Submitted
Ron Boozell: 53 and getting younger, community activist and volunteer, non-affiliated voter and passionate non-partisan. The parties are the problem.
SW: How long have you lived in Bend?
RB: On election day, 24 years. Yes, there is a story. No, I won't be telling it today.
SW: Why do you want to be a City Councilor?
RB: For the money.
SW: How many City Council meetings have you attended in the past year?
RB: All of them.
SW: Have you previously held a public office or participated on a civic committee?
RB: I was asked, three years ago, to be on the committee that discussed the MAYOR question. Oran Teater chaired the discussion. We made our recommendation to the Council. No change yet is needed, we said. Most of us began the conversation believing that we would see the issue on the ballot, but changed our minds as we discussed this complex issue. I attend many committee meetings every month, but I have been content to just show up and listen, learn the language and procedure. I am still the student. I may join a few of these committees in January.
SW: Name three things you hope you change if elected.
RB: GO BEAVERS. That being said, I intend to SLOW the arrival of 5,000-10,000 more students to our fair city. We have a population today of 80,000.
TEMPORARY RENT-HIKE FREEZE until we find a permanent solution. This year, many of my friends have been forced from their homes, some of them forced to leave Bend. I declare a state of emergency on behalf of these friends, on behalf of other friends who are close to leaving, and on behalf of my city that is not better to see them leave.
SELF-FUNDED BEND TRANSIT DISTRICT with a 24-hour bus-system. This will be expensive, but look what not having this now costs us. We want this. We need this. Now.
Then we can talk about bringing 5,000-10,000 students here.
SW: What’s your take on Mirror Pond, the UGB and vacation rentals?
RB: I love Mirror Pond. However, the Deschutes River is a thousand-year icon. The Deschutes River is beautiful. Nature is presently taking down the dam. No charge. Literally, Bend wants its River back. I will not spend public money to restore the dam that serves the pond. There are creative plans on the table. It's time for rational and frugal and practical positive solutions.
My take on UGB: Our beloved Urban Growth Boundary is the number one issue for Council until April 2016, when we put this conversation to rest, and move on. Every city and county meeting I attend is about the UGB. Bend is growing! Exciting stuff.
My take on vacation rentals: This issue is born from the same place as our rent hike issue...as with other growing-pain issues we must solve this issue quickly.
SW: Why are you the best person for the job?
RB: I SHOW UP.
SW: What’s the best and worst thing about Bend?
RB: Rising real estate values.
SW: What’s your favorite band/musician?
RB: STRIVE ROOTS/Eli Seth Lieberman
SW: What "Simpsons" character do you most identify with?
RB: Two words: Ron DOH! (Homer for Mayor)
Ron Boozell is running against Lisa Seales, Casey Roats, and Richard Robertson.
