Some readers don’t like it when newspapers make endorsements. They feel it shows newspapers are biased or it erodes credibility. They say newspapers shouldn’t tell people how to vote and reporters shouldn’t make news, just report it.

We understand those concerns. But reporters aren’t involved in editorials or who we endorse. Editorials are researched and written by the editorial board staff based on the opinions of members of the editorial board.

We aren’t telling people who to vote for. We are making a recommendation based on our values and research. Candidates give us time to interview them in person. That gives us a different insight.

Not necessarily better. Different.

We wouldn’t expect anyone to take our endorsements and turn around and vote for everyone or everything we endorsed. An endorsement is just another piece of information that can be used to help people make a decision.

Whatever you think, we hope you vote. Elections like the one in May typically have lower turnout.

Here are the endorsements we made for the upcoming election. We only endorse in contested races.

Bend-La Pine Schools Board

Zone 3: Cameron Fischer

Zone 5: Amy Tatom

Zone 6: Melissa Barnes Dholakia

Zone 7: Elizabeth Justema

Bend Fire & Rescue Levy

Vote yes.

Central Oregon Community College Board

Zone 5: Erin Merz

Zone 6: Jim Porter

Deschutes Public Library Board

Zone 1: Cynthia Claridge

Zone 4: Raymond Miao

More details can be found here: www.bendbulletin.com/opinion/endorsements