I grew up in a rural town of just 200 people, where I learned early that if something needs to be fixed, you don’t wait around. You step up. When a water line breaks at 3 in the morning, you don’t stay in bed and hope someone else will fix it. You put on your boots, grab a flashlight, and walk the line.

That same mindset drove me to lead the successful ballot initiative to expand the Deschutes County Commission from three to five seats. I, along with a group of incredible volunteers, spoke with thousands of residents across the County, people from every political background, who all shared the same frustration: a majority of the Commission wasn’t listening.

After spending hundreds of hours in bone-chilling cold and blazing heat, we managed to meet the November deadline in record time. And guess what? It passed. Overwhelmingly.

Nearly two-thirds of voters – almost 76,000 people – said YES!

Now, for the first time in decades, we have the opportunity to bring in fresh voices, broader representation, and a Commission that better reflects the people of Deschutes County.

So why am I running for Position #1?

Here’s the thing: Being a County Commissioner is public service, not a career.

Tony DeBone has been in office for nearly 15 years, but the problems facing Deschutes County — from housing shortages to wildfires to a lack of transparency — have only gotten worse.

Deschutes County deserves leaders who show up, listen respectfully, speak out, and take action.

I have a decades-long record of public service – including serving in the Peace Corps, serving on city committees that champion disability rights and economic development, serving on the boards of several nonprofits focused on systemic racism and housing affordability, and, more recently, I helped create the Tool Library at Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore so that people who can’t afford to buy tools can borrow them for free.

As an entrepreneur, small business owner, and public servant, I have demonstrated that I have the will and the skill to be just the leader that the citizens of Deschutes County deserve.

I will bring the same sense of urgency to the Commission that so many County residents feel every day. I will work with and for — not against — local municipalities. I will fight for transparency, accountability, and a Commission that listens to its constituents.

Voting for the same person over and over and expecting different results is not the path to building a resilient County that serves its people. It’s time for new energy, a well-directed sense of urgency, and leadership that not only recognizes the challenges ahead but is willing to take them on.

I am that person and I would be honored to earn your vote. If you, too, believe that we can create the County we all deserve, please share this email with your friends, loved ones, and neighbors.

Together, we will make a difference.

Sincerely,

John

My name is John Heylin, and I’m running for Deschutes County Commissioner…

Hold on to your hats!