Hold on to your hats!
IT’S OFFICIAL!
Last Thursday, I filed to run for Deschutes County Commissioner Position 1. Many of you have reached out to express your support, encouragement, and enthusiasm for the prospect of bringing real change, transparency, and a fresh voice to the Commission. LET’S BRING IT!
Many, many thanks to fellow PCP Abby Kellner-Rode for connecting me with my campaign manager, Sherryn Adair. Sherryn has consulted on dozens of campaigns around Oregon, and has been working tirelessly to put our campaign on the fast track by connecting with supporters, donors, and volunteers, as well as ramping up our fundraising efforts.
September has been a whirlwind month to be sure!
On September 11th, I was privileged to speak before the Deschutes Democrats about my lifelong commitment to public service and why I am uniquely qualified to bring a fresh perspective to the County Commission. (You can read the key takeaways from my talk here.)
Always good to hang out with my fellow candidates at the Deschutes Democrats’ Monthly Meeting. (L to R: Amy Sabbadini, Jamie Collins, Amanda Page, Rick Russell, and John Nielsen)
I took a Saturday to review the Deschutes County 2025-26 Budget before meeting with County Commissioner Phil Chang to discuss the County's budget pitfalls, declining revenue, and plans for preparing for what appears to be a bleak fiscal future. At least we are seeing it coming down the pipeline, which means we can prepare!
On September 18th, I attended the City Club’s 2025 Legislative Session Review with Rep. Emerson Levy, Sen. Anthony Broadman, Rep. Jason Kropf, and Sen. Mike McClain, where I raised a question about property tax reform. Sen. Broadman responded by stressing the importance of Central Oregonians having the choice to invest in the things that matter most. I had a great time talking with other attendees and listening to their concerns about the economy and leadership going forward.
AROUND THE COUNTY:
I toured the Deschutes County Road Department to learn more about the impact of increased traffic volume, the level of maintenance currently required, and the budgetary impact of increased growth.
I was incredibly impressed by my tour of the Oregon National Guard Youth Challenge Program, a fascinating initiative that has positively impacted the lives of many children. I met the staff, and it’s clear they genuinely care about the work and the students. A cadet told me the pozole in the cafeteria is amazing.
I attended an author event at Roundabout Books featuring Jonathan Bach, who wrote High Desert, Higher Costs, about the housing crisis in Central Oregon. It is an incredible read: The lack of affordable housing affects everyone in Central Oregon. It’s time to work together as a community to deliver solutions, not just talk about them.
I was privileged to participate in the YIMBYTOWN 2025 Housing Conference in New Haven, Connecticut, where I met Oregon State Senator Khanh Pham; she has been a tireless advocate for common-sense housing approaches. Over 1,000 people came from all around the country to learn about the future of housing in the USA. It was incredibly heartening to see so many invested people wanting to make a difference in their communities.
Finally, I’m proud to announce that I have been endorsed by former City of Bend Equity & Inclusion Director Andrés Portela, local environmental advocate Kavi Chokshi, and Disability and Mental Health Wellness Advocate Andrew Caruana. We will be announcing several more this week!
Stay tuned!
John
