Rep. Reeves’ interest in veterans issues is sincere

As the campaign manager of #TeamReeves 2016, I am compelled to responded to Mr. Greene’s letter that was published on Nov. 29.

First, I find it sad that the 2018 campaign cycle has begun a month before the legislative session has started and find it frankly dishonest to submit a letter without disclosing his own personal and political motives. To claim that “Legislator of the Year” awards are given and controlled by the party in power is specious given in that former Rep. Linda Kochmar touted her “Outstanding Legislator of the Year” award during the 2016 campaign. This award was proffered by the Washington State Sewer & Water Association.

As to Mr. Greene’s question regarding Rep. Reeves’ actual involvement and interest in our veterans and military service members – I can verify that she was drafting language for the bills she introduced pertaining to veterans and service members even before she was sworn into office. The bonafides of Rep. Reeves on these issues is undeniable – with a twin brother in the Air Force and over a decade working veterans issues with U.S. Sen. Patty Murray and the Washington Department of Commerce, her passion and top priorities were and will remain – veterans, families and schools. If Mr. Greene hopes to tarnish the work she has done by claiming her award is merely a partisan effort to keep her working for families in Olympia, he is underestimating the people of the 30th District and the actual passion of Rep. Reeves.

Brent Williams-Ruth, 30th legislative district resident