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About The Redmond spokesman. (Redmond, Crook County, Or.) 1910-current | View Entire Issue (April 26, 2022)
THE SPOKESMAN • TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2022 A3 Opinion Write to us: news@redmondspokesman.com OUR VIEW Invest in the future of the Redmond Police Department Bulletin/Spokesman Editorial Board The police in Redmond need a building that fits. The department’s current office was built for 36 people. The depart- ment now has more than 60. That needs to change. Redmond is not go- ing to stop growing. Walk in the building today and there is no real privacy for some- one who wants to tell police about a crime. That needs to change. The building today does not have equal facilities — bathrooms and locker space — for male and female officers. That needs to change. Evidence has to be stored in differ- ent places around town. That works, but that should change. Police officers have no secure parking location for their vehicles. That should change. And it would sure be nice for a space to be available in the parking lot for safe exchanges for child custody or internet purchases between people. We urge Redmond voters to invest in the future of their police department. Give the police a building that fits the department’s needs and the community’s needs, and one that is ready for the future. The existing building can’t be ex- panded. There is not sufficient park- ing for the future. And being an older building, maintenance costs keep adding up. An answer to these needs is going to be on the ballot in May. Redmond voters will get to choose if they want to support a $40 million bond to build a new police headquarters. The total estimated cost of the building is $49 million but the city is putting in money and there are some federal dollars, as well. Ryan Brennecke/ Bulletin file The site of the proposed police station, located at 2983 NW Canal Blvd in Redmond in July 2021. For taxpayers, the average as- sessed value of a home in Redmond is $203,000. At a $.73 rate per $1,000 of assessed value it works out to a bit over $12 a month for that average home. It would be a 20-year bond. The building would be built at 2983 NW Canal Boulevard, which is now owned by the city. It’s about 8 acres. It will give room for expansion. Police Chief Devin Lewis told us the building would be built so that it can be expanded. The city is looking at making it energy efficient. And he wants to ensure connections will be in place to support the needs of a modern computer-run office and compatible with the county’s digital radio network. If all goes well, the department may be able to move in the summer of 2024. We urge Redmond voters to invest in the future of their police depart- ment. Give the police a building that fits the department’s needs and the community’s needs, and one that is ready for the future. More informa- tion from supporters of the bond is available here: neighborsforasafered- mond.com. Your View Support for public safety bond I want to let the citizens of Redmond know that we are need of a police safety build- ing. When I was first voted onto council in 1999 it was right at the time of construc- tion of a new police station. Redmond’s population was close to 14,000. We have more than doubled to the current population of 36,000 in the city of Redmond. We have many more staff, more police cruisers, more equip- ment and have an overall need for space. The building being looked at would be built to last 30 years. It would be built at a location that has expansion potential. If you know me you know that I watch the budget closely and look to control the taxes and fees for our citizens the best way pos- sible. I truly believe there is a need for this police safety building, please vote yes on this bond. — Jay Patrick, city councilor, Redmond Public safety is an import- ant part of a thriving commu- nity, and we are fortunate to have many excellent men and women serving Redmond. In order for police officers and support staff to do their best work, they need proper facil- ities and working conditions. They are doing their best with what they have now, but that is not sustainable as the depart- ment and community needs continue to grow. Thankfully, during the elec- tion this May we’ll have the opportunity to support Red- mond’s police department so they may continue their ex- cellent service in a better facil- ity. The current Police Station downtown is far too small, and its systems are failing. The current police station was de- signed for 36 people, today we have 60+ officers and staff. The new facility will provide many community benefits in- cluding improved privacy for victims of crime to meet with officers; enhance the ability for public safety and county part- nerships to assist people in mental health crisis; provide secure parking and evidence storage; and provide the pub- lic and officers with a safe and modern facility to serve the needs of our growing com- munity. As someone who has ex- perienced a home burglary, and who has law enforce- ment family members, this bond is close to my heart. As a Redmond resident, mother, grandmother, and active se- nior, I want everyone to feel safe in our hometown com- munity. Please join me in vot- ing “Yes” on Measure 9-145 and support building a new public safety facility in our Redmond. — Bev Clarno, former Oregon secretary of state, Redmond designed for half as many people. They have outgrown the downtown station and there is not an option to ex- pand, plus, the building is aging with costly repairs an- nually. A new facility will cost less to maintain and will meet the need of Redmond’s population growth and pub- lic safety needs for at least 30 years. The proposed location of the new facility on NW Canal Blvd will also support future expansion needs be- yond the 30-year growth win- dow. Measure 9-145 is a smart in- vestment for our community, and the time is now. Not only is there urgency to move Red- mond PD into an adequate facility, but interest rates are still low. Also, Redmond City Council was able to leverage City and federal funds and cap the project costs. Please join me in voting “yes” on Measure 9-145 and supporting the con- struction of Redmond’s new public safety facility. — Angela Boothroyd, Redmond Central Oregon has excellent stroke recovery services Seven years ago, I had the misfortune of suffering a stroke resulting in hemipare- sis. Without the exceptional care of St. Charles and their acute stroke program and re- habilitation programs, I would never have gotten back to where I am today. Recently, a dear family friend of mine in a prestigious area of California suffered a stroke and I was down there to help her and her family nav- igate the next steps in her re- covery process. I spent many hours with them in the inpa- LETTERS AND COLUMNS Join in on the topics we’re covering. The Spokesman welcomes let- ters to the editor and guest columnists. Submissions may be edited or rejected for clarity, taste, libel and space. They must be signed and include an address and a telephone number where the writer can be reached during business hours. Full addresses and phone numbers will not be published. For more in- formation, call 541-633-2166. To submit, email is preferred: news@redmondspokesman.com. Submissions can also be mailed to: P.O. Box 6020, Bend, OR 97708 tient rehabilitation center at the Southern California hos- pital and was disappointed by the care she received com- pared to what would have been available to her at St. Charles Bend. As the co-founder of the nonprofit Stroke Awareness Oregon, I felt impelled to write this letter to educate and acquaint Central Oregon residents we have a premiere stroke diagnosis and recovery program right at our door- step. We are very fortunate to have the resources and ser- vices provided by St. Charles available to stroke patients in our community. I applaud Joe Sluka, president and CEO of St. Charles Health System and his team. I only wish I could have transferred my friend to St. Charles. — Lawnae Hunter, Co- founder, Stroke Awareness Oregon, Bend A safe place to live, work, attend school, and play is fun- damental for a community. When people feel safe, they can engage, grow, and give back. And the safety of our community hinges on our lo- cal law enforcement’s ability to serve well. That’s why I am voting “yes” on Measure 9-145 this May and support building a new public safety facility in Redmond. Redmond’s 50 police offi- cers and 14 support staff are currently working out of the downtown station which was Get great service & great rates. Protecting the Rights of All Community Members Joe A Lochner Ins Acy Inc Joe A Lochner, Agent www.joelochner.com Redmond, OR 97756 Bus: 541-548-6023 “I’ve dedicated my career to justice and public safety and believe the criminal justice system must protect the rights of every person in our community. It would be an honor to serve as your District Attorney.” - Steve Gunnels stevegunnelsforda.com Paid for by Steve Gunnels for DA ID - 21626
