Tools don't do work, they get used

In his forum with Shelley Luther last night, Reggie, with great flare, took credit for a number of things that the legislature did to address government overreach in the Covid response.  Unfortunately, the reality is that a response to the crisis from Reggie was non-existent. Greg Abbott delivered his first shutdown order in March of 2020. The 87th legislative session convened on January 12, 2021. For 10 months, Reggie Smith was completely silent on this issue while constituents were asking their representative to call for a special session so the people's voice could be heard on the topic.

Reggie's umbrage at the accusation that he didn't do enough was as clear as it was ironic in face of the reality that he did literally nothing for those 10 months. Zero is not enough. When the legislature convened in January of 2021, Reggie took his place as a loyal follower of the House establishment leadership. We would have been as well served by any empty suit who could follow orders. It is disappointing to see his fire reserved solely for the concerns of those constituents who have been begging their representative to direct it at obstacles in Austin.

The political establishment defends itself and represents itself against the concerns of the people. This isn't just about a political campaign event between two candidates. Shelley Luther is voicing concerns that many of Reggie's constituents have regarding how their voice is being heard, or silenced, in Austin. It should not be unreasonable to expect the fire and passion Reggie displayed last night on behalf of Austin to follow him to Austin on behalf of his constituents. Yet, he couldn't find it within him to muster such passion a single time in 10 months of Abbott's serial misuse of his emergency powers.

Many of us have been calling for a fourth special session for months now. Reggie has given no indication that he has any interest in joining that call. Our state has extremely serious and time sensitive issues that urgently need to be addressed by our representatives. It is appalling to see that these will simply be ignored until 2023, but that is the course we are on. If Reggie wins this race I am sure that he will brag again about the accomplishments of the session, while once again ignoring the wreckage wrought by the long intervening delays.

It is crystal clear which of these two candidates has the sense of urgency, and basic empathy, that matches the enormity of the issues facing Texas and HD62. Please join me supporting Shelley Luther.