Opinion

Building a more connected and resilient Tempe

OPINION — The decisions we make today shape the way Tempe grows tomorrow. Good stewardship means making thoughtful choices about how we use our resources to strengthen our community today while preparing it for the challenges ahead. Proposition 424 is an opportunity to put that principle into practice.

Opinion

U.S. vs. Mexico: ‘War’ that ends at final whistle in Glendale

OPINION — On Saturday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m., the United States’ men’s soccer team will play Mexico at State Farm Stadium in Glendale. On paper, it is a friendly. Nobody in my family has ever used that word for this game. Mexico can lose to the United States in almost any sport and take it well. Basketball, baseball, a bad night in the ring. We shake hands and go to dinner. Soccer is different.

Opinion

Tempe hasn’t earned public’s trust for Prop. 424

OPINION — Sound public policy is defined by how revenue is raised, who bears the burden and whether spending comes with real accountability. Tempe’s Proposition 424 fails on all three counts.

Opinion

Why we’re voting no on Tempe Prop. 424

OPINION — Funding for preschools, public safety and transit all sound appealing on paper, but Tempe’s leadership hasn't earned the trust to wisely and fairly spend the millions that this permanent tax hike would cost us.

Opinion

A new era in learning

OPINION — A few years ago, online learning was almost always discussed in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The sudden shift to virtual classrooms delivered a huge range of experiences and reactions as parents, teachers and students adjusted to an unfamiliar setting. After all, the transition was abrupt and unexpected. But now, years after the return to in-person schooling, online education hasn’t faded as a passing trend.

Question of the Week: How are you observing Hispanic Heritage Month?

Arizona’s population of Hispanic or Latino heritage is 32.5% — nearly one-third, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. President Lyndon B. Johnson established Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968 and …

Opinion

Finding hope within heartbreak

OPINION — Our daughter Collyns Belle — “Colly” — was born in 2021 after an uneventful pregnancy. She joined her two brothers and sister, and when she arrived, our family felt complete. Her first year was very typical. She did everything her three older siblings did. She rolled, sat, smiled, babbled and even crawled. Colly was overflowing with life, and her personality sparkled.

Opinion

Your politics won’t protect you from the 'surveillance state'

OPINION — Erica Schwartz, the newly appointed director of the Centers for Disease Control, made federal priorities clear during her recent confirmation hearings: “Abortion surveillance is absolutely a critical component of what the CDC is currently doing.” She assured members of Congress that she would ensure that states weren’t “hiding abortions” under the auspices of “emergency care.”

Opinion

Wildlife advocate: Vote Catherine Miranda for state Senate

OPINION — Arizonans saw countless attacks on our state’s beautiful wildlife this year in Phoenix. Bills designed to weaken protections for native wildlife, decimate Mexican gray wolves and prioritize cruel management practices over scientifically backed ones were on the table this year.

Opinion

Arizona lawmakers should kill the legislative subpoena

OPINION — According to Arizona law, a subpoena can be issued by the president of the Senate, the speaker of the House and the chairman of any committee. The Legislature has over 30 committees.

Opinion

Zyriek understands firsthand the value of Kyrene schools

OPINION — As a lifelong educator, I am pleased to endorse Franklin Zyriek for Kyrene Governing Board.

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.

Checkmark Look 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.

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Your Community Your Voice

Question of the Week: Are Valley communities planning wisely?

Metro Phoenix remains among the fast-growing areas in the country. But are its communities doing the best job of regulating growth and development? Are they planning wisely for housing, schools, …

Gen Z women don’t owe America babies

OPINION — Gen Z women like me are having fewer babies. That shouldn’t be a surprise. With prices for everything going up, our parents’ steady jobs, white picket fences and retirement packages feel much less attainable for us.

Tempe Police Department needs top-to-bottom outside assessment

OPINION — Tempe city elected officials are presenting a new police oversight initiative, the Public Safety and Community Oversight Committee. The panel will be led by newly elected Councilmember Bobby Nichols, who was supported by the Democratic Socialists of America, and includes Mayor Corey Woods and newly elected Councilmember Brooke St. George.

What will the Valley of the Sun look like in 2035?

OPINION — Greater Phoenix’s architectural landscape is ever-changing. For decades, we’ve seen business developments, lifestyle hubs and communities sprout up across the desert. But as we look toward 2035, the next chapter of Valley growth may look very different from the last.

Let’s make suicide something we discuss and prevent

OPINION — In my office, a conversation about suicide may start with a patient saying they cannot sleep, a parent mentioning that their teenager has withdrawn from friends or an older adult struggling with pain, illness or the loss of a spouse. None of these concerns necessarily means someone is considering suicide, but each is a reason to ask more questions.

Question of the Week: Are freeways the best way to get from here to there?

Since the mid-1980s, the Valley has built its regional freeway system, which moves tens of thousands of people every day. Population continues to grow. Lane expansion is inevitable. New freeways are …

As Valley heat keeps rising, it takes all hands to keep pace

OPINION — A few weeks ago, a family of four was brought to our doors by a Phoenix firefighter who had responded to a heat-distress call in a parking lot where the family had been living out of their car. That handoff, from first responder to shelter provider, happens more often than most people realize.

Why early reading intervention can’t wait until parent-teacher conferences

OPINION — Across the country, educators continue to grapple with a literacy crisis that began before the pandemic and has only become more pronounced in its wake. In Arizona, just 36% of third graders met proficiency on the state’s English Language Arts assessment in 2025, according to data from the Arizona Department of Education.

9/11 memories: The Valley looks back on terror attacks

You didn’t have to be in New York City, Washington, D.C, or rural Pennsylvania on Sept. 11, 2001, to be profoundly impacted by the terror attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people and changed both America and the world forever. Here are memories shared by 14 current and former Valley residents.

Democratic socialists offer only the illusion of hope

OPINION — Frustration with political institutions and the current state of affairs in America is running high. A Gallup report shows that confidence in most of our institutions is at a low 27%. A Pew Research poll revealed that six in 10 Americans think the country’s best days are behind us. The frustration is real, and it helps explain the otherwise inexplicable appeal of the Democratic Socialists of America.

Don’t let Tempe backslide on early learning; yes on 424

OPINION — Education and Tempe’s kids have been the thread running through my whole life in this community, whether I was working at Tempe Union High School District, sitting on a nonprofit board or just showing up to advocate for Tempe kids.

Will socialism make Arizona more affordable?

OPINION — Affordability has become one of the defining issues in national politics. Families are understandably concerned about the cost of housing, transportation and everyday necessities. In Arizona, those concerns have been amplified by bad decisions and policy failures from our state leaders.

Question of the Week: Should the Trump administration move forward with its border wall project in Arizona over a Native American tribe’s objections?

The Trump administration has resumed construction of a stretch of border wall in southern Arizona along part of the Tohono O’odham tribal land, despite protests from the tribe. U.S. Customs and …

Congress must prioritize accessibility in housing supply

OPINION — The United States has witnessed a historic level of legislative commitment to address the national housing crisis. In July 2025, Congress expanded the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to fund an estimated 1.22 million affordable rental homes over the next decade.

Young Arizonans can contribute to their college savings — here’s how

OPINION — School is back in session across the state, making September a busy time for many Arizona families. September is also College Savings Month, and the start of the seventh-annual statewide essay writing contest where students can jumpstart college dreams by winning $529 for their AZ529 education savings plan.

Valley kids’ psychological assessments should be accessible, affordable

OPINION — When a child struggles in school, some of the first advice they, and usually their parents, may hear is to study harder, pay closer attention or spend more time on homework. For many students, those strategies help. For others, the problem has nothing to do with the effort being made.

Enough is enough: Vote no on Tempe Prop. 424

OPINION — Don't be misled by the city of Tempe's or the special-interest groups' campaign propaganda and misinformation regarding Proposition 424. In fiscal year 2025, Tempe firefighters received an average of $209,094 in salary, benefits and pension contributions, according to city data. Tempe police officers received $197,360, city data shows.

Rallying against hunger in Arizona

OPINION — September is a time when food banks and meal programs across the country shine a spotlight on a problem that never takes a month off. Food insecurity in America has reached its highest level in more than a decade, affecting more than 47 million people, including 14 million children ... the Valley is no exception.

Question of the Week: Should Arizona gubernatorial candidates cross the political aisle in selecting running mates?

For the first time, Arizonans will select a lieutenant governor in November. The new office will be the No. 2 position in state government. Gov. Katie Hobbs raised eyebrows when she named former Mesa …

With Flock gone, Tempe needs alternative with similar investigative value

OPINION — Tempe has decided to discontinue Flock license-plate readers that have helped law enforcement connect cases and solve crimes. Mayor Corey Woods, in a statement, said: “We have to be able to provide public safety in a way that maintains the trust of our community. For Tempe, that means taking these cameras down.”

Prop. 424 critical to Tempe transportation infrastructure

OPINION — The Tempe Bicycle Action Group Board of Directors is strongly in favor of the Tempe’s transit-tax increase. We ask voters to support this measure and vote yes. If Proposition 424 does not pass, planned bike, pedestrian and transit improvements will be halted for years.

Colorado River water conservation efforts get only halfway to a solution

OPINION — In August 2026 the nation’s two largest reservoirs, Lake Mead and Lake Powell, both on the Colorado River, hit their lowest levels since they first began to be filled in 1936 and 1963, respectively.

Fed debt addicts careening toward fiscal disaster

OPINION — The majority of elected officials who spend our tax dollars are debt addicts. Their reckless policies, if continued, will destroy the nation.

Prop. 424 sales-tax hike will keep Tempe safe, strong

OPINION — I have lived in Tempe long enough to see our city grow, change and overcome its share of challenges. Through it all, the things that make Tempe special have stayed the same: neighbors who …

How to spot an AI-powered scam

OPINION — Early this summer, an “advertisement” about a big sale — $1 books at Barnes & Noble — was all over social media. Any voracious reader would hoist an eyebrow. Last spring, there were widespread “offers” on the internet of deeply discounted tickets and travel packages to see the University of Arizona men’s basketball team play at the Final Four.

Question of the Week: Have rising prices affected your back-to-school spending this year?

For many Valley families, back to school means updating their students’ wardrobes, buying backpacks, assorted gear, books, electronics and school supplies. According to reports, the average …

Civility for thee, but not for the rest of Tempe?

OPINION — Re: Tempe council member pushes civility in government at annual government conference: It is comical that Doreen Garlid and Corey Woods speak of civility when Woods specifically (with Garlid present) spoke derogatorily of their own citizens in a secret, illegal meeting in December 2022.

Question of the Week: Should Arizona clergy be required to report privileged sex-abuse confessions?

The Arizona Supreme Court ruled in July that religious institutions have the absolute right to define protected confessions, exempting clergy from mandatory child-abuse reporting if deemed necessary …

The fight against Valley Flock cameras is just the beginning

OPINION — Government surveillance isn’t new, but new wide-ranging technologies that can detect our faces and track our movements are making it more ubiquitous. While the tools have changed, the purpose remains the same: to chill independent thought, free speech and dissent, bringing our country closer to 1984.

Public reacting to excessive police violence, not snippet of Mill Avenue incident

OPINION — When the Tempe Officers Association president urged the public to watch the full video of the July 19 Mill Avenue incident, we agreed on one fundamental truth: evidence matters. Watching that footage does not vindicate the police. It condemns their actions.

Civility is a valuable, indispensable core value in these contentious times

OPINION — Kudos to Lee Shappell and the wonderful (as well as timely) article on civility. I teach a Humanities course entitled “Leadership and Ethics.” With the challenges we face in all sectors, Lee's article addressing the critical importance of civility serves as a valuable and indispensable core value.

ICYMI: Why civility matters

OPINION — We live in an era of normalized boorish behavior. It has become OK to call an opponent names. To sway an argument with inflamed, hateful and often false rhetoric. The result may elicit a response in kind. The exchange quickly spirals out of control.

Question of the Week: How can Valley schools keep students safe from sexual predators on campus?

Valley school districts are among those put on notice that they may lose funding if they fail to comply with federal laws on sexual predators in schools. During the past year: The investigation …

College students should make personal safety a priority — here’s how

OPINION — Every August, thousands of students pack up their cars, unload boxes into dorm rooms and apartments and begin a new chapter of life. For many, it’s the first time living away from home. That independence is exciting, but it also comes with new responsibilities. As a safety instructor, I often remind people that personal safety isn’t about being fearful, it’s about being prepared.

Tempe Officers Association: View full video of Mill Avenue incident before judging

OPINION — Body-worn camera videos and surveillance footage of the July 19 incident on Mill Avenue tell a far different story than the snippet of video posted to Facebook.

Every Arizona school should be prepared to save a life

OPINION — Each year, thousands of Arizonans experience sudden cardiac arrest, with the vast majority happening outside of a hospital setting. When the heart stops, blood flow to the brain is cut off, and every minute without cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation reduces the chance of survival. Too often, the outcome depends on whether a bystander knows CPR and whether an automated external defibrillator is nearby.

The truth behind Tempe Union's dispute with EVIT

OPINION — For months, our community has watched a very public disagreement unfold between the East Valley Institute of Technology and nine East Valley school districts, including Tempe Union. Many parents have understandably asked a simple question: Why are two longtime partners suddenly at an impasse?

Arizona’s next great innovator could be from a rural community — is it you?

OPINION — When most people hear the word, “scientist,” they picture someone in a white lab coat working in a laboratory. They probably don’t picture a farmer in southeastern Arizona, a librarian in a small town or a student on the Navajo Nation, but they should.

We can't leave veterans behind as America makes progress against suicide

OPINION — For the first time in several years, America has encouraging news in the fight against suicide. New data from the Kaiser Family Foundation, based on the latest statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, show that suicides have declined modestly since reaching a record high in 2022. Expanded access to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, greater public awareness and improvements in crisis response may all be contributing to that progress.

Question of the Week: How will higher Medicare Part D prescription drug plan premiums impact you?

The Trump administration has announced it is ending a temporary Biden-era Medicare Part D premium stabilization subsidy on Dec. 31, eliminating roughly $3.6 billion in insurer subsidies. That could …

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