Letters to the Editor

Egg 0iling program I’ve just read the latest issue of the Source and the letter of the week enlightened me to the fact that Bend Park and Rec has been doing a goose egg oiling program. I reached out to Parks and Rec and the person who is in charge is Zara Hickman, with whom […]

Happy about new ordinance Thank you to the Redmond City Council for stepping up with the new ordinance, 2026-2, in prohibiting motorcycles in city parks. This will increase safety for many older and younger residents while they enjoy our parks and benefit from being outdoors, in nature, exercising and relaxing with family, friends or alone. […]

Bend Electrification For over a year, the Bend Council has been working  to  “…promote welfare and reduce economic cost to Bendites by mitigating the impacts associated with fossil fuel emissions…”  Incentives have been proposed to reduce CO2 emissions from gas by electrifying new homes in Bend. Using the EPA’s 2023 “Social Cost of Carbon” ($ of damage […]

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. […]