Vote for DeBone

Commissioner Anthony DeBone has earned our trust by being approachable and transparent as he thoughtfully and respectfully considers all sides of issues that affect Deschutes County. Even in a turbulent election season, he continues to take the high road and stick to the issues, even when others resort to convoluted, mud-slinging attacks on the character of their opponents. Tony’s track record speaks for itself. His commitment to responsible fiscal management and his dedication and fairness to all the communities that make up Deschutes County are commendable. We need the values Tony brings to the table — integrity, experience, good ethics and an open mind. Please consider your vote carefully and retain DeBone for Deschutes County commissioner.

Dan Varcoe

La Pine

Birth control or abortion?

Which saves taxpayer money and causes less emotional distress?

Providing free birth control or providing taxpayer funds for abortion?

No brainer! Maybe Knute Buehler has the answer.

Barbara Wagner

Bend

Who to boot?

While I appreciate Lon Stenberg’s attempt, in his recent letter to the editor, to deploy data rather than mere opinion in support of Measure 105, the attempt fails because the data he shares about the cost of illegal immigrants to state taxpayers is unrelated to his thesis that government expenditures are a magnet attracting the undocumented to Oregon. But the more serious failure is his misidentification of the worst scofflaws living in Oregon. The scofflaws he should be concerned with are the 4.1 million documented Oregonians who for years have failed to pay off the PERS unfunded mandate, $25 billion, or about $6,000 per documented Oregonian. If Measure 105 passes, it seems appropriate to use state funds to help the feds boot the undocumented out of the state, as well as the remaining 4.1 million residents.

Dean Harris

Bend

Vote Walden and Buehler

A recent Guest Column stated how democracy is in peril. He went on to state all the things wrong. He should have replaced all the reasons wrong with names like Schumer, Waters, Clinton, Soros and Organizing for Action. He needs to check his facts as to who is doing the damage to the United States. People who want to do away with our nation of laws and freedom by lying and divide.

The best news is we have those who stand up for America and won’t let them turn us into a socialist nation. We want less government, lower taxes and freedom. We don’t want to divide; we just want to protect our democracy. We can do that by voting for Walden and Buehler.

Nancy L. Vernon

Prineville

Walden does care

The rhetoric regarding Congressman Walden’s lack of concern or communication with Central Oregon residents is interesting. Nothing could be further from the truth. During one weekend, Congressman Walden visited at least four cities in Central and Eastern Oregon, drove multiple hundreds of miles and stopped by Crooked River Ranch. He then drove home to Hood River and caught a plane for D.C. That is his typical weekend. Lack of dedication is not his issue. Walden’s understanding of the issues effecting Congressional District 2 is critical to his substantial success.

Improving the fire safety for Crooked River Ranch residents has been a long process. A plan to protect the western boundary of CRR that backs up to a wilderness study area was developed about four years ago. It requires an act of Congress to change any parameters of a WSA. The process became stalemated when environmental groups wanted to attach their agenda to the CRR fire protection effort.

When made aware of the situation, Walden recognized the importance of what was needed. His tenacious follow-up led to HR 2075, the CRR Fire Protection Act. Walden guided this bill through the House and Senate committees. It awaits approval from the Senate and the president’s signature.

It should be law by next year’s fire season. CRR is fortunate to have avoided any significant fire events recently. Without Congressman Walden’s assistance, this legislation would not exist.

Vote for Greg Walden. Protect the interests of Central and Eastern Oregon residents.

George Mitchener

Crooked River Ranch