Published 11:00 am Monday, May 11, 2026 Local politics should be about local issues A recent letter asked Deschutes County voters to reject commission candidates simply because of their feelings about the federal government. This is exactly the kind of thinking that’s making our politics worse — not better. I’ve watched this pattern play out too many times. Someone decides that if you support a particular person or party nationally, you’re disqualified from doing good work locally. It’s a short leap from there to assuming the worst about your neighbors and colleagues. That leap has consequences. It poisons how we talk to each other and drives good people out of public service. Tony DeBone has served Deschutes County for over a decade, navigating some of the most complex land use, water rights, and growth decisions this region has ever faced. Rob Imhoff brings deep roots in this community and a practical, grounded approach to county government.…