Vote for Harris/Walz

Finally! I have never been so happy to support a political duo as I do with Harris/Walz. It’s such a positive, forward looking, democracy loving pair to run the government, which is for the people and by the people. Now, all those who look forward to putting these two in the White House let’s get behind them with lawn signs, stickers, flags, and anything else that will accomplish that! Vote Democracy not autocracy!!

— Anna Ingram, Bend

Add more commissioners in Deschutes County

It is about representation. Our Deschutes County, with now almost a quarter million residents within the boundaries, has complex issues to address and resolve. From traffic flow, water quality, homelessness, and law enforcement, the fact remains that governing is not simple and should be transparent and accessible.

We need more commissioners in Deschutes County!

Looking at simple numerical distribution, having more than the three current Commissioner positions at the county would serve to “level the playing field”. More voices in the decision-making process, more level heads at the public meetings, and more “one on one” contact with citizens may just lead to democracy as it was intended.

With only three individuals — should someone become ill or find the need to be absent due to family related issues, personal crisis — then only two persons possess the vote to direct 250,000 county residents and to spend $700 million tax dollars. I personally find this limiting in representation.

I urge folks to remember the phrase – “Two is company”- Three is a crowd. There is always one “odd man(woman)” out. This is not a balanced approach. Increasing the number of Commissioners in Deschutes County makes sense. Thank you for your attention and vote come November 2024.

— Heidi Chapman Supkis, Bend

Vander Kamp for sheriff

I am pleased to endorse Kent Vander Kamp for the position of Sheriff of Deschutes County, Oregon. As a retired Chief of Police, with 42 years of law enforcement experience, I look carefully at the candidates for the elected office of Sheriff. I have met both candidates for this position. I have examined their experience, training, education, leadership experience and leadership style. I have carefully looked at their public statements regarding the current status of the Sheriff’s Office and the actions which they will take, if elected, to effectively implement necessary changes. Kent Vander Kamp has a specific and appropriate plan…there is no evidence the other candidate has any plan at all but is comfortable with the status quo. The status quo is not in the best interests of the department or the citizens of Deschutes County.

Vander Kamp has valuable experience in the private sector as well as in the law enforcement profession. The other candidate does not. Such experience is critical in terms of relating, in a positive way, to the people served and to providing appropriate types and levels of service to the citizens of Deschutes County.

The best interests of Deschutes County in terms of professional law enforcement service, transparency, fiscal responsibility, and organizational improvement will best be served by electing Kent Vander Kamp Sheriff.

— Gerald W. (“Jerry”) Boyd, retired chief of police from Martinez and Coronado, California

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