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OPINION

Slade: Not sad to see Schwind go

Bill Schwind is leaving Sun City West. I am personally delighted. When I came to Sun City West, annual fees were in
OPINION

Cantrell: Vote 'yes' to retain safe streets

Vote yes to retain safe streets as we all know them today during the upcoming Sun City West election March 25.
OPINION

Wenger: Credit options need exploration

Concerning credit card fees discussions, it seems what is really needed is encouragement to use member credit as a less costly way of payment for golf and pro shop purchases.

Cantrell: Resident encourages yes vote

Vote yes to retain safe streets as we all know them today during the upcoming Sun City West election of March 25, 2024.
OPINION

Olson: Response to condescending letter

In response to the Jan. 31 letter by James Kepler of Sun City, please take your own advice and “quit being lazy and do some research.”
OPINION

Bagnato: Be careful what you wish for

A shocking display devoid of compassion whatsoever is evident in the recent spate of letters calling for “justice” in the death of a motorcyclist last year
OPINION

Sada: Lesko’s natural gas efforts deserve recognition

Rep. Debbie Lesko deserves a round of applause for ensuring the northwest Valley and the rest of the country will continue to have access to gas stoves.

Gibson: Thoughts on Broken Window policing

I am a retired Phoenix Police Officer, 1962-1991.
OPINION

Miller: Governing board candidate

My name is Doris “Dori” Miller. I am married to John Miller.
OPINION

Crandall: Street parking enforcement

This is an alert to all residents of Sun City West. Sun City West is one of the most beautiful active-adult retirement communities in the nation. It is up to us to keep it that way.
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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

Flathau: Age not free pass for crime

I was puzzled when I read Mr. Frank Bagnato’s opinion, “Be careful what you wish for” in the Feb. 21 edition.
Coyotes running across the road in Sun City West.

Broekemeier: Don't feed the wildlife letter

Thank you for bringing an important topic to light addressing the Sun City issues with coyotes

Ella: Beware of thief at estate sales

If anyone reading this has noticed a bright red foldable net open-top clothes hamper, sheets, pillow cases, bath towels newly appearing in their house within the last two weeks, please know they are stolen goods.

Graves: Don't believe fake news

Dr. Jeff Breen, so very few like you know what’s going on in our country.
This Glendale pump on Aug. 15 shows $4.499 for a gallon of regular unleaded gas.

Economics & Civics lesson for Fox listeners

Since many readers of the Independent last went to school say 40 to 60 years ago, it seemed like a good time to have a review on economics and civics.
Barack Obama's Presidential Inauguration at Capitol Building, Washington DC

Kvaran: American one of many republics

I hardly know how to begin responding to Brian Reilly’s letter “Constitution came from the people” (Jan. 17, 2024) so I will just leap in and confine myself to the republic versus democracy section.
Barack Obama's Presidential Inauguration at Capitol Building, Washington DC

Schutte: US is not a democracy

The U.S. is not a democracy. Thanks to the wisdom of the Founding Fathers, it is a democratic republic.

Johnson: Residents disappointed in delay on hit-and-run details

In regards to the fatal hit-and-run that occurred here in Sun City West on July 28, 2023, I myself was outraged when I learned of the 94-year-old driver that plowed into the back of motorcyclist Mr. Steven Deshazo, 57, who was legally stopped at a red light, killing him, and then leaving the scene.
Entry point into Sun City West at R.H. Johnson Blvd. and Bell Road.

Struglinski: Older drivers shouldn't get away with crimes

I totally agree with Tom McLean (Sun City West Independent, Jan. 24, 2024) when it comes to bad drivers who get away with vehicular homicide.

Williams: Investigators doing right thing in hit-and-run

While my heart bleeds for Steve’s family.
Property Owners and Residents Association Traffic, Roads and Safety Committee

Richards: Changing things will cost money

The transportation meeting held at PORA on Jan. 24 was very interesting.

Schragel: Why the reluctance of Justice for Steven

Well Tom, I bet a lot of people are wondering the same as you were is the justice for Steven Deshazo killing and his loss to the family? I guess one should have some comfort with Bob Rose’s explanation, really?

Joynson: Relay for Life concert rocked

I attended the Jan. 21 concert in Sun City West for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of the Sun Cities. The band, “Senior Moments,” was absolutely wonderful. Lots of energy, great songs, people dancing and having a fun, terrific time on a rainy Sunday afternoon.

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 …
Opinions with Civility