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Opinion

Fountain Hills council’s actions have been anything but transparent

So much for transparency and fewer executive sessions, which were two of Mayor Friedel’s promises. Those were also his primary complaints about the previous administration. The mayor is …
Opinion

So much for honesty and integrity on the Fountain Hills council

Ethics, a system of moral principles and values, are typically upheld by selfless individuals, while the self-serving disregard them. At the April 15 town council meeting, Mayor Friedel and …
Opinion

Council decisions will do Fountain Hills a great disservice

Our new mayor and two council members took their oath of office approximately 134 days ago, as of this writing. With two other sitting council members, who are “likeminded” as our newly …
Opinion

Concerning the Fountain Hills budget, what are our actual priorities?

At the recent budget meeting, the majority of town council members indicated that they intend to treat themselves better than the rest of the town.     The town finance director …
Opinion

Calling young families to Fountain Hills

My husband and I have lived in Fountain Hills for 38 years, when we were told the median age was 37. We raised our four children here and have been active in every aspect of this wonderful community. …
Opinion

Needs versus wants in Fountain Hills

Imagine, during such a tumultuous economy, asking for a 47% raise for yourself. Especially when you have only been on the job for four months. Do you really think your boss would say yes? …
Opinion

Councilman Skillicorn does not serve the people of Fountain Hills

Fountain Hills Councilman Allen Skillicorn applied for appointment to the vacant position of constable by the County Board of Supervisors. If selected, he would have had to resign from …
Opinion

Skillicorn is wrong for office at any level

Allen Skillicorn's game plan is now revealed. It's been obvious for some time that his goal, as best I can tell, is to recreate the position he held until he was ousted by voters in the Illinois …
Opinion

Skillicorn can’t fulfill his commitments

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors made the right choice by rejecting Allen Skillicorn to fill the vacated McDowell Mountain Justice Precinct Constable position. When considering him for …
Opinion

The Fountain Hills council is not working in the best interest of town staff or voters

At an upcoming town council meeting, there will be a discussion, and no doubt a vote to lift the sanctions on Councilman Skillicorn. The sanctions were levied because of serious infractions, …
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

When eliminating DEI, let’s not mistake oppression for progress

The argument that DEI creates division or fosters entitlement is ridiculous and it ignores the fundamental reality of systemic inequality. DEI exists to ensure that hiring practices, educational …

A recent letter had all the facts backwards

The letter from Chris Brant was filled with misinformation and partisan labels. “Deep State,” for example. That idea should have been thrown out after Trump was elected. Would a Deep …

Why is Fountain Hills Councilman Skillicorn running for another office?

Why is Councilman Allen Skillicorn seemingly already running for a different office? The message was clear as early as last summer when he posted campaign signs in Scottsdale with his name. They …

I agree with Councilwoman Kalivianakis on local politics

I am writing in response to the letter to the editor by Councilwoman Brenda Kalivianakis. I really applaud her courage for standing up for her beliefs as to why she is willing to speak out about what …

Apparently animals should be worried about tariffs, too

I think my dog Buster – a shelter dog brought up from Mexico – is worried about tariffs. Whenever the word is mentioned on a TV news show, his head pops up and he gets this worried look …

What’s the real reason for doing away with the Code of Ethics in Fountain Hills?

On March 6, I submitted an ethics complaint against Mayor Friedel based on what I feel is a violation of the Code of Ethics codified in the Fountain Hills Rules of Procedures.   The …
Brenda Kalivianakis

Community leadership is being hindered by partisan politics

Small towns like ours are reminiscent of happier, simpler days. In many ways, our town could be a throwback to the mid-late 20th Century, and most of us prefer it that way. We enjoy the quaint, …

Real public servants in Fountain Hills would want ethics requirements

Soon our council will vote to eliminate their ethics complaint process. The ethics requirements are simple and minimal. Basic human courtesy, professionalism, good citizenship, treat people equally, …

In response to letter concerning Schweikert protest

 It is funny that you label the protests at Rep. Schweikert's office as performative art, when every other thing, every utterance, every decree that comes from our president seems to fit that …

My thoughts on the Schweikert protest

There’s something oddly performative about several hundred people spending their Monday mornings protesting a congressman … for doing what he said he would do. In an era where …
Anne Fitzgerald Osborne, MNLM, CNP

Libraries, culture passes help equalize Arizona’s summer arts education opportunities

Arizona summers are no joke. Even in one of the snowiest cities in America, our winter playground of Flagstaff sees temperatures in the 90s each summer. Growing up, I was lucky enough to have …

Fountain Hills Councilwoman Kalivianakis burned her Republican bridges

Current Fountain Hills Town Council Member Brenda Kalivianakis in a recent opinion submitted to the Times Independent harshly criticized Mayor Gerry Friedel's appointments to council …

Cutting down on wasteful government spending

If you had been on the government payroll – no, the taxpayer payroll – and had recently been laid off it must have been tough, but like everyone else, you know that the government has …
Jeanne M. Jensen, PE

Arizona’s water professionals: Quiet heroes for a resilient future

Arizona is defined by its relationship with water. As a native Arizonan, licensed engineer and operator, I’ve spent my career in the trenches of one of the most vital and challenging sectors in …

A scary sight in Fountain Hills

My wife and I watched a young boy on a skateboard come down Palisades. He crossed against the light. Scary stuff. Parents need to teach what lights mean.

More sidewalks in downtown Fountain Hills is an expensive cart before the horse

I attended the public forum on a design for the first phase of streetscape improvements outlined in the town’s Downtown Strategy document. While I agree with some of the comments posted in the …
Erik Dean, DO

9 things Arizona hikers should know before hitting the trail

As a sports medicine specialist, I’ve seen my fair share of hiking mishaps that could have been avoided with a bit of preparation and mindfulness. Before you lace up your boots and hit the …

The ROT obsession in Fountain Hills is embarrassing

Some people collect stamps. Others collect grievances. Fountain Hills progressives, however, seem to collect enemies — chief among them, Reclaim Our Town (ROT). They act as though ROT is …
Erin Barra-Jean

Breaking in and staying in: Advice for women in the music industry

The music industry can be an exhilarating, creative and deeply rewarding space to build a career — but it’s also an industry that hasn’t always been welcoming to women and …

Mark Kelly has no ideals

Primary Kirsten Sinema for supporting a filibuster, but use the filibuster without limitation now. Cry about shutting down the government under Biden, but actively attempt to rip it down now.  …

Happy with new citizen advisory committees in Fountain Hills

I think we all can agree that we need more accountability from our government – at all levels. Locally, I was very pleased to learn that Mayor Freidel is appointing citizen advisory committees …

Concerns about the Fountain Hills NPOA board election

March 15, the NPOA held their Annual Meeting, during which the board presented an update on activities of 2024, alignment for the NPOA Strategic Plan, as well as held elections for board vacancies. …

Concerning Senator Mark Kelly’s actions

We, of course, thank you for both your Naval service and your time with the U.S. space program. What happened to your, honor, Senator Kelly? What happened to your principles? Did you think you …

Life, love and lessons learned at Fearless Kitty Rescue

I recently stopped by Fearless Kitty Rescue (FKR) to donate items to the Kittyville Boutique. I’ve spent time in the cat rooms, peering into caves, condos and cubbies to acquaint myself with …
Brenda Kalivianakis

Committee appointment in Fountain Hills ignored established process

I am concerned about the wrongful, autocratic seating of three new advisory committees by the mayor: Economic Development, Law Enforcement and Veterans Recognition. Constituents have been asking me …
Jason S. Hauptman, MD, PhD

Use your head: Phoenix neurosurgeon explains brain injury in kids

 “How do you make a tissue dance? Put a little boogie in it.” As evidenced by my “dad jokes,” in addition to my role as a pediatric neurosurgeon, I am also a proud father …

We need to know where our Fountain Hills council members stand

In a recent letter, Crystal Cavanaugh stated there was no ROT ticket for the 2024 council election. However, in that same letter, just six sentences later, Ms. Cavanaugh stated “It was …

Senator Kelly should not have gotten involved in Ukraine

To me, and I believe most people would agree the obvious, if someone (Donald Trump) is attempting to mediate between two parties, Zelenskyy and Putin, he needed to keep a neutral public position. …

Looking for peace in all the wrong places

A “Special Report,” Fertile Minds, was published by Time Magazine in 1997. It echoed to the public of the time the shocking results of the 1995 multimillion-dollar Carnegie Commission …
Pinny Sheoran

SAVE Act will make voting harder for everyone, including 1.5 million women in Arizona

In Arizona, we have strict voter ID laws that protect election integrity. It’s illegal for non-citizens to vote in federal or state elections, and our systems ensure that only eligible voters …
Latest regional, state and national issues
Rinny Dyar

Roadside safety: What to do while waiting for a tow truck in Arizona

We’ve been around tow trucks our whole lives. What started with our parents working out of our Mesa garage in the early 1960s has grown into a multi-generational family business committed to …

Speak Up: West Valley city plans for massive park on flood control land

The city of Surprise is one step closer to taking over operations of the McMicken Dam to create a large nature park on 3,500 acres after the City Council voted to accept an intergovernmental …
Childhood cancer survivor Anthony Paoletti, 8, enjoys spending time with his dog, Franklin.

Cancer changed my childhood and made me brave

When I was 3 ½ years old, I started to get stomach sick, and I had a mild fever. At first, my parents thought I had COVID-19. My mom took me to the doctor, who thought it was a viral …

Concierge medicine column insightful, practitioner says

I am writing to express my gratitude for Diane Smith’s recent Women’s Watch column on concierge medicine . Her insightful commentary sheds light on an innovative approach that is …
Karina Hernandez

Why empowering healthy choices is important for Arizona’s Latino communities

I’m often asked about why it’s important for individuals to have access to culturally appropriate information about nutrition, physical activity and oral hygiene. The bottom line? …
Steve Comer

The biggest mistakes business owners make on their website

We live in a digital era, and the internet plays an essential role in a business’ success or failure. A presence on the internet is critical for business owners if they want to be discovered in …
Sharon Phelps

Health care news is alarming — what Arizonans can do for their physicians

Recently, I have been reading about the staggering number of medical professionals leaving their profession because of all the pressure and burnout being placed on them due to significant staff …

Social Security could run out of money sooner than expected

Social Security is one of the federal government’s biggest programs. Roughly 67 million Americans, most of whom are 65 or older, received Social Security benefits in 2023. An estimated 183 …

Speak Up: West Valley city plans for massive park on flood control land

The city of Surprise is one step closer to taking over operations of the McMicken Dam to create a large nature park on 3,500 acres after the City Council voted to accept an intergovernmental …
Ramiz Audi, MD

Autism isn’t one-size-fits-all — what Valley families should know

There’s a good chance you have met someone who is autistic, have a family or friend “on the spectrum” or you are a parent wondering if your child could be exhibiting signs of autism …
Rev. Dr. Derrick Elliott

Spring can be a time of disruption

April is a month of contrasts. For many, it reflects Easter, Passover, and, in some years, Ramadan while also welcoming the full bloom of spring. It’s a time when the earth shakes off …
Robert Robb

Will enough ever be enough for congressional Republicans?

Donald Trump’s erratic tariff policy threatens to tank the U.S. economy. It has already caused lasting damage to the country’s status as the most stable and open political economy in the …
Nafees Alam

Democrats are choosing ideology over electability

In the shifting sands of American politics, the Democratic Party stands at a pivotal moment. Frequently cast as the "Party of Yes,” Democrats have embraced a host of progressive causes — …
Tracy Dempsey

Reducing food waste: Simple kitchen strategies for Earth Day

As Earth Day approaches, it’s a perfect time to consider how our daily habits impact the planet. Food waste is a significant environmental concern, with Americans discarding nearly 40% of their …
Michael Hartman, Ph.D.

More than a gut feeling — tips for reducing stress

April is National Stress Awareness Month, a time to look at how stress functions and the ways to manage it for a healthier and happier lifestyle. Everyone is positioned to experience stress at …
Robert Krol

Tariffs will increase the probability of a recession, not promote prosperity

President Trump thinks tariffs will promote prosperity in America. His trade policies reflect this view. The United States will impose a 10% across-the-board tariff on imports from our …

Confused by retirees’ support for Trump

As we travelled around the Valley looking for a place to call home in our retirement, we visited Sun City. I found the number of Trump flags on display puzzling. Social Security and retirement …
Kate Thoene

Budget-smart and tariff-free: The rise of thrift store shopping

As tariffs continue to drive up prices on everyday goods, shoppers across the country are feeling the pinch. From clothing and home goods to toys and electronics, the cost of imported items has risen …
Vanessa Muñoz

Water wars: Political divides, lack of Latino voices are devastating the Colorado River

The Colorado River begins in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and flows an astounding 1,450 miles through the American Southwest, passing through 30 tribal nations and seven states . It is a crucial …

Arizona schools should focus on scholastic achievement, not DEI

The DEI curriculum is racist and does nothing to promote high achievement. It only serves to divide our children and it needs to be completely abolished. Our system should be based on …
Thomas L. Knapp

‘Constitutional Crisis?’ No, just time to stop pretending the Constitution matters

As of April 12, according to the Supreme Court, the Trump administration must file a daily declaration as to the location of one Kilmar Abrego Garcia, along with details of what steps have been, and …
Bailey DeRoest

Stand and believe, Arizona: How unity can prevent violence before it happens

Every April, we recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month — a time to center the voices of survivors, raise awareness and take action to prevent sexual violence. But for those of us who work …
Dr. Patricia Tan

How Arizonans can help their children cope with seasonal allergies

How Arizonans can help their children cope with seasonal allergies Sniffles and sneezes are an inevitable part of growing up. But if your child has a lingering runny nose and cough — or …

SAVE Act’s citizenship voting requirement has no basis in the Constitution

The Republican-led House of Representatives passed on April 10, 2025, the  Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act  — or SAVE Act. The bill would make voting harder for …
Llewellyn King

VOA was pure because it wasn’t beholden, despite its U.S. funding

It was a quiet voice in the night in southern Rhodesia, a radio broadcast. It let in the world: a world beyond my family’s horizons and even the demanding British public school-inspired academy …

Reflecting on resurrection and hope

One hundred years ago, Dr. R.W. Dale, a preacher in Birmingham, England, sat in his study, working on that year’s Easter sermon. He had preached many Easter sermons over the …
J. Mark Powell

Holy cow! History — Toxic talk, deadly duel

The one (and perhaps only) thing Americans seem to agree on these days is political rhetoric is too toxic. They long for folks to cool down and behave like dignified statesmen from that long-ago time …
Lisa Coram, AFC

Advice for younger Arizonans who want to take charge of their money right now

Many Americans are facing financial uncertainty today due to rising costs and shifting economic conditions. The Consumer Price Index recently showed a 3.0% increase over the past year, reflecting …
Andrew Robertson

Slurping encouraged — Valley expert explains coffee cupping

Coffee cupping, or the beloved ritual of brewing and tasting coffee to assess aroma and flavor, is an excellent way to discover your next favorite coffee, especially if you’re new to making the …
Tom Patterson

Is it time for America to get rid of some failed and outmoded clutter?

Americans are getting fed up with their government. Why not remove some useless government-provided “stuff” from our lives? In my opinion, it would be cheap and easy. For example, …