BEND, OR -- The Bend Chamber of Commerce held a public forum for Deschutes County Commissioner candidates Tuesday night. The four candidates running for Positions One and Three gave their outlook on topics including affordable housing, transportation, and economic development.

Incumbent Tony Debone faces challenger Oliver Tatom. When asked how the county can help increase workforce housing, Commissioner Debone responded, "The best thing we can do as the government is set the table for the opportunity. When it comes to building out we tie ourselves into a knot here in the state of Oregon. Why can’t we figure out where the next person is going to go?” 

Tatom has a different vision for the housing plan, saying, "Endless tracts of single family homes. That’s not a solution to our housing crisis because while it might provide housing it also deprives us of why many of us chose to move here in the first place."

All three candidates were all asked what Deschutes County can do to resolve the homeless issue. Morgan Schmidt, running for Position Three against incumbent Patti Adair, said more can be done with other agencies, "We have the opportunity with the joint office on homelessness to really do some collaborative work with each of our cities in the county and our service providers to sort of streamline and more effectively respond to the needs of our unhoused community."

Commissioner Adair mentioned the need for more medical help. "I have been talking to so many people about getting a state mental health hospital on this side of the mountains. We’re number 50 in the nation for residential treatment beds," said Adair.

All of the candidates said they are eager to serve the public in the Commissioner role and agreed on the need for collaboration at the city, state and federal level.