Barram launches Deschutes Co. commission bid

Bend City Councilor Jodie Barram announced Thursday that she will seek to take on Deschutes County Commissioner Tony DeBone in next year’s election.

Barram, a Democrat, will run in the May primary for a chance to run against Republican DeBone in the November 2014 general election.

DeBone has not yet filed to seek another term, He said Thursday he’s not ready to announce his plans: “I’m working with my family to set the right priorities for the future,” he said.

In May, DeBone would face Richard Esterman of Sisters, who already has filed to run in the GOP primary.

No other Democrats have announced an intention to run as of yet. The filing deadline for the May primary is March 11th.

Here’s the rest of Barram’s announcement. We’re talking to her this afternoon; tune into NewsChannel 21 at 5 and 6 for more:

Serving on the Bend City Council since 2008, and four years before that on the Bend Planning Commission, Barram said she “has demonstrated consistent leadership. She has led on economic development through tourism, the expansion of OSU-Cascades, and involvement with the brewing, fermenting & distilling industry in Central Oregon. While serving on the Bend Planning Commission she was engaged in Urban Growth Boundary planning and other land use issues. She now wants to do more.”

“I’m running for Deschutes County commissioner because I’m compelled to continue working on a regional level to help find positive solutions for the future,” Barram said in her announcement. “As your county commissioner, I will focus on enhancing our economy, expanding higher education and while ensuring livability and engaging in regional partnerships. It is essential that we show leadership and focus on the Commission to address issues of land use and job creation. We can make Deschutes County more livable for working families.”

Born in Redmond over 40 years ago, Barram and her husband are now raising their children here in Central Oregon, where she is a part-time educational assistant and city councilor.

If elected, Barram said she will leave her education work to focus her energy on serving the residents of Deschutes County.

“I love this county and have deep family roots here. I’m excited at the opportunity to serve and will do so with integrity, transparency, and humility.”