Wildfires, water, & politics: Central Oregonians discuss pressing issues with local lawmakers at town hall
(Update: adding information from Bend's town hall on April 26th, video)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A group of Central Oregon residents gathered Sunday for a legislative town hall in Bend, and brought big questions to Central Oregon lawmakers — touching on everything from wildfire and water concerns to federal funding cuts and growing political division.
State Senator Anthony Broadman (D-Bend) emphasized the importance of community feedback, calling town halls a critical part of shaping policy in Salem.
“Town halls are a huge part of the ideas that we get and take back to Salem and work hard on and deliver results for you,” Broadman said to the group. "I appreciate you being part of this process.”
Lawmakers pointed to work from the most recent legislative session, highlighting investments in affordability, health care and public safety, along with what Broadman described as “democracy protections” at the state level.
“We also passed what I call democracy protection, protecting ourselves from an overzealous federal government that seems bent on making our lives less safe and less affordable,” Broadman said.
One of the questions asked by the public came from an attendee concerned about misinformation — particularly surrounding Oregon’s vote-by-mail system.
“One of the things that I see that’s happening in Oregon, and throughout the United States, that is worrisome to me is the hysteria surrounding vote by mail,” one attendee said. “I would like to see something that I can quote and send to my friends...from unbiased sources...on how much election fraud we have in Oregon.”
In part of the legislators' response, State Rep. Jason Kropf defended Oregonian's access to voting, and pointed to the state being an example for others to follows.
“I’d rather have 100% of the people in this town vote, and me lose an election, than ever do anything to skew the results,” Kropf said. “I find it completely un-American and disgraceful when we see people trying to skew people’s access to the ballot. We are an example in this country.”
Other moments focused on how different levels of government work together — and what happens when those relationships are strained.
“The beauty of having partnerships from the feds all the way down to the city and the county is all the good that we could do together when we listen to each other,” said Rep. Emerson Levy.
While not every concern had a clear answer, lawmakers said conversations like these help guide what they prioritize at the Capitol.
Earlier Story -- CENTRAL OREGON (KTVZ) -- Rep. Emerson Levy and Sen. Anthony Broadman will host legislative town halls in Bend and Redmond in April 2026. These forums aim to provide updates on legislative outcomes and discuss policy impacts on the Central Oregon community.
The events are designed to allow residents to review session highlights and provide feedback on community needs during the interim period.
The town halls offer a direct update on legislative outcomes and discuss recent policy impacts on the Central Oregon community. Attendees can review session highlights and discuss policy priorities moving forward.
The Office of Representative Levy stated the events seek community feedback, thoughts and questions to identify community needs during the interim period.
The Redmond town hall is scheduled for April 19, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Redmond Grange, located at 707 SW Kalama Ave, Redmond, OR 97756.
Sen. Mike McLane and Rep. Vikki Breese-Iverson will join Rep. Levy and Sen. Broadman at the Redmond event.
The Bend town hall will take place on April 26, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at OSU Cascades, Edward J. Ray Hall Atrium, at 1500 SW Chandler Ave, Bend, OR 97702.
Rep. Jason Kropf will attend the conversation in Bend, alongside Rep. Levy and Sen. Broadman.
Both town halls are ADA accessible. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP online to help with seating arrangements.
Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP to ensure adequate seating for the events.
