Jamie Collins to replace Tony DeBone as Deschutes County commissioner

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Jamie Collins will assume the role of Deschutes County Commissioner from Position One, taking over from Tony DeBone in approximately seven months. Collins secured the position with more than 55% of the vote in the recent election.

The transition marks a change of guard on the Deschutes County Commission after DeBone served for 16 years.

Outgoing Commissioner DeBone has been a consistent presence on the board, guiding the county through periods including the Great Recession, the COVID-19 pandemic and overseeing the county during its largest growth.

Incoming Commissioner Collins is not new to public service and has a background as a military veteran.

DeBone has dedicated 16 years to the Deschutes County Commission. DeBone described his dedication to his role, stating he is "just honored to be serving kind of keep. The more I do it, the more I want to just keep the county kind of going down the middle of the road, you know, do the services we do do it well. Serve everybody."

Collins, a military veteran, commented on his new role, saying, "Well, this is a huge step. This is probably the biggest step I think I have taken in my career in public service. Other than swearing an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States as a member of the United States military."

With seven months remaining until the formal change, Commissioner DeBone is focusing on current issues. He plans to manage homelessness and unsanctioned camping in partnership with the cities of Redmond and Bend. DeBone elaborated on his plans, saying, "So as I say, now that the budget is going to be passed, it will be six months into the end of this year. You know, managing the homeless, you know, just the unsanctioned camping. Working in partnership with Redmond and Bend on that."

Commissioner Collins has outlined his immediate priorities upon taking office. Collins intends to establish a crisis task force to address the housing insurance crisis. He emphasized the importance of this issue, stating, "The biggest thing that I want to do on day one is stand up. A crisis task force to tackle our our housing insurance crisis here. This is probably far and away the most consequential thing that will affect our entire economy here in Central Oregon."

Reflecting on his tenure, Commissioner DeBone said, "Well, as I say, I, when I run for office is big smile on my face. I'm here to serve. And it's always been a very positive environment for me." Commissioner Collins expressed his commitment to addressing challenges. "Well, I want to have no one say that. I did not try to tackle the tough challenges that we have here in Deschutes County," Collins said.

The formal change from Commissioner DeBone to Commissioner Collins is set to occur in approximately seven months. Commissioner Collins plans to establish a crisis task force to address the housing insurance crisis on his first day in office.