Endorsement of Lauren Connally
I am very disappointed that TSW endorsed Lauren Connally instead of Amy Sabbadini.
Looking at who endorsed Ms. Connally, including Patty Adair, Tony DeBone, Chris Piper, Keith Rockow and Phil Henderson, I question the choice. With Republicans trying to gerrymander Deschutes County for this race, and a neo-Republican agenda I find troubling, why would the Source fail to investigate that she is backed by all Republicans, but isn’t transparent about it.
Amy Sabbadini is smart and kind, and she would do a terrific job as County Commissioner. Don’t take her kindness for weakness.
This election has been tumultuous in many ways. SO you don’t bring a knife to a gunfight.
I urge my fellow Deschutes County voters to look closely at the candidates and vote.
—Michele Knowles
Support of Amy Sabbadini
I am writing to share my support for Amy Sabbadini for Deschutes County Commissioner.
I have known Amy through her work in our community, and what has impressed me most is her genuine commitment to civic engagement and to helping people understand and participate in our democracy. As an educator and as the Central Oregon representative for the Civics Learning Project, Amy has dedicated herself to teaching students and community members about the importance of being informed, engaged citizens.
I have also had the opportunity to work with Amy through a Building Bridges gathering, where we talked about something our community desperately needs: finding ways to work across political differences for the betterment of our community and for future generations. Amy doesn’t just talk about these values — she lives them. She makes herself available to listen, talk and teach, and she treats people with respect even when they don’t share the same perspective.
One of the qualities I respect most about Amy is that she doesn’t simply rubber-stamp things. She takes the time to consider different sides of an issue, asks questions, listens to different perspectives, and then makes her own decision. And when there is something she doesn’t know, she is committed to learning about it.
Amy is a hard worker who cares deeply about our community. I support her because I know her, I have seen her dedication firsthand, and I believe she would bring thoughtful, informed and community-minded leadership to the Deschutes County Commission.
Our community benefits when people are willing to listen, learn, work across differences and make decisions thoughtfully. That is the kind of leadership I have seen from Amy Sabbadini.
—Patricia DeVol Nadon
County commissioner endorsement
It was disappointing to read your endorsement for Deschutes County Commissioner position #3. I often look to the Source to inform my vote. This time, I was confused that the Source did not back Amy Sabbadini. You correctly described the strengths of both candidates as comparable. It would have made sense if you decided the race a draw. But why would the Source support a candidate who is in favor of gerrymandering? The issue of district re-mapping is crucial as we move forward after this election. Given the long-range implications, it may be the most critical issue of this voting cycle. Voters will decide, but the fact that Amy’s opponent endorses the redistricting proposed by outgoing right-leaning commissioners is a red flag. It signals Lauren Connally’s more conservative, Republican, perspective. Amy, on the other hand, is opposed to gerrymandering and to limiting voters’ choice to just one member of the Commission.
Sabbadini grew up in a rural county and understands both urban and rural concerns. She has years of land use and emergency services experience. As a civics teacher, Amy knows how the government works. She cares about health, safety, mental health and jobs. Amy is down-to-earth and approachable. She really listens and identifies common-ground solutions. I have heard her views on responsible growth in our county and her intention to explore unique options to address the traffic and fire response issues that come with it.
Amy Sabbadini will be a reliable, responsive, hardworking commissioner. She has my vote.
— Susan Reichert, MD
Amy Sabbadini
My first experience meeting County Commission candidate Amy Sabbadini was a tap on the shoulder and an offer to help. She had found me at a crowded event as I attempted to deal with a dilemma in an overwhelming situation.
We met one week later and had an hour-long meeting and developed a “wish list” for change. Within weeks that wish list became an action plan that has now become a reality. This plan was unanimously approved by the people affected by this previous dilemma.
When she told me she was running for Deschutes County Commissioner I thought, “Wow, we need you!” I was already impressed with her ability to turn a simple wishlist into something that received action. Her energy, observation, attention to detail and ability to organize it all resulted in better and more efficient systems and processes that benefited so many people. Her action helped eliminate stress so many were facing.
She didn’t have to do any of that, but she chose to be of service. That’s just one reason she has my vote.
—Marlene Barnett
Misleading TV ads for governor
The ads from our current governor again show how she is more concerned with being against Washington, D.C., than concentrating on Oregon that is in a free fall. She does not want to talk about how bad Oregon is but rather attack areas that do not even come under her direct control. Here are some examples of the current decline under over 40 years of the left’s control:
Oregon ranks:
#1: In Meth and fentanyl use
#2: In sexual assault
#3: Homelessness
#3: Income tax to residents
#3: Unemployment
Here is another — why does the Left party support biological men to play against girls? This is sooo wrong.
These are just a few issues and it is time for a change!
—Craig Poole
Vote No on Measure 9-185
Measure 9-185 takes away your right to vote for all five Deschutes County Commissioners.
Voters approved a measure to increase the County Commission from three members to five. We could vote for all five positions. However, two outgoing commissioners pushed through a deeply partisan and flawed process to create districts and limit your right to vote for only one commissioner. This gives us less representation, not more.
Measure 9-185 injects unnecessary politics into a system voters chose to make nonpartisan. It divides Deschutes County into political districts, giving those who draw the boundaries enormous influence over election outcomes. That is the essence of gerrymandering, and we shouldn’t accept it here.
Keep all five commissioners accountable to all Deschutes County voters.
Vote NO on Measure 9-185.
—Annette Christensen
Tough Decision…. Why Am I Supporting Rob Imhoff
As I consider the candidates for Deschutes County Commissioner, one of the issues that matters most to me is how the county manages its limited financial resources.
Rob Imhoff’s business experience is an important reason I am supporting him. I believe that experience gives him a practical perspective on budgeting, accountability and making thoughtful decisions about how resources are used. County government, like any organization, has finite resources, and I believe those resources should be managed carefully and responsibly.
I am concerned that government can too easily focus on finding additional ways to spend money rather than asking whether existing spending is necessary, efficient and providing value to taxpayers. I believe Deschutes County has opportunities to identify wasteful spending and find better ways to manage the funds entrusted to it by local residents.
For me, fiscal responsibility is not simply about spending less. It is about making sure that the money the county does spend is used wisely and delivers meaningful value to the community.
I also believe Rob Imhoff is a person of good character, and that matters to me when choosing someone to serve in public office. His business experience, his emphasis on responsible financial management and the character I see in him are the reasons I intend to vote for him for Deschutes County Commissioner.
—Jim Dunn
What are they hiding?
As a member of the League of Women Voters I’m aware that two Republican candidates, Michael Summers (running for HD 53) and Rob Imhoff (running for Deschutes County Commission), have declined to participate in the non-partisan forums and debates conducted in Deschutes County each election cycle.
These candidates need to be exposed for their unwillingness to share their views with voters through these open forums, whether it’s an intentional strategy or not. This unwillingness to participate in open, public dialog is irresponsible, causing further division and confusion among the voters.
I for one, would never vote for someone who takes this approach, and that’s one of the important reasons I’m voting for their opponents, Emerson Levy and Morgan Schmidt, in this year’s election.
—Molly Foerster
Thaddeus Betz for Judge
I have been a longtime 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
Thad Betz for Judge
I’ve known Thad Betz for more than 20 years. We went to law school together at Lewis & Clark, and as a civil attorney practicing statewide, I’ve had the chance to work alongside him. In these two decades, my respect for him has only grown.
Thad has one of the best legal minds I’ve encountered. He sees to the heart of a problem quickly, understands the law deeply and explains complicated issues in a way anyone can follow.
Just as important, he is even-handed. Thad listens to every side, takes every argument seriously and treats people with respect, whether they agree with him or not. That temperament can’t be taught, and it’s exactly what we want in a judge.
Above all, Thad is one of the best people I know. He is honest, humble and committed to public service.
That’s why 17 judges from across Oregon have endorsed him. Judges know what this job demands better than anyone, and they’ve seen Thad’s work firsthand. Those of us who have practiced alongside him agree: he is the best candidate for this seat.
Please vote for Thad Betz for Deschutes County Circuit Court Judge, Position 3.
—Ashlee Albies
Why am I voting for Sonia Huntsman?
Why am I voting for Sonia Huntsman? Because I care deeply about Deschutes County and about justice.
A judge hears a wide variety of cases, and Sonia is well prepared to show up on day one. She has 20 years of legal experience in many areas, giving her a broad and deep understanding of the law that stands out among the other candidates.
Sonia’s experience in criminal law includes service as both a Deputy District Attorney AND a public defender. She’s worked hundreds of cases including major felonies, Measure 11 offenses, misdemeanors and child dependency cases. She understands the justice system from both sides of the courtroom and as a judge, she will treat everyone in her courtroom with fairness, dignity and respect.
Sonia is the only candidate with deep experience in family law. For a large part of her career, she focused on child welfare and domestic violence. She also navigated emotional and complex cases around custody, parenting time, property issues and estate planning. Sonia pursued a custody and spousal support case all the way to the Oregon Court of Appeals, earning a rare win.
There are a range of qualified candidates on the ballot, but none have Sonia’s balance of depth and breadth of legal experience. She’s the right choice for us, and I encourage you to vote Sonia Huntsman for Deschutes County Judge. She’s the best qualified for the job and will serve our community well.
—Susan Gregory
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