5 essential issues shaping a crowded Deschutes County election

5 essential issues shaping a crowded Deschutes County election

The May ballot in Deschutes County is crammed with local candidates coming from different walks of life — a pastor, a medic, a rancher and a teacher are among the gaggle of 15 people seeking to represent one of the fastest-growing, most politically-diverse communities in the state. This year local voters will elect four of them as county commissioners, with only one incumbent in the mix. The winners stand to influence some of the most complex pr…