Deschutes Commission Candidates Face Off

A fourth debate was held at 1300 Wall Wednesday for the two Republican candidates wanting the Deschutes County Commission seat currently held by Democrat Alan Unger.

Tom Greene and Phil Henderson discussed what they would do differently than the current board, their budget priorities and what they thought is the most important problem facing the county.

“Well, the biggest problem is definitely job creation and economic development,” Greene said at the forum, held by the League of Women Voters.

“I think Tom and I agree with this — I think most people would agree with this. It’s the issue of jobs and economic development,” Henderson said.

The two men are hoping to change that, among other things, if they are elected to Position 2 on the three-member board, joining Tammy Baney and Tony DeBone.

As for Unger’s view on the two seeking his job, he said, “I have two good challengers who need to know the good work that the county has been doing.”

Unger has held the seat for four years and says he’s made a difference for the county, including restoring forests and conserving water.

“I’m on the job — I know what the county is doing,” Unger said. “I know the people we need to talk to, to continue doing a good job.”

Now Greene and Henderson are hoping to take it away from him.

“I think one of the things I would do different than (Unger) is I think I would be much more of a leader, in terms of moving things forward that are good for jobs and the economy,” Henderson said.

Henderson is a former lawyer, and Greene, a real estate broker, is a familiar face to many as a Bend city councilor.

“I would rather see us reduce government footprint and see what we can privatize and put into the private sector and go that direction with the budget,” Greene said.

Throughout the forum, the men seemed to agree on many things, but Republicans will pick one of these men in the coming weeks to square off against Unger this fall.

“I would mark my term on the Deschutes County Commission by engaging the community, listening to all citizens and consider all points of view,” Greene said. “So together we can find the best solutions to the problems that face us so that we can look forward to a bright and prosperous future.”

“We want to make it a thriving community one that looks after all people,” Henderson said. “I think I can do that, with my emphasis on jobs and economic development, looking at the tax system and the cost of government.”

If you were unable to attend Wednesday’s forum, the two candidates have another debate next Tuesday, a COTV “Talk of the Town” taping. It’s at Cascades Theatrical Company and starts at 5:30 p.m.