MEMBER NEWS
Discussing Natural Resources & Forestry Issues at the Virtual Forum with Congressman Cliff Bentz Sponsored by: Rogue Credit Union, October Forum A third generation Oregonian raised with five brothers and sisters on his family’s cattle ranches in Harney County, Congressman Cliff Bentz is no stranger to hard work. At the October Forum, he updated attendees on what is happening in Washington, D.C., and the focus of his
‘cancel culture’. I serve on the one about competition, and we’re putting together proposals on what to do about the overreach of big tech companies,” Bentz explained.
work on the Natural Resources Water Subcommittee. Aside from his time in Congress, Bentz has served in the political spaces in Eastern Oregon for quite a while; however, his yen for this type of work started at a young age. “When I was 14 or 15, I decided to be a lawyer and learn water law, and then return and protect water rights. And that’s exactly what I did,” he said. After high school, he attended and graduated cum laude from Eastern Oregon State College. He then attended and graduated with a juris doctorate from Lewis and Clark Law School in Portland. Bentz joined the Yturri, O’Kief, Rose and Burnham law firm in Ontario in 1977, and he became a partner four years later. As an attorney, he specialized in ranch reorganizations and water law. A commitment to public service and community runs deep in Bentz’s family, who have been involved in politics in different ways for generations. “We grew up knowing we needed to be involved in our community,” he added. In January 2021, Bentz was appointed to the Natural Resources and Judiciary committees, in addition to a few others. “We still have a lot of work to do to make our country better, but it’s a great foundation to build upon,” Bentz said. He explained there are many complex issues happening in Washington D.C. right now, including what to do about widespread drought problems. According to Bentz, they are looking at legislation, different forms of conservation, and ways to make more water available. Another issue which has been of interest in Washington D.C. is big tech. “After initial hearings regarding big tech, I was asked to participate in a group of 15 Republicans to put together proposals surrounding these issues. One is about privacy, the second is regarding competition, and the last focuses on
Congressman Cliff Bentz addresses the virtual Forum on October 18.
The Forum then opened up to a Q&A session from the attendees. The first question was about how people in Southern Oregon could help the congressman. He noted one concern he hears again and again is that people feel like they’re not being heard. He encouraged that if anyone has an issue on their mind, to call his office. “I am fighting for each of you. If you have an issue, call our office and let us know. It’s essential people believe in their government. Call us and we’ll listen,” he said. Next, someone asked what steps Congress should take to prevent the spread of wildfires in the west. “When you go into the forest now, you go into court. When new labels are put on a forestry issue, it delays cleaning up and reducing the brush that’s accumulated, and puts communities at risk,” said Bentz. “The best thing Congress can do is find some way to reduce the amount of litigation so we can get in and do what we need to do.” The following question focused on marijuana, asking if he knew what percentage of cannabis farms were illegal. The congressman said nobody knew for certain how many were illegal, but after his discussions with law enforcement, the belief is that it’s a high percentage. As the Forum drew to a close, Bentz emphasized how he and other members of Congress have the people’s best interests at heart. “We are all doing our best to help and serve our communities,” he said. n
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October 2021 | The Business Review
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