Featherstone Reid

Feather was my mentor. He worked for the state legislature in a number of positions and for Sen. Warren G. Magnuson for decades. In opening a prayer one day in the House of Representatives, I spoke about Feather and mentorship itself. This clip is on the video section. Feather passed away at 73 in October of 2002. He died so young but he did so on his terms.

Someone asked me today how it’s been to be a legislator. My honest answer: Mixed.

For the most part, I’ve enjoyed trying to make a difference on issues that I care deeply about. Still, I feel a sense of frustration about the lack of enthusiasm for doing much, changing much, tackling much. That’s not a criticism of any one person or even the institution of government itself, more a reflection that we’re living in the most historic of times and yet we are tip toeing along. We are missing the opportunity of a time of transformation. I know the new folks are always impatient but I don’t want to lose that vigor–ever. Once I’m complacent I’m done.

Perhaps the truth is that the thing that’s really missing is my dear, late mentor Feather who would have been so proud of me, and pushed me to seek positive change as a legislator. He and Wendy became the very, very best of friends. We both miss him so.

I’m inspired by his life of service. I can see him in the wings of the House Chamber, leaning against the wall quietly in the background, smiling but not content to have me push for small, little, irrelevant bills. Do something big, real and genuine with the honor of your service to the people.

I hope people feel the same connection to their own mentors that I feel for Feather everyday.