Are local public officials simply too naïve, or are they too close to the influential developers in town?

This question immediately came to mind reading the recent article in The Bulletin about the $10.6 million tax give-away to developer Killian Pacific for The Jackstraw, a large, 300-unit mixed-use commercial and residential project already under construction near The Box Factory. The alleged public benefit? Two affordable ground-floor units large enough to accommodate a child-care business. Yes, $5.3 million in public money for each unit, enough to build a sizable mansion.

The alleged justification? Inflationary pressures and high interest rates threaten the project’s viability.

Really? The project is already under construction, already has its financing, and is being constructed by a sophisticated developer in business for 50 years. Will the developer really abandon construction and leave the project unfinished if not granted 10 years of future tax breaks? Highly doubtful, but even if true, should we be using public money to bail out private, for-profit developers? Where is the provision for the public to share in the profits this project will surely make in future years? This $10.6 million gift will have these developers laughing all the way to the bank. Tax breaks have their place, but please folks, save them for projects that deliver substantial community benefits, not just clever window dressing, and which truly would not exist otherwise.

— Jeff Kramer, Bend

No gift to developers

I commend The Bulletin for Friday’s front-page story and editorial about the $10.6 million tax exemption for the Jackstraw project which was requested long after construction on the project had begun.

Unfortunately, the two items focus more on process than the rationale for the exemption. The developer now claims that without the exemption the project won’t pencil out. Why now and not when the project was designed and then approved by the city?

But more importantly, why should developers be given tax exemptions when the city is short of money? One need only look at the tripling of the fire property tax last May and the proposed TUF (transportation utility fee) to be added to our water/sewer bills. This is borrowing from Peter to pay Paul, and simply adds to the cost of living for all of us residing in Bend.

Let’s stop giving gifts to developers at taxpayer expense!

— Stephen L. Katz, Bend

Bailey for Deschutes sheriff

I support William Bailey for Deschutes County Sheriff. As a Marine, I know there are risks the general public will never be aware of, and thank law enforcement professionals and first responders for keeping us safe from things that will never make headlines.

As someone who grew up in Deschutes County, and has generations of family members still living in central Oregon, I know we need a strong leader, with broad experience and a proven record. As a grandson, I know a few local heroes including (now) Captain Bailey, who helped save my grandpa’s life.

Thanks to Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, (then) Deputy Sheriff Clint Baltzor, Sgt. William Bailey, Deputy Stacy Crawford, and Deputy Todd Kloss, my Grandpa Sonny is alive and thriving in his 80s. If this team of heroes had not responded so quickly, had my grandma Julie not had the courage to perform early CPR before the deputies arrived with their AED to get a shock to grandpa that restored his heart rhythm, this would be a different story.

These heroes, including my grandma, and La Pine Rural Protection District, Deschutes County Dispatch, and AirLink worked as a team, and saved my grandpa’s life.

My family was, and is, eternally grateful. At the time, we pulled together and donated a new AED machine to south county as an extra thank you, and to put another life-saving piece of gear in their rigs for the community.

Now, we’re pulling together to support William Bailey for Deschutes County Sheriff.

— Chad Russell, Sherwood

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