Bend, OR – At a recent Bend City Council meeting, newly sworn-in members and returning councilors took the opportunity to address the community, expressing their gratitude and outlining their goals for the upcoming term.
Franzosa, one of the newcomers, spoke of his honor in serving the City of Bend, thanking his supporters and expressing enthusiasm for working together over the next four years. His remarks were met with optimism as he looked forward to the challenges ahead.
Platt, another new member and a science teacher at Summit High School, also took the floor, offering a heartfelt thank-you to his family and voters. He shared his reasons for running, emphasizing his desire to push back against the notion that the issues facing the world are too large to tackle. “I ran for the opportunity to serve all members of our community, and that’s exactly what I plan to do,” Platt said. He added that his aim was to prove the value of good government by making measurable improvements in the lives of Bend residents, particularly in areas like housing, homelessness, transportation, and climate.
Returning councilor Perkins, now beginning her second term, reflected on the challenges of her first four years in office. She acknowledged the difficult work ahead but expressed her readiness to continue tackling those challenges with the support of her family and the city staff. “This work is not easy or simple, but I look forward to more of those challenges and decisions these next four years,” she stated.
Norris, another returning councilor, also shared her thoughts on starting her second term. She expressed excitement about working with both new and returning colleagues, emphasizing the importance of collaboration to guide the city’s transformation and ensure that the council serves as responsible stewards of Bend’s growth and resources.
Following the individual remarks, the Bend City Council unanimously voted to re-elect Perkins as Mayor Pro Tem for the upcoming term.
Mayor Melanie Kebler wrapped up the meeting by addressing the community, reflecting on the values shared by the council members. “I think the theme you’re going to see from this group of people… is that we’re going to get stuff done and we’re going to make government work for the people,” said Mayor Kebler. She emphasized the council’s collective commitment to addressing pressing local issues and ensuring that Bend’s government delivers concrete results for residents.
As the council moves forward into the next four years, the focus will remain on tackling key priorities such as housing, homelessness, transportation, and climate, all of which were central themes in the recent election. With a mix of new energy and experienced leadership, the Bend City Council is poised to take on the challenges of the future with determination and a shared vision for the city’s growth and well-being.
