Kitzhaber to make major campaign stop in Sisters

Former governor John Kitzhaber will make an unprecedented campaign appearance in Sisters on September 7.

The Democratic candidate for governor will speak at FivePine Lodge and Conference Center from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at a campaign fundraising dinner that will feature an extensive question-and-answer period.

FivePine developer Bill Willitts, who organized the event with former Deschutes County Sheriff Les Stiles and Bend Democratic party activist Ethel Stratton, called the event "an opportunity for Governor Kitzhaber to hear authentic questions from a small rural community."

Willitts notes that it is unusual for a major campaign to stage such an extensive event in a place like Sisters. "Traditionally, he doesn't do this," Willitts said.

The dinner, created by TR and Jennifer McCrystal of Thyme, will host 20 tables of 10 people each, Willitts said. Each table will have the opportunity to offer up "one succinct question" for the candidate to answer.

While Willitts describes himself as "a strong supporter of John Kitzhaber based on his knowledge of health care," FivePine has also played host to the Bend Tea Party earlier this month and Willitts said FivePine would welcome Republican candidate Chris Dudley to hold a similar event.

For more information on reservations and protocol, contact FivePine at 541-549-5900. Visit the Web site at http://www.johnkitzhaber.com/events/sisters.