Realtors group backs Roats, Ramsay, Capell

The Central Oregon Association of Realtors (COAR) was recently brought into the Bend City Council debate for its campaign contributions. The Political Action Committee (PAC), not COAR as a whole, makes contributions. The PAC is a separate decision-making entity and donations are 100 percent voluntary. Membership dues from COAR are not used for contributions.

The PAC does not support any one political party, as evidenced by our support of Casey Roats (Republican), Scott Ramsay (Libertarian) and Mark Capell (Democrat). COARPAC supports candidates who support the issues affecting the real estate industry, such as maintaining the livability of Central Oregon, housing affordability, expanding the urban growth boundary and protection of private property rights.

Capell’s priorities are the UGB and infrastructure, which are in line with our priorities as an organization. Roats is a supporter of the business community, serves on the city’s Sewer Infrastructure Advisory Group and is very knowledgeable about sewer/water related issues. Ramsay is a strong supporter of property rights, a strong voice for taxpayers and keeping Bend affordable. The PAC believes these priorities are in alignment with the association’s stance on most local issues.

COAR makes a significant impact in our communities through sponsorships and volunteer hours to community groups including Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Project Connect, First Story and Tough Enough to Wear Pink. Realtors throughout Central Oregon care about their communities and work hard to give back every day for the betterment of the community as a whole.

Justin Livingston and Brian Meece

Bend

Support Barram

Given the broad swath of responsibilities that are the province of our Deschutes County commissioners, I want a commissioner that is more than affable — I want a commissioner who has demonstrated competence and a willingness to make difficult decisions with a record of clear analysis, transparency, common sense and collaboration that builds trust.

One such challenge is what our region should do to expand transportation choices. The stock answer is to pour more money into an anemic public transportation system. That simplistic answer will end up costing taxpayers without significantly meeting the increasing demand for meaningful alternatives to get people to work, school, medical appointments and social events. There is no easy solution, and it takes leadership to find creative, cost-effective answers to challenges like this one.

We deserve a county commissioner who is capable of digging beyond the stock and standard choices that are often framed for our decision-makers. We need someone who challenges the status quo and doesn’t simply endorse continuing to do what has been done before. We need a voice on the commission that adds depth and insight to complex issues.

Jodie Barram has demonstrated those qualities in her present role as a city councilor. I am confident she will bring those same qualities to our county commission and take advantage of the opportunities we possess to ensure positive growth in Central Oregon. I trust her.

David Foote

Redmond

Wilhelm stands out

As a student at Summit High School, education is extremely important to me and has the greatest impact on my life. Craig Wilhelm understands the importance of education and stands out among the candidates as being the only one who has actually been to my school and spoken with the students, including me. He is extremely kind and friendly and was happy to answer any of our questions. Wilhelm supports bringing a four-year university to Bend, which would create jobs and expand education opportunities. As a fellow Bendite, Wilhelm recognizes the charm of Bend and emphasizes his goal of maintaining that charm as Bend grows. Wilhelm’s involvement in our community and his commitment to progressing and sustaining what we love makes him a perfect candidate for representing Bend in Salem.

Emmavee McMillin

Bend

Re-elect DeBone

I strongly support Tony DeBone for Deschutes County commissioner because he grounds his commitment to building the local economy not only in locally owned businesses, but in locally particular interests and needs. He has a strong interest in creative approaches to local economic planning, and has the energy, focus and responsiveness to move forward with such approaches. DeBone stands out as a receptive, responsive and thoughtful commissioner and leader. He has true concern for Deschutes County’s future and is committed to hearing and understanding resident’s diverse perspectives. Please join me in supporting DeBone for another term.

Rick Surrey

La Pine