were mad at governing board managers in much …

Gibson: Some recall issues deserve examination

As a 27-year resident of Sun City West, former governing board member in 1999-2001, chair of the Golf Committee for two years and chair of the Property Committee for one year, I would like to offer …

Wehbi: Enough with the misinformed opinions

Finally, there’s someone brave enough to speak up and try to put an end to the nonsensical, misinformed, “radical right” opinions that are spewed onto these pages nearly every week. …

Richards: Sun City West needs a new look

It isn’t just about the fun things (Rec centers, sparkle), they’re good to have, I agree,but how the money is spent is very important. Don’t forget about the foundation. For example …

Reilly: Trump still acting as president

Responding to Patricia A. Bennett’s Oct. 18, 2023, article entitled: “How do Trump defenders feel about Jan.6?” To answer Ms. Bennett’s question, it’s important to …

Miller: Sun City West recall election should be opposed

I have never believed that recall elections are an effective tool. They end up dividing a community and pitting neighbor against neighbor with the losing side feeling that they were unfairly treated. …

Committee: Sun City West recall warranted by board actions

On Oct. 13, 2023, the Sun City West governing board conducted a workshop. During this meeting, two board members who are subject to a recall made self-serving statements. In addition, members in the …

Kellas: Sun City West recall not merited

On Oct. 10, I attended a meeting organized by a group called “Our SCW” regarding a recall. I went to the meeting with an open mind and thinking I might hear some specifics on how our …

Bezdicek: Keep pen names out of letters

I like to read the different opinions on the letters to the editor page. However, I do not think a letter or opinion should be printed under a pen name. If you can’t put your name on something, …

Lane: No more letters about national issues

Many residents are distressed to read opinions regarding presidents and ex-presidents in a newspaper dealing with local issues. Please stop publishing these opinion letters. It would be far more …

Campbell: Enough debate over Trump

In the last two editions in the letters section you’ve published letters referring to Mr. Trump. You should focus on more local news items & not national news. If I want an update on …

Johnson: Patriots need to think before defending

The last two editions of the Sun City West Independent have the Opinion section inundated with a child-like devotion, not to our country, or the ideal of democracy. The letters haven’t been …

Turner: Sun City West recall effort not in ‘good faith’

Regarding the recall campaign in Sun City West, this does not feel like a “good faith” effort to improve our community. I get the impression the motivation behind the recall is one …

Forsey: Sun City West recall effort could have great repercussions

I attended the Sun City West recall meeting, on Tuesday, Oct. 10, and I left with feelings of hopelessness and despair for what I believe Sun City West stands to lose with the escalation of this …

Sun City West recall effort the only alternative

The Oct. 18, 2023, Independent included an editorial by Sun City West resident Kit Carter who stated the recall of the three board members is not necessary. Carter states the community will be better …

Rhoades: RCSCW financial strategy is sound

I was surprised to learn of the recall. I have no idea of the recall objective other than to simply remove board members who do not share the position of those pushing the recall efforts. Our …

Merrihew: Internet company not moving forward

I stopped by the Wyyerd office to inquire about the status of the Sun City West expansion area. I was told no construction in the foreseeable future. The reason: little interest from residents …

Bass: Police report includes more than just Sun City West

I moved to Sun City West to enjoy a peaceful retirement away from crime and violence. However, reading the last Sun City West edition of the Independent for September, the Police Report identified 11 …
Stephen Gill

Gill: Aging allows for reframing of life

Many would agree that as we age, the goal is to develop and sustain a quality of life in the face of inevitable adversities. Our mental and physical capacities will certainly decline with time. Yet, …

Autry: Letter doesn’t live up to civility

First of all, I live in Sun City West and this is regarding the opinion from DL Crowell “Truth must come out on Trump.” I thought we should be civil but this opinion is not civil. …

Richards: Plenty of things Sun City West needs to work on

I moved here several years ago, and since then I have witnessed things I can’t believe. I had a talk with the fire marshal about fire hydrants not being physically tested, cleaned and …

Kaufman: Older drivers need to be aware

Regarding the hit-and-run incident in Sun City West on July 28, 2023, it seems very curious that MCSO is still waiting on a medical examiners report after two months? We can only hope that the …

Haley: Former president had many accomplishments

This letter is a response to the opinion letter in the Sept. 20 Independent. “Amazed at those defending Trump.” When Trump was in office, the U.S. was energy independent for the …

Reilly: Trump only choice for 2024

Starting in 2015 to the present, we have witnessed the relentless, manufactured lies by Democrats, Republican RINOs and radical leftist globalists promulgated to defame Donald J. Trump and his …

Backer: Trump worked for the people

I’m not sure why you chose to use a pen name but regardless, I think you have missed the reasons why people defend President Trump against your apparent wishes. Just to name a few (because …

Friedman: Sun City West Foundation offers help to those in need

Are you trying to decide which bill to pay, or perhaps having to choose between purchasing groceries or medicine? If you find yourself in that situation, the Community Fund of Sun City West is here …

Scheuffele: Guests should not be of concern for RCSCW

So, almost ever year we go through the same things of fees and people getting into Recreation Centers of Sun City West property for free. Why are we so worried about it? We all have family and …

Adams: ID changes good, but stop watering at all hours

I think it’s an excellent idea to have large photo IDs for guests. I’m sure lots of people take advantage of the system, as do many others in our country and the world. I did not …
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