Don’t vote for Walden

As the November election nears we are seeing actual campaigning from Greg Walden more so than in many previous elections. While he may be completely confident in a November election win, this op-ed piece is simply to remind voters whom Mr. Walden really represents and why you might want to reconsider not voting against your own self-interest this time.

Although Mr. Walden is clearly in Trump’s corner, it is but one reason why you should consider an alternative. You should consider voting for someone else because Mr. Walden is simply not in your corner. Who does Greg represent? A review of major donors to Walden for the 2018 election, available through OpenSecrets.org, shows three primary constituents for Greg.

There are 33 major contributions from the health field including pharmaceuticals, insurance and doctors totaling $525,000. Are you satisfied with the cost of your health insurance, doctor co-pays and drugs? There are 17 major energy contributors totaling $283,000. Are you happy with what you are paying for gasoline and electricity? There are 16 major contributors from the telecom industry totaling $430,000. Are you satisfied with the cost of your phone, internet and cable bill?

In addition to these top three constituents there are the top Washington lobby firms, law firms, and political consultants. When you add it all up, it is well over $5 million. These are Walden’s constituents, not you.

Tim White

Bend

Be fair on economy

This is concerning a recent letter, “Presidential economics” from Robert Brydges on Sept. 13.

So we can assess the state of the nation’s economy by merely reviewing a study regarding the growth of our little local airport (University of Oregon’s Central Oregon Business Index (COBI))? Then we can credit economic good news to President Obama after less than six months in office, but “the Trump administration’s contribution to our economy is yet to be determined” after over a year and a half.

Then, the letter continues, “All politicians … would (do) well to recognize and give credit for the positive contributions of those on either side of the aisle.” Is there anyone who voted for Hillary Rodham Clinton who will see the double standard and hypocrisy here?

Ross Flavel

Bend

Time for a sting

Time for another sting on scofflaw drivers. I had a pedestrian brushback one recent early morning at the intersection of NW 12th Street and NW Galveston Avenue. Marked crosswalk.

John Bowers

Bend

Control growth

If you got the impression that Bend is growing at warp speed you are not alone. Beyond the obvious symptoms of more traffic and challenging downtown parking, there are some serious questions, such as what are we trying to accomplish out here in our High Desert mecca? Are we trying to become a large city with all the problems of Portland or shall we remain a unique place defined by our natural beauty and Cascade vistas?

It seems to me that most people move to Bend to escape the suffocating lifestyle of large cities. Ironically, our city leaders and planners seem determined to bring the large city mentality to the High Desert. The reasons for this are many but mostly it’s about money. Let’s face it: We are all slightly intoxicated by a booming economy and increased home values. Our elected representatives are especially excited about the prospect of newfound property taxes and the many government projects those funds will afford.

My hope is that future elected officials will start to balance this frenzied desire for unbridled growth with a strong sense of livability for those who already reside here. Begin by using our urban growth boundaries intelligently and demand natural landscaping for all new developments. Try to avoid sprawl and design new structures that blend rather than clash with the High Desert. Only by controlled growth and unique planning will Bend remain a special place.

Bill Eddie

Bend