Keep complaints anonymous

Your recent editorial on legislative sexual misconduct references “complaints going back as far as 2013 about Rep. David Gomberg.”

Public documents detail that in 2013, one informal complaint was made that I had told an off-color joke. In 2015, a side-hugging incident was reported but no complaint made. In 2017, a report was made that I briefly twirled a female legislative staff person around in a ballroom dancing move. Again, no complaint was made.

These are the specifics of my “sexual misconduct”.

I have apologized privately and publicly for these incidents. They have been addressed to the satisfaction of legislative Human Resources, legislative leadership and most important, to the satisfaction of the individuals involved. But apparently I have not satisfied The Bulletin.

I am grateful to the women who confidentially reported these incidents. They allowed me to better understand how my behavior, regardless of innocent intent, effected those around me. I’ve made adjustments and believe I’m a better person now.

Sexual misconduct, harassment and workplace hostility are serious issues that needs to be addressed in a serious and sensitive manner. Demands by The Bulletin and the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries that these women now be dragged into the public spotlight will have a chilling effect on the willingness of others to come forward in the future.

David Gomberg

Neotsu

Don’t blame DeBone

While Deschutes County Commissioner Tony DeBone may have been the liaison to the 911 Board, the group made up of the county’s police and fire chiefs, it should have been these professionals bringing their concerns to DeBone for his questions and follow-up. Where were these questions? Our commissioners are elected to provide an all-encompassing oversight to a multitude of projects. These projects are usually in the hands of those most capable of administering them with any problems coming to the commissioners for their oversight. Then-911 Director Steve Reinke was in charge of what was needed, a 3.0 radio system or a 3.4 system, and to what degree, not Commissioner DeBone.

When questions are asked, as they were, and the answer is “there are no problems” the responsibility falls to the professional that should have had the background to know that there was indeed a discrepancy in what was purchased versus what they needed.

I agree that this debacle has been a costly one, but let’s place the responsibility where it belongs and not go looking for a scapegoat. There’s plenty of scapegoat-ism underway with dead trees in Sisters and an abysmal failure in La Pine at Wickiup Junction, or was that the commission’s responsibility as well?

Mike McCormick

La Pine

Not big money

The story entitled “Big Money for Kate Brown Campaign” makes it sound like EMILY’s List is the equivalent of the Phil Knight donation for Knute Buehler. I would like to point out that EMILY’s List is a group working to elect progressive women candidates! I am a member of EMILY’s List, and pay $53 each year to belong. I write my little $30 checks for candidates I study and learn about and send those checks off to EMILY’s List in Washington, D.C., to distribute. It is the most GRASS ROOTS organization out there, helping to elect good, qualified, progressive women.

The fact that the amount of the campaign donation to Kate Brown happens to equal the amount Phil Knight gave to Mr. Buehler is interesting, but that money from EMILY’s List represents hundreds or thousands of us who give our $20 or $30 checks to help good women candidates! Started by women, for women, EMILY’s List is a wonderful organization. I am happy they support Kate Brown for Oregon!

Suzette Shoulders

Bend

Don’t embrace bitterness

The John McCain funeral service reminded me of the importance of rejecting anger, bitterness and greed. Individuals embracing these traits infect those around them. When our leaders embrace them, the contagion spreads and the world turns away from generosity and love.

A country as wealthy as the United States need not sweep onto its dinner plate every scrap on the table. Our leaders should work hard to make sure all are welcome, all have good food to eat and all have an opportunity to thrive.

Ken Brinich

Bend