Opinion - Civility Learning Lab

Don’t vote for Scottsdale candidates who put taxpayers last

OPINION — I previously voted for Barry Graham for city council but will not be doing so this time. Like many other Scottsdale residents, I have grown tired of Mr. Graham’s attempt to portray … more

By Steve Tyrrell | Scottsdale | 7/1/26

From a stranger, with gratitude — remembering Nick Hutcherson

OPINION — I live in Fruita, Colorado, a small town in the western part of the state. On June 27, a wildfire broke out about 20 miles from where I live, near a remote canyon along the Colorado-Utah border. It grew fast and it grew dangerous. more

By Jared Miles | Fruita, Colorado | 7/1/26

Accountability following water service failures in Paradise Valley

OPINION — Last week marked the fourth unplanned or inadequately communicated water service disruption affecting our neighborhood. After repeated complaints, residents finally received advance … more

By Tom DeMark | Paradise Valley | 6/30/26

Projects turned down in Fountain Hills for the wrong reasons

OPINION — The people of Fountain Hills are once again seemingly paying the price for culture war politics. Imagine parking at the Community Center beneath a shaded structure that not only … more

By Janna Dutton | Fountain Hills | 6/30/26

Joel Coen is running for Gilbert Town Council.

Gilbert requires strong, solutions-oriented leadership

OPINION — I am a proven business leader, a dedicated community advocate, and a proud resident of Gilbert. With a career defined by pragmatic problem-solving and a deep commitment to regional … more

By Joel Coen | Gilbert | 6/30/26

Political signs blight Surprise landscape

OPINION — Once again, political signs blight our city because lawmakers wrote a law that lets them do it. They annoy our sight lines and are meaningless regarding learning about them. more

By Parker S. Sims | Surprise | 6/30/26

Hoff: The Declaration of Independence, then and now

Commemorating anniversaries annually or by decade is a lot more common than highlighting an event that occurred two-and-a-half centuries ago. more

By Dr. Samuel B. Hoff | 6/30/26

Why we love living in Sun City West

OPINION — My name is Roberto. My wife and I absolutely enjoy living here in Sun City West. We enjoy everything about our home, our wonderful neighbors, plus all the activities offered in our new neighborhood. more

By Roberto Calderon | Sun City West | 6/30/26

Green Party’s Swing urges voters to write in himself, Melendez, Ralston, Cease on primary ballot

OPINION — The Green Party was founded upon the values of nonviolence, ecology, grassroots democracy and social justice. Candidates who don’t represent Green values have petitioned onto the Arizona Green Party primary ballot for governor and secretary of state. more

By Gary Swing | Tucson | 6/30/26

Abe Hamadeh: Making AZ-08 a national punchline?

OPINION — As a resident of Arizona’s 8th Congressional District, I was embarrassed to see Congressman Abe Hamadeh recently become the subject of national ridicule. more

By Anne Whitmore | Sun City West | 6/30/26

How today’s homebuyers can regain negotiating power in cooling Phoenix market

OPINION — After a pandemic-fueled stretch of fierce competition and offers written under pressure, today’s Valley real-estate market finally is allowing homebuyers more time, choice and room to negotiate. more

By Sammy Glassman | 6/30/26

Setting record straight on Fountain Hills’ museum

OPINION — A recent letter regarding the River of Time Museum spins a highly political narrative I feel ignores legal reality. To suggest that Mayor Gerry Friedel and conservative council members … more

By Shelby Blecker | Fountain Hills | 6/30/26

Opposed to small cell infrastructure in Fountain Hills

OPINION — I couldn't agree more with Claire Sookman that we should not allow small cell infrastructure in residential areas. It is bad enough that we have enabled one of the biggest killers of … more

By Steve Killingsworth | Fountain Hills | 6/30/26

Florida budget again shortchanges public school students, puts politics over people

After months of delay, lawmakers have delivered a budget that once again sidelines Florida’s... more

By Florida Education Association | 6/30/26

Paradise Valley needs Bill Nassikas on council

OPINION — I have served our town as Planning commissioner, council member and mayor, and almost every land use decision before the council involved resorts. Density, viability, for-sale residential … more

By Scott LeMarr | Paradise Valley | 6/29/26

Gilbert Town Councilmember Bobbi Buchli is seeking reelection to council.

Leadership requires listening, planning, protecting quality of life

OPINION — For more than 20 years, Gilbert has been my home, and serving our residents and businesses as your council member and vice mayor has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I believe leadership … more

By Bobbi Buchli | Gilbert | 6/29/26

The sudden change in narrative on Fountain Hills’ museum

OPINION — More monkey business from the Fountain Hills ROT council majority. Have you seen the "Save Our Museum" signs on our streets? Those were produced and paid for by Flourish Fountain … more

By Don Scott | Fountain Hills | 6/29/26

Your voice is crucial in Arizona elections debate

OPINION — When we talk about elections, the conversation often turns to the national stage. We hear debates about politics, candidates and controversy. But for most Arizonans, elections are something much closer to home. more

By Sybil Francis | 6/29/26

Bullying and threatening have taken the place of diplomacy

OPINION — I heard what happened to Pete Buttigieg and I’m completely shaken! On top of that, the unfathomable ruling of SCOTUS clearing the way for this administration to deport Haitians and … more

By Ann Schweers | Fountain Hills | 6/29/26

Fear and loathing in American politics

OPINION — Progressive leaders rarely, if ever, present a common-sense proposal. Their collective political pitch is instigating a fear and loathing for their opposition. Their scripted words rally … more

By Rick Dime | Fountain Hills | 6/29/26