The wind industry applauded U.S. Representatives Dave Reichert and Earl Blumenauer when they introduced legislation to extend the federal Production Tax Credit (PTC) last November. Both are members of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee. Although the act did not pass by end of 2011, such political supporters of wind are important voices for the industry in Washington.
Congressman Dave Reichert has over 37 years of public service, coming a long way from Detroit Lakes, Minnesota as the oldest of seven children and grandson of the town marshal. Reichert was a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserve and eventually King County sheriff, the first elected sheriff to take the position in 30 years. While he held the position, voilent crime in the country significantly dropped. He also attracted national recognition as head of the Green River Task Force, solving the largest serial murder case in U.S. history. As sheriff, he spoke out strongly against domestic voilence and advocated family values.
These efforts earned Reichert the National Sheriffs’ Association’s “Sheriff of the Year” award in 2004. He is a two-time Medal of Valor Award recipient from the King County Sheriff’s Office and was honored with several other awards as well.
Reichert served as president of the Washington State Sheriffs’ Association and an executive board member of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs. He has also served on advisory boards including the King County Criminal Justice Council and the King County Domestic Violence Council. He co-chaired the Washington State Partners in Crisis, a coalition targeting mental health issues. Reichert also was a leader in the fight against Meth. He currently serves as a member of the Special Olympics of Washington State Board of Directors.
Reichert advocates the PTC extension to spur domestic manufacturing and reduce energy costs. “Renewable energy resources play an important and increasing role in America’s total energy supply,” he says. “The certainty this bill will provide can further spur this vital sector, increase economic development, and create jobs.”
Reichert graduated with an A.A. degree from Concordia Lutheran College in Portland where he played football and met his wife. The Reicherts have three grown children and six grandchildren.
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