BEND, OR -- Ray Miao was re-elected by a large margin last week to two local boards; the Deschutes Public Library, and Deschutes county’s Rural Fire Protection District, where he ran unopposed.
He’s grateful for the victories as well as what looks to be approval of the fire levy in the city of Bend and outlying district, “This levy even passing by a slim margin says ‘yes we look at these frontline providers of fire and medical services as being essential.’ They’re the heroes in our community and we need to support them.”
Miao is concerned about the 3% margin in the rural district, “Being that narrow a win for Fire Department isn’t that great. We need to really find out what does the public really need. We knew it was going to be close because of the price. And in this day and age with inflation and all, that’s always an issue.”
Miao says voters understand the need to maintain high-quality fire and emergency services, “It’s nice because now the Fire Department and the Rural District can sit down and say ‘ok where do we go from here. As the community and the rural district continue to grow, what’s the best thing we can do here?’”
In the city of Bend, the levy is passing by a 5% margin. Updated election results will come out Wednesday. The vote will be certified by June 12th.
Photo: Miao with Rural Fire Protection Board Members and Bend City Councilors at Bend Fire & Rescue Training Demo
