Anthony Broadman for state Senate

As a registered nurse in the emergency department, I see the people who are struggling the most in our community every day. I want a state senator who is going to show up and do the work to make our community safer and healthier. That’s why I am voting for Anthony Broadman for Senate District 27. I’ve known Anthony for over 20 years, and I know his commitment to Central Oregon. Just like I would never turn my back on the people who need me in some of their darkest times, Anthony would never turn his back on all of us. Our previous state senator walked out from the Legislature over abortion access in this state, despite an overwhelming majority of Oregonians supporting this critical health care. Unlike his opponent, Anthony has vowed to stay in the building and get the job done for us. I am voting for someone who is committed to ensuring access to healthcare, supporting those of us serving on the frontlines in our community, and keeping us all safe and healthy.

— Trevor Lugers, Bend

Why I support Platt, not Campbell for Bend City Council

In the interest of transparency, I would like to explain why I’ve endorsed Steve Platt for Bend City Council rather than the incumbent, Barb Campbell.

Steve is a high school physics teacher, retired Air Force colonel, and city of Bend budget committee member. His endorsements include the entire Bend City Council (except for Barb Campbell), Mayor Melanie Kebler, members of the Bend-La Pine School Board, Oregon State Representative Emerson Levy, the Oregon League of Conservation Voters, Bend Education Association and the Central Oregon Labor Chapter of the Oregon AFL-CIO, among others.

In contrast, Barb did not submit a statement in the voter pamphlet. That alone makes winning unlikely. Anyone who visits her website will not find any policy positions nor any mention of any endorsements.

The truth is that Barb Campbell cannot win this race, but in a three-way race, she very much could throw the election towards a candidate whose values do not represent a majority of Bend. If you are tempted to vote for her because of her record, I ask that you think about the future and vote for Steve Platt.

To be sure, Barb has accomplished some great things for our city. But the time is now for Steve Platt. He wants to address Bend’s most pressing problems such as affordable housing, homelessness, and the city budget. I have no doubt that Steve will be a respectful and effective city councilor. Please vote Steve Platt for Bend City Council.

— Ariel Mendez, Bend City Councilor

This time, I want Trump

I’ve always voted against Trump at each election.

This time for the sake of Democracy — I will be supporting Donald J. Trump for the first time. I am not a big fan of his manner and character. But I will say he is an excellent leader. What we can’t have it four more years of Harris. Are you better off after four years of Harris? I am not. I can’t think of one thing that is better. But I can list a lot of things that are worse under her leadership.

— Terry Whitted, Crooked River Ranch

Adding Deschutes commissioners does not increase taxes

About Measure 9-173, beware of misinformation, including in the Deschutes Republicans’ Voters Pamphlet statement about taxes. Fearmongers are out in force, even though the county office itself has stated there would be no new taxes to pay for two more commissioners.

Let’s consider the costs of not increasing the number of commissioners for Deschutes County— the county with the biggest growing pains in the state. The current 3-member Commission isn’t meeting the needs of our community. Whether due to lack of capacity, political will, or both, important issues are being kicked down the road. A commissioner admitted to not having time to address an issue affecting many in our county. A commissioner deliberately ceased efforts to resolve an important issue to many, citing an overburdened Commission as the reason. Given the current Commission is experiencing too much on their plates, adding two more members is a logical next step.

The point is: there are costs to not having enough commissioners — social, ecological, and economic costs. Like not fixing a leaky roof due to a cost, neglect is ultimately more costly in many ways including financially. Let’s not be short-sighted. Deschutes County now has about 215,000 citizens, not 5,000 as there were in the early 1900s when the decision was to have three commissioners. The number of and the complexity of issues have escalated a lot since then. Having only three people handle the issues in recent years has been a failure. We deserve better. Please vote YES on 9-173.

— Monica Tomosy, Sisters

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