Deschutes commissioner Baney to seek fourth term

Deschutes County Commissioner Tammy Baney announced Saturday she will seek a fourth four-year term on the board, foregoing a possible run for the Oregon House seat being given up by fellow Republican Knute Buehler as he runs for governor.

“After a strong recovery out of the recession, Deschutes County is among the fastest growing areas in the U.S. once again. With our rapid growth we are also experiencing issues of underemployment and affordability,” Baney said in her announcement.

Asked about the potential House run, Baney told NewsChannel 21, “The House seat is important to our community. However, continuing to serve our county is where I feel I am best suited right now.

“We are making strides in transportation funding and policy, housing policy and health care reform,” she said. “I want to see all of that work through.”

In her announcement, Baney, elected to the county board in 2006, said rebuilding appropriate levels of reserves after the recession has been a priority for her. This fiscal year, she said, Deschutes County was able to reduce the property tax rate to residents while also balancing appropriate reserves.

“Strong fiscal responsibility and accountability is my No. 1 priority,” she said. “This allows us to continue to work with our communities to strengthen access to needed health services, especially mental health services; support the work to increase employment opportunities through diversification of industries in our region and most importantly, partner with our cities and community partners to address housing affordability and availability.”

Baney also serves as the governor-appointed Chair of the Oregon Transportation Commission and as a member of the Oregon Housing Stability Council.

“One size does not fit all,” she wrote. “Policy is often set in Salem without the inclusion of the voice of Deschutes County residents. By representing our county at a state level, I am able to help set good policy that supports our work locally. This involvement is also critical to ensuring that our tax dollars are maximized and used in the most efficient way possible.”

Baney also serves as chair of the Central Oregon Health Council and the Local Public Safety Coordinating Council and gives her time to many local organizations, including the KIDS Center Advisory Board, Central Oregon Visitors Association, Central Oregon Film Office and as a founding member of the Family Access Network Foundation.

“No day has ever been a simple 8-5 nor followed my set agenda for the day,” Baney told NewsChannel 21. “Maybe that’s what I like best about it. Always on my toes!”