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Latest Opinions

Letters: It’s nice having entertainment closer to home

I read and enjoyed the article regarding Surprise considering more involvement with the Vista Center.

Letters: Surprise taking over The Vista sounds like a good idea

I am writing regarding the article in the Surprise Independent concerning the Vista Center for the Arts.

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.
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

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.
Patrick Duffy

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.
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 …
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.