Congress is a sad joke

If you were to believe a recent letter writer’s assertion that U.S. Senate Leader Harry Reid is responsible for the gridlock in Washington, I guess it follows that you’d believe many other of the right’s assertions as well: We need tax breaks for the rich, we shouldn’t even have a minimum wage, we don’t need to worry about equal pay, there’s rampant voter fraud, no war on women either. U.S. House Speaker John Boehner has no blame in this most inept Congress in U.S. history? Please look beyond the rosy right view you seem to only see and it’s quite clear that there’s plenty of guilty parties in this morass. If the House of Representatives would vote on something other than trying to kill the Affordable Care Act over 50 times, along with voting for things the majority of American people want rather than pander to their special interest groups and big money donors, reaching out to disenfranchised and ignored voters, there might be a chance that both parties can come to the conclusion that working for the betterment of our nation and its great middle class, which is disappearing to the detriment of this great country, is their true job, what they’ve been elected for, and why they’ve been sent to D.C.! Party line is the norm, don’t think for yourself and your constituents, it’s gotten to be a very sad joke, and I for one am not laughing!

David Giordanengo

Bend

15th Street mess

This is not to “blame” anyone, it’s just the facts. One morning this week, Reed Market westbound traffic was diverted to Ninth Street. So, anyone headed west on Reed Market from 15th Street, had to turn onto Ninth. As I turned right off of American Lane, and prepared to turn left onto Ninth Street as I usually do, I couldn’t! Traffic was backed up from the four-way stop at Ninth and Wilson, over a quarter-mile away, all the way to 15th Street. There will be those who say, “You shouldn’t have gone that way.” Well, I wanted to test it, since it’s been my quickest way to get to work for over four years.

I am not a traffic engineer, but it seems neither is anyone else involved in this boondoggle. I would suggest at least moving the blockage as far as westbound traffic goes, to American Lane. Making that move would allow another option for those not wanting to, or not able to, turn at Ninth Street.

This will be a vast improvement once completed, but it just seems like some rookie fresh out of “road school” came up with this less-than-brilliant alternative to moving traffic. Hey, don’t worry southeastern residents, this is only going to be happening for another six to eight months.

Chuck Malley

Bend

Bend needs Buehler

I am writing to express my strong support for Dr. Knute Buehler as Bend’s state representative. As a long-time Bend resident, I have had the opportunity to know Buehler as a businessman, a doctor and a father. He is intelligent, thoughtful, open-minded and absolutely committed to the future of Bend and the state of Oregon. Buehler has a demonstrated passion for public service and will work hard to get things done for Central Oregon. His straightforward and nonpartisan commitment to solve problems is just what we need to turn things around in Salem. Buehler cannot be defined by political labels or partisan politics — he will work collaboratively with all affected stakeholders to address the critical issues that challenge our future. I urge you to join our family in supporting Buehler for state representative. Thank you.

Myles Conway

Bend

Re-elect DeBone

Tony DeBone has proved his leadership capabilities with divergent groups to achieve common-sense solutions. As Deschutes County commissioner, DeBone has been exemplary — he is fair-minded and will continue to serve Deschutes County with integrity and enthusiasm.

I’ve known DeBone since 2005 when we served on the La Pine Rodeo Association board of directors. His hard work and dedication were invaluable in obtaining BLM property for rodeo and other recreational purposes. He worked with individuals, community groups and government agencies (especially with Sen. Ron Wyden’s office) to achieve the property transfer. DeBone gets results and contributes to the betterment of Deschutes County.

Florence Neis

La Pine