Matt Spangler

Seems like since we have food truck lots, why not have the city set aside special parking lots for people living in their vehicles. Unless there is affordable housing, we will always have this problem. So why not find a way to address it so that the "homeless" have a safe and clean place to park and live, and taxpayers can feel safe. This is a small community and while I don't have the answer, there must be a way for our community to have compassion and be willing to help. The big question is going to be where is money coming from. I'm sure many people in the middle income to low income bracket would say we should tax the rich. I would first propose that the city find competent people that will work pro bono to present solutions and costs. The community should vote on it. Then we have a fundraising campaign with a deadline. If the project is funded, we don't need to implement a tax on the rich. This could "inspire" people who have no financial worries to avoid a tax by chipping in. I realize there is no perfect solutions. But if we want to keep Bend a wonderful place to live, we better find ways to get along and help people who need it.