This was a tough one for our editorial board. All three candidates have strong backgrounds and a solid grasp of the issues. All came with fairly detailed plans for addressing issues such as permit times, which developers say are stymying Bend’s growth. These are the type of prepared candidates one hopes will come forward in local elections. Barb Campbell has served in her role as city councilor for 10 years — and we’ve admired her for her willingness to speak truths and to advocate for the unhoused, low-income residents and those living on the east side. On recent votes, such as the design for the Hawthorne Bridge 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. These are admirable traits. But you won’t find Campbell in this year’s Voters’ Pamphlet. This has been confusing for voters. It is not important to us that she did not gain the endorsement of her fellow Deschutes Democrats in this race; what is important is whether she’s been consistent, and whether she’ll be effective moving forward. The lack of a Voters’ Pamphlet statement demonstrates some inconsistency in a race where two other solid candidates are eagerly vying for a chance to serve. That’s concerning.
Chet Wamboldt, who works in risk management and has a background in organizational leadership and development, demonstrated a commitment to community and a strong grasp of the issues and possible solutions. Both Campbell and Wamboldt would not be shy about pushing back against the majority, and we hope Wamboldt finds a place to serve in local government.
But when it comes to effective leadership, our support this time around goes to Steve Platt, a former military pilot who now works as a science teacher at Summit High School. Platt will bring a measured perspective to the Council, and one that he says will rely on data to shape decision-making. He’s prepared himself for the job as councilor by serving on Bend’s budget committee — not exactly the sexiest work, but good preparation for the often-mundane decision-making at the Council level. Platt is a longtime public servant, and if changes need to be made here, he’s the best bet.
Editor’s note: Campbell has served for 10 years, not 12 as stated in an earlier version.
We regret the error. Additionally, Campbell refutes our assertion that she “at one point was not running for re-election,” as stated in the previous edition, so we’ve removed that from this endorsement.
WATCH: The Source Weekly’s interview with Campbell, Platt and Wamboldt:
This article appears in Source Weekly October 17, 2024.
MAKE LOCAL JOURNALISM HAPPEN
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
Just for the record, the Voters Pamphlet snafu was entirely my fault. Per my job as Barb’s campaign treasurer and office manager, it was my responsibility to print and submit the statement on time. However, I experienced an entirely last minute printer malfunction, which I was only able to correct as time ran out.
Barb and I are both so grateful for your kind words. It feels like an endorsement, and for that we are both exceedingly grateful. One of Barb’s colleagues has called her the “conscience of the City Council.” Another person, who happens to be in a leadership position of the Deschutes Democrats, remarked that Barb provides a check on the group-think tendency of the current council.
To me it was a thrilling night for City government on Oct. 2, when Barb fervently offered one amendment after another to the camping code “update” to make it more humane and fair. All 6 of her colleagues summarily shot down each of her proposals–including postponing until May 1 any enforcement of the code that would force people living responsibly in their vehicles to move every day in the depths of winter.
At today’s (Oct. 16) City Council meeting they will be taking up further amendments that will grant a special and more lenient status for empty RV’s parked on city streets in wealthy neighborhoods–thus fulfilling Barb’s prophesy that the city will be “more compassionate to empty RVs” than ones where people live.
Please know that we will be “eagerly” campaigning until Nov. 5. Barb’s name will still be on the ballot. For those gallant campaign donors justifiably disappointed by our Voters Pamphlet error, we will be offering refunds.