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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 …
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.

Stidd: Be on lookout for Sun City scammers

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

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.