Currently, four candidates are running for Bend City Council position #6. Read about what got them started in politics and their top priorities if elected.

Richard Robinson

What got you started in politics and where do you hope to end up?
I was class president at Bend Senior High, that is where I got the ambition to be in politics. I hope to end up being a city councilor. I enjoy and like politics. I want to be a part of the political community of Bend.

How has your past experience prepared you to represent the city in this position?
My past experience with civic activities are as follows. Bend Parks and Rec, ARC Board as a self advocate, Deschutes County Council on Accessibility, Communications Representative for COTP (Central Oregon Transition Plus), BEAT (Bend Experimental Art Theater). I have met a lot of people through these organizations and have an understanding of peoples needs in Bend that often get overlooked.

If elected, what are your top priorities?
My top priorities are public safety, that taxpayers get more bang for there buck, and to uplift the poor and handicap.

Why did you decide to run for the position of City Councilor?
I decided to run for the position of Bend City Councilor to be more a part of the community and to represent those who are underprivileged. God bless America for giving me the right to run and have the chance to make my dream come true. That is why I am proud to be an American.

Ron Boozell

What got you started in politics and where do you hope to end up?
I am the only non-partisan in a non-partisan city council race. I am a disenfranchised voter. I am a social-liberal, and a fiscal conservative.
First, I got into party-politics two decades ago, at one point served on the State Board of my Party. I discovered that the Parties are the problem. Money in political campaigns, is the problem.
Five years ago I discovered local action. I really got started going to meetings to learn more about my city. I am a community volunteer. I am a Conservator of the Bend I love. I believe in indieBENDence. Economic and environmental sustainability. This is where I end up.

How has your past experience prepared you to represent the city in this position?
My volunteer experience alone qualifies me. I have chaired twenty blood drives, have worked for Marriage Equality, and have worked for Cannabis Decriminalization…and much more.
I actually represent our community. I’ve been a business owner and employer. I waited tables for years. I have not missed a Bend City Council meeting in over a year. I go to lots of meetings. This is the third time I have placed my name on the ballot for consideration.

When elected, what are your top priorities?
SLOWER SMARTER GROWTH. A working-class-friendly City.
Reliable 24/7 Transit. Renter Security. Free Beer.

Why did you decide to run for the position of City Councilor?
Too many residents and businesspeople of Bend are unrepresented by our present Council. Largely, our present council represents corporate thinking. We need something different. We must vote for something different.

Lisa Seales

What got you started in politics and where do you hope to end up?
I never aspired to a career in politics. In fact, like many people these days, I currently feel very disenfranchised by the whole political process in our country. However, the idea of running for Bend City Council was recently presented to me, and the more I thought about it, the more I realized this is a great opportunity to put my skills, experience, and education to work to affect positive change in a community I love.

I plan to continue working as an educator, research scientist, and public servant, aimed at finding ways to balance conservation and growth/development. As population increases and resources become more limited, we need to find smarter ways to move forward. I hope to play a pivotal role in this process.

How has your past experience prepared you to represent the city in this position?
The focus of my doctoral research and education was collaborative resource management. I have training in mediation, facilitation, and conflict resolution, along with experience collaborating in multi- or interdisciplinary team efforts aimed at solving some of the world’s most vexing problems. I’m good at doing research, critically evaluating information, and balancing trade-offs that are an inherent part of all the major issue facing our city and the globe. All of these skill have prepared me well to represent the city as a member of City Council

If elected, what are your top priorities?
If elected I want to be a voice that represents all Bend citizens. I would like to increase public participation and transparency in government. Together, I am confident that we can find a way to preserve all the things we love about Bend, and adequately balance conservation and growth in our community.

Why did you decide to run for the position of City Councilor?
I fell in love with Bend when I moved here to carry out research for my doctorate, and decided to make it my permanent home. Bend is at a crossroads; it’s growing and changing quickly. In the wake of that growth and change, I want to ensure that all the things we love about Bend are preserved and enhanced for all residents and communities. I believe this can happen through partnership building, public participation, responsible planning, and transparency in government. I decided to run so I could play a key role in championing these causes and helping Bend move forward through this critical time.

Casey Roats

What got you started in politics and where do you hope to end up?
I started in politics by being active on the Committee to Bridge our Community back in 2001. It was the voter referendum that created the Southern River Crossing at the Bill Healy Memorial Bridge. Voters approved the construction of Reed Market Rd across the Deschutes River. I used the same bridge daily to get to classes at COCC when I went to school there.
My only aspiration in politics at this point is to serve on City Council. I have a young family and business to run. I wouldn’t have time for anything else for many years to come.

How has your past experience prepared you to represent the city in this position?
I have spent the last 4 years serving on the Infrastructure Advisory Committee, Sewer Infrastructure Advisory Group and Water Treatment Advisory Committee. Those committees all dealt with the largest projects in the history of the City. I feel as though all candidates should spend time on one of the 18 citizen committees to get up to speed on the issues facing the City.

If elected, what are your top priorities?
My top priorities are providing for adequate funding for police/fire services, help provide for workforce and student housing that is actually affordable, and maintaining the City’s unique identity as a great place to live.

Why did you decide to run for the position of City Councilor?
I decided to run for City Council in hopes that when my daughters reach the age where they need higher education, their own housing, employment and good schools for their kids, it might be there for them. I don’t feel as though all of those needs are being adequately met now.

Molly Svendsen | The Broadside