ROBIN VORA WELCOMES YOU

WHY YOUR VOTE COUNTS

My priorities would be:

• Completion of river trails,

• Needed future parks in underserved neighborhoods,

• More native vegetation and less lawn in parks,

• River fish passage,

• Expanding the trail network in Bend,

• Maintaining the diversity of programs, and

• Serving all population groups.

I think community service is important and believe I can use my professional background in natural resources and volunteer experiences on several City of Bend committees to make significant contributions in parks and recreation management.  I have been closely involved with many projects related to parks and trails over the last 19 years starting as liaison with Bend Park and Recreation for the Orchard District Neighborhood Association for 10 years.

In Bend I:

• Am a regular advocate for parks, trails, facilities, and recreation programs and ;

• As the principal proponent, worked with District staff for 3 years to find a property for a neighborhood park for the community between Butler Market Road and the canal, with Canal Row Park the result;

• In addition, advocated for and assisted with the acquisition and planning of three other parks:Orchard (with adjacent Latino residents as a member of the neighborhood association), Goodrich and Miller Landing (financial contribution to its purchase);

• Served on a Park and Recreation District Citizen Advisory Committee;

• Worked 13 years with two school principals to maintain public access to Pilot Butte outside school hours, and have advocated with State Parks for rogue trail closures on the Butte;

• Got a sidewalk around Marshall High ball field;

• Got Park and Recreation to improve the landscaping at the entrance to Juniper Park off Franklin to better keep headlights out of living room windows across the street;

• Pull noxious weeds in parks;

• Assisted with adaptive recreation for people with disabilities; and

• Have benefited from District classes and a membership at Juniper Swim & Fitness.

Prior to coming to Bend, coached youth soccer for seven years in Minnesota.

In my 19 years in Bend, I have served on several city committees including urban growth boundary expansion and urban renewal district, transportation, and historic landmarks commission.  I am on the Soil & Water Conservation District Board.  I served 10 years on the Orchard District Neighborhood Association Board.  I oversaw recreation programs as a manager with the U.S. Forest Service and assisted with youth environmental education.  I served on a Minnesota city’s recreation committee.  I volunteer at the Tower Theatre and have been involved with the Deschutes Land Trust, East Cascades Audubon Society, and Habitat for Humanity.

I worked 39 years for the U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in seven states as a forester, ecologist, wildlife biologist, and manager.  In addition, I completed assignments in 7 countries.  I have Masters and Bachelors degrees in Natural Resources from the University of Idaho and U.C. Berkeley.  I immigrated with my family from India when I was 13 and have had the benefit of traveling in more than 50 countries.

I think we have a great Park and Recreation District.  I would like the opportunity to continue to contribute more directly as a Board member.  Vote for Robin Vora for Bend Park and Recreation Position 4.

Robin Vora