Bend City Council Pos. 4: The Source got it wrong
In the many years that I have called Bend my home, I have witnessed a lot of changes to the City Council, as councilors came and departed. In my opinion, our most refreshing and appealing Councilor, that not only came, but has stayed for 10 years now, is Barb Campbell. Using the Source’s own words: “we’ve admired her for her willingness to speak truths and to advocate for the unhoused, low-income residents….On recent votes, such as the design for the Hawthorne Bridge (what an inappropriate & overly expensive vanity project — thank you Barb!), and Bend’s recently updated camping code, she’s been willing to vote her conscience, even when it’s at odds with the majority of councilors.” Yes, at a time when the majority of councilors appear to walk in lockstep, and who all hail from the Northwest corner of Bend — she is the only councilor representing the east side — those seem remarkable qualities worthy of maintaining on the Council. The fact that due to unforeseen circumstances she was unable to submit her statement in time to be included in the Voter’s Pamphlet, seems a very small matter indeed. Especially, if we also consider, that Mr. Platt, along with three other people running for the Council — but not Barb — have received a combined total of $70K+ to date in donations from COAR-PAC: an unseemly amount of money from an organization that already has an unseemly amount of influence in our local politics and development policies. I believe the Source got this one wrong. If you cannot endorse Barb for the reasons you stated, don’t endorse anyone.
— Emilie Marlinghaus
(Clarification: Mayor Melanie Kebler is also a resident of the east side.)
Endorsement of Megan Norris
In your October 16 endorsement of Megan Norris, you referred to her opponent, Jonathan Curtis, as having “garnered attention in social media.” You didn’t mention that his social media accounts are littered with outrageous, insulting and demeaning attacks at the LGBTQ community, Muslims and women, among others. He’s also revealed himself online as a COVID vaccine denier and has articulated extreme views on guns.
No wonder he says these things — just look at what he says online about people he admires. He calls Nick Fuentes, the well-known antisemite and racist “our boy.” He calls self-described misogynist Andrew Tate, who’s been charged with human trafficking, one of his role models. And he’s posted a photo of himself with convicted criminal Roger Stone, who he says inspired him to run for City Council.
Is this really a guy you’d recommend “have a voice” in city government. I certainly hope not.
— Louis Capozzi
Vote for Megan Perkins and Barb Campbell
Megan Perkins and Barb Campbell are running for re-election to the Bend City Council against a pair of challengers who are heavily funded by the Central Oregon real estate lobby.
Nick Cerveny and Steve Platt have received their largest contributions from the Political Action Committee of the Central Oregon Association of Realtors. The Secretary of State reports that Cerveny has received $7,000 in cash and a whopping $28,828 in in-kind contributions to his campaign to unseat Perkins. Platt has received $10,000 in COAR-PAC money and an additional $1,780.94 in in-kind contributions in his campaign against Campbell.
COAR-PAC is the big spender in this election. When you include contributions to incumbent Megan Norris and unopposed candidate Gina Franzosa, COAR-PAC has delivered over $70,500. So far.
Why? Because a hefty contribution might influence decision-making. The fact that they have backed losing candidates in the past has not stopped them from trying again. They know that money talks.
I don’t trust special interests like the real estate lobby. They don’t spend campaign dollars for nothing. It’s an investment, and I believe they want something for their money — policies that benefit their members, not necessarily our community. They don’t like regulations or Oregon’s land use laws. COAR is suing the city right now over the new tree code. Their values are not mine.
Candidates are not obligated to take every campaign contribution they are offered. The fact that candidates challenging our two most progressive City Councilors have accepted almost $48,000 in COAR-PAC money is troubling.
Barb Campbell and Megan Perkins have served Bend well. They will not be bought by special interests. Their values are, more often than not, values that I share. Join me in re-electing Barb Campbell and Megan Perkins to the Bend City Council. Say “No” to Big Money.
—Michael Funke
Yes on Measure 9-176
Nobody wants to go to the voters and ask for more tax money. Yet for the first time, the Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District is seeking a tax base to continue and expand its conservation of natural resources for private landowners. Measure 9-176 is the first time since the District was formed more than 70 years ago that such a request has come before the voters. Why now?
The short answer is that it is needed, now. Falling water tables, decades of drought, increasing wildland fire and exponential population growth over the past 30 years, make this request necessary. Deschutes SWCD seeks a tax rate of not more than six cents ($0.06) per thousand dollars of assessed property value. For the average home in Deschutes County, it is $14.28 per year.
This relatively small amount per homeowner can effect great change in the environment. It allows broader access to the technical, educational and financial assistance the District provides. A YES vote creates synergy through partnership, leveraging support from local, state and federal funding streams for effective water conservation and management, wildfire risk reduction and improved fish and wildlife conservation.
But most of all, this measure will help local farmers and ranchers become more efficient and sustainable. Through voluntary cooperation and stewardship, the Deschutes SWCD can deliver a broader impact with multiple benefits for both the environment and local farms.
Now is the time to recognize the value of conservation and vote YES on Measure 9-176.
— Jeff Rola, Co-Chair and Zone 3 Director, Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District
Letter of the Week:
Thanks to all who wrote in to share their views ahead of this important election. As all the letters in this week’s issue are all personal endorsements of some kind, I won’t be issuing a Letter of the Week — though for your participation in the political process, you’re all winners in my book.
—Nicole Vulcan
This article appears in Source Weekly October 24, 2024.
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Jonathan showed diligence in school, overcoming hardships & disability. He defended our forests and wildlands. I proudly support this young man as he showed courage in resisting OHA’s extreme COVID mask mandates, which seemed to have no end. Thanks Jonathan for having the guts to run against the progressives & shine a light on their ridiculous pet projects such as the Hawthorne Bike Bridge. Your voice will not be drowned out by anti- MAGA accusers!