Some 25 years ago Mirror Pond was dredged for several hundred thousand dollars. Within a very short time, it was obvious that silt was returning. The Bend Bulletin's solution is a "simple bond measure" to dredge the pond once again. Apparently, a permanent taxing district, which would offer long-term financing, is too "complex" for Bend voters. So, instead voters will be asked to spend millions for this "solution" and, once again, kick the can down the road leaving our children and grandchildren with a problem most likely costing in the tens of millions of dollars.
A permanent taxing district would be the responsible move, but it is not simple like a bond. So no big deal, choose the simpler funding option since, most likely, many of these decision-makers will be gone when the problem arises once again.
Bob Almquist, Bend