Let Local People Elect a Neighbor
At-large elections would end. Voters in each district would elect a commissioner who lives in their area and is accountable to their community.
Local Roots,
Equal
Representation
What the Measure Does
Representation That Reflects Our Geography
Deschutes County is home to growing cities, small towns, farms, ranches, and rural communities, each with its own priorities and local perspective.
In 2024, voters expanded the County Commission from three members to five. This measure builds on that decision by creating geographic districts so every part of Deschutes County has a local voice on the Commission.
With voter approval, beginning in 2028, voters in each district would elect one commissioner who lives in their district. All five commissioners would continue serving countywide and making decisions for the benefit of the entire county.
The measure creates a clearer local line of representation while preserving one County Commission that serves all of Deschutes County.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Where we live shapes the issues we face
Every region should have a commissioner who understands its community and brings that local perspective to countywide decisions.
Wildfire preparedness, water, transportation, public safety, housing and growth, farming, economic development, parks, and access to services affect different parts of Deschutes County in different ways.
Strengthen Local Control
People would know who represents their district, who to contact, and would have a clearer line of accountability with their commissioner.
A Voice for Every Region
County leadership would better reflect the communities that make up Deschutes County.
Bring On-the-Ground Knowledge
Commissioners who live in their districts would bring firsthand knowledge of local communities, industries, challenges, and how county services are delivered at the local level.
Create Lower-Cost, More Accessible Campaigns
Candidates could focus their outreach within one district rather than campaigning across the entire county, reducing travel and outreach demands while making it more practical for community members to run.
Local Voices, Countywide Decisions
Each commissioner would represent the voters of one geographic district while continuing to serve on a single County Commission responsible for decisions affecting all of Deschutes County.
Find Your Proposed District
Community endorsements rooted across
all five districts and more
District 1 — East Bend
Melanie Betti
Spider City Brewing, President
Jenny Lingard
Community Supporter
Connie Norman
Community Supporter
District 2 — West Bend
Dr. David B. Coutin
Family Medicine & Allergy Specialist
Keith & Alison Eilerman
Community Supporters
Rick Johns
Owner, Haven Homestyle; Former Downtown Bend Business Association Board Member
Max Krech
Charitable Foundation Board Member
Christi Pavia
Attorney & Former Bend Bulletin Community Editorial Board Member
District 3 — Redmond
Nancy Blankenship
Former Deschutes County Clerk
Bev Clarno
Former Oregon Secretary of State
George Endicott
Former Mayor of Redmond
Wendie Every
Owner, Every Idea Marketing & Charlie Every Trucking
Bob Perry
Community Supporter
Pablo Pena
Redmond Business Owner
Keith Rockow
Community Supporter
Kevin Scoggins
U.S. Air Force Veteran
District 4 — South County & La Pine
China Hat Action Team
Grassroots Community Groups with 50+ members
Tony DeBone
Deschutes County Commissioner
Vic Russell
Central Oregon Native & South County Business Owner of 53 years
Mark Stockamp
Community Supporter
District 5 — North County & Sisters
Chris Dudley
Community Supporter
Julie Kline
Community Supporter
Mark Knowles
Community Supporter
Matt Lisignoli
Owner, Smith Rock Ranch
Michael Preedin
Sisters City Councilor; Former Mayor of Sisters
Casey Roscoe
Tumalo Rancher
More Endorsements
Deschutes County Farm Bureau
Local agricultural and rural community organization
Ryan Ceniga
Lane County Commissioner, District 1 West
E. Werner Reschke
Oregon State Representative, House District 55, Representing District 4 South County
Jason Williams
Founder & Director, Taxpayer Association of Oregon
Explore the Five Districts
Every Region Has Its Own Story
District 1
East Bend
Growing neighborhoods, high-desert communities, transportation, infrastructure, and responsible growth.
Learn More →
District 2
West Bend
Neighborhoods, the river, trails, parks, local business, and responsible growth.
Learn More →
District 3
Redmond
Jobs, families, aviation, transportation, industry, recreation, and economic opportunity.
Learn More →
District 4
South County & La Pine
Wildfire readiness, rural services, outdoor traditions, practical transportation, and responsible growth.
Learn More →
District 5
North County & Sisters
Working lands, small towns, irrigation, tourism, local traditions, and rural priorities.
Learn More →Local
Representation
Closer to Home
Vote YES on Ballot Measure 9-185 by November 3, 2026
Support the Measure