Endorsements

A former County Commissioner, Redmond Mayor, City of Redmond Planning Commissioner, and community volunteer, Alan says:

“I’m supporting Jamie Collins for County Commissioner because he understands that a healthy environment is the foundation of our quality of life and our economy here in Central Oregon. Jamie has protected our forests, rivers, and lakes as our region’s lead environmental emergency response officer, working with tribes, agencies, and private landowners to keep our resources safe. I know he’ll bring that same practical, no-nonsense approach to the Commission. He’s the kind of leader we need to keep Deschutes County a place where families and businesses can thrive — with access to clean air and clean, abundant water.”

Gina brings experience to the Bend City Council as an affordable housing developer, renewable energy advocate, and engineer.

A retired U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and physics teacher at Bend’s Summit High School, Steve says the following:

“I am endorsing Jamie for Deschutes County Commissioner because I recognize a shared vision of responsible and responsive public service, developed through our shared history of military service, that emphasizes teamwork, coalition building and, most importantly, real results on the ground.

I look forward to serving with Jamie to strengthen the partnership between the city of Bend and Deschutes County to make meaningful, near-term progress on affordable housing and helping those who are unhoused, wildfire resilience and hardening, smart and sustainable growth and a long-term vision that shapes our policies to reduce our climate impact while protecting our limited natural resources.”

A businessman, father and former U.S. Army paratrooper who served in the 82nd Airborne, John offers the following:

“Jamie is a fellow veteran who has spent his career solving complex problems. He has a proven record of bringing together different stakeholders and constituencies to create positive outcomes. The Deschutes County Commission needs ethical, solution-oriented leaders capable of putting the County above ego, self-interest and political cynicism.”

A trailblazer for Democratic women in Central Oregon politics, Judy served as State Representative (2009-2011) and Bend-La Pine School Board Director (1989-1992). She currently serves as a political science instructor at Oregon State University-Cascades.

Members of the Deschutes Basin Water Collaborative and longtime residents of Woodside Ranch, Becky and Jim are Deschutes County community leaders and experts in water resource conservation. Jim has served multiple terms on the County Planning Commission and Becky is a longtime member of the League of Women Voters.

A Palliative Care Physician at St. Charles Healthcare, Dr. Neahring is Board Chair of the Council on Aging of Central Oregon; board member, the Jane Goodall Environmental Middle School; and Board Chair, Central Oregon Otago Program. Endorsing Jamie, she offers the following:

“As a physician who has spent my career helping Oregonians from all walks of life navigate the hardest challenges of health and life, I know how urgently we need leaders who understand that public health is about more than hospitals — it’s about secure housing, clean air, food, childcare, and so much more. That’s why I’m proud to endorse Jamie Collins, a climate scientist and Coast Guard veteran, whose career has been dedicated to evidence-based leadership and service. Jamie is the candidate we need to finally unseat a 14-year incumbent who has ignored science and medical expertise, and to bring real public health leadership to our County Commission.”

Michele and her husband David are dedicated Precinct Committee Persons (PCP) and Neighborhood Leader for the Deschutes Democrats. Michele serves as board member of the REACH Homeless Outreach Program. Michele and David say the following:

“We are proud to endorse Jamie Collins for County Commissioner. His genuine commitment to our community, practical problem-solving make him the right choice for this role.”

A registered nurse, Cindy is a community volunteer with Volunteers in Medicine and former member of the Meissner Nordic board.

Hilary serves on the board of Planned Parenthood’s Oregon advocacy organization. A retired Physical Therapist, she is a Nordic skier and community advocate in the unincorporated county.

Sue is founder and owner of Cottage Day Care, a Bend institution that started in 1978. The Cottage has weathered every storm our community has seen — while Sue, focused on her mission, has kept providing incredible, supportive, inspirational and affordable child care to multiple generations of kids in our community.

Owner of The Lounge Aesthetics + Wellness, Leela is an entrepreneur, nurse and advocate.

A Bend resident since 1979, David serves on the Steering Committee for 50501 Central Oregon and is a Deschutes Democrats Precinct Committee Person.

A resident of Eagle Crest and U.S. Navy veteran, Marv is a board member of both the St. Charles Foundation and Central Oregon Veterans Ranch. He is an active Rotarian with Redmond Rotary.

Emily is a mom and Oncology Infusion and Diagnostic Radiology Nurse at St. Charles Bend. She is a Steering Committee Member for 50501 Central Oregon and proud member of Oregon Nurse’s Association.

As former Chair of the Deschutes Democrats, a U.S. Army veteran and himself a past candidate for County Commissioner, Phil says:

“As a Veteran and former Chair of the Deschutes Democrats, I wholeheartedly support Jamie Collins for Deschutes County Commission. His experience and resume makes him a perfect fit for the Commission and is exactly who and what we need to lead Deschutes County.”

A former CEO, member of the Chinook Nation and proud Pacific Northwesterner, Ambassador Nyhus says:

“Jamie will make a fantastic County Commissioner. As a former U.S. Ambassador in a climate-vulnerable region, I relied on Jamie as a trusted adviser, brilliant climate scientist, expert leader and creative problem-solver. He’s an incredibly hard worker, and his commitment to serving people and the planet shines through every day in meaningful results.”