My Nickel’s Worth

Published 9:00 am Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Donation to Collins not tied to winery

Bulletin readers should know I was misjudged by Connie Brieese in a recent letter to the editor. She implied I donated to Jamie Collins’s county commissioner campaign because I wanted him to oppose Lava Terrace Cellars’ efforts to site a winery in my neighborhood.

Nothing could be further from the truth. My husband and I have never discussed the winery’s application with Collins. We pledged $20,000 to his campaign because he is a climate scientist. We’re concerned about climate change.

Further, we routinely donate to many political campaigns. Good government matters. On the other hand, Tony DeBone appears to have close relationships with “developers” who turn farmland into high-end neighborhoods with unlimited water rights.

And yes, I do describe myself as an “environmental junkyard dog.” I care a lot about what we’re leaving for future generations. It’s a “morals” thing. Kids (and animals) matter.

Toby Bayard
Bend

DeBone a straight shooter

I have interacted with many local, state and federal representatives. Commissioner Tony DeBone is the most responsive, straight shooting public official I have had interaction with. He answers calls and emails which seems rare these days. I see him out in public with his sleeves rolled up working with and hard for his community and constituents. It’s very refreshing to see.

He has my vote and I encourage anybody wanting a commissioner with experience, knowledge, integrity, and a strong work ethic to vote for him for Deschutes County Commissioner.

Brooks Eilertson
La Pine

2020 election view key to earning vote

I keep reading letters and articles about the different candidates having integrity and why I should vote for them. As a matter of fact, there was a letter in Saturday’s “My Nickel’s Worth.” I find it difficult to assign integrity to anyone who can’t answer the question: Who won the 2020 election?.

I’ve sent messages to several different candidates asking that question and a certain group won’t reply. There’s a fear of being ostracized by the president if they say the wrong thing.

I understand that Donald Trump may be the greatest person to ever walk this earth — I mean he’s the only person to have ever won the FIFA Peace Prize! Not only that, but according to him, doctors gather round in amazement as he is the only president to ever identify a squirrel on an aptitude/IQ/Cognitive test. What amazing accomplishments. I have never been more proud of a president!

I just can’t justify believing someone has integrity if they can’t say who won the 2020 election. They certainly won’t get my vote.

Gene del Pilar
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