It is an honor to serve as the district’s chief financial officer. One of the most enjoyable aspects of my role is interacting with our many community members, parents and business leaders. These education stakeholders often reach out with questions related to school finance, and I appreciat…
When news broke in February that Arizona would open COVID-19 vaccines to people over age 55, I had a long debate with myself about whether to get the shot.
When my husband asked me what was for dinner last night, I wondered how many times in one day those three precious (evil) words are spoken. Worldwide, might these words be recited over a billion times? And in my own life, how many times have I heard children, grandkids and husband innocently…
The death penalty brings out the worst parts of people and our society. If I were to ask any person I meet on the street if killing is wrong, I’d expect nearly everyone to say “yes.” But if I ask someone whether they support the death penalty, about half the time the answer is “yes.”
I wrote an article in 2012 in this column about a pastor friend of mine who has impacted the prison at the Arizona State Prison Complex in Florence. He has worked at the Florence prison since 2012. Recently, I phoned him for an update. I will start with my article in 2012. I will finish with…
The end of my father’s life is fast approaching, and if I am being completely honest, his last breath will be a blessing.
Did you watch the Royal Rumble? It was quite the show. I didn’t want to see the spectacle myself, but the drama has made headlines everywhere until it is impossible to avoid this sad, steaming mess.
If you believe in the criminal justice system, file this under good news: The Arizona Department of Corrections recently issued a press release reporting it’s once again ready to execute some of the 115 murderers housed on death row.
Have you taken a good photo lately? It seems like humans love to snap photos of their pets. This must be true by all the adorable dog and cat pictures posted on social media. As my husband points out, we have had very few photos taken of the two of us together in the past few years. But our …
While thousands of Arizona seniors wait for vaccines, the Biden administration and Democrats in Congress are refusing to prioritize Americans over illegal immigrants for vaccinations. As requests from Gov. Doug Ducey and other Arizona leaders asking for more vaccines for Arizona fall on deaf…
A week of mild Arizona weather and the start of Cactus League baseball can only mean one thing: Again it’s that time when hope springs eternal for Valley sports fans.
In 1995, in a column for a newspaper, I made a serious error in judgment.
Peoria is one of the safest cities in the nation, and our parks and recreational facilities are top notch. We are proud to be known for having a highly skilled workforce, excellent housing choices and top-rated schools.
In Arizona’s formative years — say before the Valley constructed an actual freeway system — the state’s economy and reputation rested on what early Arizonans called “the Five Cs.”
It was a Monday night in April and my parents let me stay up past bedtime to watch the Atlanta Braves play the Los Angeles Dodgers.
It was Tuesday afternoon and work got too heavy. A break was called for, mindless diversion. My thoughts turned to an old favorite: a matinee movie. Ninety minutes of popcorn, soda and cinema. This sounded like exactly the ticket.
He wrestled with kidney cancer for a decade, fought like a demon, but finally Dave Rehnke took his last breath on Jan. 11.
After a few hours, you had to switch off the television and stop scrolling the videos on social media.
Sometimes he has a good day, his mind clicking like it used to, and our phone conversations take us back in time.
As we stare 2021 in the face, here’s hoping that our elected leaders take a stand against one of the most serious public health threats currently facing the state of Arizona.
This year, our nation was faced with unprecedented challenges—the threat of conflict with a foreign adversary, a historic presidential impeachment trial, protests in cities across the country and a worldwide pandemic. Though the road was tough, we have made it through and look forward to the…
When it comes to doing life-threatening work during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have rightfully congratulated our heroes on the front lines: doctors, nurses, firefighters, cops, paramedics.
As the Arizona state treasurer and chairwoman of the state’s first-ever Financial Literacy Task Force, increasing financial awareness is one of my top priorities. By making wise personal finance decisions, Arizonans not only strengthen themselves but also their families, communities and the …
As we head into possibly the most isolating holiday season yet, there are more children who are in desperate need of mentorship. We are currently experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. Schools have been out for months.
The seething hatred that marks our politics continues to bubble like muck. Never more partisan, never angrier at one another, we continue to prosecute Election 2020 even as the states run out of ballots to count. Angry tweets, lawsuits, and fraud allegations devoid of evidence fill every new…
Medicare’s annual open-enrollment season is underway, and I want to encourage all people with Medicare to review their current health and prescription drug coverage.
The priest said to the farmer, “If you had a horse, would you give it to the Lord?” “Yes, I would,” said the farmer. “And if you had a cow, would you give it to the Lord?” “Absolutely,” said the farmer. “What about a goat?” “Sure.” “A pig?” “Now, that’s not fair!” protested the farmer. “You …
With great dismay, I read the article on KTAR radio’s website by reporter Griselda Zetino on Oct. 26 entitled “Drop in Arizona students enrolled in kindergarten raises concerns.”
During my decades as an accountant and business consultant, I learned that progress is often impeded when people ignore a good idea just because of the source. So, even though it is not usually politically astute to compliment your general election rival, I applaud my LD20 Senate opponent fo…
After talking to residents across Phoenix and Glendale, the one thing I hear most is they want safe neighborhoods and safe communities.
Quality schools help protect your property values, reduce crime and attract jobs and economic opportunities.
The Arizona Supreme Court issued its ruling allowing the “Smart and Safe Arizona” initiative—Proposition 207—to remain on the ballot despite concerns over deficiencies in its 100-word statement. Big Marijuana sought to deceive Arizona voters with the summary and got away with it. Keep in min…
I am 73 years old. Never in my later years did I think I would open Arizona’s first medical marijuana dispensary, but I did, in 2012 The public interest was high. Our location was in Downtown Glendale. But what started as fanfare is now routine. That’s a good thing, though. You don’t hear ab…
Getting vaccinated for the flu this fall is more important than ever. Not only will a flu shot help keep you and your family healthy, it can help reduce the strain on our health care system and keep hospital beds and other medical resources available for people with coronavirus disease 2019 …
Despite the countless political ads you see on TV and social media, the most important offices on your ballot might not be the ones at the top of the ticket.
For over 131 years, the Peoria Unified School District has been teaching the students of the Northwest Valley. Founded in 1889, the original school’s class size varied between five and 15 students full time in the first few years. Today, the district serves more than 36,000 students from Gle…
Some people love theme parks. They don’t mind lines. They crave the rides and the adrenaline. As an Arizonan since 1995, I’m not much for theme parks.
When I was a kid, we subscribed to TV Guide. The best issue always came at the end of summer, because it previewed the upcoming fall television season.
One hundred years ago, a young state representative named Harry Burn, at age 24, sat uncomfortably at his desk in the Tennessee Legislature. The entire country was watching, as Tennessee was the last of the 36 states needed to ratify the United States Constitution granting women the right to…
There is a reason that the Arizona Police Association, the National Association of Police Organizations, the International Union of Police Associations and law enforcement from all over the nation have endorsed President Trump. The brave, hard-working officers who protect our communities kno…
Reason to vote
The illness COVID-19 continues to affect more people each day. If a person contracts an infectious disease during this pandemic, their immune system may be weakened and leave them susceptible to suffering the more deadly effects of SARS-CoV-2. Until there is an effective vaccine to this part…
I’ve never been much for apologies. Let me give you an example.
The relentless pace of the coronavirus pandemic has challenged hospital and health care workers across the Valley and the country. Long days are spent caring for COVID and non-COVID patients. The stress of managing personal lives while balancing family needs and commitments adds yet another …
Here’s a practical solution to an issue that has riled professional and amateur sports for the past few years.
When it comes to bad years, it’s pretty tough to top 1347. That was the year the Black Death kicked into overdrive, contaminating major cities in Europe and Asia. Ultimately, that epidemic killed more than 50 million people over the next few years.
Challenging time
Nearly half a million Arizonans are living with Alzheimer’s or caring for a loved one with the disease. Prior to COVID-19, our state was grappling with how to prepare for an astounding 33% increase over the next five years in the population impacted by all dementias.
The family of law enforcement officers pray every day that their husband, wife, mother or father will come home safely after each shift. They bear the personal burden of sacrifice so the call to serve and protect can be answered. While the officer is vigilant to serve, the family members pra…
Editor:
Imagine living in your own home or apartment with days between any communications with another person. Many senior adults who have modest daily interaction with family and friends can easily become isolated within their own residence.
