Guest Editorial by Merle Reeder, running to retain his seat as Soos Creek Water and Sewer District Commissioner, position 2

If you’ve ever met me, you know I’m not a political person and running a political campaign is the furthest thing from my mind. I’m a down-to-earth, community-minded family man who works hard and cares about his neighbors. When I was asked this spring to fill a vacancy on the Soos Creek Water and Sewer Board of Commissioners left by Larry West who passed away, I was honored and humbled. I didn’t hesitate to say ‘yes’ or to help out where I was needed, not because I sought an elected position, but because I care.

My fellow commissioners, all of whom support me, encouraged me to run in the general election this fall to retain my seat on the Soos Creek Water and Sewer District board. Doing so took me out of my comfort zone. I’d rather be a doer – than a talker – but here I am. So why am I running to remain your commissioner? Because I care about my community, and I want to stand up for hard-working Soos Creek Water and Sewer customers like you who want to be represented fairly and who want reliable, high-quality water and sewer services at a reasonable price. Like you, I want a water and sewer district that isn’t just worried about today, but one that cares about tomorrow.

That’s what this campaign is about – it isn’t about being better than someone else or having the most likes on Facebook. It is about representing others in a subject area I know a lot about. I have more than 40 years in the commercial and residential building industries, and I owned Reeder Brothers Construction, a general contracting firm for 30 years, managing as many as 35 employees. I currently work as a project manager/salesman for Northwest Roof Services in Kent. My wife Marti and I have lived in Kent for more than 20 years, and we believe in giving back to the community that has been so good to us and our four kids.

Why vote for me? Because I do not represent any other water or sewer boards or related organizations. You have my undivided attention, and I will represent you to Soos Creek Water and Sewer District and no other organization. I’ll have your back. I will also continue to bring hard work, passion and experience to the table, and because I have not served in an elected capacity before, I bring a fresh perspective and new ideas that will benefit all of us. I’d be honored to have your vote.

Thank you,

Merle Reeder
Soos Creek Water & Sewer District Commissioner, position 2
#RetainReeder4Soos

Endorsed by Alice Marshall, Gary Cline and Steve Pfaff (co-commissioners); Kay West, wife of my predecessor Larry West; Patrick Hanis, Water Commissioner for District 111; Karen Morris Webster, former Soos Creek Commissioner; David Knight, former Covington Water District Commissioner; Kent City Councilman Dennis Higgins; Senator Joe Fain, 47th District; Rep. Mark Hargrove, 47th District; Mike Hanis; Allen Merrill; Kirby Wilbur; Kent City Councilman Les Thomas; and Jeff Wagner, Covington Mayor.

 

Dana Neuts

I am a full-time freelance writer, editor, marketing pro and the publisher of iLoveKent.net.

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