I recently attended the joint La Pine Sunriver Chamber Breakfast that is held annually at Thousand Trails in Sunriver. The county commissioners, administrator and others were there to give an annual update on county business, with each of them breaking down the long list of items to be covered and appreciated by local residents in our part of the county. It was a cohesive presentation of all of the issues and the accomplishments achieved by the sitting commission during the past 12 months.

As I listened to the commissioners present their individual parts of the program, one after the other, I was very impressed with how they seemed to work so well together. Tony DeBone seemed to have the entire financial picture and the entire list of what was accomplished in his wheelhouse.

Now, Tammy Baney and DeBone are up for re-election, Baney unopposed and DeBone running against Jodie Barram, of Bend. I would hate to see such a hard-working team be unable to continue their efforts together.

These three commissioners have worked well together. They have mastered their tasks and goals and made some real inroads in the process of county government. If you only look at the communications, the jail, the 911 system, the balanced county budget, the work with the various county departments and staff — well, that alone is enough to prove my point. Their record of accomplishments is well known across the state for being forward thinking and timely.

During the weekend, I considered several of the letters that were published in the last few weeks in your paper and I wanted to be sure that I addressed the fact that several, about DeBone, seemed to not be vetted and were inconsistent with what I have seen as a reporter in south county for over 10 years. I see DeBone working hard as a county commissioner.

Before writing, I went to ask about DeBone’s work schedule. Other than the board of commissioners, he serves on Neighbor Impact Board and is active with EDCO and other timely organizations that are designed to make Central Oregon more vibrant. Anyone who says he spends time elsewhere is incorrect. I know his schedule is all about service to the county.

I like all three of the commissioners we have and will gladly support them in any upcoming elections for as long as they should want to serve together. DeBone, as the first representative from our area, has been an excellent representative for this part of Deschutes County, but in conversations with DeBone, in interviews and seeing his presentations, DeBone has been clear in answering any of the general county questions, setting the priorities that address issues for all across the county and even more, he has gained the experience and knowledge that only comes from serving as part of the board of county commissioners over time. We are proud to have DeBone as our commissioner/representative.

During the last four years, south county has seen more attention and more collaborative emphasis from organizations that are countywide than in any of the years previous. It is because when DeBone works as part of the commission, things are getting the proper attention they deserve — everywhere.

I hope you will consider voting for DeBone and Baney in the upcoming elections. It is crucial that we keep moving forward with a commission that works well together and does its job with precise experience and just the right amount of passion for Deschutes County.

— Teri Myers is a lead reporter for the Newberry Eagle and lives in La Pine.