Keeping Costs Low

Can we Really trust Anthony Broadman to keep costs low?

As your candidate for the Oregon Senate, I’ve spent countless hours talking with families, business owners, and community leaders about the real challenges we’re facing – from rising living costs to housing affordability. 

What I hear again and again is this: people are struggling to make ends meet, and they want leaders they can trust to manage our money wisely.

That’s why it’s troubling when someone like Anthony Broadman makes promises about keeping costs low. He’s campaigning on being a champion for affordability, but let’s take a moment to look at his record. 

In his short time on the Bend City Council, Broadman pushed through five tax increases and fees that directly impacted our wallets.

Here’s what really happened under Broadman’s leadership:

1. Higher Fire Levy: Fire services are crucial, but Broadman didn’t find ways to balance the budget – he raised the fire levy instead (The Bulletin, 3/22/24).

2. Increased Transportation Fee: As if high fuel prices weren’t enough, Broadman hiked transportation fees, driving up costs for families and businesses alike (Central Oregon Daily, 5/17/23).

3. New Fees for Home Sellers: This is the last thing we need in a housing crisis. Broadman approved new fees for home sellers, making it even harder for people to buy or sell homes (The Bulletin, 12/9/22).

4. Higher Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Rates: The rising cost of essential utilities hit us all – and Broadman was right there voting for it (The Bulletin, 6/19/21).

5. Higher Property Taxes: Property owners, renters, and small business owners all felt the pinch from Broadman’s backing of higher property taxes (The Bulletin, 10/21/20, 10/7/20).

Broadman’s record speaks louder than his campaign promises. Each of these decisions added financial pressure on working families. Central Oregonians deserve leaders who understand that affordability isn’t just a talking point – it’s a responsibility.

Broadman’s supporters might argue that these increases were necessary, but when you’re facing higher bills month after month, how much more can you afford? His approach shows a pattern of pushing costs onto the people instead of finding creative solutions to manage budgets. And now he’s asking for a promotion to the state senate – but can we really trust him to change his ways?

I believe in keeping our community strong by focusing on affordability and finding smarter ways to solve problems. My approach will prioritize cutting unnecessary costs, reducing red tape for businesses, and investing in housing solutions for teachers, nurses, and first responders. We need leadership that won’t break the backs of working families.

This election, we have a chance to say enough is enough. Central Oregon deserves a leader who will fight to keep costs low and stand up for our community.

Let’s not hand the keys to someone who has already made life unaffordable. Together, we can build a better future without the burden of higher taxes and fees.