Our primary election is May 21. Nonaffiliated voters (NAVs) outnumber the Democrat voters, and the Democrats outnumber the Republicans voters in Deschutes County. I have heard many times over the past years that my vote doesn’t count. This primary, the NAVs are in control, and yes, your vote will make a difference. In the primary, a NAV can vote for non-partisan positions and measures on the ballot.

Our Deschutes County Commissioner position is nonpartisan. Even though it is nonpartisan, you can research what a person’s core values are. In the past few months, an elected commissioner felt he was in the minority and that the commission needed to be increased from 3 to 5 members. A commissioner makes $125,140 plus in benefits a year. Where is Deschutes County going to get $300,000 to pay for two new positions. More taxes? Is there really a need for two more commissioners? Aren’t a team of three meeting the county needs? Please use your critical thinking in determining how you will vote. Please vote.

The Redmond City Council has diverted its focus from marijuana dispensaries to other changes in our city charter. The citizens will no longer vote on marijuana dispensaries in our city limits, but will vote on other changes to our city charter on May 21, 2024. Thank you council for continuing to support the code of the city by keeping marijuana dispensaries out of Redmond’s city limits. NAVs you will be voting on measures for mayor extended term, council member term limits, and family members serving together on the council. Yes, your vote will count once again. Redmond’s city charter was established in 1980, amended 2010 and has served the city well. Changes to the charter will only cause more control by one person. Now the voters can vote for the mayor every two years. If the mayor is doing a good job, that person can be reelected. The same holds true for a council member who is volunteering their time. We all know how hard it is to get good volunteers. Usually family members have the same value system, so if citizens voted them in, the voters made their choice. So NAVs your vote matters. Every vote matters, so vote.

Our country is facing many challenges. There are issues from the state, county and community. One person can make a difference in their community by their vote. Values of each party need to be looked at. Where are “your” values? The “Emerge Oregon Training” is attempting to change the way our founding fathers envisioned this country’s government to operate — by the people, for the people. Our forefathers spent hours researching the history of Europe.

With their learned knowledge, they learned from failed kings of what works. They wrote a Constitution and Bill of Rights that protects all people. They took the best from history and formed America. We need to hold our elected officials accountable to the Constitution. The Democratic Party is not now the party of our fathers or President John F. Kennedy.

Please look at what is going on in our country and cities. NAVs you have a chance to change the direction of Deschutes County by your vote. Be a critical thinker and stand up to those who want to silence you. Vote May 21. Parents are your children learning U.S./world history in their school? A quote from President Ronald Reagan: “Government’s first duty is to protect the people not run their lives.”

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