Blue Basin Overlook Trail at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.

Don’t take the public out of public lands

Commentary in The Bulletin on Feb. 1 credits Rep. Cliff Bentz with “thoughtful, nuanced concern” about declaring national monuments on federal lands. Attributed to the Rogue Valley Times Editorial Board, the commentary describes efforts by members of Congress, led by Bentz, to curtail the power of presidents to create monuments through executive action.

It’s unclear if they’ll be successful, as courts have repeatedly upheld this authority, and even if Congress managed to amend the Antiquities Act, it would likely be vetoed.

However, besides the broader philosophical objections to monument creation, Bentz is focused on the costs. Basically, his view is: If it’s declared, they will come, and if they come, we’ll have to provide services and facilities and we can’t afford it. Bentz is speaking in Republican code. What he means is that Republicans are stubbornly unwilling to make mega corporations and the super-rich pay a fair and reasonable share of taxes to support long and well-established national priorities such as conservation and equitable access to the lands and resources that belong to us all.

What we really can’t afford is retro-stewardship of federal resources that take the “public” out of public lands.

— Jeffrey Richardson, Bend

Oregonians wanted to end walkouts

Regarding Rich Leander’s letter, legislators walking out of sessions, or legislators walking out more often than voters determined is too often.

First, it’s almost 25 years since Kate Brown walked out (one time). Kids have been born, matured and have kids. People moved in, people moved out.

People, 60% of voters, said, OK, walk out, don’t show up but don’t do it 10 times in one legislative session. Which is what a group of kinda stupid, really, legislators did. OK? They all knew that the could be consequences, they had their big boy pants and deep pockets to sue. And they lost.

— Richard Alleger, Bend

William Bailey for sheriff

William Bailey is the sheriff we need in Deschutes County after Sheriff Shane Nelson retires. This is a critical time for Deschutes County community members, visitors, and businesses, and we need someone who has broad experience, full commitment, and the right temperament and communication skills. Our next sheriff will need to effectively work with individuals, community groups, local, state, and federal officials. I speak from experience, as former speaker of the Oregon House, former state senator, former Deschutes County commissioner, and former secretary of state.

The issues we face in Deschutes County today are complex, and growing, especially around homelessness, and drugs. Law enforcement can be, and should, be part of the solution, with the right leadership. I am supporting William Bailey for Deschutes County Sheriff because he’s got what it takes and is the right leader at the right time.

I am also a lifelong Oregonian, raised on a farm in Terrebonne. Deschutes County has always prided itself on not being Portland, or California, and now more than ever, we cannot let our county become like metro area counties. Public safety is an important part of a thriving community, and their leadership matters. When people feel safe, they can engage, grow, and give back. Please join me in supporting William Bailey for Deschutes County Sheriff, the right leader at the right time.

— Bev Clarno, Redmond

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