AN EXAMPLE OF TRUE CIVILITY IN PARADISE VALLEY

Paradise Valley Independent 01/27/2026
by Daran Wastchak

OPINION — In December of last year, I attended the Paradise Valley Planning Commission public hearing on proposed changes to the assisted living home ordinance.

With the newest assisted living home in the town being built next door to my own home, I spoke in support of the changes. Speaking in opposition was Scott O’Connor, who I’ve known almost 15 years and hadn’t realized was in the audience.

Fast forward to the recent Paradise Valley Town Council meeting. Both Scott and I were there to speak again, but rather than sitting on opposite sides of the room, I made a point to say “hello” and sat next to him to catch up until the meeting started. Scott was kind enough to share that he thought my comments at the Planning Commission meeting, in opposition to his own, were well said, reasonable and he appreciated them.

When the call to the audience began, Scott spoke first, sharing a story about his mom, who spent her last years in one of the Paradise Valley assisted living homes, and his arguments in opposition to the changes. Then I had my turn, again speaking in support of the changes.

To my surprise, as I returned to my seat after speaking, Scott had a big smile on his face and was clapping quietly for me. Scott exemplified true civility in how he handled our opposing points of view, demonstrating that you can disagree without being disagreeable.

Was I really that surprised? No, not coming from Scott. It’s the way he was raised, by one of our town’s, and state’s and nation’s most respected citizens, and a true exemplar of civility in her public life. Scott’s mom was the first female Justice of the United States Supreme Court, Sandra Day O’Connor.

Thank you, Scott, for your gracious example of true civility.

Original article: https://www.yourvalley.net/paradise-valley-independent/stories/an-example-of-true-civility-in-paradise-valley,656163