Editor's Note: This week's issue examines city hall

This November, with three seats up for election, voters in Bend have a significant opportunity to change city council. But unlike most cities that are considering similar changes in its primary legislative body, it seems to have been largely a quiet campaign. We hope, however, that we are stirring up some interest in the races with a comprehensive collection of candidate profiles —and with a quick civic lesson about Bend’s unique form of government. Also, we have posted at our website our collection of interviews—from the leading candidates for governor and the two contenders for U.S. Senate, to the county commissioners and city council candidates. It is the most complete election coverage in Central Oregon—and we have worked diligently this election season to simply provide unobstructed vantage points to each candidate. Don’t worry, though, we also have been forming our opinions, and this week have begun our endorsement interviews. What may surprise you, though—and what is perhaps most encouraging—is that while policies may differ candidate to candidate, we have been struck by how earnestly each person cares about the city, county or state. Truly. It is nice to move through the weeds of an election cycle and come out the other end, not cynical, but impressed.

NEXT ISSUE: Our Fall Fiction Winners!

This article appears in Sep 10-18, 2014.