Frequently Asked Questions

Anything else you’d like to add?

Bend’s strength has always been its strong sense of community. If elected to serve as mayor, my focus will be strictly on our city’s core responsibilities. Ensuring transparency, keeping Bend livable for our workforce, accountability for local government, and keeping City Hall accessible for every resident in Bend.

Are you running as a Republican or Democrat?

This is a nonpartisan race, and Bernadette is focused on serving the whole community. Her campaign is about Bend – not a political party.

If elected mayor, what would be your priorities for the city of Bend?
My priorities are simple and center on the responsibility of local government to support the people that keep our city running.
Housing affordability: Reduce friction for homegrown businesses to encourage sustainable local jobs
Common sense, non partisan leadership: Listening to locals, direct public conversations, transparency and data driven decision making. The people of Bend deserve to know exactly what we are getting for our hard earned dollars.
What qualifies you to be mayor?

Her qualifications come from living the everyday realities of this community – balancing family, running small businesses, and real-world money issues, plus years of listening to her neighbors.

Why are you running now?

Because Bend is ready to shift City Hall’s priorities back to the people – housing affordability, small business support, and a government that actually listens.

Why did you decide to run for Bend Mayor?

I decided to run, because Bend is our home; it’s where I was raised and it’s where i’m raising my four children.

Right now, too many families, local workers, and small business owners are being priced out of the city. I’m running to bring a grounded, listening-first approach to City Hall.

Someone needed to step up and advocate for common sense solutions to real local problems, rather than the wants of our local politicians or national political debates.

Why wait until a few days before the deadline to file?

As a single mom, balancing family responsibilities and professional commitments takes thoughtful planning. Deciding to step into public service isn’t a decision made overnight.

Spending time listening to local workers and business owners across Bend really solidified for me the need for an independent voice in local government.

Taking the time to listen ensured I stepped into this ready for the challenge to shift The City’s priorities back to the people and to serving the needs of our community and the greater good of Bend.

Will you be seeking an endorsement from either the Deschutes Republicans or the Deschutes Democrats?
Bend City Council is intentionally non-partisan, and I’m running a non-partisan campaign. The challenges facing Bend are important to all of us regardless of political party labels.
My goal is to serve all residents of Bend regardless of their political affiliation. Seeking partisan endorsements risks bringing national political divides into our local government. It’s a distraction from our shared goal to work for the greater good of our community.
Your filing paperwork says you don’t have any prior government experience. What makes you qualified to be mayor?
I’m not a politician. My qualifications come from living the everyday realities of our community. As a single mom raising four children in Bend and managing real-world budgets, I understand the financial pressures our residents face daily.
Effective leadership isn’t about political maneuvering; it’s about active listening, accountability, problem-solving, and using accurate data to manage resources responsibly.
My broad practical experience understanding our local economy and collaborating with community stakeholders when working in local small businesses, as well as advocating for working families, gives me a grounded perspective and ensures the people of Bend have a voice at City Hall.

Do you have a question for Bernadette?

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