Last-Minute Letters: All the Political Letters We've Gotten Since the Last Time We Printed Some - The Source

Some people are early birds and begin sending their thoughts about local races well in advance of the voters’ pamphlet and ballots arriving. Others like to leave things a little more last-minute. While some of these letters arrived a week or more ago, they didn’t arrive before others’, and thus didn’t make it in the October 29 issue — our last print edition before the Nov. 3 election.

To give those later letter-writers some cred, and for those later letter-writers, here’s a last-minute, online-only, Election Day political version of Letters to the Editor.

Thaddeus Betz for Judge

I have been a long-time resident of Bend since 1994. I got to know Thad several years ago in a professional setting as an attorney. I found him to be a good listener, well prepared, competent, and focused on fairness. These are the attributes of an impartial and fair Judge.

I highly recommend and encourage people vote for him as it would help Deschutes County be a better place.

—Victoria Smith

Send Patti Adair to Congress

Deschutes County’s homeless count fell from about 1,040 people in 2025 to 864 in 2026. Across Central Oregon, the point-in-time count dropped 19.1%, from about 2,100 people to about 1,700. Gov. Tina Kotek came to Shepherd’s House in Redmond this summer and gave credit to local leaders.

As a Deschutes County Commissioner, Patti Adair has been involved in efforts to address homelessness and improve outcomes for vulnerable members of our community. Her work extends beyond a single program, reflecting the broader need for collaboration among county and city governments, shelters, nonprofits, service providers, and community partners. From supporting initiatives that help people move toward stable housing to advocating for homeless veterans through the Central Oregon Veterans Village, Patti understands the importance of addressing homelessness with both compassion and action.

Central Oregon needs a Congresswoman who understands the challenges our communities face and the work required to address them. Patti Adair’s experience as a Deschutes County commissioner gives her a local perspective on homelessness and the importance of building on the progress that has been made. Patti has a proven record of getting things done for our community. Vote for Patti Adair for Congressional District 5.

—Heather Fortune

In Support of Thad Betz

Every year I tell my students that I’m not here to teach you what to think. I’m here to teach you how to think.

I’ve been thinking about this critical thinking lesson as I decide how to vote for Deschutes County Circuit Court Judge. Candidates can’t campaign on issues, and most of us never see a judge or lawyer at work. So, I did what I ask my students to do. I looked to those who know legal work best, and what they are saying.

The answer is clear. Thad Betz has been endorsed by 17 judges and many, many lawyers across disciplines (including respected community members outside the courtroom). These are people who are putting their own reputations behind him. That kind of agreement doesn’t happen by accident. It tells me the legal community believes he is the right person for the job.

I’ve also known Thad for more than ten years. What I’ve seen personally fits what his endorsers describe: he is fair and even-tempered, and he listens before he speaks. Those are the qualities I try to model for my students, and the ones I want in a judge.

We ask our kids to think critically every day. This election, look past campaign slogans and look at who is standing behind Thad Betz and why. Then you’ll reach the same conclusion I did.

Please join me in voting for Thad Betz for Circuit Court, Position 3, by November 3.

—Brooke Rydstrom, an educator of 28 years

Vote for Patti Adair

Oregon is in desperate need of new leadership – leaders that possess common sense, integrity, experience, and sound judgment to represent the people they serve. Patti Adair has demonstrated these important qualities as Deschutes County Commissioner for the last 8 years and is exactly the type of leader we need to represent us in Congress. Patti consistently proves she is willing to listen to all, respects differing viewpoints, and puts the needs of her constituents ahead of political agendas. Janelle Bynum has FAILED to do that time and time again. Patti has a proven track record of not allowing partisan politics to stand in the way of getting things accomplished. As a County Commissioner, Patti has overseen the most pro-small-business county in the state; Deschutes County’s homeless rate has dropped by 16.9% in the last 2 years; she increased funding for law enforcement, and as a Deschutes Commissioner, she opted out of PERS, which saved Deschutes County taxpayers over $200,000. Patti is incredibly honest, has the knowledge, experience, and work ethic we need to represent us in Washington, D.C. This November I encourage you to vote for Patti Adair for Congressional District 5.

—Linda Murrer

Thaddeus Betz for Circuit Court, Position 3

Every election, I hear my seventh-grade music teacher reprimanding our class: “Don’t give an opinion about something you don’t know anything about.” The occasion was minor (some groaning over a new song), but her words to me profound.

Her words haunt me when asked to vote for a judge. Most of us know little about the practice of law or what the job demands. In a sense, we’re doing exactly what my teacher warned against: offering an opinion on something we may not fully understand.

That’s why the voters’ pamphlet caught my attention. Thaddeus Betz is endorsed by governors, Oregon Supreme Court justices, circuit court judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and others across the legal community. These people know the law and the demands of the bench firsthand, which most voters don’t.

Support that broad says a great deal about Thad’s work ethic, his reputation, and the respect he has earned from peers on every side of the courtroom. When I’m asked to judge something I can’t evaluate myself, the informed judgment of those who work in the profession is a valuable guide.

I also know Thad personally, and I can say wholeheartedly that he will be an outstanding judge. He brings dedication to his work and an unwavering ethical compass. He is a devoted husband and father, a friend to many, and full of joy and compassion.

This time, I’m confident my opinion is an informed one. Please vote for Thaddeus Betz for Circuit Court, Position 3.

—Sierra Schneider

Bend Mayor endorsement

Of course you chose Melanie Kebler as your choice for mayor of Bend, I’m sure her opponent is a nice person but no, she’s not qualified for this job. I do have one huge disagreement with you on your reasons for backing her. You say “we trust her to charge forward on improving our transportation system.”

When you say charge forward, do you mean add more bike lanes and put up more sidewalks? Because she’s doing nothing for the actual roads of Bend, Oregon. There are 100,000 registered vehicles in Bend. She and her comrades on the city Council ignore that fact, she told me to my face she’s going to get us out of our cars, Melanie you’re not.

They’re going to eventually add thousands of homes to Southeast Bend near where I live. She told me they’re not gonna expand 27th. It’s gonna stay one lane each way. I don’t understand how you can possibly realistically think that that’s going to handle traffic. Melanie, question, are we supposed to ride our bikes in January when it’s snowing and 17°?

We’re not gonna do that, most people in Bend ride their bikes for pleasure not purpose. You need to wake up and face that reality. Cars are not going away, deal with it.

—Tom Ward

Thaddeus Betz has the character to be a great judge

I have known Thad Betz for 13 years. Our families met when our oldest kids started elementary school together, and our youngest have been friends since preschool. Over these years I have observed Thad as a Dad at school events, birthday parties, sports games, and school pickups, and have come to know him as a kind, patient, present, and generous parent.

Thad is the adult who notices a kid having a hard day and takes a moment to help. He listens to children as carefully as he listens to adults, treats everyone with the same respect and always has a smile on his face.

I was not surprised to learn how many local attorneys, judges and community members across Oregon have endorsed Thad for Deschutes County Circuit Court (over 50!!). The qualities I have seen in him as a parent and a friend are the same ones that shine through in his work: fairness, steadiness, and genuine care for the people in front of him. Those who know him in the courtroom see what our family has seen for more than a decade.

A judge’s decisions affect families like ours every day. I want someone on the bench with good judgment, a calm temperament, and a big heart. Thad has all three of these and more.

Please join me in voting for Thaddeus Betz for Circuit Court Judge, Position 3.

—Angie Klee

Vote for candidates who show up

Why are so many political candidates not showing up for debates, town halls, and candidate forums this election cycle? Mike Rogers of Michigan skipped a televised event on September 15; Ken Paxton of Texas skipped a CNN town hall in mid-October; and here in Deschutes County, Rob Imhoff, a candidate for the county commission, skipped the League of Women Voters candidate forum on October 14. Rob’s campaign cited a scheduling conflict for his absence, but perhaps the real reason was that he didn’t want to admit that his proposals to purchase Mt. Bachelor and the Skyline Forest would likely require voters to approve bond measures that would raise property taxes by hundreds of dollars a year for the next 20 to 30 years.

When OPB asked Rob about skipping the candidate forum, he told them, “I think most of the people kind of know where Morgan and I stand.” I’m not sure that’s true. For example, I’m not familiar with Rob’s position regarding wildfire prevention measures (including defensible space codes and home hardening programs). Also, I’m familiar with Rob’s proposal to establish a 6-mile no-camping zone around the urban growth boundaries in the county but don’t know whether he is completely opposed to the county’s efforts to create managed camps and safe parking facilities for the homeless.

The bottom line is that Morgan Schmidt, Lauren Connally, and Amy Sabbadini showed up and answered questions from voters about important community issues. Rob didn’t.

—Adrian Jones

Mistaken Endorsement

Last week the Source did NOT endorse the most qualified and overall best candidate for Deschutes County Commissioner Position 3, namely Amy Sabbadini. This is the second time the Source has passed over Amy and endorsed candidates much less fit for this position.. Amy’s decades of work as an educator and as a land use planner are enormously important and valuable in this position and should not be minimized. Her OPPOSITION to the gerrymandering map (Ballot Measure 9-185) of the County Commissioners by itself is reason enough to endorse and vote for her. That map is ADVOCATED by candidate Connally, was rushed through the process by outgoing Commissioners Adair and DeBone, and is described as carving Deschutes County “into politically rigged districts” by Mayors Melanie Kebler and Ed Fitch, both of whom the Source has endorsed. In your endorsement of Ms. Connally, you said she “did not impress us with her support of” the gerrymandering. That alone should have been sufficient reason NOT to endorse her. Amy Sabbadini is by far the best candidate for County Commissioner Position 3, and I believe the Source erred in not choosing her.

—Richard Tomera

The Source Endorsement of Connelly over Sabbadini

The Source’s endorsement took no consideration of rural Deschutes County issues. As a rural Deschutes County resident, I am confident that Amy Sabbadini is the best option for the Deschutes County Commission. Amy grew up in a rural area of California before moving to Deschutes County more than 20 years ago. I first met Amy in 2012 on the back of a horse. She knows the practical issues facing farmers and rural residents: from wells drying up in the rural parts of the county to habitat and agricultural land loss.

Case in point – the 2023 Mule Deer Winter Range Combining Zone (or WA-MD) – she knows about it and is open to listening to rural residents’ concerns – and that really matters to myself and my neighbors. Amy is an independent thinker – and smart. She is exactly who we need to address these types of important economic, environmental, and land use issues in rural Deschutes County.

Amy has my vote as a rural resident. I believe she can bridge the gap between urban and rural concerns. I am looking forward to seeing Amy on the commission – she is creative, thoughtful, and self-reliant, while being willing to listen and learn to all the residents of Deschutes County.

—Lisa Valenta, Esq.

Sonia Hunstman for Judge

My name is Karen, a 78-year-old who has seen many elections over the years. Most have focused on policy differences, and secondarily on character. I would like to address this second item when speaking up for Sonia Huntsman, a candidate for district judge in this upcoming election.

I hope the facts of her 20 years of legal experience and qualifications have been widely circulated, showcasing her vast knowledge of family law, criminal law, and constitutional law, alongside her ability to fairly and respectfully bring that expertise to the bench.

Sonia has been a friend for many years, since she was a librarian at Juniper Elementary School. I was hugely impressed then by her genuine kindness and generosity in helping the children. Since then, I have seen her operate in this world with immense integrity, honesty, and a dedication to doing what is right in every area of her life. She possesses that vital trait of being unbiased in important considerations, treating others with unwavering respect. She brings intelligence and profound character to the table.

I am incredibly impressed that she has ensured her campaign team refuses to solicit donations from attorneys and law firms who might appear in front of her. This is just one of many examples showing she is a judge for the people, dedicated to being truly independent. It speaks volumes to her integrity.

Please consider casting your vote for Sonia Huntsman. She fills every needed qualification for the position.

—Karen Duncan

Sonia Huntsman for Deschutes County judge as a Redmond resident

As a Redmond resident, I want a judge who understands everything that happens in a courtroom so they can make the best decision possible. That’s why I’m voting for Sonia Huntsman for Deschutes County judge. Judges don’t make policy, but their decisions shape lives here every day: whether a family stays together, whether a victim is heard, whether someone accused of a crime gets a fair process. Making those calls well takes broad experience, and Sonia has it. She has prosecuted cases as a deputy district attorney and defended clients as a public defender and private attorney. Having handled serious criminal cases from both sides, she knows how the system looks to everyone in the room.

Sonia, a mother herself, has also spent much of her career in family law, handling divorce, custody, property divisions, and dependency cases where children have been removed from their homes. These cases fill our local dockets and affect our most vulnerable neighbors, and she’s the only candidate with deep experience in them. Outside the courtroom, when the pandemic strained local schools, she taught English learners and students with special needs at a Title I school. She has served on the county’s Domestic Violence Task Force and now leads her bar association.

Sonia will make sure everyone in her courtroom is treated fairly and with dignity. Please join me in voting for Sonia Huntsman.

—Heather MacDowall

—Editor’s note: The Oct. 29, 2026 version of the Source contained another long list of political letters; read them here.