JOHN
HEYLIN
for Deschutes County Commissioner
Action, not excuses
It’s time for the Deschutes County Commission to take the lead.
John Heylin, a former small business owner and community organizer, is running for the Deschutes County Commission to implement practical solutions instead of engaging in politics.
About John
Community First
Raised in rural America, John grew up in an illegal home in an unincorporated area with an outhouse, a leaky roof, and a wood stove. It was an upbringing that taught him grit, creativity, and how to solve problems with limited resources. That same mindset has guided him through a lifetime of service and leadership.
John rowed to a national championship at the University of Washington, served in the Peace Corps in Niger, and earned an MBA from Presidio Graduate School. He opened a small business that survived for six years under the COVID-19 pandemic, wildfire smoke, and rising costs, while continuing to support local workers.
He serves on multiple City of Bend committees and currently sits on the Core Area Advisory Board and the Accessibility Advisory Committee. John also co-founded the Central Oregon Tool Library, serves on the board of The Father’s Group, and launched Engage Deschutes, a monthly event that demystifies local government and empowers everyday residents to get involved.
John spearheaded the successful campaign to expand the Deschutes County Commission from three to five seats, and now he's running to ensure that change delivers results.
John's approach is simple: listen to the community, understand the issues, and take action. No excuses, just results.
John wants to hear from YOU.
The only way to make the lives of people in Deschutes County better is to listen. As a bartender with over six years of experience, John loves hearing from people and would love to hear from you. Want to host a house party? Invite him to an event? Or maybe even have a fire pit in your driveway and invite all your neighbors. Contact him today and discover why he’s so passionate about helping those around him.
“I wish I could sit down for a pint with everyone in Deschutes County.” -John Heylin
A balanced county budget that reflects our values
We need a budget that prioritizes essential services while being fiscally responsible. Every dollar spent should align with our community's needs, ensuring efficient use of taxpayer resources while maintaining high-quality services.
Affordable housing for working families
Our community's strength depends on keeping it accessible to working families. We need creative solutions to increase housing supply, streamline permitting processes, and ensure our workforce can afford to live where they work.
Fire preparedness and resource management
Protecting our communities from wildfire requires proactive planning and intelligent resource management. We need to invest in prevention, strengthen our emergency response capabilities, and work with state and federal partners to manage our forests effectively.
Smart water policy to protect our future
Water is our most precious resource. We need forward-thinking policies that strike a balance between agricultural needs, urban growth, and environmental conservation to ensure sustainable water access for future generations.
Support the campaign
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