Opinion - Civility Learning Lab

Fountain Hills election being dragged into the gutter

OPINION — Fountain Hills residents should be concerned by the increasingly ugly tone of this year's mayoral campaign. A political advertisement produced by ROT (Reclaim Our Town) in support of … more

By Don Scott | Fountain Hills | 6/10/26

Faust: Dover leaders aren’t being held accountable

Where is the accountability of the Dover City Council members and the mayor? Recently, they have made many decisions that are very questionable. more

6/10/26

Proposed solutions to Arizona’s e-bike problem

OPINION — In response to the Independent’s question about regulating electric bikes: Everywhere in Europe and Asia people ride bikes. Everyone knows the rules of the road and is courteous. more

By Scott Mitzner | Sun City West | 6/10/26

Speak Up: Fountain Hills Dairy Queen draws discourse

With all the hype and excitement for the return of Dairy Queen to Fountain Hills, the process remains ongoing as the town council unanimously voted to extend its special use permit during its meeting … more

6/10/26

Speak Up: Scottsdale readers talk Axon lawsuit

The Axon saga continues. The Taxpayers Against Awful Apartment Zoning Exemptions, otherwise known as TAAAZE, has filed two lawsuits in an attempt to stop security technology company Axon from … more

6/10/26

Davis: AARP believes crypto kiosks should be banned

In recent years, criminals have found a new way to steal millions of dollars from older Americans. This legislative session, House Bill 441 aims to do something to stop that. more

6/10/26

9th Grade On-Track helped me; I want all students to benefit

OPINION — When I first enrolled in Camelback High School as a freshman, I was nervous. Everyone talks about how difficult the transition is between middle and high school. more

By Gustavo Osorio Beltran | Phoenix | 6/10/26

Bob Brown and Anna Thomasson have what Paradise Valley needs

OPINION — When voting in the upcoming elections for members of the town council, it is important to choose people with track records of success that show leadership. Straight shooters with strong … more

By Rick Adams | Paradise Valley | 6/10/26

Trump and his Jan. 6 pardons

OPINION — Nearly 100 Jan. 6 rioters have been rearrested. Almost 100 Jan. 6 rioters Trump pardoned were rearrested. The charges range from possession of child pornography to sexual assault, child … more

By Alfred Southall | Fountain Hills | 6/10/26

Fountain Hills candidate Tate’s civility promise deserves scrutiny

OPINION — Fountain Hills deserves leaders who understand what civility actually requires. Town council candidate Jeff Tate says one of his top priorities is to “restore civility.” That is … more

By Gregg Dudash | Fountain Hills | 6/10/26

Street politics in Fountain Hills

OPINION — In his current campaign for re-election Mayor Friedel promotes he will continue to invest money fixing our streets, but has he told you everything? No! Friedel, and other ROT … more

By Eugene Slechta | Fountain Hills | 6/10/26

Speak Up: Residents sound off on 163rd Avenue project

Here are some comments about stories happening in Surprise. more

Independent Newsmedia | 6/10/26

Marking 10 year anniversary of Gilbert unsolved murder

I wanted to inform you that June 9, 2026, is the 10-year anniversary of the murder of Alyssa Romine. The 30-year-old was found murdered at the Riparian Preserve after being reported missing the day … more

By Charisia Arnold | Gilbert | 6/9/26

Sartor hasn’t prioritized Dysart students’ safety

OPINION — Thank you to the Independent for covering the May Dysart Governing Board meeting, where I and other Surprise residents called for Mayor Kevin Sartor to be removed as the district’s safety coordinator. more

By Cali Overs | Surprise | 6/9/26

The truth about a primary property tax in Fountain Hills

OPINION — A primary property tax in Fountain Hills? No way! How do I know this? In 2018, I had just completed my time as a student in year two of the newly reinstated Fountain Hills … more

By Cynthia Magazine | Fountain Hills | 6/9/26

What’s the true measure of a friend?

OPINION — At 68, I've learned that one of life’s most important lessons is understanding the difference between acquaintances and true friends. more

By Rod Wielkie | Chandler | 6/9/26

Arizona’s schools are under siege — and you may not even know it

OPINION — There is a well-organized, well-funded, and deeply coordinated effort underway to take over school boards across America. more

By Ann Gamble | Peoria | 6/9/26

Why men need community, creativity more than ever

OPINION — While there is often a focus on men’s physical health, mental well-being is equally important. more

By Sentari Minor | Phoenix | 6/9/26

Jeff Tate is a strong candidate for Fountain Hills Town Council

OPINION — When I attended the Fountain Hills Town Council candidates’ forum, I left with an unsurprising revelation. I am completely done with candidates who think they can get my vote by playing … more

By Nancy Jensen | Fountain Hills | 6/9/26

Preserving what makes Fountain Hills special

OPINION — This election will determine whether Fountain Hills continues its tradition of fiscal responsibility and common-sense leadership or moves in a very different direction. I am proud to … more

By Wendy Corry | Fountain Hills | 6/9/26