Cars are the only option

The Bulletin is correct in calling out the growing anti-car bias in Bend. However, neither of the editorials mentioned that Bend businesses should be vocally advocating for their car-driving customers — because a lot of us don’t live in Bend!

Prineville, Redmond, La Pine, Sisters and so on: Our residents won’t be riding our bicycles or taking the nonexistent public transportation to shop or recreate in Bend any time soon. Driving a car around Bend has become so convoluted that I shop as much as possible in Redmond. Bend is a hub for a very large geographical area, where the only rational travel option is a private vehicle. Business owners, speak up! Before your customers “vote” — not with their feet, but with their automobiles.

Kate Van Voorhees

Prineville

Vote DeBone and Baney

As chairperson for a south county nonprofit agency, I occasionally have the opportunity to interact with the Deschutes County commissioners. Tony DeBone, Tammy Baney and Phil Henderson are doing a good job leading Deschutes County through rapidly changing times. DeBone and Baney are running for election this year with Henderson just into his second year.

All three commissioners have talents we wish most politicians embraced, being approachable, listening to their constituents, gathering and reviewing information and not tap dancing the “politically correct” answer. The candidates running against Tony and Tammy may be good people and they might make good commissioners. If you asked the commissioners and past commissioners, Alan Unger and Dennis Luke, when they felt comfortable in the role as county commissioner, I think their answer would be in their second to third year. Deschutes County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation, and the task of integrating new residents and businesses plus managing an efficient government agency falls directly on the county commissioners.

The question each voter might ask themselves, do we break up a proven team by electing possibly qualified candidates without “playing experience” or do we keep the veterans in the lineup who have consistently delivered wins?

My grandfather’s answer, and my answer, “if it ain’t broke, it don’t need fix’n’.” I urge Deschutes County voters to keep the team together by voting for DeBone and Baney.

Monte Dammarell

Sunriver

Support Baney

Real Republicans believe in states’ rights. For this, Tammy Baney is a real Republican. Real Republicans believe in the will of the people. Tammy Baney is a real Republican. Real Republicans believe in personal property rights. Tammy Baney is a real Republican. Real Republicans do not impose personal biases through legislation. For this, Tammy Baney is a real Republican. Real Republicans and freedom-believing Independents should nominate Baney in the May primary.

Ed Onimus

Redmond

Re-elect DeBone

We are proud to support Tony DeBone for another term as Deschutes County commissioner, and to encourage you to do the same. We have known Tony and his family for close to 14 years, personally and through business.

One of the biggest advantages Tony has is his relatability. He understands the needs we all face because he faces the same issues. Tony is a community member, a property owner, a volunteer, a parent, a small business owner and a farmer. If you fall into one of these categories, you and Tony have things in common and you know he’s working for your best interests.

Tony is an approachable guy. He’s readily available by phone or to meet with any of us, and he is so easy to talk to. We saw him work to resolve an issue we brought to his attention a few years ago. It had been causing difficulties that were felt throughout the area. We’ve got a good thing going with Tony serving as commissioner. He’s done a great job and deserves another term.

Perry and Irene Walters

La Pine