Supporting Morgan Schmidt

To the Editor:

We support Morgan Schmidt for County Commissioner.

County commissioners oversee services, policies, and public funds for our people, lands, and waters.

Tragically, our county has one of the highest youth suicide rates in the state. Morgan will collaborate with the experienced professionals and make behavioral health a priority, and forge partnerships with local organizations and mental health care providers so our whole community can be well.

Morgan supports women of all professions and walks of life to make their own medical decisions. Morgan will collaborate with city governments to thoughtfully build more housing that can support local businesses, families, communities, and our Central Oregon way of life.

None of us want people living in tents on the street or in the forest; no one wants to “become Portland.” The only way that will happen is if we do nothing.

Morgan knows that having a continuum of stable, dignified housing options makes our communities safer and saves taxpayer dollars. Morgan believes the County’s role is to align with the integrity and intent of our land use system: planning for affordable, livable cities while preserving the forests, farmland, waters, and open spaces that we all love.

Deschutes County is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation. This has brought benefits to our community, as well as challenges, like soaring house prices, traffic jams, strained infrastructure, and unsustainable pressure on our lands, waters, and wildlife. Our lands and water are irreplaceable.

Morgan believes taxpayers deserve to have public funds managed carefully so that people get the services they need. Morgan is ready to invest wisely, while being fiscally responsible by being fiscally strategic. Morgan is forward-thinking, not regressive, and believes in making strategic investments that will benefit all of the residents of Deschutes County.

Morgan will lead with confidence, backed by data, and driven by a vision for the future.

Jim & Debbie Barnes

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