As a longtime member of the Federal Way City Council, I know a community leader when I see one. That’s why I’m proud to be supporting Teri Hickel’s re-election campaign for the state House of Representatives. Her commitment to our community is unmatched, and her drive to make Federal Way a better place to call home is why I was honored to support awarding her the Key to the City.

Unfortunately, I can’t say the same about her opponent. Last year, the City Council chose to appoint Kristine Reeves to the Diversity Commission thinking she’d be a good fit and could be a needed voice. However, she resigned after never attending a meeting and only recently turned up again to run for this office.

The differences between Teri and her opponent couldn’t be any clearer. Long before she was an elected official you could spot Teri at community events working to better our city’s future. She’s been working in the trenches for over 20 years to give kids a world-class education, and she truly understands our region’s most pressing issues. Unlike her opponent, Teri isn’t using this office as a stepping-stone to further her political career. She’s one of the rare officials that holds public office because she wants to solve difficult issues.

I hope you will join me in voting for Teri in November. As the Legislature faces solving our education crisis, Teri’s voice is much-needed. She understands the fact that Federal Way over relies on local levies and is the only candidate with a plan to fix that. She is a tested leader we can count on.

Dini Duclos, Federal Way City Councilwoman