Editorial

A sheriff and a thief

We were wrong about Greg Brown. We were completely, totally, spectacularly wrong about Greg Brown. And we were wrong right up until Brown walked out of a courthouse in Eugene, still looking smug that he had betrayed us and so many others for so many years.

We defended Greg Brown through those years. We defended him against accusations that he was arrogant. He was and we told him so, but he seemed to be doing such a good job that perhaps a little arrogance was acceptable.

We defended him against charges that he was out of touch with his deputies. He was such a good administrator, we said, perhaps it was better that he was not "a cop's cop." Perhaps he was just more accountable to the community than to the "culture" of law enforcement that can sometimes pit cops against everybody else.

We defended him against charges that he was an "empire builder." He was, of course, and we told him so to his face, but Deschutes County was growing, the Sisters/Camp Sherman area was growing, and he convinced us that law enforcement and fire fighting services needed to grow along with them.

We were wrong about Greg Brown. He betrayed us. Even worse, he betrayed the ideas that he said were worth fighting for: Community policing. Truck inspections. Interagency cooperation. Asset forfeiture. Grants for training. High quality reserve program. Modernization of fire stations and equipment.

Of course, these ideas have their own merit. But they will suffer because it will take years until they are no longer associated with the name of Greg Brown.

Because all the while, he was stealing. He was really just a con man and a thief. And not just a petty thief, or a sloppy thief driven by an addiction to sex or to gambling. It was a cold, complicated, pattern of theft that lasted for years, that was going on during each and every conversation we had together. Perhaps that explains the smirk he wore so often.

To those who disliked the man, to whom we spoke so forcefully in Brown's defense, you were right. We were wrong. We defend him no longer. E.D.

How we vote -- offices and measures

State Representative District 53: Ben Westlund has done the best possible job in a dysfunctional Oregon Legislature. Westlund knows the budget, works extremely well with members from each party, and will someday be Governor.

Governor: Ted Kulongoski is a far, far better choice than Kevin Mannix. Mannix represents the far right wing fringe; even most Republicans wanted somebody else in the primaries. He has offered to sell our clean water and clean air to big business for campaign contributions. Mannix thinks the only individual rights worth anything are those that can be bought or sold. Kulongoski, a former judge on the state supreme court, deserves the opportunity to lead Oregon. If he fails, we can vote for Ben Westlund in four years.

Senator: Gordon Smith. We disagree with Mr. Smith on many issues. However, his office has shown it is capable of representing Oregon, not just the Republican national leadership, on most issues. He works well with his counterpart, Senator Ron Wyden, and it is to Oregon's benefit to have a Senator from each party in Washington.

Congress, Second District: Greg Walden has been an energetic and effective representative for Central Oregon and deserves to be returned to Washington to continue working on timber policy, prescription drugs and other important issues.

His hard work and responsiveness to his constituency in the controversy over Steens Mountain and a proposed Squaw Creek land exchange are a good examples of his value.

County Commissioners: Dennis Luke and Tom DeWolf have done solid work on the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners under some trying conditions. Both men are diligent, fair-minded and experienced.

Circuit Court Judge: Stephen Forte has the relevant experience, the temperment and the respect of his peers required to fill this position well.

Measure 9-14 -- Changes Deschutes County Surveyor to appointive position: Yes. This should not be a political position.

Measure 9-15 -- Four-year local option levy for operations of Deschutes County 9-1-1 Service District: Yes. This is a fundamental emergency service that must keep up with regional growth.

Measure 9-16 -- Four year local option levy for operations of the Black Butte Ranch Rural Fire Protection District: Yes. The Cache Mountain Fire this summer gave ample evidence that a well-equipped, well-trained fire department is a vital resource to Black Butte Ranch.

Measure 9-17 -- Central Oregon Community College District General Obligation Bond Authorization: Yes. This is a worthy investment in the future of the region.

Not only will it improve facilities; the building program this bond issue allows will improve programming by providing space where more courses can be offered.