Elections

Measure 71
Would have Oregon legislators convene annually each year to tend to the state's business, as opposed to every other year. – Yes.

It's not the money, or the free food (yes councilors are still provided meals before their meetings) and it certainly isn't the prestige that attracts people to the job of city councilor. The long hours, late meetings and the scrutiny of an entire city aren't terrific incentives either. But we still manage to get a few city councilors who are willing to serve simply because they believe in keeping Bend a great place to live while helping the city meet the growing challenges of the 21st century.

The Bend city council is a non-partisan board, but be assured, it has its ideological divides. That's why the race for Bend City Council Seat 7 is so important this year. The seat has been held by former Mayor Oran Teater since his controversial appointment to the seat two years ago when the council deadlocked on a successor to Chris Telfer. Since that time, Teater has helped cement the conservative majority on the city council, a block that includes realtor Tom Greene, Mayor Kathie Eckman, and attorney and former Greg Walden staff member Jeff Eager.