Columnists to speak at luncheon

NORTHEAST VALLEY - Valley Forward Association will host USA Today political columnists from Common Ground, liberal Bob Beckel and conservative Cal Thomas, at its 39th annual luncheon on Dec. 18.

The event will be 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at J.W. Marriott Desert Ridge Resort, 5350 E. Marriott Drive, Phoenix.

Renowned for their syndicated column, Beckel and Thomas show audiences that bridges can be forged between political differences and agreements can be made. They understand that contentiousness and partisanship govern Washington, D.C., but hope to create a paradigm change in political discourse. Like Valley Forward, which is a convener of public dialogue on regional issues, the pair recognizes the validity of every viewpoint and bridges differences to achieve "common ground."

Beckel, a seasoned political analyst whose debut in 1968 was notably working for Robert F. Kennedy, served as a White House deputy assistant secretary for the Carter administration and currently consults while appearing regularly on CNN, CBS This Morning and in the Los Angeles Times.

Thomas authors a twice-weekly column in more than 600 newspapers nationwide and serves as a panelist on the Fox News Watch show. His career highlights include broadcast and print journalism for NBC, CNBC, PBS and the Fox News Network in addition to authoring 10 books, receiving a George Foster Peabody team reporting award and Associated Press and United Press International awards.

The luncheon costs $75 per person, or $700 for a table of 10. Reservations are required. For information or to RSVP, call 602-240-2408 or visit www.valleyforward.org.

Valley Forward is a 39-year-old non-profit organization that brings business, civic and community leaders together to promote cooperative efforts to improve the Valley's environment and quality of life.