In Support Of Lewis

Dear Editor,

It is an honor to write this letter recommending Randy Lewis to be the next Columbia County Prosecutor. As a practicing behavioral health professional, I have come to know many individuals in the legal profession, as it is necessary to work collaboratively with them for the betterment of our respective clients' lives. Mr. Lewis stands out as experienced and able to tell chaff from grain.

During this campaign, much mud-slinging has occurred, and in response to this, there are two primary points I wish to make. First of all, to those individuals who refer to Mr. Lewis as a "racist" or a "bigot," you are dead wrong. A racist or a bigot does not come and spend time getting to know individuals with a chronic mental illness. Columbia County has an exceptionally large percentage of individuals-of many cultures and backgrounds-with mental illness, many of whom reside in a group home setting. Not only has Mr. Lewis spent time visiting them at their home, he has also befriended many of them. Would a bigot or a racist do this? The answer is absolutely not.

Secondly, there has been a lot of "smoke and mirrors" about Mr. Lewis not having taken the Washington State Bar Exam. It is my belief this has been done to draw attention away from the real issues in this campaign. Ask many of the attorneys whom have worked directly with Mr. Lewis what they think of his legal expertise and courtroom abilities. I did of many of the local attorneys in Dayton, Waitsburg, and Walla Walla, to find out their opinion of Mr. Lewis. Each of those attorneys shared with me the same message - he is a true professional who knows the law, and who, if elected, will represent the interests of the citizens of Columbia County well.

With regard to Mr. Lewis not taking the Washington State Bar Exam, how many professionals who move to other states, whether they are in the legal, medical, or behavioral health profession, take that state's professional licensing examination, when that state has reciprocity with the state they are moving from? Reciprocity is defined as a mutual exchange of privileges; specifically, a recognition by one of two states, countries, or institutions of the validity of licenses or privileges granted by the other. In short, Mr. Lewis is admitted to the practice law in this state and has a Washington State Bar Association membership and number.

As one letter to the editor recently stated, "do the research" when making the decision of whom to support in this important upcoming election. I'm glad I did, by talking to citizens and professionals alike. I am supporting Randy Lewis as the candidate who will level with the people and represent Columbia County.

K. Todd Wagner,

Dayton