Log in

Latest regional, state and national issues

Bjerk: Robotic surgery effective

I’ve been the recipient of robotic surgery for a cancerous growth on one of my kidneys awhile ago and would not hesitate to do it again.
Opinions

Skip Hall: Mayor Newsletter — March 2024

As we embrace the month of March, let us take in the warm sun and smell of freshly cut grass.
Opinions

Patrick Duffy: District 3 Newsletter — March 2024

As March arrives, so does the beloved Spring Training baseball season, bringing with it the crack of bats and the cheers of fans.
Opinions

Chris Judd: District 6 Newsletter — March 2024

Goodbye winter, welcome spring!
Opinions

Aly Cline: District 2 Newsletter — March 2024

As March unfolds, we extend a warm greeting to all our neighbors.
Opinions

Jack Hastings: District 5 Newsletter — March 2024

We're thrilled to welcome the return of the Spring Training baseball season, filling our community with the excitement of cracking bats and roaring crowds.
Opinions

Ken Remley: District 4 Newsletter — March 2024

Wishing the vibrant residents of District 4 a festive Spring Training Season filled with peanuts, Cracker Jacks and live music at the Out of the Park Music Fest.
FROM THE BENCH

From the Bench: Moving forward after criminal conviction in Surprise

A criminal conviction, whether for a felony, misdemeanor, or even a petty offense, can have unintended and in some cases far-reaching consequences that can last a lifetime.

Letters: Surprise utility rate increase just too high for some seniors

I read your article concerning the rate hike for water, wastewater, solid waste and storm water in Surprise.
Opinions

Patrick Duffy: District 3 Newsletter — February 2024

Surprise is excited to announce the inaugural Vet Fest event is happening Saturday, February 10, from 5 - 8 p.m. at Mark Coronado Park.
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
Surprise District 2 City Councilmember Aly Cline

Aly Cline: District 2 Newsletter — February 2024

Let’s paint our neighborhood with warmth and compassion in the month of love.
Surprise District 6 City Councilmember Chris Judd.

Chris Judd: District 6 Newsletter — February 2024

Welcome to the month of February.
Jack Hastings

Jack Hastings: District 5 Newsletter — February 2024

My next District 5 Community Meeting will be on February 13 at 5 p.m. at Surprise Regional Library, located at 16089 N. Bullard Ave.
Ken Remley

Ken Remley: District 4 Newsletter — February 2024

Mayor Skip Hall is inviting readers of all ages to track minutes read to earn fun prizes.
Surprise Mayor Skip Hall.

Skip Hall: Mayor Newsletter — February 2024

I hope your year is off to a great start.

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