Letters to the Editor

Substance Over Strategy Politics often attract people who are more interested in winning rather than governing. Unfortunately, this is where the games begin. Instead of focusing on solutions some tend to frame issues in ways that divide, exaggerate and distract. They tend to shift positions depending on the audience, sometimes trade favors behind closed doors, […]

Deschutes Deserves Amy Sabbadini Deschutes County needs a commissioner who fights for working people. Amy Sabbadini is that candidate. I had the privilege of being Amy’s student, and what struck me then still holds true today: she approaches every problem with curiosity, fairness and a deep sense of responsibility to others. Those qualities that made […]

Excited to vote for new commissioners I don’t know about you, but it has been a long time since I was able to vote enthusiastically for a political candidate. This time is different. I have the chance to cast my vote for Morgan Schmidt and Jamie Collins, two people who have devoted their careers to […]

Bikes, Cars, and Neighbors: Two Good Projects, One Crowded Corridor As a homeowner in Luderman Crossing, I am writing to share concerns about the Reed Market and 15th Improvements and Bend Bikeway Project and its impact on residents most directly affected. The proposed design on SE 15th Street places an 8-foot shared use path and […]

250th Proclamation The Deschutes County Commission recently passed a resolution that proports to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, when in fact it is right out of the MAGA playbook, implying support for President Trump’s policies and actions, and filled with hypocrisy. The piece was written by a right-wing group called the Taxpayers Association of Oregon. It passed […]

Critique of Land Use Planning in Bend The term “crisis” is often used to describe the current housing situation in Deschutes County. By definition, a crisis is an unstable period that threatens to result in highly undesirable outcomes. While there is a current imbalance between housing supply and demand, it doesn’t rise to the level […]

Amy Sabbadini for County Commissioner I am asking readers to vote for Amy Sabbadini in the upcoming County Commissioner election. Now more than ever, it is imperative to have logical, science-minded leaders who will embrace evidence-based practices. We need leaders to support the behavioral and public health programs that are critical resources for our community. […]

ODOT Funding Regarding the Opinion in March 5, 2026, that brought forth the political issues of raising taxes on fuel to pay ODOT services, I wish to highlight the statement: “Due to real progress on the climate front, through electric vehicles and efficiency, the state now has fewer dollars for road maintenance.” First, it should […]

Privacy belongs in Bend’s public conversation I recently attended my first Deschutes Democrats meeting and came away with a simple conclusion: Bend needs to start talking a lot more seriously about privacy. At the meeting, I asked U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum what national privacy bills are worth tracking and who constituents should contact to better […]

Why I didn’t use the VA to pay for my root canal A broken molar, and the resulting $2,000 repair, led to someone asking the question, why didn’t I go through the VA? As an eight-year veteran of the armed forces, I should be entitled. I would like to answer that question publicly, as it is […]