Walden is beholden to the NRA

Since taking office, Greg Walden has received over $39,000 from the NRA.

The NRA has gotten quite a deal — only about $2,000 per year to buy his meaningless thoughts and prayers for victims of gun violence and complicit silence on gun safety.

I recently contacted Walden’s office and asked how much money it will take to buy his vote away from the NRA. “If I make a contribution to you this year of more than $2,000, will you vote the way I want you to? If not $2,000, how much will it take? I am completely serious.”

I’m awaiting his reply. In the meantime, let’s work to unseat Walden and replace him with someone who isn’t beholden to groups like the NRA.

Marie Bernardy

Bend

Schools should be tougher targets

It was so predictable that the Democrats quickly waved their anti-gun banner, making a gun the central issue in the Parkland school attack. They ignore that Nikolas Cruz had mental issues and a history of serious behavioral problems. The Broward County Public Defender said: “Every red flag was there and nobody did anything.” Cruz is now under suicide watch.

They ignore that schools represent a “soft target” (i.e., unprotected, “gun-free zone”) and are, therefore, a prime choice for any terrorist, criminal or unstable person intent on violence. They also ignore that law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, failed to identify Cruz as a threat and attempt to deter him. Local law enforcement was, at best, ineffective and, at worst, behaved cowardly. The killer easily entered and escaped the school unnoticed.

Meanwhile, the Democrats myopically pursue their anti-gun agenda with the ultimate objectives of gun confiscation and repeal of the 2nd Amendment. Unfortunately, no laws will prevent a determined criminal or terrorist from acquiring and using a weapon (i.e., gun, knife, bomb, gas, etc.).

Current school safety is grossly inadequate and the inane policy of lock and hide is virtually useless. Why aren’t Democrats demanding more protection in schools? What measures are state and local school boards taking to protect our children? Until they find a way to prevent their entry into a school, the only way to stop an armed bad person is a good person with a gun, who’s at the scene when seconds count.

James Strelchun

Bend

Buehler needs to be vocal about bridge

I am not hearing anything from Bend Rep. Knute Buehler on the legislation to ban the hiking bridge across the river south of Bend. Is he also planning to give the Sunriver representative a parting gift? I thought this matter was a local issue instead of the state intervening.

Allen Wright

Bend

Crook County Court needs to be open

Citizens in Support of Public Lands, a Crook County-based grass roots organization, supports federal public lands in Central Oregon and seeks to protect the many interests of all citizens while ensuring a healthy and diverse ecosystem.

We are encouraged that the County Court is hiring a natural resources manager and moving the discussion to the people of the county. Nonetheless, we remain concerned about the recently adopted natural resources policy developed by exclusive interests.

With that being said, we do have some expectations as the process moves forward.

1. The natural resources manager’s primary job responsibility is to be liaison to the community.

2. The natural resources manager is a strong facilitator and has proven public relations experience.

3. The advisory committee is balanced and includes the diverse and growing demographic of Crook County.

4. The committee process is fully transparent with open access and frequent communication to the citizens of the county.

5. The policy is reported to be a “living” document that can be amended in the future. Therefore, the committee should not be constrained by the narrowly written language that focuses primarily on resource extraction.

6. The committee works on suggesting changes to the policy that ensure a full and balanced inclusion of all interests.

The natural resources manager and advisory committee can play a key role in ensuring the incredible public lands we enjoy are managed for everyone. This will be realized only if the process is open, transparent and inclusive. The citizens of Crook County expect nothing less.

Phil Paterno and the Citizens in Support of Public Lands committee

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