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. 

But, man, do I love reading about proposed theme parks that never get built. 

I was reminded of that hobby the other day when not one, but two theme park proposals drew local media attention. 

In the East Valley, Mesa may one day be the site of “Cannon Beach,” a new extravaganza said to include a two-acre “surf lagoon,” plus a gym, climbing wall, go-kart racing, 75,000 square feet of commercial space and a 65-foot tall hotel and retail site.

As my buddy and ace reporter Jim Walsh explained in the Tribune, th...

Grandparents play a variety of roles in their grandchildren’s lives. 

For many, a grandfather or grandmother is an additional loving adult who provides positive, nurturing support early in life.

 For other young children, grandparents have taken their grandchild into their home and have taken on the responsibility of raising them. 

First Things First Arizona’s early childhood agency, knows that families can look different, but they can all help babies, toddlers and preschoolers feel safe and secure.

 As national Grandparents Day is celebrated on Sept. 13, FTF reminds families about programs that can help grandparents build positive relationships with their ...

In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr,, “An individual has not started living until the individual can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”  

Our nation is at a precipice.

 The current social and economic issues in our country have only led to a more significant divide. There is a growing discord between the police force and growing racial tensions.

Our Town of Gilbert is not exempt from the issues confronting our nation. The recent death of George Floyd has caused a protest across the country. There have been protests in Gilbert as well.

Gilbert is a great town with a great community feel...

Arizona businesses continue to be affected by the economic impact of COVID-19.  Particularly hard-hit are those individuals whose business is the ownership and management of rental homes throughout the state.  

As tenants struggle to make ends meet, landlords were mandated by an executive order to adjust their rent collections schedules, allowing tenants upwards of eight months abeyance on payments.

 While this order provided needed relief to the tenants, it created additional hardship for the landlords, whose own financial stability often relies on the income generated from these rental properties. 

 And although no rent was collected, the landlords were still expected to ...

I oppose the Town of Gilbert’s proposal to socialize ambulance service for many reasons. The vote should be tabled until there has been sufficient discussion, input and transparency. 

Isn’t it interesting that the first item on the Town Council’s next agenda is discussion of the AMR contract renewal, yet the purchase of ambulances is also on the agenda?

 This shows that most Council members are talking out of both sides of their mouths. It looks like the majority has already made up their minds to expand government (and its budget) by creating a town-run ambulance service. 

There has been no meaningful public input regarding this issue because the majority of Gilbert leader...

Teachers should refuse to return to classrooms 

I have a long history of refusing. 

I’ve refused job offers, marriage proposals, desserts while on a diet, dates and countless servings of vegetables as a child. 

As I look back, my life has been more defined by what I have refused than what I have accepted. 

In the midst of a global pandemic, educators are now being faced with the ultimate choice to enter a classroom, and this time, the consequences of our decisions will far exceed seeing a disappointing number on a scale or having a bad date.

 This time, the lives of faculty, staff, students and their families are hanging in the balance. 

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